Urban Elegance

This bride and groom met in the melting pot of New York City but discovered they both have roots in South Korea and the American South. Jenny Thompson hails from South Carolina with Korean-American parents, while Brian Yoo grew up in North Carolina with both parents immigrating from South Korea. 

From the time they met in the hustle and bustle of the city, the couple were inseparable and soon shared their own iconic New York engagement story. Happy hour on Roosevelt Island followed by a gorgeous tram ride over the East River taking in views of the city, then a proposal at their favorite French restaurant and celebrating with friends at a piano bar on the Upper East Side was about as New York as you can get.

When it came time for wedding planning, the pair enthusiastically created their urban affair, with a Southern locale. “We chose our venue because I wanted a place close to my heart. Having been raised in the South, Asheville and the Blue Ridge Mountains were familiar to me because my family always traveled there for vacations throughout my childhood, so I have very fond memories. We chose the Restoration Hotel because it was gorgeous and central to everything.”
To plan your own urban wedding with big city appeal, consider the following tips:

Create a wedding website
Having info about your wedding and the destination all in one place is an invaluable tool for guests. From flight and hotel options to travel recommendations and things to do, your event website is a cohesive place where friends and family can plan in one place.

Consider transportation tactics
Coordinating parking and easy-drop areas for guests is a must in a bustling city. Additionally, it’s a thoughtful gesture to offer a rideshare discount code for the weekend so partygoers can arrive and depart with ease.

Book a room block
Keep things streamlined for out-of-towners by blocking off a portion of your hotel of choice for easy booking. This should be done well in advance, so guests have time to plan. A great bonus about cities is there is a plethora of accommodation choices available at various price points. 

Weigh indoor vs. outdoor options
Skyline views are incredible, but cool city vibes often bring uncool city noise. With the potential for overflow noise and the stereotypical sirens, carefully consider the level of intimacy you expect during your ceremony and plan accordingly.

Allow for wider time buffers
City life brings a handful of logistical challenges such as unexpected traffic jams, parking and unloading rules, etc. Consider what time of day your guests will be traveling as well and the best timing windows for efficiency. 

Bring pieces of home along
Though you’re in an exciting new city, don’t forget to incorporate meaningful traditions from home (such as Jenny and Brian’s tradition attire, the hanbok from South Korea and carved ducks symbolizing lifelong fidelity and prosperity). Guests will love sharing in your heritage and what makes you unique as a couple.

Details
Photographer - Rachael McIntosh
Venue, Caterer + Cake - The Restoration Hotel
Florist - Flora Asheville
Ceremony Musicians - Cafe String Quartet
Reception Musicians - Bright Light DJ
Officiant - Love and Wisdom
Hair Artist - Atlas Beauty
Makeup Artist - Dollbox Makeup
Event Planner + Designer - Verge Events
Rentals - Professional Party Rentals