Adriana and Brian celebrated their nuptials at the breathtaking Hummingbird Nest Ranch in a vision of modern pink and purple details designed and planned by CCL Weddings and Events. For the education and career-focused couple, it was especially meaningful to be in one place with so many friends and family simultaneously. An adorable—and rad—escort card installation highlights the couple’s long, love journey while floral structures and arrangements by Art with Nature are absolutely show-stopping and custom cocktails by Bear and Stone are a continuation of the gorgeous palette. Lucky for us, the couple enlisted the major skills of Stewart and Connie Uy to capture all the special moments and details and we’re thrilled to share it all with you in these beautiful images.
What made the wedding special and unique?
The two things that made the wedding special was having such a long history together and having all of our closest friends and family together in one place. Brian and I had been so focused on our education and careers, that it had been years since we had been with so many friends and family in one place. Our guests flew in from around the world (Hong Kong, London, and Paris to name a few) to celebrate with us, and this was so special to both of us.
I can confidently say that giving our vendors creative freedom made the wedding unique. I didn’t really know what I wanted out of the wedding, so I trusted Cat (CCL) to work with our vendors to create something truly special. From our amazing photographers, Stewart and Connie Uy, who literally did midair splits to draw smiles from our ringboy and flowergirls, to our videography team at Kapsule Co whose artistic vision is second to none, we were blown away by everyone’s efforts to make our wedding day an unforgettable one. To top it all off, the florals for the arch and king’s table really solidified the magic of that evening, as did the amazing meal by Hungry Bear Catering (please open a restaurant).
Tell us about the gown and where/how you found it!
I didn’t really have a specific style in mind when I started dress shopping, but I knew I wanted something romantic and effortless. When I came across Estee couture’s “Dita” dress at Panache Bridal, I was immediately drawn to the drop sleeves and tulle skirt/train. I was fortunate to have both my mom and my sister with me, and they both agreed that it was everything I was looking for and “very me.” Judging by my husband’s first look reaction, I knew I made the right choice!
What were some touches added to make the wedding personal?
Our escort installation was a unique and creative timeline display of the most special moments in Brian’s and my 8 year relationship. It even highlighted a time in undergrad when I used to bike and pull Brian on his skateboard so that he wouldn’t crease his shoes!
Another personal touch was added during pre-marriage counseling sessions with our pastor. He had us each secretly write down 10 things we loved most about each other, so when he read the lists during our ceremony, it was a surprise to each of us. This was a sweet moment not only because we were both surprised to hear each other’s lists, but also because we were able to share our love with our friends and family. One of my favorites was how Brian loves my healthy fear of the law. (You will never find me parked or idled in a handicap or fire hydrant spot!)
What was the most memorable part of the day?
Although it the whole day was memorable, I will never forget when Brian and his groomsmen performed a surprise choreographed dance before the garter toss. Both Brian’s brother and my brother were on urban choreography dance teams in college, and together, they came up with a pretty scandalous dance routine. At one point, they all whipped off their belts right in front of me and started spanking the dance floor! Trust me, I was shocked and have the pictures to prove it.
Tell us how you met and became engaged.
We met on move in day at USC through a mutual friend. However, we didn’t start hanging out regularly until our sophomore year when Brian lived down the hall from me. To this day, Brian tells me he didn’t notice me, but I know that he did because a friend of ours secretly told me that Brian had pointed me out as one of the cuter girls at school.
Fast forward through 2 years of friendship, 4 years of dating in LA, and a subsequent 3 years of long distance as we attended medical and business school on opposite coasts to Nov 19, 2016. Under the guise of my birthday, Brian set up a surprise celebration for our closest friends and me at an escape room in LA. I even called him thinking that he was still in Philly to thank him for the surprise. Little did I know, he was right down the hall! When my friends and I finally escaped the room, I found Brian down on one knee at the end of it all! Afterwards, we all went home where Brian and my parents had set up a surprise engagement party complete with decorations and a catering dinner. It was everything I could ever ask for.
Adriana + Brian from Kapsule Co on Vimeo.
Planning: CCL Weddings Events // Photography: Stewart and Connie Uy // Florist: Art with Nature // Invitations/Stationery: Etsy Shop by Tiffany Grace // Venue: Hummingbird Nest Ranch (Sitting Bull)// Dress Designer: Estee couture called “Dita” // Dress Salon: Panache Bridal (Pasadena) // Cake: M Cakes Sweets // Videography: Kapsule Co. // Hair & Makeup: Studio MM&B // Desserts: Wanderlust Ice Cream // Rentals: A Rental Connection // Linens: La Tavola // Catering: Hungry Bear // Craft Cocktails: Bear and Stone // DJ: Vox DJ’s