Emily Ho and Alan Chang first crossed paths in high school, but it wasn’t until the two reconnected in London, when their connection rekindled. She was pursuing her master’s degree at the University of Cambridge, while he was visiting from across the pond. “It felt like everything just picked up where we left off,” Emily says. Before Alan went back home to Los Angeles, he asked Emily if she’d like to go on a date once she returned. She said yes, of course.
Five years later, Alan proposed in a scenic clearing at California’s famed Huntington Library. Once engaged, the pair hired planner Lorie Lau of H&L Lovely Creations and briefed her on their ideal day-of—a bright ceremony followed by an alfresco reception. When Lorie suggested Hummingbird Nest Ranch, Emily and Alan toured and swiftly booked the SoCal escape for September 15, 2023. “Its Sitting Bull venue was reminiscent of a French garden that allowed us to have a wedding that was the perfect mix of manicured, yet whimsical,” the bride-to-be says. Little Carabao Studio created a custom invitation suite to match, and Grace Kalil photographed every scene.
After Emily came across Macye Wysner’s wedding on Over The Moon she immediately knew she’d wear one of Macye’s CINQ designs on the day-of. “I set up an appointment with her at the CINQ atelier and fell in love with the Hope gown for its simple, whimsical elegance,” the bride shares. “I loved the freshwater pearl straps, the silk bodice, and chiffon lace skirt with a mermaid hem—an unexpected twist on a classic silhouette.”
Chanel diamond earrings and crystal flats by Malone Souliers completed her ceremony look. “It was a special piece I purchased and kept in my closet for years safe for a special occasion, I just did not expect that they would end up becoming my wedding shoes!” Emily exclaims. “They also happened to be a pale blue, which worked out perfectly as my ‘something blue.’” Ting Lang created the bride’s beauty look before she walked down the aisle, a Heavenly Blooms bouquet in hand.
Bridesmaids complemented in V. Chapman dresses of differing silhouettes in the Carmel Valley rose print. “I actually perused Over The Moon for hours for inspiration,” Emily admits. “I was also contemplating bridesmaid dresses from Cara Cara and Louise New York, but ultimately went with V. Chapman for a more muted, creamy color palette and fabrics that blended with the silk chiffon of my CINQ gown.”
As for the reception, Emily donned a Reem Acra style. The classically silhouetted dress featured modern, crystal straps and a ruched waistline. After dinner, she changed into a satin slip.
Rain fell on the morning of the wedding—which Emily remarked a sign of good luck. A harpist strummed as Emily and Alan said, “I do,” in a grove of olive trees underneath newly cleared skies. Ivory flower petals covered the aisle and a pastel floral arch headed the space. “We felt nervous but also very happy that we were finally tying the knot,” the bride shares. “We can’t imagine ourselves with anyone else. It was a beautiful ceremony, and the moment felt very special, surrounded by friends and family many of whom came from different countries to witness our union.”
In the cobblestone courtyard, the reception was buzzing. Enchanting tablescapes featuring florally adorned dishware and A Rental Connection lights added to the ambiance of the Très LA-catered seated dinner followed by their Fantasy Frostings cake. Chasing Linen painted the scene as the newlyweds danced to Christina Perri’s “A Thousand Years”—thoughtfully queued by Two Towns—and guests had bubbles surrounding the couple. “It was simply magical,” the bride recalls. Red Car Sounds deejayed the celebrations that followed.
As the fête continued, the newlyweds reflected on how far they’d come. Alan concludes, “In high school, Emily had remarked that it would be crazy if we ended up married in the future, so it was surreal to think that we actually were endgame.”
