Ultimate wedding & party destination since 2009

Elegant California wedding: EmDee + Steven

September 6, 2011

We love us a long weekend off, but wow are we happy to be back and start the week off with a wedding shot by Jen Huang! Today’s lovebirds, EmDee + Steven, met through Match.com. He was the first person she talked to, went on a date with, and the reason she decided not to return to Thailand permanently. Too cute! Since most of their guests would be traveling from Thailand, Event Designer, Esther Kim, of My Bride Story, wanted everyone to feel right at home. Inspired by this gold & plum photoshoot, she created a classy love affair, dreamy and romantic in all the right places. Enjoy!

elegant california wedding elegant california wedding elegant california wedding elegant california wedding elegant california wedding elegant california wedding elegant california wedding

Both EmDee’s dress + the bridesmaid dresses were custom made in Bangkok. Super dreamy!

elegant california wedding elegant california wedding

For favors, I had my family help bring over 100 hand-carved soaps from Thailand. They were each a dollar and came in small wood containers with a silver decoration on top and placed at each table setting. I wanted to use a favor that was both practical for our guests as well as support the small-town people who made them.

elegant california wedding

The lush florals with hints of lace throughout the ceremony and reception by Kristine Shin Designs made this such a romantic outdoor wedding.

elegant california wedding

Guests sipped on cocktails in the lounge area furnished with great rustic pieces from Classic Party Rentals and accent decorative pillows that EmDee found on clearance.

elegant california wedding elegant california wedding

With the help of my sister’s friends, coming in from Thailand, I made a large moss sign to display at our cake table that read, “S Love M”. I used an old IKEA table top as a board and gathered other decoration supplies from Joann’s (like little love birds that were only 99 cents in the clearance section). We used cardboard paper to make the “S Love M”, spray painted them gold, added some color to the corners and that’s it! I love how it came out!

elegant california wedding elegant california wedding

Congrats EmDee + Steven!

Photography: Jen Huang /Planner + Event Designer: My Bride Story – Esther Kim /Florist: Kristine Shin Designs / Venue + Catering: Temecula Creek Inn /Band: Brian Stodart /Strings Quartet: Strings For Your Heart /Videographer: Ryan Southwell / Cake: Sweet and Saucy / Bride’s (ceremony) dress: Custom made in Bangkok / Bride’s (ceremony) shoes: Vivian Westwood / Bride’s (reception) dress: Plaisance Gown by Anna Maier, Ulla-Maija Couture purchased at The Glamour Closet / Bride’s (reception) shoes: Valentino / Jewelry: All family heirlooms / Bridesmaid dresses: Custom made in Bangkok / Groom’s suit: Jean Yves

Guide Members
Find your dream team