Anthony & Lisa had an intimate bistro-style wedding at Chateau De Hare that mixed the couple’s Chinese and Italian cultures. They had an intimate wedding with 90 guests, a live painter, an espresso cart, and blue and white details in an idyllic garden setting.
How did you two meet? What were your first impressions of one another?
It all started at a private but infamous birthday party, where our paths crossed thanks to a mutual friend, Ken Lee, who has a knack for weaving individuals into a tapestry of connection. Little did we know, that chance encounter would be the spark that ignited our journey together.
With freshly mended hearts from past relationships, we cautiously treaded the waters of newfound friendship. Despite our initial hesitation, we quickly discovered an uncanny connection that felt like destiny’s playful nudge. Sharing laughter over wine and our common admiration for Harvey Specter, a legal titian in the popular series, Suits, and swapping stories about our finance careers late into the night, we found solace and familiarity in each other’s company.
Describe a hurdle you had to overcome in your relationship or during your wedding planning.
Every love story has its defining moments, and for us, one of the most significant milestones was the decision to move in together. As two first-borns with a penchant for order and precision, the prospect of merging our lives initially seemed like a daunting task. Our similar personalities, characterized by directness, analytical minds, and a results-oriented approach, posed both challenges and opportunities as we embarked on this new chapter together.
While our directness served us well in addressing issues head-on, it also required us to approach sensitive topics with empathy and understanding. Learning to navigate our shared space was a journey of discovery, filled with moments of laughter, frustration, and growth. We soon realized that compromise wasn’t about sacrificing our individuality but rather finding creative solutions that honored both of our needs and preferences. We discovered that true partnership isn’t about always seeing eye-to-eye but rather about respecting each other’s perspectives and working together towards a shared vision.
As we settled into our new life, we found comfort in the rhythm of our shared routines and the warmth of each other’s presence. “To Lisa, Anthony is home. And to Anthony, Lisa is home.” This simple statement beautifully encapsulates the profound sense of belonging and comfort that we find in each other’s presence, emphasizing the idea that home is not just a place but a feeling of love, safety, and acceptance that you share with one another.
Any special ways you incorporated your family or family history into your wedding day?
Lisa’s veil was custom-designed by herself using her mother-in-law’s (MIL) wedding dress, which was also her mother’s wedding dress.
What part of your wedding day was/is most important to you?
For both of us, it was our private vows and private cake-cutting ceremony.
What is the best thing you’ve learned from one another?
Remember to laugh and be silly throughout the week! We both have very demanding careers and it is really easy to get caught up in it day-to-day. But what we’ve learned is, we are our best selves when we allow for time to be goofy and laugh with each other.
What is your favorite thing about each other?
Our honesty and the way we communicate and work through problems and hard life decisions.
What was your favorite part about planning your wedding?
All the little surprises we had planned for our guests!
If you had one piece of advice for other couples, what would it be?
Love is hard. And it is work. Marriage is the reminder that asks you to keep showing up every day for the rest of your lives – for yourself and for each other.
What is the most honest thing you can say about love?
Love is hard. And it is work. Marriage is the reminder that asks you to keep showing up every day for the rest of your lives – for yourself and for each other.
Venue / Chateau De Harpe / @chateaudeharpe / https://www.chateaudeharpe.com/
Planning/Coordination / Portland Event & Design / @pdxeventdesign / https://www.portlandeventanddesign.com/
Espresso Cart / Intentional Espresso / @intentional_espresso / https://www.intentionalespresso.com/
DJ / NW Mobile DJ Service / @nwmdjs / https://nwmobiledj.com/
Photographer & Videography / Amanda Burman Photography / @burmanphotography / https://burmanphotography.com/
Hair and Makeup / Olivia Hawthorne Beauty / @ohawthornemakeup / https://www.oliviameredithgroup.com/
Caterer / Portland Catering Company / https://portlandcateringcompany.com/
String Quartet / Stumptown Quartet / https://www.stumptownquartet.com/
Florist / Bella Bloom Florals / @bellabloomflorals / https://www.bellabloomflorals.com/
Rentals / Arden Event Collective / @ardeneventcollective / https://ardeneventco.com/
Photobooth / Stumptown Photobooth / @stumptownbooth / https://www.stumptownbooth.com/
Live Painter / Celebration Paintings / https://www.celebrationpaintings.com/
Publisher at The White Wren and Bajan Wed, Award Winning Photography + Videographer at Live View Studios, Dad, 80s music lover, crunchy health advocate
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