Vietnamese-Filipino Garden Wedding at Rock Creek Gardens in Puyallup

Jessica and Michael’s love story began with a ring pop and Bruno Mars. The couple first met at a Seattle music and dance event, where he was performing with his band, and she was dancing with her company. Michael pulled Jessica on stage, serenading her to “Marry You” and handing her a ring pop as part of the bit. Five years of friendship and performances across Washington followed before the two started dating. Because music was a constant in their relationship, it shaped nearly every moment of their day, from the sentimental songs they chose to the live performances by friends and family.

The celebration spanned two days. The first was a traditional Vietnamese tea ceremony at Jessica’s childhood home, where the groom’s family arrived bearing gifts on traditional gold trays, and the couple served tea to their elders in a ritual of gratitude and blessing. The second day opened with an ethereal, colorful pastel garden party at Rock Creek Gardens. The officiant danced down the aisle, the groom performed, the best man sang the first dance, Filipino lechon was carved at dinner and a boba wall at cocktail hour gave way to a late-night ramen bar before the night was through. From start to finish, the day was jubilant and perfectly in tune.