Valentine's Day Wedding at the Hotel Bel-Air

My little sister, Kris married her soulmate, Chris! Their Valentine's Day wedding was the most elegant and beautiful wedding. I'm going to work on the slide show, until then here's a preview of the most romantic day of the year at the Hotel Bel Air....

The double heart flag courtesy of The Hotel Bel Air because a wedding is about to take place!
*picture taken by Chris' friend James

It's a beautiful day in Los Angeles. Check out the clear sky!

*picture taken by Chris' friend Ryota.

Before the ceremony...guests were served hot tea and were offered pashmina shawls to keep warm from the crisp California night air.

Here's Theo taking pictures of mom and dad-in-law.
He looks so handsome in a suit and tie!

Magical Swan Lake
*picture taken by Chris
This picture is a late add to this post but I needed to because it tells the story so much better! The ceremony took place right next to the lake. At one point, the swans were right next to where the ceremony was taking place and were causing a little ruckus. I think they were quite happy and were trying to congratulate Kris and Chris!

I love everything about the gazebo, the asymmetrical arrangement of the roses to the votive candles hanging from the chandelier to the branches on each side of the candle table, and yes of course the beading on the runner. I worked on the beading for days! I'll post a better picture of the heart beading. K&C wedding was all about the art deco heart branding!

Kudos to Yvonne at Empty Vase Los Angeles for the most amazing flower arrangements and bouquets! All the details surpassed our expectations.

Mom and Chris's mom after lighting the candles. Don't they look beautiful in their hanboks?

The groom and groomsmen waiting...
From L-R: Chris (groom), Dennis (best man, younger brother and Kristen's new brother-in-law), Paul, James, Steve, Ryota and Kevin (our little baby brother. not so little and doesn't like being called a baby)

Ah! We see the bride! And I love the lush greenery behind us. The whole setting was about the lushness of the greens. It was like a secret garden in K&C's dream. This was truly my sister's dream wedding come true. From L-R: Candace is Kris's new sister-in-law, Cristina is a friend from high school, Veronica is a friend from college, Christine is a friend from elementary school, Josephine is also a friend from elementary school and then me, the older sister and matron of honor.

Here comes the beautiful bride with our proud dad...

She looks beautiful in her dream wedding gown! *(See post from Jan. 27th to see a picture of the dress that inspired Kristen's dream wedding gown). My mom and I placed the Dulken and Derrick flowers on Kris and mom sewed the flowers onto a strip of left over fabric from the alteration. I hand finished the strip of fabric and mom lovingly and carefully sewed all the flowers together. Our team effort paid off!

The heartfelt and emotional ceremony was the perfect amount of time! Matthew is Chris's childhood friend and pastor.

K&C's closest friends and family (117 adult guests plus 2 babies) were invited to the intimate ceremony.

We were all weeping as they exchanged vows.

Thanking the parents was moving and filled with happy tears.

And lots of smiles too!

It was the most beautiful ceremony...
*pic courtesy of Kris' friend Karin

Congratulations Kris and Chris!
Introducing the new Mr. and Mrs. Chung!

The perfect Valentine's Day romantic table setting
*picture by Chris' friend Ryota.

Their first dance as a married couple as they show us their beautiful smiles. Check out the dress from behind! The dress is so dramatic even when bustled and look at the cascading flowers from the back as she's about to be twirled by Chris.

Everyone danced that night! Parents, grandparents, uncles and aunts included! It was the first time I saw my mom dance!

Red Velvet cake cutting. Yummy.

Chris's grandparents received the big Valentine's Day heart.

I loved the warmth of candle lights and the special golden lighting with pink highlights throughout the garden room.
*picture taken by Chris' friend James

Kris with her friends from elementary and junior high school years.
They look like they're still in junior high! :)
*pic courtesy of Kris' friend Karin

Lots of wine and champagne throughout the night...
*picture taken by Chris' friend James

The bridesmaids with babies saying goodbye to Mr. and Mrs. Chung.

Bridesmaids and friend with the gorgeous bride before we moved into the pavilion room for more drinks and of course the candy bar! Some lucky guests took home the center piece as they were being dismantled from their original state. Theo and I took home 2 centerpieces and our home was filled with fresh flowers for a whole week!

The candy station before the surge...
*picture taken by Chris' friend James

What's left of the candy station and still not close to the end of the night when pic was taken.
*picture taken by Theo

Here's the proof! They're married! Hotel Bel-Air marriage certificate.
*pic courtesy of Kris' friend Karin

It was a night filled with love, laughter, dancing, delicious food, friends and family! The most romantic night of the year spent at the Hotel Bel-Air. I must also mention that the service was impeccable at the hotel. Jenny Ha is the executive director of catering or as my sister refers to her as "my fairy godmother that made my dream wedding come true." And I absolutely agree! She took care of everything! The night was seamless and it's because of the wonderful Hotel Bel-Air team. What a magical night.

**these photos taken by Chris's cousins and Theo**