Susana and Tianhao's wedding at the beautiful Amangiri Resort in Utah is a true haven of serenity and natural beauty amongst the dramatic landscapes of the American Southwest. With mountainous terrains carved by pristine waters and endless skies, the venue's authentic beauty evoked an enduring sense of the couple's deep connection to the earth, eternal love and timeless devotion - perfectly aligned with their vision of marriage. The day was a poetic melding of organic beauty and refined elegance, creating a unique soulful ambiance and experience for the couple and guests alike, potent memories forevermore.
Tell us a little about yourselves. How did you meet? What do you do for a living? What are your hobbies?
We met on a sunny day during a school tour at UC Berkeley. It's been a wonderful seven years leading up to our marriage. I run a biotech startup in the Bay Area, while Susana is currently pursuing her MBA at UCLA Anderson. Our shared passions include exploring new destinations, diving into the deep blue, and rallying on the tennis court.
Can you share your engagement story?
Our engagement story had its twists, thanks to an unexpected guest named COVID. I had everything planned for a romantic proposal, but as the pandemic reshaped our world, we had to put our dreams on hold. A year later, I decided to go with the flow of life’s unpredictability. During a serene getaway at the Four Seasons on the Big Island of Hawaii, I proposed to Susana. It was a moment of pure joy.
Where was your wedding? Why did you choose this venue?
Our wedding took place in the breathtaking Amangiri Resort in Utah, a location that stood out as a masterpiece of tranquility and natural beauty among the dramatic landscapes of the American Southwest. Choosing Amangiri was not a straightforward decision; we spent months analyzing various venues, with options like the Four Seasons Lanai and Amangiri topping our list. We even created a detailed spreadsheet to evaluate each potential location on factors such as accessibility, capacity, uniqueness, cost, etc. Although the Four Seasons outscored Amangiri something about Amangiri spoke to us on a deeper level. The decision crystallized when, despite the analytics favoring another, our disappointment revealed where our hearts truly lay. Opting for Amangiri without prior visitation was a gamble, fraught with nervous anticipation about the venue living up to its promise. Yet, from the moment we arrived, every doubt dissolved, surpassed by the breathtaking reality that awaited us — every view a canvas, every moment a discovery. It was the perfect backdrop for our most cherished commitment.
What was the concept behind your wedding and how did you find your inspiration?
The overarching theme of our wedding was inspired by the timeless, otherworldly landscape of Amangiri, which seamlessly blends ancient geological history with modern design. This place, where towering mesas and pristine skies stretch endlessly, was once submerged beneath ocean waters millions of years ago. It evokes a sense of timeless continuity and enduring strength, much like our vision of marriage. Drawing from this profound connection to the Earth's past, we embraced the Chinese proverb “when the seas run dry and stones go soft” to symbolize our hope for an everlasting love that withstands the tests of time. The solitude and majesty of Amangiri, seemingly isolated in the heart of the desert, magnified the intimacy and significance of our union. It felt as though we were the only two people in the world, making timeless vows in the silence of ancient stones. This not only inspired our decor and ceremony but deeply influenced the emotive tone of the entire celebration, creating a space where every element resonated with the theme of enduring love and the majesty of nature.
How long did it take to plan your wedding? Did you encounter any challenges during the planning process?
The planning took about a year, with numerous unforeseen challenges along the way. Amangiri’s exclusivity meant navigating through stringent guidelines, and our guest list unexpectedly grew, demanding constant adjustments. Coordinating travel and activities for our guests also presented logistical hurdles, but it was all worth it.
How many guests did you have? And what was the seating arrangement at the wedding like?
We celebrated with fifty of our closest friends and family. The seating was thoughtfully arranged to foster intimacy and conversation, complementing the vastness of the desert with close personal connections.
Tell us about your outfits. How many different styles have you tried?
I chose to wear two distinct outfits: a classic tuxedo and a contemporary neutral-colored suit, both tailored to fit perfectly. Susana was stunning in six different outfits, ranging from playful short dresses to majestic long gowns, reflecting each part of the celebration. Herwardrobe featured pieces from designers like Monique Lhuillier and Oscar de la Renta, among others.
What was your first dance song? Did you choreograph or improvise?
Our first dance was to Calum Scott’s 'Biblical.' We worked with Andrew from Arthur Murray to perfect our moves, making that moment truly magical.
Did you have any special performances or entertainment?
Indeed, our wedding featured a unique blend of performances and entertainment that held deep personal significance for us and offered our guests an enchanting experience. One of the most heartfelt special events we incorporated was inspired by our first date at the Lantern Festival. There, amidst a sea of light, we wrote down our wishes and watched as they floated up into the night sky, a symbolic gesture of our budding relationship. To echo this cherished memory, we arranged a water lantern ceremony at our wedding. As twilight deepened into dusk, each guest was invited to inscribe their wishes and dreams onto water lanterns. Together, we released them into the resort's reflective pool, creating a luminous spectacle that mirrored the starlit sky. This serene moment not only allowed us to share a piece of our journey with our loved ones but also created a collective experience of connection and hope.
What was the most memorable moment from your wedding day?
The entire day was filled with unforgettable moments, but if I had to choose just one, it would be Susana making a grand entrance on horseback. It was a breathtaking sight that left everyone in awe.
Are there any vendors that you would like to tell us a little more about?
Absolutely! Our wedding day was made perfect thanks to an exceptional team of vendors whose talent and dedication we cannot praise enough. Di and Michelle from Awaiting The Name, our planners and floral designers, were pivotal in transforming our vision into reality. From the outset, they provided invaluable guidance, soothing our nerves and refining our ideas with their seasoned expertise. Their exquisite floral arrangements added bursts of beauty across the venue, and their coordination was flawless, ensuring that every element came together seamlessly. C&C Photography captured every moment with such artistry that each photo feels like a return to that day. Their approach was both professional and personal. They took the time to get to know us, our style, and our vision, which allowed them to capture images that felt deeply personal and uniquely ours. They had an exceptional ability to use natural light and the stunning backdrops of Amangiri to create breathtaking photos that looked as if they came straight out of a bridal magazine. Their quick turnaround on editing allowed us to share some stunning images with our guests in 1 day, which was a delightful bonus!! The Hubs Film created a wedding video that rekindles our emotions with every viewing. Their cinematic approach perfectly encapsulated the spirit of our day, delivering a film so touching that it leaves us and our viewers teary-eyed every time. Honestly, all of our vendors are amazing and their efforts were integral to the perfection of our day, and we are immensely grateful to each one of them.
What advice would you give to couples who are currently planning their wedding?
Everything will be perfect including all the imperfections, so don’t stress out.
Did you make a gift for guests, and what was it? What did you give each other as a gift?
For our guests, we wanted to share a taste of our journey together, so one of the gifts we gave them was ‘fortune bags’ filled with ‘happiness candies.’ Each bag contained about twenty different candies collected from various parts of the world, representing the sweetness and diversity of life's experiences.
Venue: @amangiri
Planner and Florist: @awaitingthenamefloral
Photography: @ccphotographying
Videographer: @thehubsfilms
Hair and Makeup: @bing_makeup_studio
Wedding Cakes: @triziacakeartistry
DJ: @divinityeventproductions , @ingramentertainment
Officiant: @monumentalarizonaweddings
Rental: @foundrentalco , @borrowedblu
Groom Attire: @tailorskeep , @ferragamo
Bride Attire: @moniquelhuillier , @oscardelarenta , @valentino , @rogervivier
Welcome Dress: @rimearodaky
Pink Dress: @_aje_
Jewelers: @graff , @harrywinston
