Their Story
Amanda and Jackson met through an online dating app shortly after Amanda returned home from living in Asia for over two years, with her last stop being Malaysia. “Back home, I joined an online community where we connected,” Amanda explains. “Coincidentally, he is Malaysian Chinese, and we quickly bonded over our shared experiences in Asia, as well as our mutual love for traveling, food and animals. Since then, we’ve traveled to places like Hawaii, Canada, California and the Tri-State area, among others. Along the way, we’ve not only explored new destinations but also witnessed each other grow, both personally and professionally.”
Will You Marry Me?
The couple planned a trip to Hawaii to visit Amanda’s relatives, and Jackson decided to surprise her with a proposal on the island of Maui. “He told me it was going to be a sunset party on the beach, but it turned out to be so much more—he had even hired a photographer to capture the moment!” Amanda says. “We had the chance to enjoy an Engagement Moon in a place I’ve loved visiting since I was young. On our last day in Hawaii, we celebrated with my family, making it an unforgettable experience.”
Details of the Day
They chose an Autumn Rustic Chic theme, inspired by warm, nostalgic feelings that create a sense of home. Their wedding colors featured primary shades of dusty rose and mauve, balanced by secondary hues of sage and natural green, with touches of gold adding a hint of elegance.
Their bridal party wore complementary shades of mauve, desert rose, mulberry, wine and burgundy for a beautifully mismatched look. While the groomsmen wore classic black suits, Jackson wore his Marine Corps blues for the ceremony, later changing into a three-piece gray suit for the reception. “I swapped into a short bubble-hem dress and white sneakers, perfect for dancing the night away,” Amanda adds.
“We wanted the atmosphere to feel inviting, cozy and elegant,” Amanda says. “As photography lovers, we displayed gold-framed photos capturing our lives—from childhood memories and photos of loved ones who had passed to a slideshow of our relationship, as well as past photos with our guests. We even framed a map of Queens, New York, where we currently live together, adding a personal touch.”
For a fun twist, Amanda and Jackson set up a mobile photo booth and Polaroid cameras so guests could capture memories by a green wall reading “Simply the Best”—a nod to the song that played as their bridal party entered. To add to the relaxed vibe, they included games like corn hole, horseshoes, giant Jenga and a personalized crossword puzzle. For a sweet send-off, guests enjoyed apple-cider donuts and took home customized matchboxes as favors.
Why Did You Choose Perona Farms?
“After we got engaged, we realized that neither of us had grown up envisioning a dream wedding or venue,” Amanda explains. “The thought of a grand ballroom felt intimidating, yet we still wanted something elegant. Our Best Man, who works as a location manager in the film industry, found Perona Farms online and suggested we visit. When we arrived for the tour, we were greeted with specially made snacks, and I immediately felt like we’d found something special. The moment we stepped into the Barn, it felt like home—we knew it was the perfect place to celebrate our love.”
Favorite Moment
“Although every moment of our wedding was special, the first look held a unique place in our hearts,” Amanda says. “We shared it on a path lined with majestic pine trees, a setting that felt as timeless as our journey together. When we first met online, I was starting my first job at an animal shelter, and he was completing his final year at John Jay College. Today, I’m part of the social media team at a nationally recognized organization, and he proudly serves in the U.S. Marine Corps. After more than seven years of love, growth and shared experiences, that moment was a poignant reminder of how far we’ve come—and the incredible journey still ahead as we grow old together.”
Favorite Detail
While Amanda entrusted the incredible venue staff with creative freedom, she envisioned a specific setup for their guest book and card box area that would reflect their personalities and values. “Our guest book was a photo book from a 1950s-inspired photoshoot featuring his Marine Corps service uniform, adding a unique and personal touch,” Amanda says. “Surrounding the book were two canvas maps showcasing where our guests had traveled from. Rather than highlighting only those who traveled the furthest, we wanted to celebrate the diversity of places represented—Hawaii, California, Georgia, Washington, DC, New York, Ohio, Illinois, Minnesota, the UK, Mexico and beyond. Between the maps, a sign read: ‘Many of you have traveled near and far to celebrate with us, and today, we are all connected. Please pick a page for the next guest to sign and leave your love, advice, or well wishes, marking this unforgettable day.'”
To hold the black Sharpies, Amanda used a thrifted pencil holder shaped like a panda (her favorite animal), adding a bit of playful charm to the setup. The dĂ©cor was beautifully tied together with accents of gold, rose gold, green, black and white. “In the card box, I placed two old cards from my grandmothers, who both passed away within the same year of our wedding—a heartfelt tribute to their memory,” Amanda adds. “This setup represented so much of what matters to us: my love for animals (especially pandas), our shared passion for travel and photography, his service in the military and the cherished people in our lives. It was a deeply sentimental part of our day.”
Advice for Others
Amanda recommends staying side by side throughout your wedding day. “It was truly magical to experience each moment together,” she says. “Also, take every opportunity to spend time with your guests. It’s a rare and special occasion to have loved ones from all the different chapters of your life gathered in one place.”
The Team
Venue | Perona Farms: Marley, Bryant, Kristin, Portia, Anastasia and all staff
Photography & Videography | Marquee Studio Photo & Video: Roger, Felipe, and Vincenzo
Day-of-Coordinator | UEM Events & Design: Kristin and Meira
Flowers | Bloomery Flower Studio
Ceremony Music/DJ | Fantasy DJ Productions: Bob, Jesse, Leo and Dan
Photobooth | Metro PhotoBooth Bus
Officiant | Wolf Boehme, Amanda’s uncle
Dress and Alterations | Park Avenue Bridal
Dress Designer | Rings
Shoes | IDIFU Shoes
Reception Dress | Lulu’s
Reception Shoes | Etsy
Rings | Magnolia Jewelers
Bridesmaid Dresses | Azazie, MISHA, JJ’s House, EverPretty
Hair | AMAC Hair Artistry: Selina and Shana
Makeup | Ashley Schmidt
Bakery | A Little Cake
Invitations and Save-the-Dates | Canva
Guest Book Photography | J&R Photography: Jenn and Ro
Transportation | Broadway Elite
Content Creator | WeddingsUnveiledCo: Caitlin
Hotels | Holiday Inn Express & Courtyard Marriot Mount Arlington
Bridal Shower | Stage House Tavern in Scotch Plains, NJ
Bachelorette Destination | Fire Island, NY
Rehearsal Dinner | Bell’s Mansion
Content Creator at Rehearsal Dinner | CapturedBrides – Ashley Jiang
Minimoon Destination | Chicago
Honeymoon Destination | Alaska
