REAL WEDDING

  • Photography By:

    Danny Dong Photography

    M and J

    May 20, 2024 in Santa Susana, California

    A Modern and Artistic Wedding with a LEGO Rose Theme

    It was the Spring of 2018 when M and J happened to board a roller coaster at Six Flags, turning an ordinary day into something special. As the roller coaster soared, sparking laughter and adrenaline, the pair discovered they were both studying at the University of Southern California. From then on, their lives became intertwined.

    “J has never been a fan of roller coasters,” M adds, “but that day, he bravely went on one because he knew I loved them. That small gesture set the tone for our relationship—one filled with thoughtfulness, understanding, and joy.”

    Although the two didn’t have an instant, “love at first sight” type of connection, things shifted during the roller coaster ride, when J’s glasses flew off. Miraculously, a passenger in the back row caught them.

    “When he took off his glasses,” M shares, “I saw the gentleness and kindness in his eyes; and from then on, I saw him in a completely different light.”

    A Growing Bond

    As the years passed, M and J’s bond grew stronger. J especially stepped up to become M’s unwavering source of support during the pandemic, when life in lockdown felt confined and uncertain.

    “He cooked for me, comforted me when I cried, and remained endlessly patient even in the most trying moments,” M says. “It was in those quiet yet challenging days that our love deepened the most. When the time came for his proposal, J prepared an intimate and deeply meaningful ceremony, surrounding us with objects that carried our shared memories. With heartfelt words and promises for our future, he asked me to marry him. That moment felt eternal—forever etched in my heart.”

    Planning a Modern and Artistic Wedding

    The wedding planning process was as exciting as it was challenging, involving late nights scrolling through Pinterest, debating details, and making various compromises. M and J envisioned an elegant and modern wedding with an artistic touch. Vibrant blooms like peonies, garden roses, and dahlias became the heart of their design, while blue and pink were deliberately omitted from their color palette.  

    The wedding planning process was as exciting as it was challenging, involving late nights scrolling through Pinterest, debating details, and making various compromises. M and J envisioned an elegant and modern wedding with an artistic touch. Vibrant blooms like peonies, garden roses, and dahlias became the heart of their design, while blue and pink were deliberately omitted from their color palette.  

    With the support of the Manna Sun Events team, the couple created an atmosphere that was both romantic and full of life—uniquely their own, and a reflection of both their personalities.

    “We also wanted our wedding to carry the theme of a ‘LEGO Rose,’” M explains. “To honor this, we prepared a special LEGO rose for each guest at the welcome table. At first, we had imagined a pastel-toned wedding, but under Manna’s guidance, we introduced red into the color palette. The choice was twofold: in May, the venue’s bougainvillea blooms in vibrant splendor, beautifully complementing the Spanish-style architecture; and red also tied seamlessly into our LEGO Rose theme.”

    In the end, the Manna Sun Events team brought to life a celebration bursting with passion and vibrancy. Shades of red, orange, green, and brown blended boldly and romantically, creating an effect that far surpassed the couple’s expectations.

    SAYING "i do" AT HUMMINGBIRD NEST RANCH

    On May 20, 2024, under the California sun, M and J said, “I do” at Hummingbird Nest Ranch. The morning was filled with both nervousness and joyful anticipation—the kind of heart-racing feeling that makes everything even more beautiful.

    Describing her walk down the aisle, the bride says, “The path felt unusually long, beginning at a high archway and unfolding step by step, almost like walking into the depths of time. With the accompaniment of a song I had personally composed, I reached the end precisely as the final note faded. In that instant, it felt as though I had walked through an entire lifetime, each step carrying me closer to the happiness of our future.”

    The ceremony itself felt timeless. Beneath a flower-adorned cabana, the bride and groom exchanged vows while incorporating two unique rituals: a time capsule filled with memories from their dating years, and the exchange of LEGO roses—a playful touch and a symbol of something they both love.


    “Hand in hand, as we walked past our loved ones’ warm gazes,” they recall, “we felt the journey behind us and the promises ahead intertwine into something eternal.”

    The dinner reception took place beside the villa’s fountain, creating an atmosphere that was nothing short of magical. Guests dined under twinkling lights, with laughter and music weaving together in the night air. The tables were adorned with lavish floral arrangements and warm candlelight, while rose-gold flatware and textured plates highlighted the vibrant colors of the setting.

    Guests raised their glasses with a signature mocktail, while the dessert table offered a true feast for the senses—from tiramisu and hazelnut donuts to a breathtaking floral-themed cake. The evening was filled with both tears and laughter during the toasts, and once the dance floor opened, the celebration carried on joyfully late into the night.

    “One of the most unforgettable moments was our first look,” recalls the bride. “After months of anticipation, seeing each other in our wedding attire for the first time felt both surreal and deeply emotional, as if time stood still. Our guests also adored the LEGO roses—a detail that brought smiles all around and perfectly reflected our playful side. Of course, we still laugh about that roller coaster ride when J’s glasses flew off, a story we’ll forever cherish as the moment that changed everything. These lighthearted yet moving memories have become treasures we’ll hold onto for life.”


    WEDDING TALENT

    Location: Hummingbird Nest Ranch, Simi Valley, CA; Planning & Event Design: Manna Sun Events; Floral Design: Oak & the Owl; Lighting & Rentals: MTB Event Rentals; Linen: BBJ La Tavola; Catering: Tres LA; Cake: Hey There, Cupcake!; Wedding Dress: Galia Lahav; Hair & MUA: Lynn Makeup; Groom’s Attire: Christian Dior; Photography: Danny Dong Photography

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