California Daily Life

My California Redwood Wedding

Sewon + Taurin 2015

On July 4th of this year, I married Taurin–my best friend and adventure partner of nearly ten years. We reserved a meditation retreat center on 104 acres of land, with houses and cabins tucked away in the majestic Santa Cruz Redwoods. We envisioned a laid-back, three-day gathering in nature for our loved ones traveling from afar.

We couldn’t stop smiling throughout the entire weekend, even when my eyes were welling up with tears at the rehearsal. Our guests had traveled from all over the coast, across the country, and from the other side of the globe–Korea, China, Singapore, Turkey, and Mexico.

I couldn’t believe how lucky we were–to have so many of the people we love in one place, smiling back at us.

Sewon + Taurin 2015

Sewon + Taurin 2015

Sewon + Taurin 2015

Sewon + Taurin 2015

Sewon + Taurin 2015

Sewon + Taurin 2015

Sewon + Taurin 2015
Our talented friend Stephan Haluska played all the hits for us, including Sigur Ros and R. Kelly.

Sewon + Taurin 2015
We included this little Korean tradition–the mother of the bride and the mother of the groom light candles together to begin the ceremony.

Sewon + Taurin 2015
Taurin’s cousin Maya’s daughter and my cousin Taehee’s son were the most adorable flower girl and ring bearer.

Sewon + Taurin 2015

Sewon + Taurin 2015
Our ceremony in the redwood tree circle

Sewon + Taurin 2015

Sewon + Taurin 2015

“To love is not to gaze at one another,
it is to look outward together in the same direction.”
― Antoine de Saint-Exupery

Sewon + Taurin 2015

Sewon + Taurin 2015

Sewon + Taurin 2015My talented bridesmaids–Beyang, Emily, MK, and Casey–helped make the flower crowns, boutonnieres, and simple bouquets from succulent cuttings, fresh lavender, and baby’s breath.

letsfrolictogether_20150704_0448
Taurin and I planted tiny succulent rosettes in our garden–they became these beautiful monsters with tendrils!

Sewon + Taurin 2015We really wanted to showcase the California bounty and serve food we personally like, so we had lamb, fish, truffled mac and cheese, locally sourced vegetables, and alcoholic slushies.

Sewon + Taurin 2015We made two types of hot sauce and bottled them for our guests, which served as seating cards.

Sewon + Taurin 2015

Sewon + Taurin 2015
New family and so many hugs!

Sewon + Taurin 2015

Sewon + Taurin 2015
Taurin found this awesome funk band called The Hitmen. We danced all night long!

Sewon + Taurin 2015

Sewon + Taurin 2015

Sewon + Taurin 2015
We had our cake shipped from New York City’s Milk Bar, and it survived the trip!

Sewon + Taurin 2015

Our advice to those planning: Focus on what matters to you, don’t worry about the small details, and have fun!


Along with our wonderful family and friends, some amazing folks helped make our wedding weekend possible:

Photography: Let’s Frolic Together | Venue and Catering: Pema Osel Ling Retreat | Coordinator: Shaunah Stolaroff | Hair & Makeup: DIY | Bride’s Dress and Accessories: Beautiful Day Wedding | Bride’s Shoes: Kate Spade | Groom’s Attire: J. CrewBridesmaids’ Dresses: Assorted | Flowers: DIY with a bulk order from Boulder Creek Flowers | Harpist: Stephan Haluska | Band: The Hitmen | Cake: Momofuku Milk Bar

7 Comments

  • Reply
    meds
    December 1, 2015 at 11:57 pm

    Congratulations once again, Sewon 🙂 May your lives together be filled with love, understanding and good adventure. Such a gorgeous wedding, such precious memories!

    • Reply
      Sewon
      December 2, 2015 at 12:17 am

      Thank you so much for your kind words!

  • Reply
    Angélica
    December 2, 2015 at 12:01 pm

    Again, congratulations! And woah, what an amazing set of pictures. You look lovely and your parents are just the cutest haha. I love your dad’s hat! So dapper!
    What a beautiful place! I’m in awe haha.

  • Reply
    Liz Fang
    December 3, 2015 at 5:08 pm

    Omg CONGRATULATIONS! What a beautiful wedding. I’m glad you made so many amazing memories that day!!

  • Reply
    Rueben
    December 5, 2015 at 11:04 am

    Congratulations Sewon! Your wedding is perfect! =) Wishing you the best in life. (PS: I’m a new reader who came across your blog through instagram and loved it ever since.) xx

  • Reply
    Jane Y.
    December 7, 2015 at 7:44 am

    Congratulations! Gorgeous photos!

  • Reply
    Melissa
    December 9, 2015 at 11:42 am

    What a beautiful day! Thanks for sharing your wedding with us. Congratulations on your bigger family 🙂

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