A Vibrant Spring Wedding in San Diego with Chinoiserie Charm and Outdoor Elegance

[section title=”The Planning”]
[field title=”Wedding Colors”]Blue, Peach, Orange, and Pink[/field]
[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]

Spring in San Diego was my main inspiration, so I knew I wanted the setting to be bright and outdoors. Honoring my heritage was also important to me, which is why I chose blue chinoiserie vases as the foundation of my design. From there, I selected colors that would complement them while maintaining a vibrant, spring-like feel. With our venue set outdoors in San Diego, we aimed for a balance of casual elegance, creating a beautiful, relaxed atmosphere that highlighted the natural surroundings.

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[field title=”Proposal Story”]

Jared and I started dating just before the pandemic in 2019. Amid COVID, we decided to take our first mini trip together—a staycation at The Lodge at Torrey Pines. We had the best time, and I knew I wanted to go back someday. For my birthday in 2023, he planned a surprise staycation there, and I thought we were simply celebrating. But during a beautiful beach walk, just the two of us, he completely surprised me— told me he had one more birthday gift for me and asked me to be his wife with the perfect, antique, round ring.

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[board_carousel title=”Getting Ready”]

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[board_carousel title=”Bridal Portraits”]

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[board_carousel title=”Flat Lays”]

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[board_carousel title=”First Look”]

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[section title=”The Fashion”]
[field title=”Wedding Gown”]

I got it from Blushing Bride in Encinitas, and the brand was Mikaella Bridal

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[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”][/field]
[field title=”Groomsman Attire”]

He got a custom suit from Trent, who owns Upper Echelons

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[board_carousel title=”Wedding Party”]

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[board_carousel title=”Ceremony”]

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[board_carousel title=”Cocktail Hour”]

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[section title=”The Details”]
[field title=”Food & Drink”]

Growing up, my family was deeply rooted in the restaurant and wedding industries, and my mom is the best chef I know. While having her cater wasn’t an option, Jared and I share a love for Asian cuisine, so we knew we wanted a fusion menu for our wedding. Coast Catering did an incredible job bringing our vision to life! We served short ribs, miso fish, noodles, and fried rice, along with appetizers like tuna tartare tacos and mini hamburgers—it was absolutely perfectFor drinks, we brought in our bar and worked with Common Sense Events, whose bartenders were fantastic. We wanted the drinks to keep flowing, and since we were at a vineyard, the wine was already set! During happy hour, we added a fun touch with sake juice boxes and rosé slushies. For our signature cocktails, we dedicated a gin and tonic to Jared’s mom and recreated a special drink we used to make together during the height of COVID. It was such a memorable way to tie in personal touches to our celebration!

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[field title=”Florals & Decor”]

When it came to florals and décor, there was only one vendor I trusted—Three Petals. My family has worked closely with them in Orange County, and I was thrilled that they came down for my wedding. From the Chuppah to the seating display board to the stunning centerpieces, they completely brought my vision to life. For rentals, Crown Rentals handled everything else, including the gorgeous tablecloths, elegant chairs, and the dance floor. Every detail came together beautifully, making the space feel magical.

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[field title=”Wedding Cake”]

My family has owned a French bakery my entire life, so who better to create the wedding cake of my dreams? Their bakery, Final Touch, is located in Orange County, and it was so special to have them be part of our big day. We also made sure to include a personal touch—our little long-haired dachshund, Cannoli, who we’re obsessed with, had her special feature on the cake!

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[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”]

Our ceremony was the perfect blend of Jared’s Jewish heritage and my Vietnamese culture. One of our best friends married us and wrote the most beautiful ceremony that highlighted our relationship, love for food, and the importance of family and community. Jared walked down the aisle to Harvest Moon—his mom’s favorite Neil Young song—while I walked to Florence and the Machine’s version of Stand by Me, a cherished favorite in my household growing up. We were married under a Chuppah made from Jared’s grandmother’s wedding dress, a beautiful family tradition that every married couple in his family has shared. To honor my culture and elders, we incorporated a shortened tea ceremony in the middle of our vows. We exchanged our heartfelt vows—it was truly perfect. The moment we were announced as husband and wife, Jared shattered the glass, and we kicked off the celebration by walking back down the aisle to Post Malone’s Celebration—setting the tone for an unforgettable night! Father-daughter dance – My Girl by The Temptations Brother sister dance – Heart of Life by John Mayer. We kicked off the dance floor with the Hora, setting the energy high from the start. Then, we went straight into Friends in Low Places by Garth Brooks—a song that holds a special place in my heart. When my family immigrated to America, Kentucky was the first state they called home, and I still have family there. This song has been played at every family wedding and event since, making it one of my favorite traditions. Getting to share that moment with everyone on the dance floor was truly unforgettable!

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[field title=”Special Detail #1″]

We love to travel, and I love to paint, so for our seating chart, I painted guests a postcard of somewhere special we have traveled to and wrote a note on the back thanking them for being there on our special day and in our lives. It was a labor of love and such a hit!

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[field title=”Special Detail #2″]We had welcome drinks at our ceremony, which guests loved. Some rose and beer set the mood for a fun day.[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #3″]

Besides featuring Cannoli on our cake, we had a little sketch of her in many of our details, including our save the dates, invitations, and even the “merch’’ we designed for our bachelor’s/bachelorette parties!

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[board_carousel title=”Couple Portraits”]

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[board_carousel title=”Reception”]

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