In November 2022, SueJean and Philip gathered about 70 of their closest friends and family in the heart of New York City for an intimate wedding at Palma NYC, a historic Italian restaurant known for its magical courtyard.
Outside, it was a crisp fall day. Inside, Palma felt entirely different — warm, glowing, and cozy. Candlelight flickered against old walls. Greenery stretched overhead. The atmosphere felt tucked away from the city, as though their celebration existed in its own little world.
Their vision was simple and intentional: a seated dinner with the people who matter most. No sprawling ballroom. No excess. Just meaningful time together in a space full of character.
An Intentional Beginning
SueJean and Philip spent the morning getting ready separately at their respective spaces — home and hotel — before each being driven to the venue.
They chose to share a first look beneath the courtyard’s living canopy, an intimate moment under the greenery before guests arrived. It set the tone for the rest of the day: intentional, personal, and focused on each other.
Throughout planning, they worked closely alongside the Palma team. Both were meticulous and organized, deeply involved in shaping the experience. Every decision felt thoughtful and deliberate.
A Ceremony Rooted in Respect
At the beginning of their ceremony, SueJean and Philip honored traditional Korean culture by bowing to each other’s parents. It was a powerful and beautiful gesture — one that acknowledged family, respect, and the joining of two households.
It grounded the ceremony in something deeper than aesthetics. It was about honor, gratitude, and legacy.
A Bride’s Personal Touch
SueJean customized her A-line gown to feel fully her own. She added sheer, sleek fabric to the v-neckline for more coverage and paired the dress with a pearl sequin, cape-style shoulder veil. The result was elegant and refined, with a modern softness that felt perfectly suited to the romantic setting.
The Moment After “I Do”
Immediately following the ceremony, SueJean and Philip stepped into a room behind the ceremony space and were handed glasses of wine.
Their cheeks were still red from the excitement of just being declared husband and wife.
They toasted quietly — just the two of them — before rejoining their guests. In that small pause, you could see how deeply they admire one another and how much joy they share. They looked smitten. Content. Completely present.
Dining Under the Canopy
The couple reserved the entire event-side space of Palma for their celebration. Guests moved through the entry bar area and gathered in the open-air courtyard, where most of the evening unfolded.
Above them, greenery formed a stunning living canopy. Around them, lit candles and vessels filled with flowers adorned nearly every surface — steps, shelves, side tables. Roses and peonies were woven throughout the space, complementing the historic setting rather than competing with it.
The celebration extended beyond the courtyard. Guests had access to Palma’s hundreds-year-old kitchen space and the second floor overlooking the courtyard, where cocktail hour took place in a private library. The entire environment felt immersive — layered, textured, and intimate.
Laughter to Close the Night
Later, during the cake cutting, the mood shifted from tender to playful. They burst into laughter trying to feed each other bites of cake, turning a traditional moment into something lighthearted and joyful.
It was a perfect reflection of their day — meaningful without being heavy, elegant without being stiff, and rooted in genuine connection.
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Jennie LaVanchy is a former micro wedding bride, and she now supports countless couples in planning their own intimate celebrations through her blog, featuring real micro wedding stories and a curated vendor directory. Her practical advice and firsthand experience make her a go-to resource for those seeking to create memorable and meaningful micro weddings.
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