
[section title=”The Planning”]
[field title=”Wedding Colors”]
Knowing that their stylish guest list would arrive in wildly inventive, fashion-forward ensembles, the couple opted for a neutral ceremony palette to allow their loved ones—and the venue—to truly shine. Because the California Academy of Sciences features striking architectural elements of concrete and glass alongside lush, leafy environments, the wedding day palette focused on soft, organic shades of green, cream, white, and blush. However, the couple loves a moment of contrast. For the Welcome Party and the wedding cocktail hour, the vibe shifted dramatically to a bold, vibrant explosion of bright reds, pinks, yellows, blues, and oranges. These saturated hues were designed to complement the art-filled interiors of the Vita Brevis Club and the glowing tanks of the Academy’s aquarium, mirroring the daring fashions that filled the halls.
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[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]
With Vinney being a true fashion aficionado, the guests knew the sartorial bar would be set incredibly high—with many guests sharing stories of how long it took them to dress for the event! Consequently, the design centered around creating a canvas that would complement the guests’ avant-garde silhouettes. The goal was to weave an aesthetic thread through the venue’s diverse spaces, merging the art-filled, architectural structures with the plant-filled, living environments for an experience that felt immersive and editorial.
[/field]
[field title=”Proposal Story”]
In July 2024, Andy whisked Vinney away on a European summer adventure, visiting Paris, Madeira, and Lisbon. Behind the scenes, there was a bit of drama: the custom-made, east-west set emerald cut engagement ring was almost not finished in time. Andy had nearly resigned himself to proposing with a ring pop, but he managed to secure the ring on the very morning of their departure. While Vinney suspected a Parisian proposal, Andy—never one for clichés—had a different plan. He chose a hike on the island of Madeira, tapping into a cherished hobby the couple shares. The trek was treacherous and breathtaking, winding up narrow trails lined with steel cables and steep drop-offs, but softened by lush wildflowers and buzzing bees. When they reached the summit, sitting high above the clouds, Andy found a secluded spot off the trail for lunch. As they took in the view, he began reflecting on their journey together before pulling out the ring. It was an immediate, tearful, and enthusiastic “yes” on top of the world.
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[board_carousel title=”Flat Lays”]


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[section title=”The Fashion”]
[field title=”Wedding Gown”][/field]
[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”][/field]
[field title=”Groomsman Attire”]
For Vinney, fashion is the ultimate form of self-expression. While he once used clothing to hide his identity, he now uses it to celebrate it, having been featured in Vogue for the statement looks he wears to galas supporting arts organizations that the couple love. It was at one such gala that he and Andy first noticed the work of San Francisco-based designer Jad Racha, whose designs adorned the most elegant attendees. They connected instantly and promised to collaborate one day. When it came time for the wedding, the couple immediately tapped Jad Racha to design bespoke ensembles for the ceremony. Vinney’s vision called for architectural asymmetry, length, and high drama, while Andy opted for clean, classic lines elevated by subtle embellishment. Over months of collaboration, they created two unforgettable, distinct silhouettes that harmonized perfectly. A true creative, Vinney also took to the sewing machine himself, utilizing his own design skills (with help from family and friends) to create his own custom looks for the Welcome Party and the reception.
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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”]
The couple’s palate leans toward bold, punchy flavors—a departure from the standard “chicken or fish” wedding fare. After finding traditional tastings uninspiring, they discovered Chef Dov at California Rose Catering & Events. Chef Dov embraced their love for spice and texture, dreaming up an eclectic, Asian-fusion family-style feast. The menu was a gastronomic journey featuring duck confit summer rolls, soup dumplings, gochujang tofu lettuce cups, nam prik salmon with spicy fish sauce, and green curry short ribs. The crowd favorite, however, was the delightfully bouncy garlic noodles. The experience ended with an equally inventive dessert buffet of matcha cheesecake, pecan pies, black sesame cookies, and coconut mango tapioca. To ensure the party never stopped, the grooms prioritized efficiency at the bar, hiring experienced staff from Bartenders Unlimited and developing a pre-batched, high-craft cocktail program. In a cheeky nod to Beyoncé’s “Drunk in Love,” the signature drinks included “Andy’s Swervin’ On That Negroni” and “Vinney’s Surfboardt Aperol Spritz,” alongside tributes to their dogs: “Olly’s We Be All Night Espresso Martini” and “Sunny’s I Want You, NA NA (non-alcoholic) Peach Mule.”
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[field title=”Florals & Decor”]For the Welcome Party at the Vita Brevis Club, floral designers Empress Floral Co and Zaddy Blooms played off the venue’s eclectic art collection with bright colors and asymmetrical, sculptural arrangements. For the wedding ceremony, the directive was “otherworldly.” The grooms requested foliage-forward designs that evoked the flora of a distant underwater planet—poetic, wild, and structural. The dinner reception shifted to a minimalist aesthetic inspired by Ikebana traditions. These restrained, elegant arrangements ensured there was ample room on the tables for the generous, family-style platters of food to be shared and enjoyed.[/field]
[field title=”Wedding Cake”]
Breaking with tradition, the grooms bypassed a tiered cake in favor of a curated dessert buffet. Guests treated themselves to bite-sized matcha cheesecakes, Asian-inspired cookies, and velvety tapioca puddings topped with fresh tropical fruit.
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[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”]Music played a central role in the emotional arc of the day. As avid fans of electronic dance music, the couple chose orchestral reimaginings of their favorite tracks. Andy walked down the aisle to a moving cello, violin, and harp rendition of DJ Sammy’s “Heaven” by the Amethyst Trio, while Vinney entered to a soulful string arrangement of “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” by Roberta Flack. The ceremony’s emotional peak came during the vows. Vinney fought back happy tears to sing a portion of “Gratitude” by Above & Beyond. The song holds profound meaning for the pair, as they are not only Andy’s favorite artists, but it was also at an Above & Beyond concert that the couple first said, “I love you.”[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #1″]
The Welcome Party was a full-circle moment, held at the Vita Brevis Club where the couple first met. Andy is an investor in the private art club, and Vinney knew the owner, Matthew Kimball, through the local music scene. Matthew had asked Vinney to sing at one of the club’s early membership drive dinners. Andy and Vinney were seated next to each other that night, and the rest is beautiful history.
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[field title=”Special Detail #2″]The paper goods were a labor of love, designed and handcrafted by Vinney to reflect the distinct environments of the wedding. The invitation suite drew inspiration from the California Academy of Sciences’ iconic, undulating living roof. For the reception, the laser-cut seating chart mimicked the intricate patterns of lettuce corals found in the aquarium’s reef exhibits. Even the bar menus were immersive, designed to look like the ethereal jellyfish that float through beams of light in the tanks where the cocktail hour was held.[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #3″][/field]
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[board_carousel title=”Reception”]














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Photography: This Modern Romance | Photography: one, two, smile! photobooth | Cinematography: Frames by Frisby | Event Design: Owl Vision | Event Planning: Events by GS | Floral Design: Zaddy Blooms Design Studio | Floral Design: Empress Floral Co | Invitations: Vinney Le | Catering: California Rose | Catering: Bartenders Unlimited | Catering: Bartenders Unlimited | DJ: Chris Clouse | Groom's Attire: Jad Racha | Wedding Venue: California Academy of Sciences | Photography - Assistance: STELLA YANG PHOTOGRAPHY | Rehearsal Dinner Venue: Vita Brevis Club | Rentals: Hensley Event Resources | Rentals: The Wild Ones Rentals | Rentals: BBJ La Tavola


























































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































