Location: Woodside, California, USA
Setting: Filoli Historic House & Garden
Wedding season: Summer
How long did the couple plan the event: 11 months
The number of guests: 180
Wedding theme/style: A blend of traditional elegance and modern flair exploring the vibrant red color story.
Jessica and Hao met in college at Carnegie Mellon University. While they were both in Greek life and Computer Science majors, running and participating in a student fashion show celebrating Lunar New Year in their Junior and Senior years brought them closer as friends. Although romance didn’t blossom in college, they remained close and stayed in touch.
Five years after they had graduated from school they started dating long distance with Jessica residing in New York and Hao in San Francisco. As their relationship were getting more serious, in 2016, they decided that instead of one person moving to where the other person lived, they would both take a huge leap and move abroad to Berlin together. They traveled around the globe for a few months while interviewing for jobs in Berlin and eventually moved there in July 2017. It was there that they fell in love and solidified their relationship.
In May 2020, at the start of the pandemic, Hao encouraged Jessica to join him outside on their rooftop. Reluctant at first, Jessica eventually gave in and went up to find Hao looking nervous. He showered her with sweet words and surprised her by pulling out a ring box, asking if he should get down on one knee. Overjoyed, Jessica said yes and clumsily dropped the box as she took it from him. Hao picked it up, got on one knee, and completed his proposal.
Due to the pandemic, they couldn’t have a custom ring made as they had planned before COVID. Instead, Hao bought Jessica a fashionable ring from a jewelry designer she adored (Monique Pean) as a temporary engagement symbol. He promised to get her a more traditional engagement ring in the future. Interestingly, Hao’s wedding band also ended up being from the same designer.
The vibrant red color scheme chosen by their wedding planner Chanda Daniels not only reflected Jessica and Hao’s personalities and style but also paid homage to their Chinese heritage. It was a nod to their cultural roots, infusing the wedding with a sense of tradition and symbolism.
On this lovely sunny wedding morning, Jessica was surrounded by her cherished loved ones, creating an atmosphere of joy and bliss. The enchanting Saturday marked the beginning of a new chapter as she adorned herself in a stunning white lace and tulle Marchesa gown. The delicate fabric gracefully hugged her figure, while the intricate lace details added a touch of ethereal elegance.
The groom adorned himself in a sophisticated Ralph Lauren Purple Label tuxedo. It exuded elegance and luxury, reflecting the groom’s refined taste and style. The impeccable tailoring and attention to detail showcased his commitment to looking his best on this momentous occasion.
As the moment arrived for Jessica and Hao’s first look, anticipation filled the air. The couple had decided to have a private moment before the ceremony, allowing them to share their emotions and excitement in an intimate setting. As Jessica approached Hao, her heart raced with nervousness and joy.
As Jessica and Hao stood there, taking in the beauty of that moment, they knew that their wedding day would be filled with love, joy, and a celebration of their unique bond. The first look had set the tone for the rest of the day, reminding them of the profound love they shared and the journey they were about to embark on together.
The day was magical as all the preparations were underway for the much-awaited ceremony. With the invaluable assistance of the incredibly talented Chanda Daniels, every aspect had been meticulously planned and organized. The ambiance was nothing short of perfection, with a breathtaking setting and vibrant flower designs by the talented Max Gill, all beautifully reflecting the couple’s unique personalities. It was a day where everything came together flawlessly, setting the stage for a truly unforgettable wedding celebration.
The wedding ceremony was an exquisite display of love as the couple exchanged their vows. The warm sun shone brightly, adding an extra color and bliss to the already joyful atmosphere. It was a wonderful moment where the radiance of the sun mirrored the couple’s happiness, making the occasion even more vibrant and magical.
Jessica’s wedding day took an unexpected turn when she accidentally threw away the veil she had purchased from the same boutique as her wedding dress. With panic setting in, her resourceful bridesmaids quickly ordered a bachelorette party veil and organza ribbon from Party City for a two-hour pickup. They even joked that Jessica wore a Party City veil with her elegant Marchesa gown. One of the bridesmaids sewed the ribbon on the veil and it looked almost identical to the original veil.
Despite breaking the rule of no last-minute projects on the wedding day, everyone involved was relieved and satisfied with the outcome. This funny mishap added humor and uniqueness to Jessica and Hao’s special day, reminding them to find joy in unexpected circumstances.
Photographer Patrick Quezada captured the joyous moments of the happy couple on their wedding day, resulting in stunningly beautiful photos.
Chanda Daniels, the remarkable wedding planner entrusted with orchestrating this extraordinary day, truly surpassed all expectations. With a masterful touch and an unwavering commitment to perfection, she flawlessly brought the couple’s vision to life. Her meticulous attention to detail ensured that every aspect of the wedding was taken care of, leaving no room for any worries or concerns. The couple was beyond delighted, overjoyed by how seamlessly everything fell into place. Chanda’s expertise and dedication allowed them to fully immerse themselves in the magic of their special day, creating memories that would last a lifetime.
Jessica had a deep affection for disco balls and handcrafted escort card tokens. These unique tokens were a beautiful blend of traditional Chinese knots adorned with tassels and disco balls. Her love for these intricate details showcased her individuality and passion for creative expression. The combination of traditional elements with a modern twist beautifully represented Jessica’s eclectic taste and made the event even more enchanting.
The dinner was at the enchanting Filoli, where the lawn was transformed into a magical setting. Filled with heartfelt wishes from all the guests, the atmosphere exuded warmth and love. Amidst the cozy ambiance, the couple was surrounded by an outpouring of well-wishes and kind words that encapsulated the essence of their special day.
The reception took place on the picturesque tennis court of Filoli, creating a unique and elegant atmosphere. To kick off the celebration, a traditional lion dance captivated the guests, accompanied by the melodic sounds of drums and cymbals that resonated through the air, announcing the arrival of each guest.
To honor their Chinese heritage, the couple made a stunning attire change for the reception. The bride, exuding elegance, donned a mesmerizing Francesca Miranda red lace dress adorned with exquisite floral embellishments. Meanwhile, the groom embraced his cultural roots by exchanging his earlier outfit for a Chinese silk embroidered tang suit coat. Adding a touch of enchantment, the bride complemented the garden setting by wearing nude Dolce and Gabbana wedges embellished with hand-painted flowers. Her hairstyle was reminiscent of Hollywood glamour, featuring captivating curls that perfectly accentuated her overall look. This thoughtful fusion of cultural traditions and personalized style choices created a memorable and visually striking reception celebrating the couple’s unique identities.
The couple’s love for dance was evident as Jessica, an experienced choreographer, astounded everyone with her skillful first dance, which Hao had mastered astonishingly quickly.
As the night passed, a wave of pure happiness swept over everyone, and the dance floor, having a ton of disco balls, came alive with exhilarating energy. Laughter filled the air as guests joyfully moved to the rhythm of the music, their spirits soaring high with each beat. This enchanting display of uninhibited joy painted a vivid picture of love, unity, and pure happiness, making it a night to remember for all guests.
Advice from the couple:
• The day will get away from you, so it’s good to chat beforehand and talk about how you want to spend your time – talking to out-of-town guests, taking photos, etc. Also, make sure to talk ahead of time and plan how to keep connecting with each other so it’s a shared experience instead of two separate experiences. Also, logistics matter – make sure you have a good flow of the event and make backup plans for when things inevitably go awry. This was something our planner was amazing at, and she really saved a lot of situations.
VENUE Filoli | PLANNING & DESIGN Chanda Daniels | FLORAL DESIGN Max Gill | PHOTOGRAPHY Patrick Quezada | CINEMATOGRAPHY Collideskope Studios | BRIDAL DRESSES Welcome dinner: Yolancris, Ceremony: Marchesa Bridal, Reception: Francesca Miranda | WEDDING BOUTIQUE The Sample Room NY | BRIDAL SHOES Dolce & Gabanna | BRIDE’S RING Frank Darling | MUAH Artists by Sherrie Long | GROOM’S ATTIRE Ralph Lauren | GROOM’S SHOES Crockett & Jones | GROOM’S RING Monique Pean | AV + LIGHTING Got Light | CATERER The Red Door Catering | ENTERTAINMENT Ben Mallare Events | LINEN Napa Valley Linens | RENTALS Hensley Event Resources | TRANSPORTATION Black Tie Transportation | GUEST HOTEL Kabuki | PLANNER HOTEL Park James | RESTROOMS The Water Cottage
