Ahnah Lee had dreamt of a “princess wedding” since watching Cinderella as a little girl. So, when planning the nuptials to her Prince Charming, Chris Han, San Francisco City Hall with its majestic Beaux-Arts architecture provided the perfect setting. Inspired by the venue, they selected an elegant palette of blush with dashes of gold. 

Though the bride was 45 minutes late for the "first look," her groom patiently waited. Ahnah’s heart was aflutter as she approached. “I’ll never forget the look on [his] face as he turned around and saw me,” she says, noticing the tears in his eyes. “The moment was magical.”

The ceremony and reception took place in the palatial rotunda beneath the exquisite coffered, domed ceiling of the venue. By her father's side, the bride glided down the grand marble staircase in a regal ball gown featuring a bodice embellished with embroidery and crystals, as well as a full tulle skirt. Her curled coiffure was adorned with a sparkling headband and veil. Ahnah held a bouquet of pink rosebuds.

Urns filled with champagne roses and hydrangeas set on pillar stands marked the altar at the landing. Chris’ father, who is a pastor, officiated the service. Ahnah and Chris’ personal vow exchange was faith-filled with heartfelt declarations and laughter. During a portion of the ceremony, the couple honored their parents by having their friends perform a special song.

After the “I dos,” loved ones discovered a unique way to express their wishes to the newlyweds. Since the couple loves to travel, they planned to display a world map in their new home. “Instead of just pinning the places we’ve visited, we thought it would be more meaningful if it also had loving messages from our wedding guests,” explains Ahnah. So, in lieu of a guest book, the map was printed and cut into large puzzle pieces for attendees to share their sentiments.

Being fans of baseball, personalized baseball cards featuring photos of the couple at the stadiums they’ve visited and fun facts were used as escort cards. Dinner tables were named after the corresponding team of the respective ballpark.

The reception was bathed in amber lighting. Candles in a cluster of varied glass hurricane vases, some embellished with rhinestones, were nestled amid blush petals and cast a warm glow on tables surrounded by golden chairs. A three-layer confection showcasing hues of white and rose with a sparkly finish was adorned with a bright pink bow to add another accent. “The cake was completed with custom bunny toppers made by Chris’ sister!” exclaims Ahnah.

Ahnah and Chris enjoyed incorporating elements of their Korean heritage throughout the celebration. Both their mothers wore colorful, ornate hanboks – traditional Korean dresses. “Dance with my Daddy” by Alex of Clazziquai was the sweet Korean tune selected for the father-daughter dance. The lively dance floor was later abuzz as Korean pop songs were played. Ahnah also included her favorite dessert, patbingsu – Korean shaved ice.

“[O]ur wedding was based on everything magical and romantic – from our 'first look,' to my grand entrance, to our first dance,” attests the bride.