You know the proposal at the beginning of Sweet Home Alabama, right? The amazing surprise at Tiffany. This couple’s proposal story just so happens to top that. I know, it’s hard to believe – but you just have to read it below, okay? So for the couple whose proposal is possibly one of the sweetest I’ve heard, how about the wedding? It lived up to every single unbelievably gorgeous expectation… and then some. Click here to see it all from U Me Us Studios!
From U Me Us Studios … On the last weekend in January 2012, Minah was working a Thursday night shift, and had secretly planned to pay Engie a surprise visit in San Francisco the next day. He had spoken to one of her friends, Doug, about planning the surprise weekend, while telling her that he was going to be at work again that Saturday. Engie was prepared to not getting to see him that weekend, and she actually had plans of her own. Doug was working for Tiffany’s at the time, and had actually invited Engie to model jewelry for a “Tiffany” hosted event at the San Francisco City Hall that Friday. She had been to a few of these events in the past at SF City Hall, and the venue had wowed her like no other. From the first time she had set foot in the building, it was love at first sight. Every time they would drive by on Van Ness Street, she would always tell Minah how the architecture, ceilings, and entire ambiance really took her breath away. He quickly learned of her infatuation with the place.
Needless to say, Engie was sooo excited to have another opportunity to attend a soiree at this magnificent venue. Doug sent her pictures of all the bling jewelry she was going to be “modeling,” and she couldn’t have been more excited. As Engie pulled into the very vacant parking lot, she asked Doug why it was so empty. He explained that this was a smaller event than previous events she had attended. She shrugged her shoulders and continued to walk up the staircase to the entrance. She was greeted by security guards who had been prompted to ask if she was there to attend the Tiffany event. “Why, yes, yes I am,” she responded giddily with a schoolgirl grin across her face. Engie was so excited to be at City Hall. As she walked into the dimly lit rotunda, she noticed that it was awfully quiet and empty. She started to look around, and just as she turned back, she saw Minah walking towards her dressed in a shirt and tie. She was so excited to see him and she just gave him a big hug. They embraced, then Minah started pulling away from her. As she looked at him, he started getting down on one knee to propose.
From the bride … Since the magic started at the San Francisco City Hall, there are absolutely no other locations and venues that were more fitting for our gorgeous wedding! We absolutely love City Hall and wanted to accent it with rich ivory and gold since those colors are already present in the Rotunda. The bridesmaid dresses were a soft purple, which added just a touch of color. We wanted the lighting to give the romantic, dreamy feel when the guests came in and it worked. Most of our guests kept saying the wedding was a like a dream!
My most special moment on the wedding day was when I walked down the aisle. It was surreal. All eyes on you, in a moment you’ve been dreaming about and envisioning for so long. I loved seeing everyone for the first time as I walked towards my husband-to-be.
Some advice for brides-to-be: Don’t sweat the small stuff and always follow your gut when you’re choosing your vendors. We mostly chose vendors we felt a connection with when we interviewed them. We felt that we wanted vendors that not only produced good quality work, but people that enjoyed what they did and wanted to share the day and excitement with us. Make sure you show appreciation to all the family and friends that helped make the wedding happen.
Photography: Evonne & Darren Wong of U Me Us Studios / Event Planning: Duncan Reyes of F. Duncan Reyes Events by Design / Ceremony Location: St. Nicholas Orthodox Church / Reception Location: San Francisco City Hall / Flowers: Crispy Luppino of Natalini Flowers / Invitations: Carlson Craft Custom Design / Wedding Dress: Lazaro / Wedding Shoes: Alice + Olivia by Stacey Bendet / Bridesmaid’s Attire: Mori Lee / Groom’s Attire: Black by Vera Wang / Bride & Groom’s Rings: Private jeweler / Hair + Makeup Stylist: Lela Nguyen / Cake Designer: Julie Durkee of Torino Baking / Catering: James Standfield Catering / Wedding Favors: My Wedding Favors / Lighting: Stefania Contreras of Atmosphere Lights / Rentals: A Party Place / Videography: Alan Silva of Art of Alan Silva Videography / DJ: Fady Awad of DJ Nile