Port Gamble pink and white wedding

This couples love of Hello Kitty and family is reflected in their wedding.

WHO: Vy and William
VENUE: St. Paul’s Church, Port Gamble, with reception at Hood Canal Vista Pavilion
SEASON: Spring
COLORS: Pink and White
THEME: The wedding had a cartoon theme, reflecting the couple’s affection for Hello Kitty.

UNIQUE TOUCHES: The ceremony reflected the couple’s ethnic heritage with a contemporary twist. Vy is Vietnamese and the groom’s family tree reaches to China, the Philippines and Italy.

“We know weddings are meant to celebrate the coming together of the bride and groom, but we wanted to celebrate us as individuals, and the loved ones who shaped us,” says Vy.

“We new right from the start that we didn’t want a traditional Vietnamese, Chinese, Italian or Catholic wedding, which were traditions in our families,” she continued. “We kept some of these attributes, but went with a more modern, informal wedding.”

As a nod to William’s love for popcorn, the couple served popcorn for guests to eat during the 15-minute wedding ceremony. Italian sodas were provided to honor William’s Italian heritage. Personalized stir sticks had guests’ names and, on the back, a handwritten message of gratitude or an inside joke. The sticks also identified the guests’ glasses.

At the reception, the couple left empty seats at each table so they could visit guests at their tables.

FAVORS: William gave his groomsmen personalized fleece one-piece footed pajamas for adults. “William really enjoys sweats, track suits and basically almost any outfit that has a matching top and bottom, so this gift represented his personality well,” says Vy.

SPECIAL MOMENTS:  During the reception, the groomsmen and William appeared on the dance floor with their one-piece footed pajamas on over their tuxes and then did the Cupid shuffle with the wedding party. “It was hilarious,” says Vy.

Vy played a Vietnamese tango on her violin for her aunt.

DÉCOR: Banner signs were numerous at the reception: banners for the greeting cards from guests and the Italian sodas, and one at the head table announcing the Mr. and Mrs. Vy designed and prepared the invitations, popcorn bags and other printed pieces.

Photos by Tasha Owen Photography

Click on a photo to enlarge.