Katie and Derek’s wedding was a joyful, personal celebration that honored both their roots and their shared future. Though they live in New York, they returned to their hometown of San Francisco to get married in the neighborhoods that shaped them.
The day began at the Fairmont, where they got ready and shared a quiet first look before heading to the steps of San Francisco City Hall for their ceremony — a stunning backdrop and one of the city's most iconic public spaces. During the ceremony, they incorporated a tea ceremony with their immediate family, a deeply meaningful moment filled with sweet, emotional exchanges.
Their reception took place at Moongate Lounge above Mister Jiu’s in Chinatown — a location full of personal resonance. Katie’s grandparents remembered attending banquets there in the '80s, when it was known as the Four Seas. For Katie and Derek, both half Cantonese, the venue felt like the perfect reflection of their heritage: lush velvet, deep jewel tones, and golden light offering a rich, modern take on traditional Chinese celebration.
A lion dance welcomed guests on Waverly Place, catching the attention of curious tourists who paused to ask if a celebrity wedding was underway. Inside, guests danced under colorful lights, passed around tiny sunglasses, and enjoyed California-Cantonese cuisine that felt both nostalgic and refreshingly new.
The whole day felt alive — full of movement, meaning, and the perfect balance of past and present.
Planning: The Framework | Florals: Bloom Well and Co | Hair and Makeup: Skyla Arts | Gown: Unveiled Bridal | Paper Goods: Goods Gang | Ceremony AV: Ivy Hill Entertainment | DJ: Dart Collective
