Destination Weddings and Honeymoons

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When our featured couple of the week, Dorothy Chen and Teddy Hsiung, got engaged, their biggest hurdle was figuring out exactly where they would tie the knot. With their immediate families living in Taiwan and their own home base in New York City, they decided the best option was to meet in the middle — in California’s wine country.

Envisioning a simple, relaxed wedding where the natural scenery and excellent climate could play major roles in their big day, the duo fell in love with B.R. Cohen’s Winery in Glen Allen, California. The winery had everything they wanted: a great view, a friendly staff and delicious wine. The opportunity to marry in the middle of the vineyard was the icing on the cake.

With the help of Kristen Cadaret, their month-of coordinator, the couple’s June ceremony took place on a shaded hill surrounded by family, friends and grape vines. The bride wore an ivory spaghetti-strap Amsale gown and accessorized with satin peep-toe heels by Nina, an Everlon gold and diamond knot necklace, an ivory-edged Amsale veil, and handmade silk flowers with Swarovski crystals and pearls from Etsy in her hair.

Guests enjoyed cocktail hour on a deck overlooking the vineyard before moving to a nearby olive grove for the pastel-hued reception. Paper lanterns in shades of peach and pink hung above round dinner tables decorated with white linens, mason-jar centerpieces and wine bottles displaying table numbers. As a nod to their summer nuptials, “Lovesicle” soap favors adorned each table setting, while a three-tiered tower of cupcakes trimmed with Dorothy’s hand-painted cupcake toppers displayed the real sweet treats.

Photos courtesy Getrude and Mabel Photography

See the whole story for more details, planning tips and wedding inspiration.