Richard Kim knew Judith Oh was “the one” after their first of many six-hour dinner conversations, as he discovered how deeply they connected with each other in several different aspects of life. This included everything from their Christian faith, to their mutual love of churros.
They first met years prior while both were attending medical school at University of California, San Franscisco, but lost touch when Judy stayed in San Francisco to complete her pediatrics residency, and Richard was recruited by fellow Harvard alums to work in the investment field at a New York hedge fund.
“HE WAS THEN SWEPT AWAY IN A PRIVATE HELICOPTER, WHICH FLEW ALONG THE COASTLINE AND LANDED IN ONE OF HER FAVORITE PLACES–DISNEYLAND–WHERE THEY SAVORED THE NIGHT TOGETHER UNDER A FIREWORKS DISPLAY AT THE MAGICAL KINGDOM.”
After they had both moved back to their hometowns in Los Angeles, they happened to reconnect at a church retreat. Richard loved Judy’s joyful spirit, her exuberance for life, and her passion for sports (especially Stanford football), and Judy cherished his thoughtfulness, wisdom, and integrity.
One day, as the couple was enjoying the ocean views at Laguna Beach, Judy was astonished to find a gazebo filled with pink balloons, roses, and Richard’s guitar. After serenading his girlfriend with one of her favorite songs, Sara Bareilles’ “I Choose You,” Richard got down on one knee and asked for her hand in marriage. Judy wholeheartedly accepted, and was delighted to discover that both their families were on hand to celebrate. She was then swept away in a private helicopter, which flew along the coastline and landed in one of her favorite places–Disneyland–where they savored the night together under a fireworks display at the Magical Kingdom.
The wedding planning process was a whirlwind, as Judy and Richard planned their dream wedding with 250 guests in only four months. Fortunately, their families and wedding planners were incredibly helpful in creating their vision of a “romantic, yet spectacular” event.
They wanted their special day to be a means of sharing their faith, honoring their parents and celebrating with their most beloved friends and family. Throughout the wedding planning season, the couple learned how to work together while complementing each other’s strengths, and how to pray together through the overwhelming moments.
When the big day arrived, the bride and groom were both filled with excitement while getting ready and reading cards they had written to each other. This led to their “first look” photo session; and when Richard first saw his bride, “his heart burst with happiness.”
As the newlyweds set foot into their wedding reception, it was breathtaking to see how everything had come together. Their cherry blossom theme was stunning, and the décor included a monogrammed ivory dance floor, cherry blossom centerpieces, elaborate chair covers, a beautiful cake positioned on the balcony, and a talented ten-piece band for a night of entertainment. Most importantly, the space was filled with everyone they loved.
“We were both struck by how perfect every moment of our wedding day was,” the couple says. “We will always be thankful to God for the memories of being surrounded by our most beloved family and friends.”
WEDDING TALENT
Ceremony Location: First Congressional Church of Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA; Reception Location: Millennium Biltmore Hotel Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA; Event Design and Planner: Exquisite Events, Los Angeles, CA; Floral Design: Eddie Zaratsian Lifestyle and Design, Los Angeles, CA; Cake: Fantasy Frostings, South Pasadena, CA; Stationery: Bethel Card & Paper, Los Angeles, CA; Wedding Dress: Vera Wang
