Mr. & Mrs. Kim

It’s always fun attending a friend’s wedding. It’s even more exciting to be a part of the whole extravaganza!

John & Gina have been together for 9 years, so it was definitely time to tie the knot! The beautiful couple were wed at the First Presbyterian Church of Berkeley in Berkeley, California. During the unity candle lighting, we had the pleasure of watching young violinist Doori Na perform. I always enjoy listening to music produced from string instruments, and this was no exception. He was amazing!

The reception was also held in Berkeley at HS Lordships. With the sun shining through the floor-to-ceiling windows, the Georgina Ballroom provided a spectacular view of the San Francisco bay. Guests enjoyed cocktails and appetizers as the bridal party congregated downstairs. Thank goodness the servers brought some food down for us, I was starving!

On every reception table, calla lilies were wrapped inside a large glass cylinder vase, with stones scattered along the bottom and two goldfish swimming around. A very creative twist for centerpieces! The couple had a fun giveaway for these centerpiece “fish bowls,” and even had a goldfish care package for all of the winners to take home. I absolutely loved the cake, which was created by The Cakemaker. Rose petals covered the entire cake table which added to the romantic ambience.

It was very special to watch the dancing… Gina and her father choreographed a Waltz dance, and her mother and grandfather also joined in. It was very sweet. Afterwards, John and his mother danced and grooved along to ”A Song for Mama” by Boyz II Men. So old school! I loved it.

Congratulations, Gina & John! Love you both dearly!

Gina’s Bridal Shower

Gina & I met while we studied abroad in Korea during our college years… we were actually assigned to be roommates, and she has been one of my closest friends ever since! I was so honored and excited when she asked me to be her bridesmaid! I was especially excited to begin planning for her bridal shower & bachelorette party!

Her bridal shower took place on a beautiful Sunday afternoon at her home in Redwood City, California. I arrived the night before (at midnight!) and the bridesmaids and I worked all night and early the next morning to prepare.

Guests munched on light finger foods and Sunday brunch items including egg quiche, banana nut bread, and refreshing strawberry mimosas. The ladies played a few games, one we called, “Pin the Lips on John!” We blew up a photo of her fiancee, John, and Photo shopped it onto Steve Carrell’s body from The 40-Year Old Virgin movie poster. Hilarious!

Before the bridal shower, I worked on preparing a Recipe Journal for Gina, contacting all of her guests and asking them to contribute their favorite recipes. We filled the William Sonoma Recipe Journal  with a fantastic variety of recipes, and the cover was even personalized with her soon-to-be name, Gina Kim!