An Epic L.A. Chinatown Wedding With an Off-the-Runway Loewe Dress, a Chinese Banquet, and 11 Custom Cocktails

The beginning of software engineers Nicole Wong and Carlo Biedenharn’s relationship was a slow burn. After their first “walk-and-talk” date around San Francisco’s Mission and Castro neighborhoods in 2019, Carlo parted with a wave and immediately jumped into an Uber. “I had no idea he even liked me,” remembers Nicole, who also works as a freelance event planner and bridal stylist. “But he texted me later that week asking about some of the charcoal I drew from a creative workshop.”

Sparks finally ignited on their third date, when they went to see Duckwrth perform at the California Academy of Science. “We were on such a high from getting to know each other that we enjoyed the unusually warm night in S.F. and walked all the way to Dolores Heights,” she recalls. “My apartment had the most incredible view of San Francisco, and we ate ice cream on my balcony late into the night. As I walked Carlo out, I giggled so much because I knew what was coming. Carlo gave me the quickest peck on the lips and that was our first kiss.”

Since Nicole always knew she wanted a vintage engagement ring, she took advantage of a long layover in New York City to visit antique jewelry dealers with a friend. She found a platinum round diamond ring from 1930 and immediately began crying when she put it on. “I still call it my ‘cry ring,’” she adds. She called Carlo and they purchased it that day. However, he didn’t propose until a year later, on November 25, 2022, when the couple traveled to Ghent, Belgium from their new London home. Before going to find a lunch spot, Nicole caught a WhatsApp message on Carlo’s phone that said, “I am in position,” before he quickly swiped it away. “Too late though,” says Nicole. “I had the biggest grin on my face but pretended like nothing happened.” Carlo took them to a bridge and got down on one knee as a photographer took snaps from across the street.

Nicole and Carlo love to throw a party and knew their wedding had to be their best one yet. “Our main focus was to create an experiential wedding that felt unique but truly like us and thoughtfully included all of our loved ones,” shares the bride, who created extensive Pinterest boards to curate their vision. “We wanted it to be luxurious, glamorous, electric…yet relaxed, elegant, and chic—where everyone could truly enjoy the day with us.” They communicated their wedding dreams to planners Giulia White and Sophia Pizzulo of Frankie & Louise, who “effortlessly translated our ideas into reality and offered valuable suggestions that perfectly aligned with our aesthetic wedding vision,” says Nicole. “But, what truly stood out was their unparalleled patience and kindness. Their willingness to go above and beyond to make our wedding day special was heartwarming and deeply appreciated.”