When Eriko Katayama and Michael Kang first met in 2021, the connection felt instant. Their first date took place at a coffee shop in Newport Beach, where a casual coffee date quickly turned into hours of conversation. “Our first date felt like a meeting between two old friends,” remembers Eriko. “It didn’t feel like meeting each other for the first time, and we spent hours talking about our entire lives over coffee.”

Their love story continued to unfold along the Southern California coast, culminating in a romantic proposal at Crystal Cove State Beach in Newport Beach the following year. Michael had planned a playful surprise to disguise the moment. “Michael told me that we were going whale watching, and he said he buried my anniversary gift in the sand,” Eriko recalls. “He then went down on his knee and popped the question!”

The couple spent nearly two years planning a wedding that would celebrate their love story in the vibrant city they now call home: Los Angeles, California. With guidance from wedding planner Eunice Kim, Eriko spent 17 months thoughtfully organizing the celebration for just under 200 guests.

While planning a large-scale wedding inevitably came with its challenges, the bride embraced the process with determination. “Will it be stressful? Yes, but it will be worth it,” she says, recalling the best advice she received during the planning journey.

When it came to selecting wedding vendors, Eriko prioritized connection and communication above all else. “In terms of choosing the right vendors, I wanted to hire people who are personable, easy to communicate with, and caring,” she explains. Choosing a venue was one of the most important decisions. After touring more than 10 locations throughout Southern California, one space immediately stood out.

“Vibiana was the only venue that ‘spoke’ to me [and] Downtown Los Angeles is meaningful to us because we just love this beautifully diverse and dynamic city,” shares the bride. The historic cathedral provided the indoor setting she envisioned, along with the added convenience of valet service to ensure guests could arrive comfortably in the heart of the city.

“Do not follow the wedding trend! Do what speaks to you."

The couple also incorporated meaningful cultural elements into their celebration. Eriko, who is Japanese Korean, and Michael, who is Korean, honored both of their heritages by inviting their mothers to participate in a special way. “We wanted our mothers to wear Korean traditional dresses and walk down the aisle before us, together,” Eriko says. Each dressed in an elegant hanbok, the mothers processed down the aisle in a moment that was both symbolic and deeply personal.

The ceremony took place beneath the venue’s iconic white altar, which served as a striking backdrop for the couple’s vibrant spring floral design. Inspired by the season, Eriko selected a color palette of pink and lavender blooms accented with bold pops of color. “Since our wedding was in late April, we wanted to use lots of spring pink and lavender florals,” she shares. “We also incorporated some bold and colorful flowers to make them ‘pop,’” she adds.

Following the ceremony, guests enjoyed a sit-down dinner reception highlighting a delectable culinary experience showcasing New American cuisine by Amy Knoll and Chef Neal Fraser, paired with creative cocktails and wines. One particularly special detail was the couple’s wedding cake, a classic crème-colored confection topped with a playful dog figurine to honor their pup that added a charming personal touch.

The reception highlighted lush arrangements featuring combinations of pink roses, hydrangeas, and white orchids, creating a romantic yet lively atmosphere throughout the venue. For Eriko and Michael, the florals were one of the most personal elements of their celebration. When asked what made the event the most “them,” Eriko reflects: “Our favorite colors, flowers, and finding beauty in abundance and grandness.”

Among the many memorable moments of the evening, one stood out above the rest. “The DJ asked everyone to come to the dance floor so that we can take an epic group photo!” Eriko says. “It was so much fun.”

Another highlight was a live painter, whose presence added an artistic element to the day. In fact, the artist was the very first vendor the couple booked after deciding to marry. “Hiring a live painter was the best decision ever,” Eriko shares. “I fell in love with her work, and she was the first vendor we hired when we decided to get married.” Traveling from Hawaii for the occasion, the artist captured the wedding day on canvas in real time as guests watched throughout the ceremony and reception. “Our guests loved seeing her painting throughout the wedding,” the bride adds. “The painting will be our family’s heirloom forever.”

The couple’s advice for future brides and grooms is simple and heartfelt: “Do not follow the wedding trend! Do what speaks to you,” Eriko encourages. “If anything, go with something classic and timeless.” After celebrating their unforgettable Los Angeles wedding, the newlyweds departed for a romantic honeymoon in Bora Bora and Tahiti – an idyllic beginning to their new chapter together.