Intimate Backyard Wedding – Pomona California

Shannon + Jesse

I’ve known Shannon since high school through mutual friends. Even back then, I admired her creativity, kindness, and ability to turn vision into reality. When we reunited at our friend Kathy’s wedding, Shannon introduced me to Jesse and I got to hear how their love bloomed at Trader Joe’s where Jesse worked. Of course when they asked me and Abel to shoot their wedding, it was an immediate “yes”! 

Shannon and Jesse got married in January at a little park in Kathy’s neighborhood, witnessed by their closest friends and family. There was not a dry eye in the crowd when they exchanged their vows. Shannon and Jesse honored their Korean and Jewish backgrounds by incorporating cultural wedding traditions, from bowing on the ground to breaking glass. All the guests enjoyed a Korean buffet and DIY bar at the backyard reception, and danced the night away with donuts and drinks in hand.

Every item of decor was made with love by the couple, including the multi-dimensional wooden ceremony arch and the colorful backdrop panels behind their sweetheart table. Each guest’s name was handwritten on escort cards, and the signs were painted by Shannon. Part of their vision was also to have film photos taken throughout the day (which can be found at the end of this blog).
Thank you Shannon and Jesse for trusting us to be part of your beautiful story. 

35mm Film Shots

Catering: Angel Catering
Hanbok dress: Leehwa Wedding
Groom’s suit: J. Crew
Calligraphy/decor: Shannon Kim
Photos: Goldensun Photography