Elise and Yuon are a special pair.


For one thing, these two first met at a Habitat for Humanity event. (Here's an unsolicited aside from your wedding industry "big sis" -- if you're sick and tired of the dating app drama, you could do worse than getting involved with a cause you love and meeting other people there who share your passion. And now, back to the newlyweds!)


From our first meeting, I could tell Elise and Yuon were both chill and very in love.


If you want to know how chill?, picture this. You're getting into your wedding dress, and you hit a minor wardrobe snag -- a clasp needs to be reattached, just minutes before the first look. A minor freak-out here would be understandable, right? Not for Elise! She kept her cool completely, as makeup artist Katie Cotton swooped in to save the day with her sewing skills (there's a reason she's at the top of my recommended vendor list, folks!) And just like that, we were back on track for her first look with Yuon.


If you want to know how in love?, I submit as evidence -- the way these two look at each other; the way they stuck together the whole night, while going around to greet their guests; the multiple emotional moments they shared at seeing each other (I always say a first look doesn't reduce the amount of emotion you feel at the ceremony, just the nerves); and finally: first-kissing so hard the veil falls out.


In addition to capturing Elise and Yuon's ceremony and reception at the Rutherford, I also got to experience and document their tea ceremony earlier in the day. This traditional event provided an opportunity for the couple to honor and thank their loved ones for their love and support in raising them, and for their families to bestow gifts, blessings, and perhaps a word or two of advice on a long and happy marriage. How lovely!


Elise and Yuon -- thank you for choosing me to be a part of your big day! It was absolutely wonderful working with you two and your families, and I wish you all the happiness and joy in your life together.

Red heart-shaped paper garland decorates a bright window frame creating a romantic Valentine's Day ambiance.
Red paper decoration with Chinese double happiness symbols in heart shapes and scalloped edges creates festive border.
A festive Chinese tea ceremony serving setup with cups of tea on a red tray alongside a traditional wedding ceremony scene.
Healthcare professional examines patient's hand while sitting on sofa during medical consultation.
A black and white photo shows a casual indoor gathering with people sitting on a couch engaged in conversation.
A black and white photograph of people gathered on a sofa playing cards in a casual social setting.
A traditional Chinese wedding shows the couple in red and gold qipao dress and formal suit with gold bracelets ceremony details.
Close-up details of a traditional red and gold Chinese wedding dress with intricate floral embroidery patterns.
Couple sits on tan couch beneath red Chinese double happiness symbol, wearing traditional wedding attire.
Gold wedding rings and marriage license documents with red accents on rustic wooden surface.
White building exterior with Rutherford signage and string lights hanging above against a cloudy sky.
An elegant white wedding dress hangs against exposed brick wall with a decorative mirror and greenery wreath.
Black and white reflection in mirror shows someone getting their hair styled while wearing a floral robe during preparation.
A black and white split image showing wedding preparations with the groom and bride getting ready in separate photos.
A triptych of wedding moments captured in an industrial brick venue with elegant flowing white gowns.