When Cory and Lily planned on getting married, they didn’t want it to be a big deal. They were going to get married at a courthouse. When they settled into the idea of getting married at the Doubletree Hotel in Little Tokyo, they were only going to invite family. Weeks before the wedding, they humbly asked if expanding the guest list to incorporate friends would make a big difference in the photography and timeline. I enthusiastically responded “It’s a GREAT idea! You should celebrate with everyone you love.” And celebrate they did. In the short time this wedding went from courthouse to full blown, Cory and Lily worked their butts off to incorporate thoughtful details and gestures that honored both their heritages. The day started off with a tea ceremony to show respect for Lily’s Chinese background. I was blown away by how Tina Li, of In The Clouds Events, set up the tea ceremony so beautifully on the rooftop of the Doubletree. It was a special treat for Lily, who could see the ceremony site from her hotel room as she was getting ready. The wedding ceremony and reception incorporated happy splashes of a fall color palette, with origami cranes made by the groom, a reflection of Cory’s Japanese heritage. Out-of-town guests also got to share in some highlights of LA food culture, with cupcake Sundays from Sprinkles and an array of pastries from Porto’s.
Lily could see the ceremony site from her hotel room!
Tina Li’s team set up this beautiful tea ceremony in record time.
This polka dot tulle detail was so fine, it deserved a photo of its own.
I die for moments like these.
And these…
An explosion of fall colors.
Love this alternative idea for guests to sign!
This is literally the moment after their first kiss.
My heart melted when I saw Cory help Lily with her dress from across the street.
An urban breeze swept Lily’s dress in such a pretty way.
I showed this shot to Lily and she said “it’s just like the photo I showed my florist!” in delight.
Made by the groom, himself!
Sprinkles cupcakes + Sprinkles ice cream = spoiled!
Sprinkles cupcakes + Sprinkles ice cream = spoiled!
Alone on this rooftop!
This little boy approached Cory when they had settled down to their sweethearts table and shared a written message to them!
Gobo on a waterfall! Great job, GC!
Big hugs and congratulations to Cory and Lily!
Thanks to all the hardworking and talented vendors:
Venue: Doubletree Hotel, Little Tokyo
Coordinator: Tina Li, In the Clouds Events
Hair and Makeup: Grace, Kelly Zhang
Officiant: Clifford Broadway, Great Officiants
DJ/MC, Photobooth, Lighting: Benny Castro, Arthur Ko, Roger Lopez, Art Managa of GC Masterpiece
Florist: Jennifer Yang, In Flower
Pastries and Cake: Porto’s
Rentals: MTB Event Rentals
Cupcake and Ice Cream: Sprinkles