A Modern, Sophisticated Wedding at The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel in Laguna Niguel, California

Ronnel Panopio was shopping with his friends for some new jeans at South Coast Plaza when he first spotted Erika Fong, a sales representative. Having noticed him looking at her, Erika was hesitant in assisting Ronnel and felt a bit uncomfortable. After some coaxing from her associates, however, she ended up helping Ronnel find his size, which led to him asking her out on a coffee date. 

Erika politely declined, but gave him her business card, hoping to build a professional relationship. Weeks passed as Ronnel continued to shop in Erika’s store and ask her out – needless to say, he eventually became more than just a client.

Fast forward to Valentine’s Day 2017, when Erika was asking her then-boyfriend if he planned anything special. Ronnel said no but ended up with tickets to the Lakers game that night. As the couple walked into the Staple Center, Ronnel was tense and not as talkative, which made Erika suspicious that something was going on. 

Their seats were incredible – floor seats in the middle of the court. When halftime began, Ronnel handed Erika his phone with a long note typed out on the screen. After she finished reading, she looked up to see Ronnel on one knee for the perfect gameday proposal.

Since Ronnel wanted his future bride to have the wedding of her dreams, he sat back for most of the wedding planning process and let her take the lead. Wanting to get married by the end of the year, Erika was feeling overwhelmed until she was introduced to Jenny Chang, owner of Rock N Events. Jenny made the rest of the journey easy and stress-free, as she fully understood the couple’s style, personalities, and expectations. 

From start to finish, the bride and groom could only describe their big day as “amazing” and “perfect.” The reception was modern and sophisticated, with all-white roses and hanging florals creating a soft and delicate ambiance. White lounge furniture was placed on the outside terrace and around the dance floor, allowing guests to sit and relax, and dim lighting set the mood for an all-night celebration. 

Tables were dressed cleanly to complement the wedding menu, and each dish was cooked to perfection. There was an overflow of wine, martinis, a custom ice luge, photobooth, and a live DJ to keep everyone dancing to top hits from the 90’s and early-2000’s.

The newlyweds stayed up for hours after their wedding ended, processing the events that had transpired. Both their hearts were full of love and gratitude, elated to have spent such an unforgettable day with family, friends, and each other.