Words by Caite Hamilton | Photography by Omar Zeta Photography
Ashlynn Manning & Kevin Teng
August 27, 2022, at Eastwood Farm & Winery
First they decided on a cross-country move from Colorado to Virginia. Then they decided to have a baby. In the spring of 2022, Kevin proposed and they decided on a small, intimate celebration over the summer before the baby’s fall arrival. But when Ashlynn’s parents revealed they’d been saving a wedding fund for the occasion, they decided to go all in.
“We figured we’d rather have the party we could plan impulsively in a couple of months, versus the party we might never have if we waited until after the baby came,” Ashlynn says.
Mia Crump of Little Acorn Events helped them achieve their east-meets-west wedding dreams, with inspiration from Kevin’s native Singapore and Ashlynn’s artist heart. (“We both felt represented by bold, vibrant colors,” Ashlynn says.)
Between the short notice, spiked airfare, and lingering COVID concerns, they ended up with a more intimate guest count after all, but it worked in their favor.
“We had a small wedding with a big wedding lineup,” Ashlynn says. “It was abundant and glorious.”
Music-makers
The couple entered their reception to Elvis’ live intro of “Also Sprach Zarathustra” (better known as the 2001: A Space Odyssey theme). “Kevin really hammed it up with Elvis poses and a fierce air guitar solo in the dance, using one of our party favor parasols as a guitar,” says Ashlynn. “It was truly magical.”
Setting pretty
“I had a vision of an outdoor tent, lit up at night,” says Ashlynn. “Eastwood had the prettiest outdoor tent we could find in the area, and a gorgeous outdoor setting for the ceremony.”
Plentiful palates
L’Étoile provided a menu to accommodate vegan and gluten-free guests. Plus, sent the couple home with leftovers that froze well and lasted until their sleepless newborn days in November.
Best dress
Kevin’s aunt is a retired fashion designer in Singapore, so while the couple was visiting, she and his mother took Ashlynn to the garment district to choose materials for her dress. She would be 28 weeks pregnant at the time of their wedding, so they decided on an empire waist and silk tulle in the skirt.
It’s tradition
To honor Kevin’s Chinese heritage, the couple poured tea for their parents.
The details
Event planner: Mia Crump (Little Acorn Events) Officiant: Arehn McCarty of Soulprint Journeys Catering: L’Étoile Flowers: Good Vibes Garden Cake: Bowerbird Bakeshop Music: 2Hype Entertainment (who was able to offer karaoke!) Bride’s attire: Custom, with modifications by Yady’s Alterations Groom’s attire: Bonobo’s Bridesmaids’ dress: Anthropologie Rings: Aurum Jewelers (Iceland) Hair and makeup: A More Beautiful You Videographer: Henri Saint-Jean (Piximpress) Transportation: Easy Riders Bus Company Ceremony and cocktail hour music: Beleza
