
I still remember meeting Joanna and Gabe for the very first time. Right away, Gabe and I bonded over our mutual love of spreadsheets (a planner’s dream!), and Joanna was instantly one of the kindest, most genuine humans you could ever meet. Their connection was so natural, and they came in with so many thoughtful, creative ideas for celebrating their wedding day. You could feel the love and intention behind every detail from the very beginning.

After touring several wedding venues throughout Manhattan, we ultimately found ourselves in Brooklyn at Weylin, which ended up being the perfect location for everything Joanna and Gabe envisioned. From the start, their design concept centered around color and how it could guide the guest experience throughout the night.
For the ceremony, we highlighted soft pinks, ivory, and gold. As guests transitioned into cocktail hour and later into the reception, the palette shifted subtly into warm terracotta tones and a rich deep blue — all inspired by the architectural details and stunning domed ceilings at Weylin. The goal was for guests to feel the progression of the evening, and the space couldn’t have been a better canvas for that transformation.

One of my favorite things about weddings is seeing two people come together, blending not only their lives but also their ideas, traditions, and personal histories in such a beautiful way. Cultural traditions make weddings even more meaningful, and this was especially true for Gabe and Joanna. Gabe is Filipino and Joanna is Chinese, and honoring both of their cultures was a central part of their celebration.
Joanna changed into a stunning, custom-made qipao, and Gabe wore a traditional outfit to match. Together, they shared a breathtaking cultural dance, perfectly interwoven with their waltz — making them look like professional dancers. Add in a show-stopping two-hands piano performance, and this wedding was overflowing with love, intention, and tradition. Every moment was pure magic, creating a celebration that was as heartfelt as it was unforgettable.

_______________________________________________________________________________

These are the moments we live for — like when the groom, Gabe, learned Mandarin just to speak to Joanna’s family. It’s these acts of love, thoughtfulness, and cultural appreciation that make a wedding truly unforgettable. From honoring traditions to weaving in personal touches, every detail reflected their commitment not just to each other, but to the families and histories that shaped them.

If you’re planning your wedding, remember this: at the heart of every celebration is you and your partner. Your wedding doesn’t need to mirror what friends or family have done — it’s a reflection of your unique story, your personalities, and the love you share. The most memorable weddings honor not only the joining of two lives but also the individuality of each person, creating a day that is entirely yours.

As always, every vendor plays a crucial role in bringing a wedding vision to life. A heartfelt thank you to the talented professionals below whose expertise and dedication made this celebration truly unforgettable.
Venue | Weylin
Photography | Tyler Branch
Videography | Philip White
Florist | Designs By Ahn
Catering | Abigail Kirsch
Rentals | Party Rental Ltd
Piano | Steinway and Sons
Lounge Furniture | Patina Rentals
Photo Booth | Sharingbox
Wedding Dress | Berta
Boutique | L’Fay Bridal
Groom Attire | Proper Cloth
Makeup (Bride) | Mayone Bakunawa
Hair & Makeup | Brushed With Honey
Invitations & Day Of Paper | Bella Figura
Band | The Band Method
Lighting & Sound | Brooktech
Dance Lessons | Ballroom Wedding Dance
Cake | Sarah & Simon Cake Design

OXO, Michelle Elaine
I still remember meeting Joanna and Gabe for the very first time. Right away, Gabe and I bonded over our mutual love of spreadsheets (a planner’s dream!), and Joanna was instantly one of the kindest, most genuine humans you could ever meet. Their connection was so natural, and they came in with so many thoughtful, […]

Photography | Kylee Yee Hair & Makeup | Victoria Elizabeth Official My pregnancy journey has certainly been life changing. In the very beginning I had no idea how to adjust. I had went from running 40 miles per week + 3-4 days of weight or cross training, to barely running 10 miles per week and […]

Last year I was introduced to Twah Dougherty and we instantly connected! So sitting down for lunch we decided that we just had to do a photo shoot together [we actually did a couple!] I had expressed this strong vision to showcase where I actually work everyday. Living as an entrepreneur, in Brooklyn nonetheless, it […]

John has been talking about kids [actual kids, not the furry kind :)] for years. While he has been ready for the dad-life for quite some time, I have been a little slow to the game! Starting Michelle Elaine Weddings back in 2011, this has been my baby. The overwhelming amount of effort and money […]

cover photo Twah Dougherty hair & makeup Beautini florals Designs By Ahn I started Michelle Elaine Weddings on a whim in October of 2011. I had no clue what I was doing … but what I did know was that I always had a brand vision in mind, the drive & desire to be my […]

/cover photo courtesy of Alyssa Greenberg I have had a love for fashion to as far back as I can remember. Flipping through Vogue & Harper’s Bazaar to find out the latest trends, only watching the awards pre-shows to see who and what everyone was wearing, and putting together some truly questionable outfits in […]

Crafting events that tell your story — thoughtful, effortless, and entirely your own.