College Sweethearts Tie The Knot In An Intimate Backyard Ceremony

Happy wedding couple strolling hand in hand in garden

In the words of Dorothy, "There's no place like home", especially when your childhood home looks like this! For their micro-wedding, this couple decided to get married in a lovely backyard ceremony where the groom grew up. After a four-year long-distance relationship, it seemed like the best place to celebrate finally being home and together. We've seen a lot of couples opting for small backyard ceremonies and they never disappoint. The great part about using a family home as your venue is that it takes a big-ticket item off your wedding budget and you can invest more in florals and other wedding decor.

Dee Lee Designs helped this couple create their dream wedding right in their backyard. The Flower Boutique designed all of these lovely florals like the asymmetrical ceremony arch that we can't get enough of! After their intimate ceremony, the guests made their way to Langham Huntington Pasadena for the cocktail hour and reception. Kayla Denae Photography took these beautiful photos and Buckley Videography was there to get the whole day on video. Keep reading to hear more from Dee Lee about how they pulled off this gorgeous backyard ceremony. Check out the full gallery to see even more from this wedding!

Elegant wedding invitation suite with floral accents

Elegant white wedding shoes with bow and floral details Elegant diamond engagement ring and band in white case

Elegant white wedding bouquet with roses and lilies

Happy bridesmaids in robes toasting with champagne

Mother helping bride into her beautiful wedding gown

Bride and bridesmaids in elegant gray dresses outside

Blonde bride in wedding dress holding white bouquet

US Marine Corps dress uniform and white peaked hat

Grooms wedding day accessories including shoes and cologne

Groomsmen in black tuxedos at outdoor wedding venue

Groom smiles in a black tuxedo with bow tie outdoors

TOGETHER AT LAST

Bride walks with her father down the aisle at wedding

Alfred grew up here in California and left for the first time to go to college on the East Coast. Vanessa grew up literally all over the world and finally landed on the East Coast. They ended up meeting in college at Villanova University in Advanced Chinese class on August 28, 2017. They fell in love and learned to navigate a long-distance relationship while Alfred served in the Marines. They fostered their love for one another over the years. As fate would have it, they were married on August 28, 2021.

Groom wipes away tears during emotional wedding moment

Bride and groom at outdoor wedding ceremony

GETTING READY

Kayla Denae Photography and Buckley Videography did an amazing job of capturing their beautiful wedding day. Vanessa and her bridesmaid got ready at the Langham Huntington Pasadena. Elwyn & Cass did an amazing job enhancing our naturally beautiful bride. Vanessa wore a Martina Liana from Bellasposa Bridal and Photography. For her bridal bouquet, we incorporated Lily of the Valley to honor Vanessa’s Finnish heritage. Alfred and his groomsmen got ready at his home. He wore a tux from Friar Tux.

HOME SWEET HOME

Alfred and Vanessa chose to do their ceremony at the home Alfred grew up in San Marino. Cascading florals by The Flower Boutique adorned a tree for their ceremony. It was a very intimate ceremony with 32 of their closest family and friends. It was as if time stood still as Vanessa’s Father embraced her as he gave his daughter away. Alfred shed tears as his beautiful bride walked to him. Vanessa was overcome with emotions too. Their moment was finally here, four years later.

A HEARTFELT RECEPTION

The cocktail hour and reception were hosted at the Langham Huntington Pasadena. Vanessa and Alfred wanted a timeless, classic, and romantic design. It was a very soft color palette of ivory and blush florals. TMM PRO Rentals provided beautiful gold chivari chairs, a white seamless dance floor, draping, and blush lighting for the Viennese Ballroom. The chandeliers were the perfect accent to the reception. Vanessa and Alfred kicked off cocktail hour with a champagne tower pour. As they walked into the reception they were welcomed with cheers. They twirled on the dance floor to Natalie Cole's "This Will Be An Everlasting Love". Tiffany, Vanessa’s twin gave the most touching speech. The cake was decorated with cascading florals. Vanessa got a classic black and white glam booth by Lx Pix Photo Booth to entertain their guests. DJ Tim Hampton of DJ Will Gill and Associates kept the energy high. They danced the night away with family and friends that traveled from all over. And then the Hwangs lived happily ever after!