Blog

Dahlie and Bryan met at USC eight years ago playing basketball. Their love for their school grew as did their love for each other. When I first met these two, it was actually at a USC Tail Gate Party, where we found a picnic table and sat down to discuss their vision for their wedding, which would take place at Calamigos Equestrian Center in Burbank. Over the next several months, Dahlie, Bryan, and I put together their dream wedding that would not only express their own unique personalities but represent their individual cultures as well. Bryan is Mexican-American with family from Guatemala and Mexico. Dahlie’s family is from China. For Bryan’s side of the family, we played mariachi music during the cocktail hour (and lots of Cumbias, Merengues, and Reggaeton during the dancing!). For Dahlie, they performed a traditional Chinese Tea Ceremony prior to the wedding and then during the reception, she changed into the traditional red dress, or Qi Pao.

 

However, there was no cultural divide when it came to the party. Guests from different countries danced, drank, ate, and partied with guests from all over the US. Calamigos Equestrian outdid themselves (as usual) with a fantastic meal, and thanks to all of the vendors working together, we were able to fit everything they wanted to do into a very tight schedule. This was extremely important because, little did Dahlie and Bryan know, Dahlie’s sisters, parents, and family had arranged a big surprise that had to be perfectly timed out.

 

Right after we got everyone on the dance floor, I received word that the surprise was here and just about ready. At the right time, we asked Dahlie and Bryan to come out to the dance floor and cleared everyone off. Then, much to everyone’s surprise, the USC Marching Band came through the doors. That’s right…the freaking USC Marching Band!!! This ten-piece auxiliary ensemble came in playing their traditional marching and fight songs, and then proceeded to perform a mini-concert for the assembled guests. Everyone in the room was blown away at the surprise entertainment, especially our USC loving Bride and Groom. These musicians brought the house down with renditions of classic and modern songs. It concluded with a photo opportunity and a final goodbye. I pointed out that the room next door got a Mariachi…we got the USC Marching Band! (I think we won!) Fight On USC, and Fight On Dahlie and Bryan!

 

Dave’s recommended vendors for this wedding are:

• Calamigos Equestrian Center – calamigosequestrian.com
• Michael O’Day Photography – michaelodayphotography.com
• DJ Tempoe Photo Booths – photoboothanddjs.com