Ann + Stephen’s wedding celebration comes to us from San Francisco, packed full of memorable details, stunning surroundings and delicious food. I love all the thought that went into this special day…music from their favorite indie films performed by loved ones, keeping food king for their celebration serving beautiful Chinese and Vietnamese fair…And last but certainly not least, Ann’s general enthusiasm for the whole event (it’s quite contagious and doesn’t she look amazing?!). Oh and it just so happens that this beautiful couple just celebrated their one year wedding anniversary this week! Happy Anniversary Ann + Stephen!
Ann + Stephen | October 1, 2011 | San Francisco, CA
The Ceremony
We had our wedding ceremony in the fall, at the Presidio Chapel of our Lady, found within the very beautiful Park Presidio area of San Francisco. We chose this location because the chapel was quaint and minimalist. The beautiful wall of clear glass revealed a tree and lots of green foliage, so it almost felt like we were in a garden. This was a beautiful backdrop for our ceremony. The beams overhead had painted “Ave Maria” scrolled repeatedly across each beam, and I loved looking up at the ceiling to see the writing. It really set a peaceful and lighthearted mood. Everything felt rustic and woodsy within the city, which surrounded the park. We chose this place because we knew as San Franciscans; we wanted to highlight how the city loves to embrace nature even if it isn’t set in nature. It was a nice juxtaposition to the city feel that others are more familiar with. Our ceremony was officiated by the groom’s uncle, and he hosted the ceremony with introductions to my sister, my brother, and the groom’s sister for readings found in children’s poetry about love and friendship. Our dear friend Trevor played Nico’s “These Days,” which we fell in love with while watching the Royal Tennenbaums – it was the perfect song to walk down the aisle. While our guests arrived, he played “Avril 14th” by Aphex Twin, which we discovered while watching Marie Antoinette. I guess it reveals a lot about our mutual appreciation for indie films and music! Stephen and I each read our own vows…it was so memorable because everyone applauded after Stephen read his, and when I read mine everyone was silently crying. That also reveals so much about how one’s a joker and the other is a bit of a romantic! After the kiss, we all walked down the aisle to “This is the Day,” by The The, which we discovered while watching Empire Records.
The Reception
At Terra Gallery, we had dinner and dancing. We picked this urban art gallery located in the SOMA/Financial District of San Francisco; because we thought it was a nice juxtaposition against the more natural feel of the Presidio. We had our caterers from Fork and Spoon provide hors d’oeuvres, dumplings, and a buffet style dinner featuring our favorite Asian flavors. The food focused mostly on a Chinese and Vietnamese influenced flavor. We love dim sum style dumplings so we offered a variety during the evening. We also have a lot of health conscious vegetarian friends so we made sure the meal included delicious and thought provoking vegetarian options. We were so happy with the results! Even our photographers Jerry and Ingrid of Jerry Yoon Photographers raved about the quality of the food. We value a good dinner, and good food, so we had the quality of food as one of our top priorities for our wedding celebration. We succeeded at that!
Our theme for the table markers: different cities and countries we’ve lived in. Some were places we overlapped without actually seeing each other. Some were locations we’ve shared together. Behind each table card, we had a few sentences about how each location was a significant location in our lives.
I changed into a Qi Pao towards the end of the evening. It is a traditional Chinese dress that usually comes in Red, but I had it custom made in fuchsia with gold piping. I love that dress. Maybe someday I’ll share it with the Pre Owned Wedding Dresses as an item for sale!
We danced all night, and it’s a good thing I danced in my Qi Pao, because eventually I went barefoot and we wouldn’t want my Oscar de la Renta dress to get any dirt on it! That is why it is in such great shape for sale on Pre Owned Wedding Dresses. I really can’t wait to share my dress with another bride.
Ann’s Dress Search
I knew I wanted something that was mermaid or trumpet, and at one point I thought I wanted romantic lace like a Claire Pettibone, and then I toyed with the idea of an Amsale…and that almost worked for me but never quite felt like it was enough to make me feel special. Then, I went to Marina Morrison and Savinie helped me identify with a dress that truly fit me. My maid of honor doesn’t cry easily, and she just started tearing up like crazy when she saw me try the Oscar de la Renta on. It has this extra ooomph that Amsale couldn’t provide for me. And, hello – it’s an OSCAR DE LA RENTA! We left the boutique, ate lunch and she just started crying again, so I then knew it, that this was my dress. We went back right after the meal and made the purchase.
How Ann Felt in Her Wedding Dress
Chic, unique, like a celebrity
Why Ann Decided to Sell Her Wedding Dress
As much as I knew I could probably hold on to my Oscar forever, which I considered for a few months, I knew it was something I wanted to share with others. As cheesy as it may sound, there are people out there who should be given the opportunity to wear an Oscar de la Renta. This is the time to do it – on your big wedding day…I really can’t wait to share my dress with another bride.
