Irene & Alan’s Sacramento Wedding at Tsakopoulos Library Galleria & Vietnamese Martyrs Church

Alan and Irene’s wedding day was a love letter to Sacramento, where they each grew up and where they first met in high school. Their wedding day started off at The Citizen Hotel, right in the heart of downtown. Getting ready there already felt special, but the real magic happened when they tucked away for their first look in the hotel’s little library. Alan and Irene saw each other for the first time in the quietest, sweetest way: just the two of them, flanked by shelves of books. It was intimate, personal, and so them… especially for two people who clearly love a good story.

After that, we headed to the Vietnamese Martyrs Church for their ceremony. The moment Irene walked in, the whole space felt like it softened. The ceremony was heartfelt and traditional, and as it ended, a streak of colorful light filtered in through the stained glass windows, as if to celebrate the moment.

With the “just married” glow fully activated, we stole away for portraits at the Stanford Mansion, which gave us such a gorgeous contrast with elegant architecture, warm fall light, and seasonal touches (pumpkins!). A few of my favorite photos of the day were of them laughing as they walked along the streets nearby, enjoying some alone time under the autumn colors.

And then, the perfect finale. Their tea ceremony and reception at the Tsakopoulos Library Galleria couldn’t have been more fitting, because Alan and Irene’s entire reception design centered around books in the most thoughtful, charming ways. Books weren’t just decor; they were part of the personality of the day. From book-inspired centerpieces at each table to typewriters set out for guests to write notes, everything felt warm, personal, and a little bit nostalgic, like stepping into a story.

In the Galleria’s open atrium, under its stunning architecture and soaring windows, Alan and Irene’s first dance captured everyone’s eyes. One of our favorite frames of the night is of him lifting her mid-dance while the crowd had their phones up, with all eyes on the couple.

But the moment we keep coming back to — the one that honestly surprised us in the best way — was their speech to their guests. We’ve heard a lot of toasts over the years, and Alan and Irene’s was hands-down one of the most eloquent, well-spoken bride-and-groom speeches we’ve ever witnessed. It was creative, genuine, emotional, and one that I’m sure all of their guests truly enjoyed and appreciated.

Alan and Irene, thank you for letting us document such a meaningful day. From a mini-library first look to a reception that turned a literal library into the coziest celebration ever, your wedding felt romantic, classy, and full of heart. We’re so honored we got to capture this chapter for you!