Some love stories feel like they were written in the stars—others, in the quiet corners of a design school hallway. For Yingying, a bags and accessories designer and co-founder of BUMO + goma, and Jaeseong, an industrial designer, their story began at Parsons School of Design in New York, where a shared love for creativity and late-night project sessions brought them together. Their journey, spanning continents and cultures, led them to a wedding day that was nothing short of magical.
A Celebration 10 Years in the Making
Set in the charming Alkaff Mansion, their wedding wasn’t just a celebration of their love—it was a heartfelt tribute to the journey they had taken together. Having already exchanged vows in a simple New York solemnization five years ago, this day was about bringing their closest friends and family together, many of whom had flown in from all over the world—New York, Seoul, Melbourne, Toronto, and beyond.
The morning began at Yingying’s childhood home, where the air was filled with quiet anticipation. The bride, her mother, and the groom’s family got ready with the help of Do Sujin and Tiffany Nguyen, while friends buzzed around, gathering last-minute details and loading wedding favours into cars. December in Singapore is known for its unpredictable weather, but the sun was shining brilliantly—a small but significant blessing that set the perfect tone for the day ahead.
We felt really, really fortunate that the sun was out and the weather was brilliant, since December is usually more rainy.
Yingying
An Intimate Ceremony in a Hidden Oasis
Alkaff Mansion, nestled amid lush greenery, was the perfect setting for their intimate 93-guest wedding. The day unfolded with a series of meaningful moments, starting with the Chinese tea ceremony held at the mansion’s second-floor bar. Yingying’s relatives, some of whom had traveled from overseas, were dressed in elegant cheongsams, adding a touch of old-world glamour.
Offering tea to my parents with all our family around us was a moment I knew they had been waiting for.
Yingying
The main ceremony took place in the pavilion garden, where towering trees and vibrant florals by FIBRE created a breathtakingly natural backdrop. In a nod to Korean traditions, the ceremony began with both mothers lighting candles, symbolizing the start of a bright future for the couple. Yingying’s mother wore a striking red cheongsam, while Jaeseong’s mother donned a beautiful blue hanbok—a fusion of cultures captured so beautifully in photographs.
Jaeseong had meticulously curated the music, selecting songs from movies they both loved. As “La Vie En Rose” played, Yingying made her entrance, casually tucking one hand into her pocket—a moment that Jaeseong later fondly described as “walking in like a gangster.” Their vows, which they had memorized together on a late-night 10km run, still felt deeply emotional in the moment.
It felt like the world around us disappeared—no guests, no sounds, just the two of us, completely lost in that moment together.
Yingying
But the biggest surprise came from Jaeseong’s father, whose unexpected yet humorous speech became one of the most talked-about highlights of the day.
We had no idea what he was going to say, but it ended up being a really funny and moving speech that a lot of our guests mentioned how much they loved.
Jaeseong & Yingying
As they took a final bow, the couple looked out at the sea of familiar faces—friends from every chapter of their lives.
It was as if time had collapsed, bringing together all the people who had shaped our journey in one place, at one moment. The feeling was surreal—like watching our own story unfold before us.
Jaeseong & Yingying
A Feast to Remember
The celebration continued with a luncheon reception at UNA, where guests indulged in a menu that had undergone multiple tweaks without a second tasting—an admittedly bold move.
We were a little nervous at first because we changed a lot in the menu at tasting without trying again. But we were very happy that the lunch was delicious and our guests loved it, especially the huge pan of paella that everyone was raving about after!
Jaeseong & Yingying
Amidst toasts and laughter, the couple made sure to visit every table, cherishing each fleeting moment before the day came to an end.
The time really flew by, and we felt a little sad that it was ending.
Jaeseong & Yingying
Thoughtful Details & Cultural Touches
Every aspect of the wedding was a reflection of who they were—down to the smallest details. Their wedding favours featured a mix of meaningful items: Korean sunscreen, pineapple tarts, Milo-flavoured KitKats, and traditional red date wedding candy, representing their shared backgrounds. Guests received oil-paper umbrellas, a graceful homage to both Korean and Chinese wedding traditions, offering shade from the sun while doubling as a beautiful keepsake.
We wanted the wedding to feel true to our personalities and backgrounds and hoped that it could be a different wedding experience for our guests, whether they came from overseas or Singapore.
Jaeseong & Yingying
A Day Worth Every Splurge
For Yingying and Jaeseong, every decision—big or small—was guided by what felt authentic to them. There were no gatecrashes, no elaborate games, just a deeply personal and joyous celebration.
The wedding is about celebrating your union, so it’s not necessary to do certain things if it’s not meaningful to you, even if it seems to be the norm.
Jaeseong & Yingying
Their only wish? That the day had lasted longer.
We just wished it was longer so we could spend more time with our family and friends.
Jaeseong & Yingying
Because when a love story spans a decade, multiple countries, and two cultures, one day never feels like enough.
Behind the Lens: Photographer Yandha from TheSanRen
To capture such a heartfelt and culturally rich celebration, the couple turned to Yandha from TheSanRen, whose photography is known for its warmth and authenticity. For Yandha, the most memorable part of the wedding was the seamless blending of two families from different cultural backgrounds.
What impressed me the most about this wedding was the cultural difference between the two families—one from China and the other from Korea. However, it was heartwarming to see how effortlessly everyone, both family and friends, bonded and connected with each other.
Yandha, TheSanRen
When asked about challenges during the shoot, Yandha shared how the couple’s thoughtful preparation made all the difference.
We found a great solution to dealing with harsh sunlight during the photoshoot—the couple prepared white umbrellas. Not only did they provide shade, but they also created a beautiful soft-light effect, making the photos look stunning!
Yandha, TheSanRen
So, for couples planning a similar wedding, Yandha has one simple piece of advice:
Besides using white umbrellas, you can also shoot with film for your wedding!
Yandha, TheSanRen
It’s clear that this wedding was a true reflection of Yingying and Jaeseong’s love—a love that’s as timeless as the cultural traditions they so beautifully blended into their special day.
The Wedding Team
- Photography: @yandhaphoto (The Sanren, @thesanren)
- Wedding Gown: Arha Bridal
- Groom’s suit: Fashion Tailors
- Makeup Artist: @dosujin_ (bride, groom, groom’s mom), @makeupbytype (bride’s mom)
- Wedding Favours: Bride and Groom / Danny画画
- Floral and Décor: FIBRE, @fibreflowers
- Stationery Designer: Bride & Groom / @sonderbyco
- English/Chinese/Korean emcee: @sarangaia
