Inspirations that helped create the vibe of your wedding?
In planning our wedding, Wilson left most of the decisions up to me. He was only specific on his attire (wanted to wear a suit) and the photographer. My main inspiration for the wedding came around Fashion Week as I was surfing the web. I stumbled on the Luella Spring 2010 Ready to Wear collection (http://www.style.com/fashionshows/complete/S2010RTW-LUELLA) and instantly fell in love with the color combinations as well as the cheerfulness of Luella's clothes; I knew I wanted to evoke this same feeling of happiness and whimsy to my wedding. I wanted colors that worked with a bright red as the color represents happiness and I found that different shades of turquoise and yellow would work with red. We were having a Chinese banquet so I wanted to tie in Asian elements that would be evident throughout the day, i.e. the color red, lanterns, mini take-out boxes for the candy bar and changing into a Qipao. I also had a lot of feedback from Crystal from Amazae Special Events since we hired her not only for her Day of Coordinator services, but for design ideas as well.
What were your most memorable wedding moments?
-having our friend Giang, who introduced the two of us, officiate our marriage
-Janel: feeling nervous as I walked down the aisle but once I locked eyes with Wilson, the nervousness went away
-Wilson: seeing Janel walk down the steps and then down the center aisle
-hearing each other's vows.
What song did you walk down the aisle to, and why?
I knew I wanted a song that invoked a happy, and of course, festive mood. I thought back to my favorite movie "Amelie" and liked two of the main theme songs. After listening to both songs (repeatedly), I decided on Comptine d'un autre ete -- L'apres-midi. On the day of the wedding, hearing the song was perfect. It was exactly what I wanted to conjure up: feelings of happiness and whimsy.
Where did you splurge and where did you save?
-Splurge: rentals (ceremony backdrop & reception lighting and lanterns), table linens, Day of Coordinator/design elements
-Save: invitations, favors, florals, cupcakes
Attire:
Wedding dress: brand Ivy & Aster from Lovely Bridal in NYC
Chinese dress: borrowed from Aunt
Short mini: H&M
Shoes: Melissa + Vivienne Westwood Anglomania bought on eBay. I saw these shoes on a blog and knew I wanted to wear them for my wedding. I searched high and low for them, calling stores, searching online and found out they were from an old season and thus, sold out. I then checked eBay on a whim and to my delight, found my size being auctioned off. I won the bidding (thank goodness I was the only one bidding on them!) and bought the shoes even before I had bought my dress!
Hair piece: made by Tia Reagan
Groomsmen: suit rental but socks and ties were a gift from us
Bridesmaids: J.Crew dresses, shoes their own (all Seychelles brand) and accessories were chosen by me.
Vendors:
Day of Coordinator: Crystal from Amazae Special Events. We also hired her for help with design elements.
Florals: Nicole Ha
Hair & Make-up: Tia Reagan
Rentals: Enhanced Lighting & Sound
Ceremony DJ: Los Gatos DJ Company
Reception DJ: Big Fun DJ
Table linens: Napa Valley Linens
Wedding invitations: Pacific Printing Company
Menu, Drinks, Dessert, Caterer, Baker, etc.
Ceremony items: Madelines & Brownie Bites from Costco; flavored water was homemade
Menu: Champagne Seafood Restaurant banquet option
Drinks: we bought & brought our own beer, wine and soda
Cupcakes: made by friend who is attending culinary school
Candy buffet: candy purchased in bulk from Amazon.com
DIY elements (also what were the funnest, hardest, and most rewarding)?
Signs for: ceremony glass water pitchers, ceremony & dessert table, individual candies, escort cards
Programs
Table numbers/menu/centerpiece
Kids goodie bags & provided activity table mats for kids
Heart toppers on each cupcake: hardest! Your hand cramps up after hole punching so many hearts! And then gluing 2 together on a toothpick...labor intensive, but rewarding!
Thank you cards: Wilson and I had a blast thumb printing "hearts" onto our cards. It was the funnest part of the wedding planning...probably because it signaled the end of everything wedding related!
Favorite Blogs or Magazines used in planning the wedding
-stylemepretty.com
-greenweddingshoes.com
-oncewed.com
-http://thebridesguide.marthastewartweddings.com/
Advice that you’d give to other Brides?
-If you can, finish the wedding planning 2-3 days before the day of. Take those days to unwind, relax, get a massage, etc.
-I wished I took something to help me sleep...I was so full of adrenaline I couldn't sleep the night before!
-If your budget allows, hire a Day of Coordinator. You really don't want to be bothered by small issues on the day of your wedding.
-Janel
