Cui + Kenan — Tradition

January 1, 2023 Alesha Burgraff

Cui + Kenan’s Wedding Day Pros

PREMIER HEARTLAND WEDDING IDEAS VENDORS
Ceremony & Reception Venue Hotel Fort Des Moines
Floral Shelly Sarver Designs
Mobile Bartending Your Private Bar

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Popping the Question

We know you are going to swoon over the beautiful dusty blue and traditional Chinese red and gold color palette of Cui and Kenan’s wedding. The combination is stunning and had a lot of significance. And let’s be honest, their entire celebration truly is breathtaking!

Before we dive into the wedding, let’s get back to basics — how did he pop the question!? Kenan proposed to Cui in the backyard of their future home, which was under renovation at the time. They were in the thick of making design choices, so he called Cui to come and decide paint colors together. Upon her arrival, Cui’s God Dad was standing in the front yard and told her to walk down to the big tree behind the house. She was so surprised when she saw Kenan under the tree waiting to propose. What a romantic beginning to their life together!

Incorporating cultures.

When the couple began planning their wedding, it was super important to weave in their family traditions and cultures. For Cui, incorporating Chinese wedding decorations was a must and she brought in pops of the color red — which symbolizes luck and joy — in the wedding invitation, a tea set, paper lanterns and her reception dress. To honor Kenan’s Turkish culture, the couple incorporated the Evil Eye in wedding favors. The symbol is to ward off evil forces, and helps the couple live a long happy life. “Incorporating our culture into our wedding was most important to us,” Cui said. “It made our family members feel special to be a part of it.”

Both the ceremony and reception were held at Hotel Fort Des Moines. The location’s elegant chandeliers, detailed white woodwork and simple layout were an exquisite backdrop for their celebration.

Details from amazing vendors.

Cui wore a stunning mermaid gown with lace details and off-the-shoulder straps for the ceremony. She paired the dress with a flowing cathedral-length veil and delicate diamond headband. Cui’s bridal bouquet balanced a combination of gorgeous white and blue blooms that coordinated with the unique partial floral arch that was the centerpiece of the ceremony. She worked with the one and only Shelly Sarver Designs for her ceremony and reception florals — Shelly nailed it once again!

After a breathtaking ceremony, the couple snuck out for portraits throughout downtown Des Moines with their photographer Jason Thomas Crocker. He captured their love and the spirit of the entire celebration! Cui also changed into a magnificent Chinese floor-length red dress with gorgeous gold embroidery for the reception. It was absolutely stunning!

A memorable night.

The two had the best time dancing the night away with their family and friends to the music of the talented and energetic B2wins and ASE DJ. One of Cui’s favorite moments was Kenan’s speech at the reception, and of course, seeing all those they love celebrating by their side.

Cui and Kenan are so grateful their dream wedding came to life — especially being able to share each their cultures with one another and their guests throughout the ceremony and reception.

Memorable moments.

The entire evening was captured by Laura Wills Photography. She did a fantastic job highlighting their bright and bold theme. One of the most memorable moments for Nicole was after Laura took night photos. Once they finished capturing some special photos of just the couple, the two walked back into the party and took the evening in.

“I looked around and saw almost everyone dancing and having a good time. It was the best reminder that so many people love and care about us,” Nicole said.