Esther Kim & Jang “Jon” Yoon

An Enchanting Beginning

Married

Oct 29, 2021
Miami , Florida

Style Guide

Color Palette

Style

Formal, Glamour, Luxury

Season

Fall

The Proposal

Esther Kim and Jon (Jang) Yoon first met at a national medical conference when Esther was a medical student in Texas and Jon was a neurosurgery resident in Florida. When they met at the conference, she knew he was the one. For the following five years, they dated long distance, with most of their date nights occurring via FaceTime. Jon proposed to Esther during a weekend trip to Key West, Florida. The two were enjoying the beautiful sunset over the ocean at Sunset Pier and listening to a live musician singing “Stand By Me.” Jon asked a man walking by to take a photo of them, and as the pair began to pose for the camera, Jon kneeled and pulled the ring out of his pocket. The people enjoying cocktails and dinner on the Pier cheered as they watched the couple become engaged!

Esther Jang Venue

Esther Jang bridesmaids bed

Esther Jang Her Details

In Preparation

Esther and Jon’s first date was at Vizcaya Museum and Gardens in Miami, Florida, and they knew that’s where they wanted to wed. The stunning, Gilded Age Museum, previously a private villa and estate, is surrounded by incredible Versailles-inspired gardens overlooking the beautiful waters of Biscayne Bay. While Miami was a meaningful part of their dating history, Esther and Jon also wanted to incorporate their Korean heritage into the wedding while keeping the overall aesthetic and decor timeless and elegant. Perhaps the most memorable part of planning was Esther and her mom spending time together designing and creating the invitations. Most of the preparations came together seamlessly, but Esther had some difficulty finding the perfect dress. After months of shopping in various cities, she finally came across a strapless Monique Lhuillier gown that made her feel like a princess.

Esther Jang Hands

The Big Day

On a delightful Friday evening, Esther and Jon said, “I do,” on the Garden Mound at Vizcaya Museum and Gardens. As guests arrived, Korean lanterns known as “chung sa chorong,” meant to bring the bride and groom good luck, illuminated the entrance to the Museum. After exchanging vows, celebratory cocktails ensued, followed by the reception, where guests enjoyed a traditional Korean tea ceremony called “Paebaek.” During the ceremony, the bride and groom exchanged tea with their parents, and their parents threw a handful of dates and chestnuts for Jon to catch – which predicts the number of children they will have. Esther and Jon wore “hanbok” otherwise known as traditional Korean attire. After the tea ceremony, Jon gave Esther a piggyback ride around the entire venue, between guests’ tables, to greet them all and to show them that he was vowing to maintain strength and support Esther in their new life together. The evening ended with a lively karaoke session.

Esther Jang wedding party

Esther Jang ceremony venue

Esther Jang Fans

Esther Jang Vows

The Retreat

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Esther and Jon had to postpone their wedding three times. They decided to take their honeymoon in April before tying the knot to celebrate their second wedding date. The couple traveled to Maui, Hawaii, for a magical week of snorkeling, surfing, hiking, and experiencing the local cuisine. A favorite memory is visiting Haleakalā – also referred to as the East Maui Volcano. Esther and Jon witnessed the clouds layering over the top of the entire island and felt as if they were walking on clouds. They spent hours at the peak, enjoying the beauty and watching the stars pour over them.

Esther Jang Tradition