Black and White Valentine’s Day

An absolutely AMAZING group of ladies put together this Valentine’s Day photo shoot and let me tell you, words don’t do this justice. These gals have presented a gorgeous spread for us, but have also sparked an incredibly creative idea about celebrating and finding love. I’m going to let Nanci from So Happi Together tell you all about it, but first, let me introduce the contributors:

Event Design and Coordination – So Happi Together; Photography – Connie M Chung; Floral Design – Floral Elements; Stationery Design and Calligraphy – Olive Hue Paper Goods; Chair Rentals – Signature Party Rentals; Linens – BBJ Linens; Cakes – Some Crust Bakery

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Our Valentine’s Day photo shoot is not your typical celebration of couples, chocolates and hearts. Two ideas inspired this shoot and a story about a sophisticated Valentine’s Day party thrown by an engaged couple who love their friends nearly as much as they love each other – and decide to celebrate that love on this day.

The Ideas:

1. In Korea, 2/14 is Valentine’s Day and women are supposed to give a present to their significant other. 3/14 is White Day and men are supposed to give a present to their significant other. 4/14 is Black Day and single people go out to eat “ja jang myun” (noodles with black bean paste) to commiserate the fact that they do not have a significant other and therefore, did not receive gifts for the previous two months.

2. Many brides I meet talk about the guilt they feel towards their single friends (especially when those friends are in their bridal party) when they talk ceaselessly and excitedly about their wedding plans. Also, I find that not everyone enjoying the eye candy and inspiration provided by the wedding blogging world are engaged or even dating! So, I wanted to create something just for those single individuals who love a good love story and a beautiful party.

The result:

A fabulous black and white themed party (with the perfect touch of blush pink) for your single friends who are ready to mingle. The party can be about finding new love or meeting new friends; either way, everyone is sure to have a good time!

The details:

Pink and red streamers and hearts are so not your style, so why should they dominate your day of love? Instead, the black-white-blush pink color palette hints at the Korean traditions of Black Day, White Day and Valentine’s Day while maintaining a chic aesthetic that is neither too feminine nor too masculine.

Your place card doubles as a calling card at the end of the night. The back of your place card has a list of names of people at the party. You can check the name of a person with whom you particularly “clicked” (male or female), fill in your contact information and pass it along with no awkward reservations or moments, like, “Um… do you twitter?”

One small cake per two people encourages sharing and provides yet another excuse to mix and mingle with those sitting next to you.

The meal itself is none other than the fun-to-eat, not-so-neat ja-jang-myun and is a nod to the traditional Black Day for singles.

To all the engaged readers, your friends will be coming to celebrate your love on your wedding day. Why not celebrate them on this day of love? That is what I call a generous bride and groom!