Wedding | Deb & Michael

The Anti-Bride
Apr 24
4 min read

Updated: Apr 26

Tell us a little about yourselves!

Michael and Deborah had the same favorite bar for years but never crossed paths at the Golden Gopher. It was technology that brought them together (the old fashioned way), via Hinge. Michael knew on their first date at the Tasting Kitchen in Venice that Deb would be the girl he was going to marry. He popped the question at the Santa Barbara Botanical Garden. Santa Barbara, because that was the home of Deb's beloved Alma Mater The Garden, because they allowed dogs. Michael surprised Deb with a tuxedo collar for their pom-chi, Enzo, and when she was fawning over the little guy, the big guy got down on one knee. The rest is history.

They both love art, delicious ethnic food (from fine dining to french fries), music (house heads for life), and the beauty of a comforting home. Michael is a massive plant geek and is often trimming, watering, and singing to his myriad plants inside and out in the garden (when he’s not petting their 30 koi fish). A writer by trade, he also loves fine wine, cigars, and books. Deborah is a dog obsessed former dancer who manages major marketing projects for one of the country’s most recognizable brands. She is never far from a book, her Nintendo Switch, or a bottle of sparkling water. When Michael is boisterous, she is quiet. And when she gets wild, he wants to nap. They are yin to each other’s yang at times, but a force to be reckoned with when they are on the same speed. They always have each other’s back and have become each other’s very best friends, as well as husband and wife forever and ever.

Why did you decide to get married where you did?

We are Angelenos. We both frequented all the same spots around town but didn’t meet until Hinge brought us together. Most of our family and friends are here and we wanted a place that represented us. Michael went to Baekjeong almost religiously, Deb briefly worked there, connected to the owning family. LA is home, and what better place to kick off a lifetime of living than here?

How many guests did you have?

76 - we invited 80.

What was your budget?

$60k - went a touch over as it happens with weddings!

Tell us about your outfits.

We really wanted a double-breasted suit for Michael however, we couldn’t find one that fit properly and in the fabrics we wanted so we got a custom one made for him.

I wore the incredible Cinq Mayce dress with cathedral-length mantilla veil for the ceremony. I

wanted a more fun, playful version of the ceremony dress for dancing New Arrivals by Ilkyaz Ozel

Paebaek-specific clothing was from a local Ktown shop over our Hanboks. We stayed in Hanboks during dinner that Deb’s mom had made in Korea.

What was the most important aspect for you, in terms of planning your wedding?

Good food, good vibes. Keeping the process as chill as possible.

Were there any elements that were important for you to incorporate?

We wanted to have a ceremonial aspect interwoven into the chill, gorgeousness of the spaces, outfits, and decor. Michael wanted a Christian wedding, so we chose the most amazing church in town. Deb is Korean, so we went all out with our Paebeak ceremony—which ended up being everyone’s favorite moment. At the end of the day, it had to feel like us, and it did 100%.

Any tips for couples getting married?

Marry your best friend. If y’all don’t feel like spending all day everyday with each other before you tie the knot, they might not be the right one. Never ever side with anyone or anything before your spouse. They are an extension of you, heart, soul, and body. You can always disagree, but make sure to first seek common ground. Never stop dating each other. Take care of yourself so you are able to take care of your spouse. Always be grateful! Make them smile everyday. Never go to bed mad, and never let a day go by without saying “I love you.”

Are there any vendors that you would like to tell us a little more about?

Ruthie Martin Photo is the besttttttt. She and Craig are such sweeties and have a much-needed calming energy. Charmain from Emblem Flowers is so dang talented and Stacey of the BTS Bride is so fun and professional. They all felt like friends and honored guests, which made all the difference.

Photographer: Ruthie Martin Photo @ruthiemartin_photo | Day Of Coordination: So Smitten Events

@sosmittenevents | Flora: Emblem Flowers @emblemflowers | Content Creator: BTS Bride @thebtsbride | Ceremony Location: First Congregational Church of Los Angeles @1stchurchlaevents | Reception Location: The Line Hotel - LA @thelinehotel | Celebrant: Rev. Michael Lehman | HMUA: Kohnur Luxurious Bridal Beauty @kohnur | Catering & Beverages: The Line Hotel - LA @thelinehotel | Stationery:

Designed by Deb, printed by Aardvark Letterpress @aardvarkletterpress | Entertainment: My Friend Catie @myfriendcatie | Dress: Cinq @shop_cinq | Suit: JB Clothiers @jbclothiers | Veil: All About Romance via Etsy @allaboutromancebridal | Paebaek Attire: LA 한복 조선명주 Chosun Myungju Hanbok