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DIY California Japanese cultural wedding: Summer + Herbert

March 12, 2014
DIY California Chinese cultural wedding | Photo by Vivian Chen | Read more - http://www.100layercake.com/blog/?p=69758

We fell in love with Summer’s wedding way before she admitted that she had spent hours looking at Amanda + Tim’s wedding for inspiration (she wins brownie points for that). They had the necessities already in place: open bar, good music and lots of desserts. They just needed the details. Fortunately and unfortunately, Summer was up to her ears in craft supplies and about to pull out all of her hair towards the end of the process, but in the end, it really made their celebration personal and absolutely gorgeous.

DIY California Chinese cultural wedding | Photo by Vivian Chen | Read more - http://www.100layercake.com/blog/?p=69758 Gold sequin bridesmaid shoes | Photo by Vivian Chen | Read more - http://www.100layercake.com/blog/?p=69758 Gold foil cranes | Photo by Vivian Chen | Read more - http://www.100layercake.com/blog/?p=69758 DIY California Chinese cultural wedding | Photo by Vivian Chen | Read more - http://www.100layercake.com/blog/?p=69758 Gold foil cranes | Photo by Vivian Chen | Read more - http://www.100layercake.com/blog/?p=69758

This was definitely one of the most memorable projects that was contributed to their wedding. Summer’s uncle built structure, her cousin painted it, and her mother and husband hand strung each strand with the 1,001 gold origami cranes they folded.

Gold foil cranes | Photo by Vivian Chen | Read more - http://www.100layercake.com/blog/?p=69758 Wtoo Olivia wedding dress  | Photo by Vivian Chen | Read more - http://www.100layercake.com/blog/?p=69758 Garden rose bouquet | Photo by Vivian Chen | Read more - http://www.100layercake.com/blog/?p=69758 Sequin J.Crew wedding shoes | Photo by Vivian Chen | Read more - http://www.100layercake.com/blog/?p=69758

Mmm, those gold sequin heels and embellished tulle Olivia Wtoo wedding gown, love!

Wtoo Olivia wedding dress  | Photo by Vivian Chen | Read more - http://www.100layercake.com/blog/?p=69758 Wtoo Olivia wedding dress  | Photo by Vivian Chen | Read more - http://www.100layercake.com/blog/?p=69758

P.S. They met way back in high school when he was a freshman and she was a senior! It was pretty well known he had a crush on me, but I thought he was too young. We remained friends and reconnected at a cocktail party years later (where we had our first kiss). We began casually seeing each other, but I hadn’t broken the news that I was planning on leaving in a few months for a year teaching English in Japan! That first year apart was so difficult, but because we were only able to communicate over phone, we were really able to get to know each other, which is why I think we’ve lasted as long as we have (10 years!).

Wtoo Olivia wedding dress  | Photo by Vivian Chen | Read more - http://www.100layercake.com/blog/?p=69758 Chalk wedding signage  Photo by Vivian Chen | Read more - http://www.100layercake.com/blog/?p=69758

This cute blackboard wedding program was a dirty old window before Summer got her crafty hands all over it.

Fringe wedding decor | Photo by Vivian Chen | Read more - http://www.100layercake.com/blog/?p=69758 Striped straws | Photo by Vivian Chen | Read more - http://www.100layercake.com/blog/?p=69758 Modern wedding reception decor| Photo by Vivian Chen | Read more - http://www.100layercake.com/blog/?p=69758 Modern wedding reception decor| Photo by Vivian Chen | Read more - http://www.100layercake.com/blog/?p=69758 Modern wedding reception decor| Photo by Vivian Chen | Read more - http://www.100layercake.com/blog/?p=69758 DIY California Chinese cultural wedding | Photo by Vivian Chen | Read more - http://www.100layercake.com/blog/?p=69758 Modern wedding reception decor| Photo by Vivian Chen | Read more - http://www.100layercake.com/blog/?p=69758

Any Parks & Rec fans out there? Then you’ll know their “Treat Yo Self” dessert table was a little nod to their favorite show.

Gold foil cranes | Photo by Vivian Chen | Read more - http://www.100layercake.com/blog/?p=69758 Modern wedding reception decor| Photo by Vivian Chen | Read more - http://www.100layercake.com/blog/?p=69758 Modern wedding cake | Photo by Vivian Chen | Read more - http://www.100layercake.com/blog/?p=69758

Such good advice: Even though people say the wedding is about the BRIDE, remember that you (and your fiancé) didn’t make that wedding all by yourself. Most likely you had a lot of family, friends, and vendors helping you, making sure YOUR day was perfect. Don’t forget to stop and thank each and every one of them (including your guests who took time out of their busy lives to share your special day)!! A little appreciation goes a long way, and the gratitude will help you get your new life off on a good start.

And that cake is just perfection, isn’t it? Congratulations Summer + Herbert!

Photographer: Vivian Chen / Venue & Catering: The Sacramento Grand Ballroom / Hair & Makeup: Jasmine Chan / Florist: Lululove Events / Invitation Designer: Tricia Jang / Cake: Hot Mamas Cakes /  Bride’s Dress: Wtoo Olivia Gown from Miosa Bride / Shoes: J.Crew / Groom’s Suit: Prima Collezione Uomo / Shoes: Cole Haan / Bowtie: Jack Spade / Bridesmaid Dresses: J.Crew / Ceremony Wardrobe: Vintage kimono, mother’s obi (belt) and geta (shoes), grandmother’s tabi (socks) / Flower Girls: Dresses made in Hong Kong