Timeless Romance: Sean and Hoang-Nghi’s Elegant Wedding at Chateau Laurier

Love Story

Sean and Hoang-Nghi's love story is a tale of serendipity, shared adventures, and a bond that blossomed over time. They first crossed paths through mutual friends, a fateful meeting that led to a romance spanning over seven beautiful years. Together, they've explored the world, making memories in California, Banff, Whistler, Greece, and beyond. But it was their trip to Japan, Sean’s ancestral homeland, that would become the backdrop to one of the most magical moments of their lives.

Spring of 2023 marked Sean’s first journey to Asia, a trip both had eagerly anticipated. They planned to indulge in their passions: Sean, ever the sports enthusiast, opted for a Japanese baseball game, while Hoang-Nghi, a lover of beauty and culture, chose a professional photoshoot amidst the enchanting cherry blossoms. Little did Hoang-Nghi know that Sean had orchestrated a moment that would forever change their story.

On the very first day of their trip, with rain threatening to dampen their plans, the skies offered a brief, miraculous reprieve. In those fleeting two hours, surrounded by the soft, ethereal glow of cherry blossoms, Sean knelt on one knee, his heart full of love, and asked Hoang-Nghi to spend forever by his side. Amidst a mist of rain—or perhaps tears of joy—she said yes, sealing their love in a moment as timeless as the blossoms themselves.

In the warm embrace of May 2023, Hoang-Nghi and Sean began weaving together the tapestry of their dream wedding. As a Vietnamese-Canadian and Japanese-Canadian couple, they envisioned a celebration that would beautifully intertwine their cultural heritages, creating a story uniquely their own.

The enchanting wedding weekend unfolded with a Vietnamese tea ceremony on August 23rd at the bride's family home. Steeped in tradition, the intimate gathering saw loved ones adorned in vibrant traditional attire, creating a mesmerizing tableau of color and culture. As tea was served to the elders and fragrant incense wafted from the family altar, the ancient customs breathed life into the first chapter of their wedding celebration.

The following day, the historic walls of Ottawa's Fairmont Chateau Laurier welcomed 250 cherished guests into its elegant embrace. The castle-like venue perfectly embodied the couple's vision of sophisticated luxury woven with heartfelt intimacy. Against the backdrop of soaring ceilings and ornate architecture, their love story continued to unfold.

The 15-month journey to their perfect day was illuminated by serendipitous timing, as Hoang-Nghi shared the wedding planning adventure with two of her best friends who were crafting their own celebrations. This sisterhood of brides-to-be sparked creativity and inspiration at every turn. Sean brought his own magic to the planning, infusing their celebration with personal touches through carefully chosen music, dances, and sweet details that spoke to their journey together. Modern inspiration melded seamlessly with timeless tradition as they crafted each element of their celebration, creating a day that was authentically, undeniably them.

Morning details

The couple's attention to detail began long before their wedding day, starting with their innovative approach to invitations. They crafted a heartfelt video invitation featuring their engagement photos, seamlessly blending modern technology with romance through their wedding website. For an added touch of luxury, Pietra Paper Design created stunning physical invitations in acrylic and gold, setting the tone for the elegant celebration to come.

Their choice of wedding rings told a story as unique as their love. Hoang-Nghi's white gold wedding band complemented her engagement ring perfectly, with diamonds ingeniously arranged to spell "SEAN" in Morse code – a hidden message of love-worn close to her heart. Sean's practical yet elegant choice of a silver-toned tungsten band reflected both his style and active lifestyle, designed to withstand his sporting adventures while matching his everyday jewelry.

The morning sparkled with meaningful jewelry choices. A precious diamond bracelet, once belonging to Hoang-Nghi's grandmother, graced her wrist as her something old, carrying generations of love into their new chapter. Her something new came in the form of an exquisite Swarovski crystal choker, a thoughtful gift from Sean. In a touching tribute to their beloved dog Lola, Sean wore custom-designed cufflinks featuring her image, ensuring their four-legged family member was part of their special day in a uniquely personal way.

Bride getting ready

The morning of the wedding unfolded in the magnificent Presidential Suite on the fifth floor of Chateau Laurier, a generous upgrade that provided the perfect backdrop for the bride's preparations. The spacious suite filled with joy and excitement as Hoang-Nghi was surrounded by her bridesmaids and both mothers, with champagne flowing freely as they prepared for the momentous day ahead.

Hoang-Nghi's journey to finding her perfect dress had been a testament to her dedication to detail. After visiting seven bridal boutiques and trying on over 100 dresses, she discovered her dream gown at Sinders Bridal in Carleton Place – an Eva Lendel creation, design Aretta. The dress was thoughtfully customized to include a dramatic two-foot train, elegant detachable sleeves, and a jeweled belt that perfectly complemented her crystal choker.

Her bridal ensemble was crafted with meticulous attention to every detail. A flowing cathedral-length tulle veil added classic romance, while ivory and crystal Jimmy Choo Saeda sandals brought modern luxury to her steps. Sparkling diamond drop earrings caught the light with every movement, harmonizing with her grandmother's vintage diamond bracelet and the stunning Swarovski crystal choker.

Wedecor brought the bride's floral vision to life with a breathtaking cascading bouquet of orchids and baby's breath, a design that both Hoang-Nghi and Sean had carefully planned with their decor team. The ethereal arrangement perfectly complemented the day's elegant atmosphere.

Adding to the visual harmony of the celebration were the bridesmaids, each expressing their individual style within a carefully curated color palette of terracotta, burnt citrus, and sunset hues. Their floor-length gowns, ranging from ready-to-wear pieces from Azazie, Reformation, and David's Bridal to custom-made creations, created a stunning tableau that perfectly framed the bride's entrance.

Groom getting ready

In the distinguished Parlour Room, Sean and his groomsmen prepared for the big day. His Mario Uomo tuxedo was complemented by specially designed cufflinks featuring an image of their beloved dog, Lola – a touching personal detail that brought a smile to everyone's face.

First Look

The couple's first look moment unfolded in a romantic setting within the historic Chateau Laurier, in an intimate alcove perched above the side entrance staircase. With the Ballroom just across the hall, the architecture provided a perfectly framed backdrop for this precious moment. Sean stood at the top of the staircase, his heart racing with anticipation, while Hoang-Nghi quietly made her way to his side. In a beautifully choreographed moment, they turned simultaneously to see each other for the first time.

The moment was filled with raw emotion and genuine surprise from both sides. Sean was momentarily speechless upon seeing his bride, managing only a breathless expression of awe. Meanwhile, Hoang-Nghi found herself captivated by the sight of her soon-to-be husband looking impossibly handsome in his formal attire.

Photoshoot before the ceremony

The majestic Chateau Laurier provided a stunning backdrop for their pre-ceremony photos. The couple explored the castle's interior for elegant portraits, while family photos were captured in the adjacent park, and the wedding party gathered at the side entrance to showcase the castle's magnificent exterior.

Ceremony

The ceremony unfolded in the ornate Laurier Room, a generous upgrade from the Chateau that offered the same architectural grandeur as the Ballroom but with a more intimate atmosphere. The space provided the perfect setting for the deeply personal celebration that was about to unfold.

The processional music, performed as arrangements by Daniel Jang, created an enchanting atmosphere. "Spring Day" accompanied the entrance of the groom, parents of the groom, wedding party, and the young attendants, while "Your Eyes Tell" provided a touching soundtrack as the bride made her entrance with her parents.

The youngest members of their families played special roles in the ceremony. Four adorable flower girls - the bride's cousin Vivianne, niece Matri, and the groom's nieces Amelia and Clara - scattered petals down the aisle. The bride's nephew Ethan and the groom's nephew Theo served as ring bearers, adding to the family-centered celebration.

Making the ceremony even more meaningful, the couple chose their best friend to officiate, bringing an incredibly personal touch to the proceedings. The highlight of the ceremony came during the exchange of vows,where Sean surprised everyone with an uncharacteristically eloquent and heartfelt declaration of his love. While the bride maintained her composure throughout the ceremony, her radiant, unwavering smile spoke volumes about the joy in her heart.

The ceremony embodied everything the couple had dreamed of - an elegant fusion of traditions, personal touches, and heartfelt moments, all wrapped in an atmosphere of pure romance that left not a dry eye in the ornate Laurier Room.

Photoshoot after the ceremony

Following their vows, the newlyweds shared intimate moments throughout the castle, capturing their first moments as husband and wife. A private viewing of their reception space provided an opportunity for additional romantic portraits.

Wedding Venue & Decor

The Ballroom at Chateau Laurier was meticulously transformed into an opulent celebration space that embodied a blend of grandeur and heartfelt intimacy. Adorned in a classic white and gold color palette, the setting radiated sophistication and elegance. The décor seamlessly merged traditional and modern aesthetics, creating an atmosphere that reflected the couple's vision of luxury intertwined with personal significance.

Thoughtful details were intricately woven throughout the venue, each telling a story of the couple's journey together. A lovingly curated guestbook traced their shared memories, while a memorial table honored their grandparents, imbuing the space with a sense of familial connection. Custom drink signs, named after their beloved dog Lola, added a charming personal touch to the festivities.

The design elements emphasized timeless elegance, with every detail carefully curated to enhance the space's architectural splendor. Floral arrangements in soft hues complemented the Ballroom's ornate features, while tablescapes of pristine linens and gilded accents harmonized to create a cohesive and visually stunning environment. The thoughtful integration of these elements ensured that the venue not only showcased luxury but also encapsulated the couple's unique love story.

Reception

The reception was a seamless continuation of the couple's vision for a sophisticated yet intimate celebration, blending cultural traditions with modern touches. The first dance took place to the soulful melody of You by Tennyson, a song that had been a meaningful part of the couple's journey, making the moment all the more poignant.

Special attention was given to the culinary and beverage offerings, ensuring that the guests experienced a feast as memorable as the occasion. The centerpiece of the evening was an exquisite wedding cake crafted by Dulce Cake Design, a creation that perfectly encapsulated the refined aesthetic of the celebration.

The couple’s careful selection of vendors played a pivotal role in bringing their dream day to life. Each vendor exceeded expectations, contributing to a flawless execution. As the evening drew to a close, surrounded by the love and joy of their family and friends, the couple embarked on the first steps of their forever together—a day filled with cherished memories that would mark the beginning of a lifetime of shared adventures.