It’s official: Will and Michelle got married in one of the most beautiful cities in California! Because this stunning “InterContinental The Clement Monterey” wedding was an absolute dream!
Will and Michelle are one of the sweetest couples you will ever meet! Will is originally from Nothern California. Michelle was born in Taipei, Taiwan, and came to the US when she was 6. They both work in big corporations, managing different projects in healthcare for Will and e-commerce for Michelle.
I absolutely loved hearing how their paths crossed! They met in Las Vegas at a business school mixer. But wait for it… The actual first time they met was at a pool party. Will handed Michelle an excessively large cup of whiskey and said something about how she has a strong resume (Michelle was not impressed). They didn’t see each other again until later that trip and actually had a chance to speak. Well, and the rest is history! 🙂 Will proposed to Michelle in Hawaii on a remote pier one beautiful morning with no one else there except some local fishermen. Soo romantic!
Now here comes the year they decided to tie the knot… I have to say 2020 has been extraordinary in many ways. At some point and in some way, due to the worldwide Covid-19 pandemic, all of my 2020 couples have had their wedding dreams and plans changed. They’ve been caught in limbo not knowing whether they could get married at all. They have been downsized, or postponed, or moved, or canceled. Wow, right?! As if wedding planning isn’t a tough cookie as is!
Will and Michelle had to postpone their big wedding to 2021 too. But instead of waiting for another year, they still wanted to make it official on their original date anyways, so they decided to elope in Monterey, with just their immediate family. Well, you’ll never believe what an amazingly great decision it was!
On top of everything else, this summer California experienced incredible heat waves. And that Sunday of September 6th, 2020, the day they originally planned their big wedding on a rooftop in Downtown LA, Los Angeles experienced the highest temperatures recorded EVER in this county – 121 F (49.5C). Well, that day we all were in Monterey, enjoying the PERFECT weather of 75F (24C). How amazing is that?!
Not only was the weather perfect that day, everything was! For me, one of the heartwarming things about that day was that I’ve already known Michelle and her wonderful family. I got a chance to photograph her sister Eileen’s elopement and then wedding a year before! When I walked into her suite at InterContinental The Clement Monterey hotel, Michelle was like a little butterfly, so cheerful and bright, curling her hair and video-chatting with Eileen who was going to virtually officiate them from the East Coast. Her parents were there too, decorating the room following Chinese traditions.
As for Will, he and his family drove from San Jose to Monterey. He looked so dapper in his suit and was so excited the whole day! Michelle’s brother prepared the online streaming set up so that their family and friends all over the world could witness them say “I do”. Their ceremony took place on a charming terrace overlooking the Pacific Ocean. After their ceremony, we went to Pebble Beach resort for a brunch and took some portraits at the beach. Everything was just magical!
Michelle and Will, I’m so happy for you guys!! Thank you so much for inviting me to photograph your beautiful wedding, and trusting me to capture these very special, once-in-a-lifetime memories for you! It was an honor!
I can’t wait to see you and your families again next year! With last year, this year, and next year it looks like it’s becoming our yearly tradition =)
THE CREATIVE TEAM
Photography: Dasha Dean Photography, Ceremony venue: InterContinental The Clement Monterey, Lunch venue: Pebble Beach Resorts,
Bridal bouquet: Jasmine Tong Events, Florals: Fleurs du Soleil, Bride’s gown: BHLDN, Groom’s suit: Indochino, Rings: The Clear Cut, Bride’s hairpieces: BHLDN
