Love found Lin Wang and Pablo Villanueva-Meyer in the most fitting place for two future physicians: during their medical training in Las Vegas. Though neither was seeking a relationship at the time, “life had other plans,” smiles Lin.

Assigned together for an ICU rotation, they formed an effortless bond during long hours and demanding days, discovering a shared love of food and travel. “Soon thereafter, we became inseparable,” they recall. “Through the highs and lows, we always supported each other, and our relationship grew.”

Three years later, a quiet weekend trip to Santa Barbara set the stage for their engagement. Pausing along the coast to “overlook the ocean and take in the fresh air,” Pablo knelt down and proposed. “It was small, intimate, and private,” Lin shares of the intimate proposal that was perfectly aligned with their grounded, heartfelt dynamic.

In 2022, they exchanged vows in a courthouse ceremony during the pandemic, but with no opportunity to celebrate with loved ones, they promised themselves a future gathering that would bring everyone together. When they began planning their Pasadena wedding celebration, life surprised them once more. “We found out that we were expecting our first child shortly after we started planning our wedding,” Lin shares.

With just three months to finalize every detail, their wedding planner, Dee Lee of Dee Lee Designs, became indispensable. “She was a life saver throughout the process,” the bride expresses. Under her guidance, availability became the key factor in decision-making, while service and reputation were easily ensured. “We did not have to worry… as a lot of things were vetted through our wedding planner,” she adds.

“The biggest highlight of the wedding was getting our loved ones together.”

The couple ultimately chose The Langham Huntington, Pasadena, for their special day. As location was their top priority, the iconic property provided an elegant backdrop while offering easy access for their guests traveling from across California and around the world – including Peru, England, Mexico, and numerous U.S. states.

Inspired by the “small, quaint towns in Tuscany,” Lin and Pablo envisioned a celebration that felt “classy but relaxed… something that wasn’t stuffy and an environment where people could let loose.” Soft whites and organic textures created a romantic atmosphere for their ceremony. Baby’s breath, white roses, and orchids lined the aisle, leading to two whimsical, asymmetrical floral structures that framed the spot for the vow exchange.

At the reception, tall clear trumpet vases overflowed with cascading orchids and roses, setting a refined tone for the elegant evening. Guests enjoyed a sit-down dinner service featuring Californian-Asian fusion cuisine before indulging in slices of a four-tier white wedding cake with vanilla and strawberry buttercream and delicate floral accents. Macarons awaited guests as sweet parting favors.

Though the wedding day unfolded flawlessly, the true highlight was the presence of their nearest and dearest. “The biggest highlight of the wedding was getting our loved ones together,” Lin and Pablo share. With such limited planning time, they were profoundly touched that so many traveled great distances to celebrate with them. “We are blessed to have such wonderful friends and family that were able to take time off their busy schedules,” she adds.

Looking back, the couple would make only one change: “Start planning earlier!” And their advice to future couples is a gentle reminder shaped by their own experience. “Be present in the moment… Enjoy your special day!”