It’s funny… after all of these years working for SMP, I still find myself completely speechless. I mean, I literally thought I had seen it all, but along comes a day like this breathtaking gem from My Bride Story and blows me completely out of the water. Because this isn’t just any wedding. It’s an epic love story meets a SURPRISE marriage celebration (even to the bride!) meets some of the most amazing images from Andy Seo Studio that you will ever see. Get lost in all of the magic in the full gallery.
From My Bride Story… This may be, by far, the most heartwarming and intimate wedding I have ever planned in my entire career. This couple had been living together for the past 20 years. However, they never had the opportunity to wed due to difficult circumstances. The husband is now a CEO of a highly successful junior clothing line called Molly and Dolly, named after their two beautiful daughters. This family currently resides in Hong Kong, but the father decided to surprise the family with a trip to the United States AND a wedding ceremony for his wife!
I was given the privilege of planning the wedding in just six days!! From picking out venues, dresses, and shoes to putting together a romantic, organic garden tablescape, the entire planning process was definitely a treat for me. They had an intimate ceremony at Wayfayers Chapel with just the family of four and two other witnesses. Then, we headed off to a romantic candlelit dinner reception with a total of twelve guests, including the family. We chose the Mar’sel restaurant at the Terranea Resort and it was a perfect reception location overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Mar’sel is a fine dining that is known for their locally-sourced ingredients (citrus and herbs from the resort’s grounds), so we added the maidenhair, champagne grapes, and laser cut names to tie in with our organic, garden place setting. Lavender, raspberry, blush pink, ivory and gold color palette were picked out to highlight the bride’s evening gown.
This wedding was nothing short of an amazing surprise wedding I have ever witnessed. They walked down the aisle with their daughters, promising 20 more years (and counting!) of life together. I was so blessed to have witnessed their heartfelt gratitude, love and respect for each other.
Photography: AndySeo Studio | Event Design & Planning: My Bride Story Weddings & Events | Floral Design: Heavenly Blooms | Wedding Dress: Wilshire Wedding Center | Ceremony Venue: Wayfarers Chapel | Reception Venue: Terranea Resort | Catering: Terranea Resort | Hair & Make Up: Hair Day | Music: Mike Isberto