An Artful and Modern Fairytale Wedding with Sculptural Blooms
Blake Li and James Wu were college students when they first met nearly a decade ago. During that “season of life filled with uncertainty and possibility,” the two crossed paths at a campus organization meeting. It wasn’t long before casual conversations turned into long walks between classes, late-night study sessions, and quiet moments shared over coffee.
“We became inseparable,” the couple shares, “not because of grand gestures, but because we found a quiet rhythm in each other’s presence that felt like home.”
An Unspoken Agreement
There was no “love at first sight” for Blake and James. Instead, their relationship started with an easy friendship that felt natural from the beginning.
“We connected over shared classes, similar interests, and long conversations that never seemed to run out of topics,” they recall. “There was always something to laugh about or explore in our chats, and being around each other just felt comfortable. That foundation of friendship became the quiet beginning of something much deeper.”
“We became inseparable – not because of grand gestures, but because we found a quiet rhythm in each other’s presence that felt like home.”
Over the years, the couple experienced graduations, career changes, long-distance phases, and “the everyday growth that comes with life after college.” And throughout it all, their relationship grew from a foundation built on patience, understanding, and genuine friendship.
There was no official proposal; there was an unspoken agreement that their futures would be shared with each other. When they decided to get married, it was simply a choice to formalize what they already knew – “that we were each other’s forever.”
Creating a Modern and Artful Fairytale Wedding
Blake and James’ wedding planning process was guided by a desire to honor their love story in a way that was elegant, yet modern. Working closely with their wedding planner, Mandy, the couple pieced together a celebration that was timeless, meaningful, and filled with artistic details.
“From the very beginning,” they explain, “Mandy guided us through every step of the process with care and creativity, ensuring that every single detail was thoughtfully curated and beautifully brought together to create a cohesive, immersive experience. The most important thing to us was for our loved ones to feel fully present in the moment – surrounded by warmth, light, and love.”
When the wedding day arrived, the bride and groom stood in a ceremony space that made them feel as if they’d stepped into a dream. Candlelight surrounded them while, overhead, cascading chandeliers were suspended along with a breathtaking altar framed by sculptural blooms. The dramatic floral backdrop created a modern, artful statement, softened by the warm glow of hundreds of candles lining the aisle.
“The space felt intimate yet grand,” they add, “perfectly capturing the quiet joy we’ve always shared. That joy was magnified in the teary eyes of our parents and the laughter of friends who had watched our love unfold over the years.”
After the ceremony, the newlyweds and their guests enjoyed a wedding reception that looked like a modern fairytale. Round and long tables were draped in soft dove gray linen and adorned with endless rows of white roses placed in clear glass vases of varying heights. Hundreds of flickering candles cast a warm, golden glow that danced across acrylic chairs, creating a dreamy, immersive atmosphere. Towering crystal candleholders added vertical drama, while custom mirrored table numbers and mirrored name plates at each setting offered a personalized touch of glamour. It was romantic, refined, and guests couldn’t stop commenting on the magical ambiance.
One of the couple’s favorite décor details was a custom acrylic seating chart display, which welcomed guests with modern elegance and sculptural beauty. Each clear panel was etched with guest names and table numbers in crisp white script, stacked into a sleek tiered formation. Soft candlelight and sprigs of baby’s breath were woven throughout, adding a romantic glow and airy texture to the statement piece.
Finally, in lieu of extravagant entertainment, the couple wanted to “let the atmosphere speak” via intimate conversations, beautiful toasts, a few happy tears, and a dance floor that slowly filled as the evening unfolded.
“Every moment felt like a soft exhale,” they say. “Our story may not be dramatic or cinematic – but it’s ours. It’s built on shared history, simple joys, and a deep respect for one another. We’ve always believed in the quiet power of a steady kind of love – the kind that doesn’t demand attention, but lasts. That’s what we carried with us on our wedding day, and what we’ll continue to carry in the years to come.”
WEDDING TALENT
Location: The Majestic Downtown, Los Angeles, CA; Planning & Event Design: Mandy Shi – Amormagic, Los Angeles, CA; Floral Design: Wenfloral Design Studio, Arcadia, CA; Linen & Rentals: MTB Event Rentals, Glendale, CA; Catering: Hungry Bear Catering, Los Angeles, CA; Lighting: TMMPRO Inc, South El Monte, CA; Wedding Dress: Julia Kontogruni; Bridal Salon: Bellasposa Bridal; Hair & Makeup: MK Makeup Studio; Entertainment: La Music Tribe, Rosemead, CA; Photography & Cinematography: Tommy Lu Photography
