Sharon and Jason’s wedding story began with an introduction by mutual friends in Hong Kong. At that first meeting, the timing for a romance wasn’t quite right—but four years later, they were both single and began dating. The couple became engaged after Jason planned a surprise trip to Bali and organized a private dinner on the beach where he popped the question.
Sharon and Jason selected the Ritz Carlton at Lake Tahoe as the site for their ceremony and reception. They planned the event with Jean Marks of Jean Marks Weddings and rave about the experience of working with her. Says Sharon, “I know other brides who were super stressed out because their planners were not great. Jean Marks is the best!” The bride and groom wanted a fun, relaxed, summer/fall wedding outdoors, so they picked a coral color with gray/black to contrast with the natural colors of the landscape.
To reflect the diversity of their cultures, their welcome bags treated guests to Sharon’s favorite snacks from Australia and Jason’s favorite snacks from the US. Reflecting her Chinese heritage, the wedding day began with a tea ceremony for Sharon with her parents and family. Jason honored his Jewish heritage by wearing his grandfather’s tallis, exchanging vows under a chuppah, and dancing the hora at the reception.
The couple celebrated the day with an exchange of special gifts. From the bride, Jason received dodo cuff links by Deakin and Francis. From the groom, Sharon received a Mikimoto pearl earring and necklace set. “We hope to pass this on to our daughter one day,” says Sharon.
For the ceremony, Sharon wore a strapless gown by Lusan Mandongus, paired with shoes by Michael Kors. Her hair was styled by Sierra Hair Tahoe and her makeup was done by Kiss and Make Up Studio. Sharon gifted each of her bridesmaids with a bow-tie bracelet by Kate Spade. The groom’s wedding-day attire was designed by British Textile Co., a tailor in Hong Kong. Jason’s attendants each received a shaving kit as a gift from the groom. Looking back on the ceremony, Jason says that one of his favorite parts of the day was “when Sharon walked out of the hotel and down the aisle.”
The couple’s reception featured music from Pure Ecstasy and classic floral arrangements in their signature colors by Bellissima Floral. As favors, the couple offered guests monogrammed white boxes, in the style of Chinese-food takeout containers, with fortune cookies inside.
After a honeymoon in Brazil and Peru, the couple remembers their wedding with profound joy and are especially thrilled that so many friends and family traveled from around the world to join with them in celebrating the start of their marriage.
Vendors:
Coordinator: Jean Marks, Jean Marks Weddings | Ceremony & Reception Venue: Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe | Dress Designer: Lusan Mandongus | Groom’s Wardrobe Designer: British Textile Co. in Hong Kong | Shoe Designer for Bride: Michael Kors | Bridesmaids Dresses: J. Crew | Bride’s Jewelry and Accessories: Mikimoto Pearl Earring and Necklace | Groom’s Accessories: Deakin and Francis, Dodo cufflinks | Hair: Laura Seegmiller, Sierra Hair Tahoe | Makeup: Jennifer Ergut, Kiss and Make up Studio | Officiant: Janice Midkiff, Ceremony of Love | Florist: Sara Spurlock, Bellissima Floral | Caterer & Desserts: Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe | Cake Designer: BethAnn Goldberg, Studio Cake | Ceremony & Reception Music: Pure Ecstasy | Lighting: American Audio Visual Center | Transportation: North Tahoe Executive Shuttle
