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.”
The couple wanted to honor Nicole s heritage and her native L.A. roots by hosting a Chinese banquet wedding reception in the city’s Chinatown neighborhood. “Chinatown has always been so important to both sides of my family,” she explains. Not only did she grow up visiting her maternal grandparents’ home in the neighborhood, but her grandfather’s family owned a famous restaurant, Hung Far Low, in Portland’s Chinatown. The duo decided the Golden Dragon was the ideal location for their fête. “The Golden Dragon’s bar and banquet room, adorned with intricate metallic wallpaper and stunning carved wood, captured our imagination," says Nicole. "We sought to elevate the restaurant while maintaining the authenticity of a Chinese banquet.”
One non-negotiable for the couple was that the reception dinner had to flow into an incredible after-party. “We envisioned an epic dance floor and revelry that stretched into the late hours—at least by California standards,” says Nicole. Cocktail bar General Lee’s was the perfect fit. Not only did the space allow for dancing on two different floors (with two different DJs and live horns by Dart Collective), but it held sentimental value for the bride. “My maternal grandfather had worked there as a chef when it was a restaurant,” she explains. Carlo collaborated with General Lee’s lead bartender Philip Ly on a custom cocktail list complete with 11 unique drinks. The menu featured craft concoctions like the “Dancing Dragon,” made with lemongrass-infused mezcal, Thai chili, Markut lime, galangal, cilantro, and tomato juice, plus a variety of tasty mocktails for non-drinking guests, and a crowd-favorite PB&J shot. “It really did taste like PB&J,” adds the bride. "It was absolutely wild to taste!"
