1. Real Weddings

Margaret & Armyn: A Cultural Wedding in Laguna Beach, CA

Many people believe that spotting a rainbow is good luck. If that’s true, then Margaret Widjaja and Armyn Hadis can look forward to a very lucky life

Many people believe that spotting a rainbow is good luck. If that’s true, then Margaret Widjaja and Armyn Hadis can look forward to a very lucky life together. The Bride Margaret Widjaja, 28, engineer The Groom Armyn Hadis, 29, engineer The Date March 12 On the day they got engaged in Venice, the couple spotted two rainbows in San Marco Square. “The moment was perfect,” remembers Margaret. Deciding to get married was the easy part; figuring out how was a little harder. Both the bride’s and groom’s parents wanted their children to get married in front of hundreds of guests in their native Indonesia. But Margaret and Armyn had their hearts set on a more intimate setting back home. The result? A laid-back California affair with plenty of cultural touches.

The couple had decided to forgo a wedding cake to save money, but when Margaret walked into her reception, she spotted cupcakes decorated with pink and orange gerbera daisies draped over a clear stand. “Everybody loved how unique and vibrant it looked,” says Margaret.
After the ceremony, while guests sipped on mandarin orange and pink tropical martinis, Margaret quickly slipped into a long, strapless gown with a pink sash and matching flower pin, while Armyn changed into a Prada suit.
To pay homage to their heritage, the couple donned traditional Indonesian garb (a present from Armyn’s parents) for their ceremony, which was held on the second floor of the venue overlooking the garden. A bamboo arch was adorned with white and green orchids, similar to traditional Indonesian wedding decoration.
After looking at other locations, the couple fell in love with 7 Degrees, a modern, industrial-type space. “This place really matched our style and personality,” explains Margaret. To add some vibrancy to the room, the couple decided on a pink and orange color scheme and incorporated the theme into their invitations, menu cards, favors, and floral arrangements.
The boutonnieres featured roses and orchids in pink and orange.
Margaret's bridal bouquet featured light pink peonies and roses mixed with a few mango roses.
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The menu included Moroccan chicken in a phyllo purse, slow-braised osso buco Milanese with gremolata, and a chocolate fountain.
Tall centerpieces were packed with gerbera daisies, tulips, and orchids.
After their first dance to Renee Olsteadt’s “Love That Will Last” and a heartfelt toast from the groom that left most of the room in tears, guests were treated to another Indonesian dance performance, as well as a photo slideshow of the bride’s and groom’s childhoods and courtship.
Bright orange, pink and green flowers adorned the reception site 7 Degrees, creating vibrance to the modern-industrial-type space.
Margaret's three bridesmaids wore strapless, tea-length dresses in petal pink with strawberry-colored accents while Armyn's two groomsmen wore black Kenneth Cole tuxes with pink vests and ties from Men's Wearhouse. Armyn also had one groomswoman who wore a strapless, black dress from White House/Black Market.