4 minute read
Romantic Elegance
from The Knot Winter 2018
by The Knot
Addie Ly (29 and a behavior analyst) and Richard Lee’s (34 and a physician) artsy affair unfolded at a contemporary Asian fusion bistro. “We wanted a venue that exuded a mysterious and intimate ambience,” Addie says. “AnQi was the first and only one that came to mind.” After strutting into the party on a glass catwalk to Luis Fonsi’s “Despacito,” the pair showed off a special handshake, and then took their seats beneath a garden of cherry blossoms. A six-course meal with surf and turf and Mongolian lamb lollipops followed. “Richard is Korean American, and I’m Vietnamese Chinese American,” Addie says. “We tried to bring a bit of our heritage into our partially Western-style wedding.” —Rachel Sylvester
FASHION Addie and Richard wore traditional Korean hanboks for their first look.
CEREMONY The couple made it official in a traditional Catholic mass at their church. ACCESSORIES Addie paired her soft blush gown with sparkling Jimmy Choo heels, while Richard sported a fun set of Star Wars–themed cuff links. ARRANGEMENTS Addie asked for “exotic flowers,” resulting in a grouping of larkspur, anemones, lisianthus, privet berries, genestra and bells of Ireland used at the ceremony and reception. FLOWER GIRLS Addie’s nieces wore dried flower crowns and carried baskets the bride made herself. SWEETHEART TABLE To make their seats even more personal, the couple set their table with china and drinkware from Anthropologie and engraved chopsticks purchased from a specialty shop in Japan.
BOUQUET Addie carried wild grasses, sweet peas and Quicksand roses.
FAVORS Guests left with bags filled with lip balm, cherry blossom chopstick holders, soap, hand lotion and jars of hot chocolate. TABLESCAPES Graphic ikebana arrangements and cherry blossom illustrations paired well with AnQi’s existing Asian-influenced décor. DESSERT Though the red velvet and buttermilk cake with berries was a stunner, it was just one of many sweet surprises. Green tea tiramisu, tofu cheesecake, salted caramel budino and more covered a 16-foot display in a designated “dessert room.” While snacking on treats, guests watched clips from Addie and Richard’s ceremony in Japan. FIRST DANCE The newlyweds opened the floor with Ed Sheeran’s “Perfect.” COCKTAILS Red wine and nonalcoholic lavender mojitos greeted guests as they arrived at the venue.
Photography by Natalie Bray Photography | Event Planning by A Good Affair
Wedding Style
Classic, Modern and Romantic. The setting could be a Museum, Garden or Hotel.
Color Palette
Pastels Blush, mauve and cream with ivory.
Must-Haves
Sweets Station Guests chose ice pops in strawberry vinegar, Johnny Lucky Charm, cucumber lime and strawberry rosemary flavors.
Custom Paperie
Addie worked with a calligrapher on a map of their favorite haunts, including Disneyland, where they had their first date.
Dress Inspiration
“Design ideas started swirling after buying my hand-painted silk gown,” Addie says.
Ingredients
Ceremony Site Holy Spirit Catholic Church, Fountain Valley, CA | Reception Site AnQi by House of AN, Costa Mesa, CA | Photography Natalie Bray Photography | Event Planning A Good Affair | Flowers Lavender Flowers | Officiant Fr. Damien Giap | Gown Ines Di Santo, The White Dress, Newport Beach, CA | Veil White by Vera Wang, David’s Bridal | Headpiece BHLDN | Shoes Jimmy Choo | Engagement Ring South Coast Jeweler | Wedding Rings Harry Winston; Van Cleef & Arpels | Jewelry Van Cleef & Arpels | Hair & Makeup TING Makeup & Hair | Maid of Honor Dress BHLDN | Menswear Armani | 1Stationery Invites: Fabulous Fancy Pants; calligraphy: Alice Dang; menus: AnQi by House of AN | Catering & Desserts AnQi by House of AN |Cake & Ice Cream Mr. & Mrs. Creamery | Music DJZ Productions | Photo Booth FoCon Events | Accommodations Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort & Spa | Honeymoon Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
