Real New England Weddings Real Wedding: Chhay Chhun & Li Ouyang Draw inspiration from their stylish celebration. By Andrea Timpano | Boston Weddings | Fall/Winter 2016 33 September 12, 2015 The Rocks Estate Bethlehem, New Hampshire Photograph by Bella Wang Photography THE STORY That her boyfriend, Chhay Chhun, would eventually propose was no surprise to Li Ouyang. What the New Hampshire native didn’t know was when Chhay would pop the question?or how. So it was “totally surreal,” Li says, when Chhay, after leading friends and family in a choreographed flash mob at San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park, finally got down on one knee to ask for her hand. “A bunch of people we don’t know were filming it and crying,” Li says with a laugh. “There were so many times I thought he was going to propose, and it didn’t hit me that it was really happening.” When it came to planning their wedding, the couple, who live in California, sought a kid-friendly, outdoor venue that could accommodate their lengthy guest list. They settled on the 1,400-acre Rocks Estate, a verdant property in Li’s home state with stunning views of the White Mountains. “We wanted something with a country-escape feel,” the bride says. To coordinate the details of their rustic fete, Li and Chhay turned to event designer Emily Starr Alfano, who helped them craft a personal celebration that?much like their YouTube-worthy engagement?incorporated elements of their shared love for music and dance. After swapping original vows on the picturesque grounds, the couple and their bridal party two-stepped back down the aisle to a playlist created by Chhay, a Harvard grad and former DJ. The reception, complete with a classic New England clambake dinner, included a salsa-inspired father-daughter dance and a bachata routine performed by the newlyweds. Starr Alfano even had the phrase “Love Is a Rhythm,” the couple’s music-inspired wedding motto, printed on the cocktail napkins and a dance-floor decal. “Everything was so cohesive,” Li says. “It was a beautiful day.” THE DETAILS Photograph by Bella Wang Photography Fresh pomegranates, along with gold-plated flatware and custom lobster bibs, added a touch of whimsy to each place setting. Photograph by Bella Wang Photography Bound with hand-dyed silk ribbons, the bridal bouquet featured blooms including clematis, scabiosa, and sweet pea vines. “I really like the full-flower look,” Li says. Photograph by Bella Wang Photography “Our vows were my favorite moment of the day,” Li says. “Everyone was crying, especially me.” Photograph by Bella Wang Photography The couple served a spiced banana cake topped with cream cheese frosting and fresh flowers. Photograph by Bella Wang Photography “I wanted to stay true to my Taiwanese heritage and not have the wedding be all white,” Li says of the berry-toned color scheme. THE FILE Bride’s Dress Marisa, Bridal Galleria Bridesmaids’ Dresses Jenny Yoo, Bella Bridesmaids Calligrapher LiWardian Catering Chef Joe’s Catering DJ DJ Accurit Flowers Emily Herzig Floral Studio Hair and Makeup Blushing Brides Menswear Charlie Chhun (Groom’s Father) Event Design MStarr Design Rentals Lakes Region Tent & Event; Rentals Unlimited Rings No. 3 Stationery Minted Videographer Duy Le?Photography