Pastels Abound at This Celestial-Inspired Wedding at Newcastle Golf Club in Seattle, Washington
After meeting through a mutual friend during their university days, Haoyan and Yilan struck up a relationship that would end up being lifelong. When it came time to plan their nuptials, the bride and groom offered a shared passion for the wedding aesthetic. "We both majored in Physics, so we picked a celestial theme; the vast expanse of the starry sky resonates with both our rational inclinations and romantic sensibilities," Yilan shares.
A flurry of creativity and DIY passion marked their wedding planning adventure. They poured their hearts into crafting personalized decorations, from a heartfelt welcome sign to custom coasters, cookies and favors that celebrated their cherished cat and dog. The planning journey also led the couple to a wedding gown boutique, where Yilan meticulously tried on various dresses, and the pair picked out another homage to their furry friends. "We incorporated a unique touch by attaching brooches of our beloved pets onto our attire," explains the bride. "This allowed them to be present as witnesses to our wedding ceremony."
As the wedding day dawned, the anticipation among the guests was palpable. The ceremony was imbued with profound significance, as the friends who had brought Haoyan and Yilan together officiated the union. "This choice created a sense of closure, completing the circle of our journey together. And we really enjoyed the ceremony; it was perfect," the bride gushes. An arch filled with pastel hues of blush, lavender, blue and coral blooms stood at the end of the alfresco aisle against a backdrop of forest and lake. Yilan donned a long chain of pearls as a hair accessory tied around her updo. Her bridesmaids carried a gold loop of coral-and-pink flowers that featured a suspended moon and other geometric additions.
The celestial decor continued to captivate during the cocktail hour, providing a dreamy backdrop for heartfelt conversations and laughter. The reception that followed was a night of joy, where the exquisite floral arrangements, as the bride had envisioned, perfectly embodied the romantic, cosmic theme. Tables sported delicately toned centerpieces, both low and high. Menus were custom-made to fit the motif and coordinated with geode-inspired escort cards. But, what truly left their guests in awe were the levitating lunar lamps adorning the dining tables acting as table numbers -- a unique, DIY touch that added a touch of magic to the atmosphere.
The newlyweds' three-tier cake was entirely unique, featuring lavender and blue colors complemented by a cascading "ribbon" and artificially created "cracks" throughout. The dessert displayed an aluminum topper and similar details interwoven with the ribbon that danced down the side.
As the night came to a close, Haoyan and Yilan reflected upon their stunning and intimate wedding day with love. Though the end result was nothing short of spectacular, the new Mr. and Mrs. share some cautionary advice for future brides and grooms about the length of engagement and planning. "We rushed our wedding in about six months. It was intense," explains Yilan. "I would suggest planning things ahead and always having a plan B."
