It Takes a Village

Location: Metropolitan Building - Long Island City, NY

Gown: Jason Wu

Cocktail Dress: Jason Wu

Shoes: Christian Louboutin

Hair: Jennifer Chiminello

Makeup Artist: Michelle Lewis

Bridesmaids Dresses: BCBG, Black Leather Bow Belt: Jason Wu

Flowers: Bride & Patricia Batista

Music: Scratch Weddings

Food: Sasha Odnoralov with Maia Pearl Catering

Groom's Suit: Burberry

Groomsmen: Express

Brides Occupation: Director, Jason Wu

Grooms Occupation: Financial Analyst

Michelle + Tee:  In Her Words:

Tee and I met 7 years ago in a typical fashion for young New Yorkers.  At a bar. Six years later, and after a painstaking search for the perfect ring, he proposed.

Working in finance, Tee is very analytical and completely logical. Working in the fashion industry I was driven by one thing: make it chic!

We had poured ourselves into the details for months , from scouring New York for the perfect venue, to hand picking the flowers from NYC's flower district. We wanted a wedding that reflected us, including the incorporation of three distinct cultures: Thai, Dominican and American. Our experience was made much more special by the involvement of our friends and family in the realization of our vision.  It was incredible, everyone was so willing to give of themselves in celebration of our union.  They say it takes a village to raise a child--- the same can be said for planning your own wedding. After months of planning, spending, and being generally exhausted of making decisions (and a few disagreements!) we were reaching that critical moment when you start wondering and asking each other the critical questions:  why didn't we elope?!

Our wedding day finally arrived. So what if the Buddhist Monks got lost on the way to the ceremony, or that my dress arrived 3 hours shy of our scheduled nuptials? I was marrying the love of my life that day, and that made anything that did or could go wrong seem laughable in contrast. 

When we stepped out of the ceremony, for a brief moment, it felt like it was just us and the whole world fell away.  Sheer joy washed over the both of us, and the sudden realization of our being husband and wife sunk in with an alarming force. We didn't care that we looked completely hysterical looking at each other with foolish grins and tears in our eyes.  It was one of the most honest and humbling moments in my life.  Then reality came slowly back to focus in the form open arms and smiling faces, wishing us elated congratulations, and ready to celebrate!