Christine Chang Photography

This week I came across an interesting thought, that one reason why people marry is because, subconsciously, they desire a witness to their lives.  A person’s every move and thought adds up to a single life to be lived, and one way of understanding yourself is have a witness (like a spouse) who will know you, perhaps, better than you know yourself.  That was a little bit of what was going through my head as I covered Nancy and Ricky’s wedding, my last wedding of 2008.

If I had to summarize this wedding into one feeling I would say that throughout the engagement sessions and the wedding Nancy and Ricky were content.  Content that they found each other, content that they now can progress through life as one.  They spoke Cantonese to each other, and though I didn’t understand a thing they said it was just as well, because there were times when this language allowed them to be intimate in their own way—all I understood were the smiles, the kisses, and their eyes—eyes that said pretty much that this was the best thing to do and the best place to be.

Speaking of places, Ricky is a first generation Chinese immigrant, in that while I was born in Los Angeles (which makes me second generation since my parents were the ones who immigrated), Ricky didn’t come to the United States until he was in his teens.  So he has achieved what my parents had achieved: the establishment of the American Dream.  It’s no walk in the park to pick up a language, get a new job, and establish a life here.  But that’s what Ricky did, and he thanked his mom and dad for supporting him all the way. Then his mom burst into tears.  It must be that mixed feeling of sorrow and joy, which also made me believe Ricky when he thanked his mom for raising him because he was a really mischievous kid.  Also, Nancy’s dad did double duty.  Reverend Lau walked her daughter down the aisle, handed her over to Ricky, and stepped up to marry them as a reverend.  I think we can all learn much from these acts of love.

Some pictures below:

It has been quite cold (for Southern California standards–so it’s probably not that bad) lately.  But pair cold weather with warm emotions and lo and behold the holiday season has arrived.  While everyone was getting in line for some last minute shopping, Sunny and Brinton celebrated their wedding season by marrying this past Saturday in LA Koreatown among beloved friends and family.  

Usually when I show up for a 6:30am shoot at the salon the place has just opened and there’s only one or two people there, ready to make up the bridal party.  But when I got to Hills Beauty Club Salon there was another wedding party too, and the whole place was full of life, makeup and hairspray.  I hear this is the go-to place for the Korean Bridal Experience (caps because this is serious stuff!), and they did not disappoint.  Everyone looked ready for, well, a wedding.

The bridesmaids were practicing all day for their toasting speeches.  The ring bearer and the flower girl, brother and sister, were sharing orange tic tacs while Sunny and Brinton were exchanging their vows.  I saw rice cake from the early morning (a bridesmaid brought it for breakfast) to the reception.  Sunny and Brinton also memorized their vows, and the execution was perfect and heartfelt.  It’s these little details and so much more that makes their wedding unique and fun.

Scroll down until the last picture for a slideshow!

To see the slideshow click below or click here.