It was a love of gaming and anime that brought Jamie and Gloria to say I do. The couple met at AniMinneapolis, a convention for anime enthusiasts and creators.

Jamie and Gloria were married at A’BULAE in St. Paul on April 13, 2019. Gloria and her bridesmaids prepared in ABULAE’s Bridal Room, a luxurious suite filled with a vanity counter, mirrors, and a three-way mirror. Jamie and his groomsmen relaxed and prepped in style in the venue’s Wall Street Room, a room with leather sofas, a club table, and direct access to the Games Room (with a Wii and Xbox, of course).

We took care of all of our photos before the ceremony. Jamie and Gloria had their first look along the stairs leading to the outdoor balcony foyer (unfortunately, the balcony was full of snow from a late-season blizzard). After couples photos around the gorgeous naturally-lit venue, we had a ton of fun taking our wedding party pics, including both traditional posed photos and candids (Gloria's favorite). Then, we moved to family photos -- a more traditional style for Gloria's family, and more contemporary for Jamie's family.

Once we finished photos, we had a Reset Hour for the couple before the ceremony. A reset hour is something I build in to every photography schedule -- I think it's so important for couples to have time to themselves and with their families -- and, it gives me time to get detail photos and shots of your guests arriving! Jamie’s mother gave the couple a series of gifts in the “Old, New, Borrowed, Blue,” tradition.

Gloria is from Korea, and many of her relatives and guests traveled from her home country to celebrate the couple’s marriage. For the social hour and dinner, Jamie and Gloria changed into hanboks, a traditional Korean dress that dates to the third century BCE. After dinner, Gloria and Jamie changed back into their wedding clothing, and we sneaked outside hoping for a couple urban-feel photos around A'BULAE.

After we returned, we jumped right into the dance. After Jamie and Gloria warmed up the dance floor, Gloria’s father surprised her during the first dance with music he recoded himself in both Korean and English.

One of the coolest decorations at the wedding was the cake topper. The piece, made entirely of perler beads, was a likeness of Jamie, Gloria, and their two cats and the caricatures looked like they had just stepped out from a video game.

Congrats, Jamie and Gloria! I’m so excited for you both!

Vendors:

Photography - Rachel Lahlum Photography

Bride’s Dress, Groom's Attire, Groomsmen Attire – The Wedding Shoppe

Traditional Korean Wedding Attire (Hanbok) – Korea

Bridal Hair & Makeup – Blushing Room

Bridesmaids Attire – Azazie

Floral – Ever After Floral

Ceremony & Reception Venue – A’BULAE

Catering – Mintahoe

Wedding Invitations – Rebekah Wold

Wedding Cake/Desserts – Buttercream

Wedding rings reflecting on a grand piano cover always gets me. I love a group of groomsmen who don't take themselves too seriously, even when posing for a serious photo. Gloria and Jamie's first look at A'BULAE. Gloria's bridesmaids sneak a peek at the first look -- and barely keep it together! I'm a sucker for crying first looks. I'm pretty sure I cried too when I saw them tearing up. Dusty rose dresses have me all a-flutter! Perfect colors for this venue. We took a more serious photo, but I think the candid moments are more fun. Anime met Glamorous and together they made this cake! Buttercream bakery does such a wonderful job. I don't exactly remember what he said, but it was hilarious.

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Planning a wedding at A'BULAE?

I love photographing weddings (if you couldn't tell). Are you planning a wedding in St. Paul? Let's connect!