Jon and Helen’s wedding at the magnificent Four Seasons Los Angeles at Beverly Hills was not only a marriage of two people, but a marriage of two families and a celebration of their two cultures. Jon and his family are Filipino and Helen is Korean. The evening started on Jon’s side with a traditional Filipino-Catholic mass held outdoors in the Four Season’s Wetherly Gardens. After the mass, the evening switched to a Korean theme as Jon and Helen rushed up to their suite to change into traditional Korean attire for the Pyebaek Ceremony.
The Pyebaek Ceremony is a Korean tradition in which the newlyweds are introduced to their new families. It begins with a long bow in front of the parents, and, after some sake and soju, the parents impart their wisdom and experience to the couple. It ends with the parents throwing chestnuts and jujubes at the bride which she has to catch with her skirt. Helen caught over twenty of the projectiles which symbolizes the amount of children Helen and Jon are predicted to have. Good luck with that!
It was such a privilege to photograph the Pyebaek, reminding me that one of the more interesting perks of my work is the witnessing of such a diverse range of multi-cultural religious customs and ceremonies. Helen and Jon, thanks for the privilege!
The traditional Korean attire – photographed in the Four Seasons kitchen, where Helen and Jon were waiting to enter the Pyebaek Ceremony.
I love shooting this style of group shot, and always encourage our clients to schedule it into their evening.
- Wedding Dress: Caroline Herrera
- Her Shoes: Jimmy Choo
- His Suit: Gucci
- Bridesmaid Dresses: Monique Lhuillier
- Coordinator: Joseph Fong Events
- Venue: Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills – Pete Alles, Catering Manager
- Florals: Flower Mart
- Band: Wayne Foster Entertainment
- Cake:Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills
- Ceremony Musicians: Bravo Strings
- Lighting/Reception Chairs: Chiavari Chair Rentals
- Makeup: Mandy Blaine
- Hair: JR
show hide 2 comments
mandy - Hi, Im the makeup artist that worked on this wedding. I would love to get a few pics emailed to me so that I can put them on my website.
I also have nto say that I have worked with alot of photogs and you did an amazing job. I would love to work together in the future. Please keep in touch. 310-428-6103-Mandy
Thatsada Sethaphong - Hi Helen,
I did get some Wellesley pics! Thank you so much for inviting me to your fabulous wedding. I had a great time doing the lion dance with your new family. Hahahaha… They were truly wonderful people.
Your pictures and candid shots are awesome. Very beautiful! You and Jon look absolutely gorgeous!
Thank goodness for Facebook!
Love,
Thatsada
P.S. My photos should be coming soon.