Julie and Derrick’s Beautiful Blend of Filipino and Chinese Culture at Palm Event Center
Let me take you through Julie and Derrick’s incredible wedding day, a beautiful blend of Filipino and Chinese culture, held at the stunning Palm Event Center in the Bay Area!
The day kicked off at the Courtyard Marriott in Pleasanton, where both Julie and Derrick were getting ready in separate rooms. I started with Julie, capturing her final moments in the makeup chair before she slipped into her dress. Her makeup was beautifully done by Melanie P. The atmosphere was full of excitement and joy as she shared a champagne toast with her bridal party. The room had great natural light, which was perfect for capturing those special moments. After she was dressed, Julie shared a touching first look with her bridesmaids and her mom, which was such a heartfelt moment. Meanwhile, Derrick was getting ready in his room, where his cousin, also his best man, helped him with his tie and blazer. He then gifted each of his groomsmen watches before they shared a shot of Don Julio, setting the tone for the day.
Arriving at the Palm Event Center, I found the venue still buzzing with activity as the final details were being put in place. I took the opportunity to capture some group shots of the guys in the iconic driveway lined with palm trees. They were full of energy and excitement, carrying Derrick in celebration. Moving to the back, I joined the ladies as they danced and enjoyed the moment. The florals had arrived from Blooms and Twigs, adding a beautiful touch to their photos. Julie and Derrick opted for an intimate first look, with the rest of the bridal party giving them space. It was a beautiful and emotional moment, with Derrick clearly moved by seeing Julie.
As the sun began to set, the ceremony took place, surrounded by family and friends. Julie, as the older sibling and cousin, holds a special place in her family’s heart, and their joy was palpable. Derrick was visibly emotional as Julie walked down the aisle with her mom, even after their first look. The vows were heartfelt and touching, leaving everyone in tears of happiness.
After the ceremony, we captured candid moments during cocktail hour while also taking formal family photos and bridal portraits around the property. The sunset created a perfect backdrop, adding to the beauty of the moment. The reception was a lively affair with DJ George as the MC- starting with a grand entrance that felt like a club’s bottle service lol! Julie and Derrick’s first dance was flawless, showcasing months of practice. As a nod to Derrick’s Chinese heritage, lion dancers performed, adding to the festive atmosphere. In between events, guest were found at PT4Fun Photo Booth for souvenirs to take home from a memorable day! The evening included speeches, a champagne waterfall instead of a traditional cake cutting, and a lively money dance, setting the stage for a night of celebration and dancing.
