Connie & Kevin

The couple was married on July 2, 2016 at the Sanders Estate, just outside of Seattle. Connie wore a Maggie Sottero Sybil dress with customized off-shoulder detailing. The romantic ball gown featured delicate lace accents, an illusion v-neckline, and lovely deep-v backline. Kevin channeled classic gentleman in a Hugo Boss tuxedo with a black bowtie for the ceremony. The couple changed outfits for the reception: Kevin traded his black bowtie for a champagne bowtie and Connie donned a custom-made red lace Qipao with plenty of gold jewelry. She wore a round pendant carved with a phoenix and dragon hand that had been passed down from her grandmother, and a gold flower necklace which Kevin's parents gifted to her, as Taiwanese tradition dictates. The clothing aligned with the couple's desire to pay homage to their Taiwanese roots. They incorporated traditions like a tea ceremony during the reception where the bride and groom serve tea to their respected elders. A harpist played during the ceremony, another traditional detail in many Asian weddings.

Personal details made this wedding unique and special for everyone in attendance. The Sanders Estate offered an intimate garden setting for the outdoor ceremony with a tent to house the reception. Inside the tent, red accent lights twinkled among tables draped in white tablecloths with coral napkins and gold accents. Decor consisted of glass paperweights and bowls the couple made themselves at the Seattle Glass Blowing Company. A slideshow told their individual stories and revealed their story as a couple through photographs. Instead of a traditional guest book, guests found pictures of themselves with the couple on a collage wall. Then they wrote messages on the back of the photos. Tables were titled not by number, but by places the couple had visited together. As entertainment for the guests, Connie and Kevin danced both a waltz and a tango which they had practiced for months leading up to the wedding. It was one of those weddings filled with love and happiness, not just between the couple, but among all the loved ones in attendance.

July 2, 2016

Photography: Courtney Bowlden

By: Asher King

It wasn't love at first sight for Connie and Kevin. The couple met while studying optometry at the New England College of Optometry in Boston, MA. Connie, a Taiwanese Canadian, is outgoing, friendly, and instantly found Kevin attractive. Upon learning the Taiwanese American from California lived just a floor beneath her, Connie set out to become his friend. Reserved and serious, Kevin found her friendliness a bit overbearing, but quickly adjusted his thinking and looked forward to their lengthy conversations. Then he began missing Connie when they were apart. The couple began dating soon after Kevin confessed his crush, and continued a long distance relationship when Connie moved to Federal Way, Washington and Kevin to Reno, Nevada to complete their residences.

Toward the end of their residences Kevin visited Washington during Memorial Day weekend. Being outdoor enthusiasts, Kevin planned a hike for them to Mirror Lake in Snoqualmie Pass. While taking in the surroundings, Kevin tucked a flower behind Connie's ear then fiddled with his camera tripod and the camera timer. Connie readied herself for a picture with her boyfriend, only to see him get down on one knee and propose.

THE DETAILS

Food Blue Ribbon

Dress Maggie Sottero Sybil From New Beginnings Bridal Studio

Hair & Makeup Christy K Make up

Venue Sander Estate

Accommodations Sheraton Four Points Near Seatac

Videography Pixel Dust Weddings, Dani Warner

Photography Courtney Bowlden

Music Ceremony: Harpist Heather Donovan

Reception: Sean Antonius