WEDDING BLOG

Jen and Mariah’s Roberts Regional Recreation Area wedding was a dazzling celebration of their love and heritage. From the radiant mix of pinks and reds reminiscent of a Vegas sunset to the playful Chinese lanterns dancing in the breeze, every detail paid homage to their adoration for Chinese culture, Vegas, and their queer identity. It was a joyous occasion where love, diversity, and culture intertwined beautifully. It was vibrant and bold, creating unforgettable moments for all who attended.

Surrounded by tall Redwood trees, the outdoor ceremony was a sight to behold. Lanterns, ribbons, and colorful blooms added brightness to the setting, making it feel extra special. After the ceremony, everyone gathered for the festivities. One of the best parts was a bright neon sign that said, “Everyone is Gay,” like the ones you see in Las Vegas. It was a fun way to celebrate love and diversity. 

As if the décor wasn’t enough, wait until you see their attire! Mariah looked radiant in a sparkling dress, while Jen took their style to the next level with a bold maroon suit that turned heads. Later, they both changed into striking red traditional attire for the reception, adding even more elegance to the occasion. If you’re seeking inspiration on how to pull off an out-of-the-box celebration that also pays tribute to your heritage, keep scrolling. Junebug member Vivian Chen has expertly captured every detail and more, preserving the enchantment of this truly unique celebration.

The Couple:

Jen and Mariah

The Wedding:

Roberts Regional Recreation Area, California, United States

How Their Roberts Regional Recreation Area Wedding Came To Be

Our wedding aesthetic evolved through a thorough planning journey where we sought design inspiration and scouted venues. Settling on a reception venue with a bold terracotta-colored wall, we embraced Mariah’s love of pink. Her dream of wearing a sparkling dress and Jen’s vision of a maroon suit further set the tone. Being of Taiwanese descent, Jen’s heritage inspired us to integrate Chinese accents into the design, resulting in a vibrant fusion of pinks and reds. Chinese lanterns, ribbons, fabrics, and florals added pops of color, weaving cultural richness into the celebration. To pay homage to our love for Vegas and as a celebration of our queer identity, we designed a custom neon sign that says “Everyone is Gay” inspired by the iconic “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas” sign. Our wedding was ultimately a collection of our personal passions, cultural influences, and cherished memories.

Embracing Authenticity and Honoring Their Values

Contrary to the outdated notion that a wedding is primarily for others, we take pride that we were able to remain true to ourselves throughout the entire process. We planned the day that was most meaningful to us, staying authentic to our desires and values. Selecting standout memories from the day is challenging as every moment holds significance. However, our vow exchange and the heartfelt toasts from our loved ones were highlights. These moments affirmed our decision to share this day with each other and our community.

Trusting Instincts: Letting Go of the “Perfect Day

Release the notion of the “perfect day” and rely on your instincts. Embrace your decisions with enthusiasm without constantly doubting if they are the “right” choices. While we personally organized the entire wedding, we eventually opted to enlist a day-of coordinator for assistance with the execution. Doing these two things was invaluable to our process. They allowed us to conserve energy while planning and be fully engaged in the unfolding of the day.

The Story of Their DIY Wedding Decor

We custom-designed rainbow suncatcher stickers featuring one of our favorite flowers, the pincushion protea, as a fun and interactive representation of ourselves. It brings us joy to receive photos of rainbows casting their vibrant hues into our guests’ homes, knowing that they’ll be reminded of us whenever they catch a glimpse. We DIYed all of the stationary and decorations for our wedding, including all of our florals. A few days prior, we went to the local flower market, handpicked an assortment of blooms, and crammed them into our Subaru to store at home. The night before the wedding, we hosted a “flower prep pizza party,” where friends and family gathered to assist in cutting and designing all of the florals, except for our bouquets, which we designed ourselves. A special shout-out goes to our friend Jas, who took the lead in designing several of the larger centerpieces and aisle vases.

Congratulations to Jen and Mariah on their enchanting Roberts Regional Recreation Area wedding that beautifully blended Chinese culture with their love for Vegas. A heartfelt thank you to Junebug member Vivian Chen for expertly capturing every moment of this unforgettable celebration. For more beautiful celebrations like this one, check out her profile in our directory of the best wedding photographers from around the world.

Their wedding is a testament to the power of personalization and creativity, showing how infusing unique touches can create a truly memorable day. If their special day has sparked inspiration in you, but you’re not sure where to begin, don’t worry! Our guide on planning a one-of-a-kind celebration is here to help, offering a plethora of ideas to kickstart your own extraordinary journey.