HYUN MIN: The day of our wedding started as a total whirlwind. We were both up till 4am trying to finish making all the little items and decor pieces we wanted for the ceremony and reception, and then we had to get up at 7:30am! We barely had a chance to look at each other properly that morning, and I just remember frantically saying “See you later!!!” as we each rushed off to get ready. As I was getting my makeup and hair done, I was constantly nervous and worried that something wouldn’t go as planned, but having my aunt there the whole time was a huge relief. My wonderful mom sadly passed away almost 20 years ago, and for a long time I was worried I wouldn’t be able to stop crying on my wedding day because she wasn’t there. My aunt, as my mom’s sister has always been like a second mom to me and my siblings, and I could feel her love and care in every moment during the preparation. She took care of me, all the bridesmaids, my fiance’s mother and aunts, the makeup artists……Everyone with such loving attention and I think that was what helped me slowly calm down my nerves as the morning progressed.

Once I was done getting ready though, it felt amazing! It was as if everyone around me, the hair/makeup artist, our wedding coordinator and the photographers all had waved a magic wand and made everything feel perfect, sparkly and happy! I think from that moment on I pretty much couldn’t stop smiling. First look was so much fun – it was wonderful to see Sun Jae’s face light up as he opened his eyes and saw me, and after that we were just a pair of grinning, giddy, silly lovebirds! Contrary to my worry about crying too much on my wedding day, I was so filled with excitement and glee that I almost started to worry I wouldn’t cry at all. I needn’t have worried though, because once I started reading my vows during the ceremony, tears just started gushing out. As I read on and looked at Sun Jae’s tender smile, all the sadness I ever had before I met him seemed to wash out of me through my tears, and I felt like I was being born again into a loving, blissful life together with him.

Our wedding day, despite the crazy start to it, was truly a fairytale dream come true. Everything was so beautiful, glowing, and fun. It was more joyful than I ever imagined any day could be, I just wished it didn’t fly by so quickly! The most magical part was seeing how our union brought two separate groups of family and friends together, and it was like everyone had been sprinkled with glittery, happy fairy dust. I hope Sun Jae and I can always love and laugh together, and be able to spread that joy to all those around us, for as long as we both shall live!

SUN JAE: My first look experience was truly magical and unforgettable. I honestly did not know what to expect, as I nervously closed my eyes shut and waited at the spot where my bride was to arrive for the first look. Hyun Min got out of the shuttle bus and walked toward where I was standing. I held Hyun Min’s hand and slowly opened my eyes and I was struck in awe! It was even more beautiful than I had imagined. My mouth was just wide open with joy and happiness the whole time. Our photographer Tiffani was awesome so we quickly warmed up to taking photos and from then on, we were just having fun and enjoying the moment together. It was the happiest, most joyful moment of my life. Looking back on that day again it was a full day of so many emotions, love, and laughter. At times, there were moments when we were hustling and the day just went by too quickly. But getting to spend a whole day with your loving wife, blessed by the people we cherish, was such an amazing experience that I will forever keep dear to my heart.

MY VENDORS //

Venue: Calamigos Ranch – The Oak Room : www.calamigos.com | Coordinator: Tanya Boyd : http://xoxowed.com/ | Photographer: Sun & Sparrow : www.sunandsparrow.com | Videographer: Jun Ku Lee | Florals: The Little Branch : www.thelittlebranch.com | DJ: Abraham Chase : http://voxdjs.com/ | Photo booth: Pixster Photo Booth : www.pixsterphotobooth.com | Invitations: Bride and Groom’s drawings added onto a design from www.minted.com | Rentals: Pretty Vintage Rentals : http://prettyvintagerentals.com/ | Cake: Lark Cake Shop : http://larkcakeshop.com/ | Cake Topper: DIY by the Bride and Groom! | Wedding Gown Maker: Hayley Paige | Wedding Gown Boutique: JLM Couture : www.jlmcouture.com | Wedding rings: Tiffany & Co : www.tiffany.com | Engagement ring: Brilliant Earth : www.brilliantearth.com | Hair & Makeup: Theresa Huang : https://kohnur.com/ | Bride Shoes: Emmy London : www.emmylondon.com | Bride Hair Accessories: Twigs and Honey : www.twigsandhoney.com | Bridesmaids dresses: Jenny Yoo : www.jennyyoo.com | Bridesmaids robes: KIM+ONO : https://kimandono.com/ | Groom Suit: Hugo Boss : www.hugoboss.com | Groomsmen suits: The Black Tux : https://theblacktux.com/

To see more photography from Calamigos Ranch venues, click on any of the links below.

The Oak Room | The Redwood Room | The Pavillion | The Birchwood Room

FROM THE PHOTOGRAPHER: Trent & Chloe’s wedding was such a fun day to be a part of! These two were beautifully candid and natural, you could tell how much they loved each other by just seeing the way they held hands. We loved everything about their glorious day, especially being at The Redwood Room. We leap for joy every time we hear that a bride wants a Calamigos Ranch wedding!! Every moment felt like a dream, even for us as Malibu wedding photographers.

One thing we love most about being a part of weddings, is that we are able to partner with each bride and groom in their wedding day vision. They spoke about how their personalities were very laid back and relaxed. They wanted to feel like they were in a hidden forest wedding at The Redwood Room. Knowing these things about them, we did all we could to photograph their personal fairytale Calamigos Ranch wedding.

We are so grateful to be a part of so many amazing love stories and can’t wait for the next adventure!