An Elegant California Wedding at The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel
Like many modern couples, Lily Cai and Philip Gao met on the Coffee Meets Bagel dating app. After a few exchanged messages, plans were made for a first date at Rappahannock Oysters in Downtown Los Angeles.
“From the moment we connected with each other online, conversation flowed effortlessly,” Lily states. “At our date, Philip and I talked all through dinner. By the end of the evening, it was clear this wasn’t just a good first date – it was the start of something special.”
“It was clear this wasn’t just a good first date – it was the start of something special."
A Secret Proposal
Years later, Philip planned a secret proposal that swept Lily off her feet, starting with a lovely dinner at La Boucherie and a beautiful view of the city.
“After dinner,” says Lily, “he proposed as he had jokingly done with me many times before. Though this time, it was for real. But the surprises weren’t over. Philip led me to a private room where all my closest friends were waiting, cheering and celebrating with us. It was a surreal moment, surrounded by all of the people who mattered most.”
Planning an Elegant California Wedding with Dee Lee
The wedding planning process proved to be overwhelming, but the couple had an incredible ally on board to help – wedding planner and coordinator, Dee Lee.
“From the very beginning,” says Lily, “Dee understood our vision: an elegant and classy affair that prioritized the ceremony. Her experience and connections with best-in-class vendors helped to bring our ideas to life. We couldn’t have asked for a better team.
“When the big day finally arrived, it was a whirlwind of emotions. We had friends and family from near and far, some of whom we were meeting for the first time. While keeping track of where we needed to be and when was a bit difficult, Dee’s team ensured everything – and everyone – ran smoothly. One of the most memorable moments of the ceremony was the release of the white doves – a beautiful sight that left us, and our guests, deeply moved.”
A Luxury Wedding Reception at The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel
The bride and groom’s ceremony was followed by a luxury reception at The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel. Gold accents were paired with pink and champagne roses, creating a magical atmosphere for the couple’s elegant California wedding.
“The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel delivered on an extraordinary dining experience,” adds the bride, “with every dish executed to perfection – though it’s hard to say we had the chance to enjoy our meal! One of our best decisions was the midnight snacks, which were a huge hit with our guests and kept us from going hungry. Pouring champagne from a tower added a fun and glamorous touch to the festivities. Our first dance was a highlight, but watching everyone join us on the dance floor was the real magic.”
A Honeymoon in New Zealand
After their wedding, Lily and Philip departed for a honeymoon in New Zealand – an experience that turned out to be the adventure of a lifetime.
“We drove the entire length of both the North and South Islands, taking in the green landscapes and the quaint towns and cities,” Lily describes. “Each day was a new exploration, whether trying the different wines and seafoods or taking in the stunning national parks. We enjoyed every minute of it and we’re already thinking of ways to return. It’s hard to compare the serene beauty of Lake Tekapo or the waterfalls at Milford Sound. Waking up to the ever-changing views and weather of the country took our proverbial breaths away.”
To top things off, Philip managed to convince Lily to go fly-fishing, resulting in an enormous brown trout being her first trophy. For the newlyweds, New Zealand was the ultimate honeymoon destination.
WEDDING TALENT
Location: The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel, Dana Point, CA; Planner & Event: Design: Dee Lee Designs; Floral: Butterfly Floral, Los Angeles, CA; Cake: Grace and Honey Cakes, Coast Mesa, CA; Ceremony & Reception Dresses: Rita Vinieris, Berta Bridal; Salon: Lovella Bridal, Glendale, CA; Invitations: La Design Boutique; Linen: Luxe Linen; Entertainment: DJ Tim Hampton; Rentals: The Rental Avenue, TMMPRO; Hair & Makeup: Grace Lin Makeup, Pasadena, CA; Cinematography: Steven Dorn Films; Lighting: Premier Lighting & Production, Sun Valley, CA; Champagne Tower: Bottles and Blooms, Huntington Beach, CA; Dove Release White Flite Dove Release, Orange County, CA; Photobooth: LX PIX Photo Booth; Photography: Kayla Denae Photography