Project Wedding Blog

Joy and Andrew wed at the La Jolla Women’s Club on a crisp, clear day in September. Between the tea-themed decor, carnation initials, and old-fashioned bicycle send-off, there are so many thoughtful details in their early autumn wedding that we simply don’t know were to begin. Almost every element of the charming backyard ceremony has a story behind it, and we’re beyond delighted to share them with you today. Special thanks to Orange Turtle Photography for sending these buoyant, airy images over! 

Andrew and Joy met at a church-sponsored singles retreat in January 2011. They hit it off after being assigned to the same worship group, and stayed in touch via email and Facebook (at the time, he lived in San Diego, and her her home base was the San Francisco Bay area). Not long after, Andrew proposed with a massive pink Post-it “Marry Me” sign meticulously crafted on a Lake Tahoe cabin wall during a family getaway. The romantic gesture became the basis for their wedding palette-—pretty pastel shades of the same color. 

The couple’s unique reception theme was also inspired by their personal history. Growing up in Taiwan, tea played an integral part in Andrew and Joy’s everyday life. Chats with friends happened over a strong cup of Oolong; Tapioca milk tea-to-go quenched their thirst on the way to the movies. They were never without the beverage, and knew it needed to be an integral part of their brunch reception. Instead of vases, the couple ordered ten identical tea serving sets to use as centerpieces. Guests munched on macarons, scones, and other pastries at tables named after different types of tea that played an important part in the couple’s love story. Favors included the adorable heart infusers you see below, and the menus and escort cards (all lovingly handmade by the couple) also featured a tea pot motif.

As Joy says: “The scale of a wedding may not be grand, but the details make you feel the love as soon as you enter.” We couldn’t agree more! The darling details of their big day showcase the unique ties that bind them. We are smitten from start to finish.

After the reception, well-wishers sent Joy and Andrew off on an afternoon beach cruiser ride down the coast. They honeymooned in Kauai before returning to California to start their lives as husband and wife.  With a wedding this sweet, they’re bound for decades of long talks over tea, bicycle rides, and loving kisses.  Congrats to the happy couple and thank you again to  Orange Turtle Photography for sharing their story in photos!  

Photos by Orange Turtle Photography • Gown by Watters • Pink Reception Dress from Nordstrom • Send-off Dress by Shoshanna • Bride’s Shoes by Badgley Mishka • Bride’s Hair & Makeup by Misa and Minaho for LA Wedding Makeup & Hair • Groom’s Tux by Vera Wang • Groomsmen’s Attire by Calvin Klein • Bridesmaid Dresses by Elle from Kohl’s • Day-Of Event Coordination by Eventity • Flowers by Michelle Shumard for Sweet Pea Flowers • Catering by Festivities • Wedding Cake by CAKE • Chairs from Best Rental • Linens from A Perfect Table • DJ: Jeremy Jones for San Diego Party People • Videographer: DiscGoRound • Venue: La Jolla Women’s Club

Tags: bikes, brunch reception, california, carnations, gray tux, la jolla, outdoor wedding, pink, pink bouquet, september wedding, short wedding dress, strapless wedding dress, taiwan, tea