Get Major Versailles Vibes From This Wedding With Korean Traditions in Downtown Los Angeles
A relationship born from academic necessity? Yup: that's our kind of love story. When Stacey Yeh found herself in need of a ride to the LA Zoo for a college class assignment, she asked around. Enter Peter Oh, who kindly offered to drive. Stacey reminisces, "Peter was easy to talk to. We had a lot in common and became fast friends." Their friendship grew stronger with each passing day, but it wasn't until a graduation trip to Taiwan that Peter mustered the courage to ask Stacey to be his girlfriend. Years later, on an ordinary Tuesday evening, Stacey returned home from work to the sound of Bruno Mars' "Marry You" filling the air, setting the stage for a magical surprise. "There was Peter, with 'Marry Me' in light-up letters on the wall, roses, candles, balloons and even champagne in an ice bucket," she describes. In a tender moment, Peter said, "I hope you'll allow me the privilege to call you my wife. Will you marry me?" Stacey's response was a resounding "Yes!"
Determined to celebrate their special day in the company of loved ones, they decided to have their wedding in the vibrant landscape of Southern California, closer to their nearest and dearest. Stacey reflects, "We live in NorCal and wanted a springtime wedding in SoCal, where our family and friends live." Despite the distance, Stacey and Peter found the perfect ally in their wedding planner, who worked tirelessly to bring their vision to life. Collaborating remotely, the team provided the couple with a myriad of options and expert guidance, ensuring every detail of their perfect day was meticulously planned.
Their utmost priority was to create a warm and inviting atmosphere for their guests. "We wanted to provide a comfortable and beautiful space with good food to celebrate," the bride shares. In order to make the day as meaningful as possible, they incorporated the traditional Paebaek ceremony, a Korean tea ceremony, infused with modern decor elements.
Drawing inspiration from Marie Antoinette's summer house and the Petit Trianon, a neo-classical chateau on the grounds of Versailles in France, the soft blush hues and timeless elegance came through in a harmonious blend throughout their decor. Every detail was carefully curated to reflect the couple's exquisite taste, transporting their guests to a world of opulence and elegance.
As is customary for many modern brides, Stacey watched many episodes of the TLC show "Say 'Yes' to the Dress" before starting her own shopping journey. "I really liked A-line dresses," she illustrates. "I felt like a princess in my BHLDN dress, even without the pouf of a ballgown!" The significance of Stacey's wedding jewelry went beyond mere adornment, as each piece held a special place in her heart. "My wedding jewelry was simple and meaningful," she explained. She wore earrings acquired during an unforgettable trip with her sister, a pearl necklace passed down through generations in her family and her engagement ring, lovingly crafted by Peter himself.
The groom opted for a custom suit. Collaborating closely with a talented tailor, Peter meticulously selected the color, lining and intricate details to bring his vision to life. "His initials are even embroidered on the shirt and suit jacket!" Stacey reveals.
On the morning of their spring wedding, guests gathered in the outdoor ceremony spaced, protected by two walls featuring white-washed bricks to lend an industrial look to the Downtown-LA venue. Stacey and Peter said their "I dos" before a circular arch bedecked in fresh, pastel-hued blooms and light greenery. The altar was flanked by rustic lanterns and grass walls. Following the Western ceremony, the pair moved indoors to complete their Paebaek ceremony. "Our planner went above and beyond to design menus, print signage and even used vinyl to create custom looks." Their planner personally hand-painted the stunning backdrop for the Paebaek set and meticulously crafted all the table delicacies out of clay, as Stacey excitedly shared, "She also hand-painted the backdrop of our Paebaek set and made all table delicacies out of clay!" The couple notes that the Paebaek was the most memorable moment of their wedding.
The vision for the wedding florals came to life with the guidance of their planner. "We had the most beautiful florals everywhere," the bride beams. "The perfect combination of colors and types of flowers that created the ideal soft romantic look." The planner's description of the floral arrangements was vivid, as Stacey recollected, "She described the flowers as: 'white/blush/dusty coral florals (anemone, peony, rose, carnations) with filler branch petite florals in ivory and mauve. Greenery is to be in the fern family. White porcelain vases with bud vase adornment.'"
Attendees enjoy the minimalistic aesthetic of the reception, dining at long and round tables with soft pink linens, tall candles and simple arrangements of seasonal blossoms. The group celebrated the newlyweds with toasts, laughs and the sharing of fond memories into the evening hours.