The Modern in Long Beach California was the perfect spot to host that Alice and Andrew’s wedding. This couple threw an incredibly fun filled wedding that was full of so much love! Alice likes clean and modern and I loved all her ideas. Not only is she a talented calligraphy artist (who designed her own wedding invitations), she is also an incredible and beautiful person. I decided to use Martha Stewart’s description since Alice helped write it (and what better way to share the info than having the brides own words and input):
Although Andrew remembers meeting Alice in their shared biology class in the seventh grade, Alice’s description of the first time she saw Andrew is the kind of fairy-tale moment many tween girls dream about. “I have this vivid memory of Andrew coming into our class one day and I thought he was as cute as a button,” she says. I knew then that one day I’d marry this guy.”
It took eight years of friendship before they started dating as sophomores in college—and another nine years of dating before they tied the knot during a formal ceremony at The Modern in Long Beach, California, in front of
It took eight years of friendship before they started dating as sophomores in college—and another nine years of dating before they tied the knot during a formal ceremony at The Modern in Long Beach, California, in front of 160 guests. The couple chose their wedding date—August 18, 2018—two years in advance, knowing that the Chinese cultural association of luck with the number eight would make it a popular day. But that gave them plenty of time to design a ceremony and reception that fit their tastes perfectly, using The Modern’s gray and white interior as a starting point. “I just knew that our wedding had to be minimalist, modern, and elegant,” says Alice, a visual merchandiser. “The accents were based on my [rose gold] engagement ring and my obsession with marble.”
Alice and Andrew worked on every detail of the wedding together, from choosing the letter press used on the invitation suite to picking out the bride’s rose gold eyeglasses; they even added a rose gold inlay to his black tungsten wedding band to coordinate. “I definitely wanted little details in every aspect of our wedding to be reflective of us and connect to each other,” says Alice. And the hard work and long hours paid off: “The wedding was definitely everything I could ever dream of and more,” says Alice, “and worth every penny, late nights, stress, and bickering. It was amazing being able to see all of that come together.
Alice designed a paper suite that included two versions of the invitation—one in English and one in Vietnamese. The set, which featured a marble background and the couple’s names in gold letterpress, was printed by Twig and Fig. The finishing touch? A white wax seal imprinted with the Chinese symbol that represents double happiness. The bride, the owner of calligraphy company Lace and Lettering, then assembled and calligraphed all of the invitations by hand. “They were definitely a labor of love,” she says.
Alice and Andrew decided on their wedding venue, The Modern, before construction was even finished on the building. “We didn’t want anything typical,” says Alice. “I was looking for a modern yet simple-looking space, after several attempts of not being in love with the rustic look.” The soaring windows, white interior, and gleaming concrete flooring resulted in a space that the couple could customize with their own style choices. For Andrew, the venue checked off another important must-have: “I chose the Modern,” he says, “because of the abundant parking.”
Alice had always found herself drawn to the “sleek and simple, yet classic” style of wedding dresses from designer Sarah Seven, and after trying on 10 different gowns, she knew the sequined “Orleans“, with its halter neck, side cut-outs, and slim crepe skirt, was the one. “I just love the style of the dress and how much it screamed ‘me’ when I wore it,” she says. “I felt so beautiful wearing that dress and I love how modest, yet also revealing in the right places the dress was. The sequined fabric gave the dress just the right amount of statement and sparkle without being too flashy. It was everything I was looking for in a dress.”
Alice accented her dress with rose gold jewelry that coordinated with her Brilliant Earth engagement ring, which features a rose gold band modeled after a twisted vine. She also wore a metallic arm cuff that was a gift from her sister-in-law, and matching Blair glasses from Warby Parker. “Glasses are reflective of who I am and to me, I wouldn’t be me without them,” she says.
Please see more of this wedding on Martha Stewart Weddings
To book your wedding please contact me here and let the festivities begin
Photography, Lucy Munoz Photography
Location, The Modern
Event planning, Christine Tran
Catering, 24 Carrots
Flowers, The Flower Boutique
Stationery, Twig and Fig
Calligraphy, Lace and Lettering
Cake, Simply Sweet Cakery
Music and Lighting, DJZ Productions
Rentals, Harvested Goods
Bride’s gown, Sarah Seven
Bride’s accessories, Warby Parker glasses; Bella Belle shoes
Hair and Makeup, Vivian Tran Artistry
Groom’s suit, TruTailor Co.
Groom’s accessories, Burberryglasses
Cake Topper, Happily Ever Etched
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