East Meets West La Lomita Ranch Rehearsal Dinner
From Michele Hastings of Nikkels Photography:
When Cassandra first met Wendy and Jim, their biggest want was a weekend away wedding for their family and friends while also encompassing their family origins. Wendy was a first-generation Chinese American, while Jim hailed from Maine. The goal was to combine and create spaces that allowed us to design and create an atmosphere their guests could feel, touch, taste, and hear the beauty of these two worlds.
Thus became the theme became "East meets West".
With three events taking place, we planned the rehearsal dinner at La Lomita Ranch as a full traditional Chinese wedding dinner, complete with hanging lanterns, traditional foods, and rich elegant decor. Transforming the barn stables into an immersive Chinese dinner experience.
Hanging lanterns were sourced from China. The double happiness symbol hanging behind the couple was custom-made for the evening. Each element of the shelves was hand-picked by Cassandra to showcase the elements of marriage: Loyalty, Love, Luck, Fertility, Wealth, and Stability. The favors were sought-after sriracha keychains during a shortage.
The entire dinner was to honor Wendy's heritage and welcome the new family into each other traditions.
That evening, Wendy and Jim welcomed more of their guests downtown at The Carissa, where they were met with a breathtaking surprise—an elegant all-white welcome party.
Every detail was thoughtfully curated to honor Wendy’s heritage, from a beautifully arranged Fortune Cookie display and a symbolic Chinese Money Tree to the artfully passed Chinese hors d’oeuvres, offering guests a taste of tradition.
The night culminated in an electrifying performance by the local college Lion Dance Team, filling the space with vibrant energy and joy—a truly unforgettable celebration of love, culture, and unity.
Photographer: Michele Hastings - Nikkels Photography | Rehearsal Dinner Location: La Lomita Ranch | Wedding Planner: Cassandra Lee & Co. Events | Florist: Fluidbloom Designs | Caterer: Sichuan Kitchen SLO | Rentals: 24/7 Event Rentals | Signage: Mason James Designs | Welcome Party Venue: The Carissa