Location: Edna Ranch, Petaluma, California, USA
Setting: Private ranch
Season: Spring
How long did the couple plan the event: 1,5 years
The number of guests: 175
Wedding theme/style: Natural elegance, elements of camping, a mix of Cajun and Korean.
Eddie and Yunha’s romance, which blossomed from a professional meeting over coffee in San Francisco, lead to a sincere friendship and a heartfelt proposal five years after. Eddie’s vision for their future together led him to secretly purchase a 27-acre parcel of land in Petaluma, California. There, he planted a Tricolor Beech tree, a symbol of their enduring bond. He proposed to Yunha in front of this tree, marking the beginning of their life together. Following the proposal, Eddie drove Yunha back home, where he had secretly organized an engagement party to celebrate their newly announced commitment.
Edna Ranch in Petaluma, California, a portmanteau of Eddie and Yunha’s names. It was a natural choice for their wedding, since it’s their private property and a site of their engagement. They transformed the 27-acre ranch into an immersive experience for their guests, creating a circular path that led them through the scenic land from the ceremony to the cocktail hour and onto the reception, allowing everyone to fully experience the beauty and uniqueness of this special place.
Yunha’s wedding morning was a blend of excitement and elegance. She chose a stunning gown by Reem Acra, complemented by chic Stuart Weitzman shoes, reflecting her preference for a simple classic bridal look. “I didn’t want to regret later for not wearing a big wedding dress which you only get a chance to wear once!” – she shared.
For his wedding day, Eddie also chose a classic and timeless look with an elegant black suit, paired with a crisp white shirt. The ensemble was completed with a sleek bow tie.
The wedding ceremony took place with the beautiful rolling hills of Petaluma as a backdrop. The area was specially prepared with a flat surface, natural wood chairs, and a stage surrounded by flowers. Eddie’s sister and her partner, part of a live quartet, played romantic music, while Yunha walked down the aisle by her father. The couple exchanged personalized vows, creating a heartfelt and memorable moment.
Following the ceremony, guests enjoyed a cocktail hour, indulging in a fusion of Cajun and Korean delicacies, a nod to Eddie and Yunha’s culinary preferences. Also couple made a scotch tasting station and a customize-your-own mojito bar. This eclectic mix of food and cocktail choices added a unique flavor to the celebration. Adding to the rustic charm, a petting zoo was set up, reflecting Yunha’s love for animals and the farm setting, delighting guests of all ages.
Amidst the festivities, the couple carved out a moment for themselves, reflecting on their journey and savoring their new beginning in the tranquility of the ranch they cherished. Larissa Cleveland, their photographer, masterfully captured the love and tender joy of this intimate moment and the essence of the whole wedding day. Her ability to encapsulate the stunning natural backdrop and the vibrant energy of the celebration is especially noteworthy.
The reception was a masterful blend of elegance and natural beauty. The sail-cloth tent, adorned with soft sage linens and tree-inspired décor, created a magical ambiance. The setting was further enhanced by the thoughtful integration of green and wheat shades – a reference to the surrounding landscape.
As the couple loves musicals, the reception started with a special rendition of “I Can Hear the Bells” from “Hairspray,” performed after months of rehearsal with close friends. In a unique twist, instead of traditional dinner, the couple served In-N-Out-style burgers and fries, a favorite of theirs, with each burger wrapped in paper bearing the “Yunha-N-Eddie” mark.
For the evening the bride changed her look with second strapless tulle-a-line dress by Monique Lhuillier. Their first dance was a romantic waltz to country song of Dan+Shay’s “From the Ground Up,” symbolizing the building of their life together. The celebration continued with the cutting of a lemon cake, chosen for its local ingredients and unique flavor.
When the sun started going down, a Shin Ramen station was serving individual cups of spicy ramen, a big pot of Korean Kimchi Stew – Yunha’s favorite dish, and spicy tteokbokki skewers – spicy Korean rice cakes.
As Yunha is the founder & CEO of a meditation app called Simple Habit, she created the secret outdoor meditation lounge hidden deep in the woods for guests to hang out at. Later in the evening, it transformed into a wedding party place. When the day ended, Eddie and Yunha invited their wedding party to embrace the great outdoors by camping on the property in comfortable Shelter Co tents, turning the celebration into a memorable overnight experience for their closest friends.
Advice from the couple:
• Sometimes, things going wrong can lead to unexpected blessings. We had to postpone the wedding three times due to COVID-19, which initially felt like a series disappointments. However, this extra time allowed us to bring new ideas to life, like the reception opening with a musical performance by the entire wedding party.
PHOTOGRAPHER Larissa Cleveland | VIDEOGRAPHER Reel Eyes Media | PLANNER & DESIGN Shannon Leahy Events, Elsie Johnson | FLORAL Cherries Floral + Event Design | CATERING Componere Fine Catering | CAKE Flour and Bloom | STYLIST Maradee Wahl | MUAH Chiali Meng Artistry | DRESS Reem Acra, Monique Lhuillier | SHOES Stuart Weitzman | MUSIC Apollo Trio | DJ Chris Fox Event Entertainment | RENTALS Theoni, Bright Event Rentals, Found Events + Rentals, BBJ La Tavola | LIGHTNING Got Light | STATIONARY Sterling Stripes | TENTS Shelter Co, Zephyr Tents | TRANSPORT Pure Luxury
