Kia and Cody’s wedding took place in a cozy estate and was a beautiful celebration of love, years in the making. With personal touches woven throughout—from the handmade décor to the heartfelt vows they exchanged in front of family and friends—every detail was thoughtfully curated. The day was a testament to the couple’s love, laughter, and joy of finally becoming husband and wife.
Location: Auburn, WA, US
Style: Timeless, classic, minimal
Time of planning: 1,5 years
Number of guests: 130
Setting: Mansion/estate
Season: Summer
Despite attending different schools across Washington, Kia and Cody’s love story began in high school. Fate brought them together at a state-wide volunteer conference, sparking a connection that would last nearly a decade.
Cody proposed during a trip to Hawaii, on top of a mountain where the sky met the sea, creating a perfect, intimate moment as Kia said “yes.” Their relationship has thrived on honesty and open communication, helping them navigate the challenges of high school, college, and early adulthood with a strong and enduring bond.
Vision & Photography
Kia and Cody drew much of their inspiration from weddings they saw on social media. Without a specific concept, they simply knew they wanted their celebration to feel timeless and elegant. Their stunning day was beautifully captured by the talented team at Sancii, who took breathtaking photos and ensured every emotion and detail of their special day was preserved. Their ability to capture both the big and subtle moments made Kia and Cody’s wedding truly unforgettable.
Couple's Morning & Fashion
Kia found her dream dress at A&BE Bridal Shop in Ballard, Seattle, choosing a stunning off-white gown by Watters. She adored how the soft hue beautifully complemented her skin tone, feeling it was the perfect choice over traditional white. For her accessories, she embraced the sentimentality of “something borrowed,” with her bridesmaids lending her pieces for the big day. One particularly special touch was her handmade earrings, crafted by a close friend, making her look more personal and meaningful. Styled by Angela created her effortless half-up, half-down hairstyle, adding a touch of simple elegance, while her radiant makeup look was flawlessly done by Sopeary Khleang.
Kia truly felt like a bride when her glam was complete, and she wore her dress. After years of dating Cody person, the excitement of knowing she was about to officially become a wife was unmatched—there was no better feeling.
Cody wore a stylish suit rented from Generation Tux. Known for his love of accessories and gold accents, he added a personal touch with a gold bracelet gifted by his groomsmen and a pair of stylish Gucci sunglasses. He opted for a white blazer, loving the clean and crisp look, while the off-white vest and bow tie perfectly complemented Kia’s off-white gown.
First Look
For Kia and Cody, one of the most memorable moments of their wedding day was waking up together in their hotel room that morning. While many couples choose not to see each other before the ceremony, for them, it was comforting to share that quiet moment together. It gave them a chance to breathe and enjoy a little time alone before the whirlwind of the day began. After getting ready, their first look was a magical moment where they fell even more in love.
Ceremony
The couple chose to share their vows openly with their guests, fully embracing their emotions. Known for wearing their hearts on their sleeves, they weren’t afraid to express their love openly. The bridesmaids weren’t prepared for the flood of emotions and found themselves sharing one tissue between five of them. After the ceremony, while it felt surreal being officially married, it didn’t truly sink in until they sat down to sign the official papers with their officiant, Cody’s cousin Meng, and their witnesses—the best man and maid of honor.
Reception Decor & Dinner
Kia took the lead in planning every detail of their wedding – her background in wedding events and her corporate experience made her type-A personality and organizational skills invaluable, while Cody, a math teacher, naturally handled the budgeting. When it came to colors and florals, they both agreed on keeping everything neutral and timeless, avoiding trends that might seem dated in years to come. They chose all-white florals with a simple design, and with the help of local flower farmers, Kia, and her sisters personally arranged most of the florals, adding a meaningful touch to their special day.
The dinner was truly unforgettable. In a spontaneous last-minute decision, the newlyweds chose to choreograph their first dance. They cherished the time spent together practicing, making it a sweet and personal experience. They danced to “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing”, which became one of the standout moments of the evening. Instead of a traditional guestbook, they opted for video messages from their guests, capturing heartfelt memories in a more authentic and lasting way. Watching the videos back has become a special way for them to relive the love and joy shared by their family and friends.
The newlyweds decided to cut their cake privately, away from the crowd. The rest of the evening was filled with laughter, dancing, and cherished time spent with their loved ones. Every special moment was beautifully captured by the talented team at Sancii, preserving the joy and magic of the celebration.
Advice from the couple:
• Assign weekly wedding to-dos so both partners feel they are equally contributing to your special day. It can get stressful, but splitting up the responsibilities made planning smoother.
• Don’t cheap out on vendors. Or understand your priority and choose those vendors first so you stick to your budget.
• Most of all, stick with each other throughout the reception—literally. Kia and Cody knew the day would be packed with people wanting to steal you away for a quick photo or hello, but it was important for them to stick with each other so they could truly enjoy their wedding and special moments with their guests together.
PHOTOGRAPHER Sancii | COORDINATOR Events with Jojo | SECOND PHOTOGRAPHER Amy Law | VIDEO Trey Mayfield | VENUE Sanders Estate | HAIR Angela | Stephanie Mendoza | MAKEUP Sopeary Khleang | DRESS Watters | CATERING Blue Ribbon Cooking
