Real Wedding: Krissy & Elvin

At the downtown coffee shop where Krissy worked in 2007, Elvin Lai was such a frequent customer that she eventually began having his chai mint tea waiting at his table before he arrived. The barista gig didn’t last, but their relationship did. Fast-forward three years, when he dropped down on one knee just as she was opening her menu at Hotel Del Coronado’s 1500 Ocean. They tied the knot in a beautiful outdoor ceremony at the Rancho Bernardo Inn’s Aragon Lawn.

The Dress

Isis Bridal Boutique’s tailor modified Krissy’s Enzoani dress with a sweetheart neckline. They added a rhinestone-studded ribbon belt for the reception.

Floral Notes

The bride chose quicksand roses, mari romantic spray roses, seeded eucalyptus, dusty miler and her favorites—monkey tails and chocolate cosmos.

Lucky 8

With seven bridesmaids and seven groomsmen, the total was eight on both sides—a lucky number in Chinese culture.

Acoustic Soundtrack

Musician Michael Tiernan played “Such Great Heights” as the wedding party proceeded down the aisle and “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” for the bride’s processional.

Favorite Moment

Before the officiant could finish saying Krissy’s pledge, she blurted out, “I do!” Everyone laughed as Krissy’s hand went to her cheek.

Spanish Style

“I fell in love with the architecture and the romantic, Spanish-style ambiance of the Rancho Bernardo Inn,” Krissy explains.

His and Her Style

Krissy’s and Elvin’s styles were represented on the big day; hers at the ceremony, and his at the reception. Krissy was all about soft romance with lace, pale colors, and vintage touches whereas Elvin favored lots of bold color.

Bucking Tradition

For the reception, the couple opted for brick red, burgundy, aubergine, gold, and a touch of hot pink rather than use traditional Chinese fire-engine red.

First Song

The bride stayed true to herself and chose a ditty from Disney’s High School Musical, selecting Sam Tsui’s rendition of “Can I Have This Dance.”

Lion Dance

After cutting the cake, the bride and groom sat on chairs in front of the dance floor as drummers and two Chinese lions surprised the guests—bursting through the doors and putting on an acrobatic show. Each guest fed the lions a hong bao, or red envelope, for good luck.

—Erin Meanley