Cinematography: Untitled Films Australia

Photography: Astrid Photography Centreville, VA

Brian and I met over a decade ago–in the fall of 1997 at Paul VI High School in Fairfax, Virginia.  I do not remember the exact day or moment that we met, but I knew that he would be a friend for the rest of my life.

We were good friends throughout our high school years, even dating for a brief time as sophomores and attending junior prom together.  Senior year, we promised to stay friends and to stay in touch.

…And we did.

We continued to keep each other updated on our lives over the years, and we would periodically run into one another. However in 2011, at what was supposed to be a dinner between friends, we had our first date.  May 25 was our first date at Jackson’s in Reston, Virginia.  We had dinner with several other friends, but when they left, we stayed and talked until the restaurant closed.

We both knew that Brian had enlisted in the Navy and would be leaving on June 6 for nine weeks with no access to the outside world except for letters.  We were hesitant of starting something, but it was too late. We became inseparable and spent every moment we could together until he left, which included two trips to Lake Anna, where his parents have a house.  At the time, I was staying with our friend (and amazing photographer), Astrid, and she warned me, “If you go to the lake, you’re going to fall in love!!”  I nervously laughed and said, “No way, he’s leaving in two weeks.”  She was right; I was wrong.

While he was away at boot camp, we wrote each other letters every single day for 63 days.  I can still remember how excited I was to receive the first packet of letters and how excited I was every Thursday that summer because I knew I’d receive my weekly packet.  By the end of those nine weeks, I knew that I had found the person I wanted to spend the rest of my life with: my best friend.

Unfortunately, after boot camp, Brian was sent to Pensacola, Florida for five months, and we dated long distance until his transfer to Virginia Beach in January 2012. We now live together and await the day when we get to share our union with family and friends.

Brian is one of the kindest, most generous people I have ever met, and I consider myself fortunate that I get to spend every day of the rest of my life with my best friend, learning how to be a better person.

Location, Linen, Rentals and Lighting: Casa Conde de Pestagua Cartagena, Colombia; Caterer, Event Design and Planner: Allessandra Olivo Trillos; Cake: Elsy de Figueroa; Floral Design: William Baena; Wedding Dress: Amsale; Photography: Astrid Photography Centreville, VA.

Fall 2013 Collection

Photography: F8studio Photographers Dallas, TX

We met in New York City through the groom’s sister. Something just clicked the first time we met, while having drinks with a group of friends. The timing was off, however. We re-met again two years later and still clicked–this time forever.

We flew to California for a weekend getaway in Napa Valley. The first night we were there Izzy led me to a courtyard next to Bottega, the restaurant we were dining at that evening, claiming they had set up cocktails for a Friday happy hour or something like that. Little did I know that just a few moments later he would be down on one knee expressing his love and proposing marriage! I said “yes” before he even opened the ring box, and we have pictures to prove it. That’s right, on top of what was a perfect day and beautiful evening, Izzy hired a photographer to hide in the courtyard and capture the most amazing moment of my life (up to that point!).

A flurry of phone calls and texts sharing the exciting news followed, along with champagne and rose petals back in our hotel room. Dinner was wonderful, and we were engaged!

The weekend just kept getting better. We celebrated our new engagement having a four-hour lunch at French Laundry, which was stellar to say the least. After lunch we walked around a bit, took a nap (lots of wine at lunch) and headed back to San Francisco to stay close to the airport for our early morning flight. We rounded out what was already a perfect weekend by dining on classic In-N-Out burgers and champagne.

It just doesn’t get much better than that.

Our wedding day felt pretty easy–with some undertones of anxiety for what was about to unfold! Our guests were able to relax by the pool and enjoy the Four Seasons amenities. Izzy played golf and hung out by the pool until it was time to meet for the traditional Jewish ceremony: the signing of the Ketubah. I had breakfast with my parents, sister and family and then spent the day primping. Luckily, we didn’t hit any bumps in the road on the day of our wedding–even our chihuahua, Mo, enjoyed every minute.

Location and Caterer: Four Seasons Resort and Club Dallas at Las Colinas Irving, TX; Cake: Frosted Art Dallas, TX; Floral and Event Design, Planner and Rentals: Bella Flora Dallas, TX; Linen: La Tavola Linen Napa, CA; Lighting: Beyond Dallas, TX; Stationery: Write Selection Dallas, TX; Wedding Dress: Monique Lhuillier; Bride’s Shoes: Yves Saint Laurent; Engagement Rings: Ascot Diamonds; Wedding Bands: David Yurman; Photography: F8studio Photographers Dallas, TX.

Photography: Fred Marcus Photography New York, NY

Love sometimes sneaks up on you. It certainly did on Brent Rogol and Erin Miller. The two were introduced at a bar by mutual friends. The night went well and they enjoyed each other’s company. They went on a few casual dates after that, but neither wanted a serious relationship. However, as time went on, they grew closer and closer. Erin says, “I think that we are really each other’s best friend…He always has me laughing.” Finally, a year after they had been introduced and became friends, Brent asked Erin to go on a second, official ‘first date’.

Three and a half years after their second-first date, Brent proposed. It was a Friday night in mid-December, and Brent and Erin were about to meet friends for dinner. Before they left, Brent wanted to give Erin an early holiday gift: a photo album. He’d known that when they moved in together, one of Erin’s albums had been lost. The two went through the new album, filled with pictures of their last three and a half years together. Erin was touched, and started thanking Brent for such a thoughtful gift. Then she turned to the last page, and saw the words “Will you marry me?” “I was beyond surprised; legit shocked. He then had a car waiting for us downstairs with my favorite flowers, wine and candy and we went to dinner.” They celebrated that night with friends, and again the next day with family.

For Erin, a lifelong Manhattaner, getting married in New York City was a must. The venue had to be spacious enough to accommodate the large guest list. Erin was initially reluctant to have such a big wedding, knowing it would be emotionally challenging after losing her mom a few years earlier. But with support from her dad, she went through with it. “I am thankful that he encouraged us to have a wedding as there is really no greater joy than celebrating the good times with the ones that you love. People make the party and we are blessed to have the best people in our lives and in our hearts.” In his speech later that night, Erin’s father reminded her that her mother is always with her, living on in her heart.

For the reception, Brent fell in love with The Plaza, and its classic beauty won over even Erin, who initially wanted a more modern venue. To make the space feel warm and intimate, despite its grand size, it was decorated with a simple floral design and accented with warm colors and candlelight. The raw seafood bar reflected the groom’s tastes, and a sweet table the bride’s. A band played in the balcony, keeping the focus on dancing all night. The newlyweds couldn’t have been more pleased. ”The evening exceeded all of our expectations…we were just so happy to be able to share it with the people we love.”.

> Written by Brian Ward

Location and Caterer: The Plaza New York, NY; Cake: Ron Ben-Israel Cakes New York, NY; Event Design, Planner and Rentals: Alimay Events & Productions New York, NY; Floral and Event Design, Linen and Rentals: Ron Wendt Design New York, NY; Rentals: Party Rental Ltd. Teterboro, NJ; Lighting: Bentley Meeker Lighting & Staging, Inc. New York, NY; Stationery: Venture Stationers; Wedding Dress: Monique Lhuillier; Veil: Mark Ingram Atelier New York, NY; Bride’s Shoes: Jimmy Choo; Groom’s Tuxedo: Ralph Lauren; Engagement Rings: Graff Diamonds; Photography: Fred Marcus Photography New York, NY

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June 30, 2012

Photography: Scott Campbell Photography Monterey, CA

While Elizabeth and Michael first met recently in San Francisco, their connection goes back farther than that! Elizabeth was walking out of a bar with a group of her girlfriends when she spotted “a tall, handsome blonde guy that looked quite familiar“ down the street. She swore she recognized him, and kept staring trying to figure out how. Then it hit her, he was the brother of a girl she used to ride horses with when she was young. It had been 10 years since then, but the two families had stayed in touch through trading Christmas cards. That’s where she’d seen Mike’s face before!

Their potential relationship may have ended right there, because Elizabeth was too embarrassed to call to him, but one of her girlfriends shouted “Hey Mikey!”, and he turned, and waved them, “waving, to say ‘Get back here cute girl!’” Elizabeth and Mike talked out in front of the bar and exchanged numbers. A few days later, Mike asked her out and well, two years later he proposed to his love wife during breakfast in bed, and capped off the day with friends and family at a San Francisco Giants game!

Location: San Francisco City Hall San Francisco, CA; Cake: Jen’s Cakes San Jose, CA; Caterer: McCall’s Catering San Francisco, CA; Event Planner and Designer: Elizabeth Colhoun Salinas, CA; Floral Design: Sharla Flock Designs San Francisco, CA; Linen: La Travola Linens San Francisco; Rentals: Hartmann Studios Richmond, CA; Lighting: Everything Audio Visual San Francisco, CA; Stationary: Crane & CO.; Entertainment: Napata & The Chocolate Kisses Oakland, CA; Wedding Dress: Oscar de La Renta; Photography: Scott Campbell Photography Monterey, CA

October 12, 2013

Photography: Michael Segal Photography Santa Monica, CA

When they first met at a Super Bowl party in Texas, Adriane “Ace” Harper was a breath of fresh air for Matt Sorum. The drummer for hard rock bands Guns N’ Roses and more recently, Velvet Revolver, frequently met women who were very aware of his celebrity. Ace, a singer and backup dancer for groups such as Duran Duran, seemed to have no clue. So, naturally, he asked for her phone number.

According to Ace, when they returned to Los Angeles and he called, she honestly did not remember who he was. “I was playing hard to get without even knowing it,” she says. Because of their age difference and her reluctance to start a serious relationship, Matt had to be very persistent. “But he won me over,” says Ace. Within six months, they had fallen in love, moved in together, and she began to tour the world with Matt and his band.

After seven years, they started to talk of children and shopped for a ring, so Ace knew a proposal was coming. Matt faked her out with a ring box under the Christmas tree. That box held an exquisite cocktail ring, but the real thing appeared the following week on New Year’s at Lover’s Beach in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.

The couple decided to plan their wedding themselves, selecting everything from the hue of the napkins to chairs and cushions, flowers and food. “Matt has traveled and seen the beautiful things of life,” says Ace. “He has impeccable taste.” Since their everyday lives exist in the edgy world of rock and roll, they chose a romantic Old Hollywood theme for their special day.

Matt discovered the “magical” Colony Palms Hotel in Palm Springs while looking for an inspiring place to write songs for an album. “It felt tranquil, spiritual and removed from it all,” says Matt. “So I called Ace and told her I’d found the place to get married.” They rented the entire hotel for the three-day celebration.

Large format invitations were so “stellar,” according to the groom, that no one could say “no,” including John Stamos, Jane Lynch, Steven Tyler, Juliette Lewis, Dave Navarro, Gina Gershon, Billy Idol and fellow bandmates Slash and Duff McKagan. Matt, of course, planned all the music.

Ace walked down the aisle on the arm of her dad to “All You Need Is Love” played by a quartet. “I’ll never forget seeing Matt’s face with the mountains and palm trees in the background,” she says. The “spiritual” ceremony included a friend reading a poem and another singing.

Performing in front of Ace’s professional dancer friends was nerve-wracking, but Matt got high marks for their fully choreographed first dance as a married couple. Then, as guests sat down to their poolside meal, they were treated to Old Hollywood entertainment by the Aqualillies synchronized water ballet troupe.

Memorable moments included a champagne toast with the aptly named Ace of Spades champagne and a dessert table with cupcakes in ten flavors, macarons, cake pops, a praline toffee dessert shooter, brownies and more.

“When people asked who would be our band, I told them I was putting all our friends to work,” says Matt, who organized their guests into the night’s house band. The dancing started with a DJ, but transitioned into a rocking live music event. Ace, who is part of the band Diamond Baby, sang a Rolling Stones cover.

Never into following traditional pathways, Matt and Ace “pre-honeymooned” in Paris before the wedding. Then, after friends and family headed home, the couple spent a few more days in Palm Springs relaxing, followed by a week in Laguna Beach with their French bulldogs.

> Written by Francine Kaplan

Location and Caterer: Colony Palms Hotel Palm Springs, CA; Cake: Over the Rainbow Cupcakes & Desserts Palm Springs, CA; Event Design, Planner, Floral Design, Linen, Rentals and Lighting: Artisan Event Floral Décor Palm Springs, CA; Stationery: Jonathan Wright and Company Los Angeles, CA; Wedding Dress, Veil and Shoes: Monique Lhuillier; Groom’s Tuxedo: John Varvatos; Groom’s Shoes: Dior; Engagement Ring, Wedding Bands, Bride’s Jewelry and Cufflinks: Alan Friedman Beverly Hills, CA; Entertainment: Aqualillies Los Angeles, CA and DJ Morty Coyle Los Angeles, CA; Photography: Michael Segal Photography Santa Monica, CA

December 30, 2012

Photography: Stoker Studios Baltimore, MD

In the Greek community of Baltimore, every family knows each other. Dorothea and Stephen’s families were close before they were even born; their meeting was inevitable. They met at age 8, and their relationship continuously evolved throughout their lives.

As Stephen became best friends with Dorothea’s cousins, they saw each other more and more often. By the time Dorothea was about 20, Stephen “started to notice [her] in a different way”. They became friends, and Stephen hinted he’d be interested in more than that. But Dorothea was young and didn’t want to date anyone, “especially not my over protective cousins best friend!” But then a few years later, that changed.

Dorothea was heading to Crete for her friend’s wedding and her cousin convinced her to fly to Rhodes for a big dance with all her family. “Around midnight, as I’m sitting at the table, Stephen walks in. My jaw dropped. I immediately looked over at my cousin and he was laughing and smiling. He orchestrated the whole thing.” Stephen was nervous, but after a night of drinking and dancing, with some encouragement from the families, things started going well. “After the festival…we walked around the village and I showed him the house where my dad grew up. We had our first real kiss that night. We started dating and have been together ever since.”

After dating for 21 months, it was time for the next step. The proposal happened on Stephen’s 30th birthday. His party was a perfect excuse to gather the entire family together, and surprise Dorothea. She was rushing around, stressed out and trying to get the party together. Stephen asked her to just take a moment to relax. He brought her a tray of sangria with a rose and a card, thanking her for being so loving and wonderful. “I thought he was just trying to thank me for throwing him a party. He started to talk to me and tell me how much he loved me and wanted to be with me forever and then it hit me…He got on his knee and pulled out the box from his pocket. I said ‘yes’ obviously.”

With their heritage such a massive part of their lives, it is no surprise that the newly engaged couple held a traditional Greek ceremony. The bride’s family sang to her as she got ready, with lyrics of well wishes for the future. Tears were shed, especially after Dorothea’s grandmother and father spoke about growing up and growing older. Stephen and Dorothea said their vows in the church they had both attended all their lives, surrounded by over 540 friends and family members.

The reception was held in the classic Martin’s Valley Mansion, in Maryland, in December. Dorothea wanted to have a winter wonderland wedding. The venue was filled with glass icicles, white flower balls, and ice sculptures, and even fake snowfall. Guests dined on Mediterranean cuisine while a string band played classic rock songs. A Greek band had everyone dancing and smiling deep into the night. “When the day was over I felt complete. We were excited to start our new lives as husband and wife together.”

>Written By Brian Ward

Ceremony Location: Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Annunciation Baltimore, MD; Reception Location, Caterer and Linen: Martin’s Valley Mansion Hunt Valley, MD; Cake: Yia Yia’s Bakery Baltimore, MD; Event Coordinator: Anna Lance Events Glen Arm, MD; Floral and Event Design: Intrigue Design & Décor Annapolis, MD; Linen: Wildflower Linen Los Angeles, CA; Rentals: Rentals to Remember Annapolis, MD; Stationery: Kindly R.S.V.P. Designs; Photography: Stoker Studios Baltimore, MD.

April 6, 2013

Photography: Adam Alex London, England

“When I find myself in a predicament, I leave it up to chance; I leave it up to God; I leave it up to fate,” says Duane McLaughlin, whose initial encounter with his “soul mate” hinged on a coin toss. “Thank God it landed on heads,” the actor and singer says of the decision to attend his cousin’s manager’s birthday party. Amber Ridinger was ill, but her dad coaxed her to the celebration for his older daughter on his yacht in New York City that July night. When Amber’s eyes met Duane’s, “there was an instant connection,” she remembers, although they “spoke very few words.”

They stayed “on the phone for hours” a few nights later, and since: “We haven’t been apart,” Amber shares. Although he didn’t have a ring, Duane had “a wake-up call” three years later, when his mother asked where Amber fit into his aspirations, then imparted: “I love Amber because Amber loves you as much as I love you.”

On a late Miami-bound flight, the young couple quibbled “about something so stupid.” Determined to “square it,” Duane explains: “We sat in the airport; there was nobody there.” When Amber questioned, “Where are we going?” he got on his knee. “That moment,” Amber says, “showed we were strong and were going to move forward through the rest of our lives together.”

They planned to wed in July in the Bahamas, but on 12/12/12, “We found out we had a little bambino on the way,” says Amber. They chanced upon Dorado Beach, a 1,400-acre Ritz-Carlton Reserve coincidentally opened on 12/12/12, and booked the Puerto Rico resort’s first wedding.

“Everything was falling into place,” says Amber. Jacob Luppino and Anthony Pittorino “were complete geniuses,” who accelerated creation of her bead-encrusted, 80-pound gown. Then, five weeks pre-wedding, confidence in their wedding planner faltered. Her mom, Loren, cautioned: “Don’t get your hopes up.” But Amber dialed Preston Bailey and was face-to-face with the legend by 3 p.m. the next day. From that moment, planning became “a happy, magical process,” Amber says.

As 180 guests assembled, Duane donned his late grandfather’s uniform: Carl Brashear, immortalized in Men of Honor, was the Navy’s first African-American Master Diver. Duane’s childhood friend, Giancarlo Pattugalan, officiated, and emotions intensified as “every thought and every feeling came out at the altar,” Amber remembers. “All I could think about was how blessed and thankful and happy I was.”

An airplane hangar-sized tent became a mystical world, where a Ray Roman film starring the couple was screened, and JR Ridinger entrusted Duane with Loren’s and his “most valued treasure” in a moving speech. Alicia Keys congratulated her friends via video as they danced to “If I Ain’t Got You.” Mary J. Blige and her band played, and The Party Crashers backed Maxwell, King Charlton, Fat Joe and Marc Anthony. “Not only did they perform, they shared personal stories of moments we’ve shared,” Amber says. At 4 a.m. on the beach, hundreds of glowing lanterns were launched with heartfelt wishes.

The McLaughlins honeymooned in Paris. As they await baby, Duane says: “We’re excited to share our love and our life” and “all we’ve learned from our parents.”

Whether it’s where to dine or weightier matters, they navigate on trust in the decision-making tool that sealed their fate. “We still live by our coin method,” Amber admits. “We’re always searching our pockets for change,” says Duane.

> Written by Kim Knox Beckius

Location and Caterer: Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve Dorado, Puerto Rico; Cake: Sylvia Weinstock Cakes New York, NY; Floral and Event Design, Planner: Preston Bailey New York, NY; Linen: Nüage Designs Miami, FL; Draping: Gio Draping Events Jersey City, NJ; Rentals: Flora by Arquetipo San Juan, Puerto Rico; Wedding Dress and Veil: J’Aton Couture Melbourne, Australia; Bride’s Shoes: Christian Louboutin; Engagement Ring and Wedding Bands: Jacob & Co.; Photography: Adam Alex London, England

Giuseppe Zanotti

January 5, 2013

Photography: Alain Martinez Photography Miami, FL

Out one night in Montgomery, Alabama, to celebrate her birthday, Erika Zanders met Edwin Jackson Jr. He—a professional baseball player—was visiting family during the off-season and Erika was stationed there with the Air Force. Although she moved around a lot (Korea, Arizona and Abu Dhabi), the two stayed in touch and a few years later when Erika moved back to the United States, they officially started dating.

While in Anaheim for a game (at the time Edwin was playing for the Chicago White Sox), Erika began to think a proposal might be on its way. Her parents, who live two hours from the city, were adamant about attending and waiting around to talk to Edwin after the game. Once her parents left, Edwin asked Erika to sit outside.

“I was complaining because it was cold and I had already been sitting outside the whole night at the baseball game,” recalls Erika. “But he insisted, so we did.” Leading her to a secluded spot at the Westin South Coast Plaza, Edwin asked for her hand. “She actually laughed at me because she thought I was joking,” says Edwin, “then cried when she saw the ring.”

To help with wedding planning, the couple turned to Mindy Weiss and team. Wanting a warm-weather destination for the January nuptials and a spot to which family could easily travel, they chose The Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale. The casual Spanish-themed welcome dinner was a nod to the years Erika had spent in Spain while her military parents were stationed there.

On the wedding day, the couple was surrounded by more than two hundred guests as they exchanged vows. Chairs were arranged in a circle around the platform where Erika and Edwin were married by friend and former ballplayer, Chris Singleton. Sons of Mystro, a hip hop violinist group played songs that Edwin had chosen. The bride and groom wanted to include their son Exavier in the ceremony but as he wasn’t yet walking they had Miami’s MC Customs create a car that could be pulled down the aisle. “He definitely stole the show,” says the proud mom.

Edwin surprised his bride with a live performance from R&B singer Anthony Hamilton—one of her favorite artists. “Just seeing how happy and how much Erika was glowing that day made me feel like the best husband in the world,” says Edwin. “Just to look around the room and see how many family members and friends were happy for us was also an amazing feeling!” Guests packed the dance floor as DJ Irie kept the party going.

The next day, the newlyweds departed for Riviera Maya in Mexico for a relaxing honeymoon. “I feel like we’ve started a new chapter in our lives,” Erika says, “and am excited for what our future holds. Edwin is my best friend, a great husband and a great father.” Adds Edwin: “Erika picks me up if I’m down, loves me for me, understands me better than myself sometimes and makes my life complete!”

> Written by April C. Miller

Location, Caterer and Cake: The Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale Fort Lauderdale, FL; Event Design and Planner: Mindy Weiss Beverly Hills, CA; Floral Design, Linen, Rentals and Lighting: Jose Graterol Designs Miami, FL; Stationery: Lehr & Black Los Angeles, CA; Bride’s Dresses: Reem Acra and Junko Yoshioka; Veil: Monique Lhuillier; Bride’s Shoes: Gianmarco Lorenzi; Groom’s Tuxedo: Cedric’s Custom Apparel Tampa, FL; Engagement Ring and Wedding Bands: Oliver Smith Jeweler Scottsdale, AZ; Photography: Alain Martinez Photography Miami, FL

December 29, 2012

Photography: Jana Williams Photography Hollywood, CA

For most couples, the pledge of “in sickness and in health” comes during the wedding ceremony, but Annie Shon and Chung Ng got that promise locked in immediately. The New Yorkers first met in Miami on a weekend of fun with friends. Annie, having just broken up with a boyfriend, was determined to live large. When the hour got late, Chung chivalrously offered his room at the W hotel to Annie and her friend who were staying miles away. He bunked in the outer area of the suite while the girls crashed in the bedroom.

The next night was a repeat of dining and clubbing and Annie admits overdoing it. When she felt sick, Chung took her back to his room to care for her. In the morning, Annie was feeling no better. While her girlfriend returned home, Chung postponed his flight so Annie could recover in his room for another day. They returned to New York together, and at the airport he had his car take her home, but not before asking her out to dinner.

“I was a hot mess, but he sweetly said he’d seen me at my worst and things could only improve,” says Annie. She decided to spend time getting to know Chung better.

After two years of dating, Chung devised a jet-setting surprise proposal in Monte Carlo while Annie was vacationing there with a girlfriend. She had put in a marathon day of shopping and was too tired to don heels and head for an upscale restaurant, but her friend was insistent. While posing for pictures in front of renowned chef Alain Ducasse’s Le Louis XV, Annie saw Chung’s face in the crowd.

“I was completely taken off guard. He was in New York, not Monte Carlo,” says Annie, whose mind went blank. “I didn’t know he was proposing until he went down on one knee. I was in shock. Finally, I remembered to say, ‘Yes!’”

The moment Annie saw the timeless beauty of the Grand Ballroom at New York City’s Plaza Hotel, the wedding venue was a lock. A nondenominational ceremony suited the mix of her Korean background and his Chinese heritage. To spotlight the individual wedding party members, each walked the aisle alone, with a lighthearted finish provided by the bride’s Maltese puppies dressed in a tuxedo and traditional Korean wedding dress.

The bride’s wedding day wardrobe included a gown by Israeli designer Inbal Dror for the ceremony, a reception gown by Vera Wang and a cake-cutting gown by Pnina Tornai.

A wintery white wedding theme warmed by rose gold details created an elegantly feminine setting that was “all-out breathtaking.” The couple’s three-week crash dance course produced a first dance that started with a tango, transitioned to a rumba and finished with a foxtrot to jazz classic “At Last” sung by Annie’s sister.

To relax and refuel after the wedding, Annie and Chung headed to Costa Rica for a mini-moon with surfing lessons and horseback riding to mountain waterfalls. A visit to geothermal hot springs, as well as spa treatments, helped the couple de-stress from the wedding.

> Written by Francine Kaplan

Location: The Plaza New York, NY; Cake: Sylvia Weinstock Cakes New York, NY; Caterer, Rentals and Linen: CPS Events at The Plaza New York, NY; Event Design and Planner: Annie Shon Events; Floral and Event Design, Linen: Tantawan Bloom New York, NY; Invitations: Chin Chin Papers; Programs and Menus: EAST SIX New York, NY; Lighting: Bentley Meeker Lighting & Staging, Inc. New York, NY; Entertainment: Hank Lane Music and Productions; Ceremony Wedding Dress and Veil: Inbal Dror Israel; Bride’s Ceremony Shoes: Valentino; Reception Wedding Dresses: Vera Wang and Pnina Tornai exclusively at Kleinfeld New York, NY; Bride’s Reception Shoes: Christian Louboutin and Fendi; Bride’s Necklace: Cartier; Groom’s Ceremony Tuxedo: Ralph Lauren Purple Label; Groom’s Reception Tuxedo: Tom Ford; Photography: Jana Williams Photography Hollywood, CA