An Unexpected Beginning
They say love finds you when you least expect it, and for B & V, that couldn’t be truer.
It all started during the pandemic on Coffee Meets Bagel, an app V had downloaded, deleted, and re-downloaded more times than she cared to admit. Expectations were low. She wasn’t actively searching, and yet, there was B—his simple, almost forgettable opening line:
“Hey, how’s it going?” 👋
V “liked” his profile back, but if she was honest, she was more interested in another guy at the time—also a pharmacist, which seemed like the more logical match. Twice, B was almost ghosted before they even met.
A Date That Almost Didn’t Happen
When V finally agreed to meet, the universe decided to test them. She lost track of time hanging out with a friend and locked herself out of her apartment, forcing her to show up 30 minutes late.
B waited—barely.
Later, he admitted he thought she had made up the excuse and was about to ditch him entirely. But whether it was patience, fate, or sheer curiosity, he stayed.
They met at a boba shop in San Gabriel Valley, and something unexpected happened. The conversation was effortless. Hours passed like minutes. The shop closed, but they weren’t ready to leave, so they continued talking at V’s apartment until 3 AM.
What B didn’t mention that night? The AC wasn’t on, and he sat there sweating the entire time, too polite to say a word. He told her much later, and they laughed about it. It was the beginning of a love story that almost never happened.
A Love Rooted in Culture and Connection
Now, years later, they stood on the cusp of forever, planning a celebration that reflected their journey, their heritage, and the furry companion who had become an irreplaceable part of their love story—their beloved dog, who was just as much a part of their family as they were to each other.
For their engagement session, they wanted something that blended tradition with modernity, elegance with nostalgia. We decided on two distinct locations—San Francisco City Hall for a classic elopement feel and Chinatown at night, inspired by the cinematic beauty of Wong Kar Wai’s films.
San Francisco City Hall – Honoring Their Heritage (and Their Pup!)
Dressed in traditional Chinese and Vietnamese attire, B & V paid homage to their roots in the grand halls of San Francisco City Hall.
V’s Áo Dài, a flowing Vietnamese silk dress, was radiant in the soft golden light, its intricate embroidery a tribute to generations before her. B stood beside her in his Tang suit, the deep reds and golds symbolizing prosperity and luck. Together, they were a vision—modern yet deeply connected to their past.
But the true scene-stealer? Their dog, dressed in a tiny lion dancing costume. With every step, the little pup pranced around, embodying joy, celebration, and the undeniable charm of a lion dance in motion. Onlookers couldn’t help but smile, and in that moment, their wedding felt complete—not just as two people coming together, but as a family.
Chinatown – A Cinematic Love Story with an Unexpected Twist
As the sun set, we transitioned to San Francisco’s Chinatown, a place filled with both personal and cinematic nostalgia.
I had scouted locations beforehand, walking through the neon-lit alleys, searching for the perfect blend of mystery, romance, and old Hong Kong film aesthetics. (In true dedication, I even twisted my ankle during the scouting process—tragic, but worth it.)
But what I loved most about this part of the shoot was their complete dedication to the moment.
V had initially planned to wear a beautiful, traditional dress passed down from B’s mother, dating back to the ‘80s. But midway through our shoot, she admitted the fabric was heavier than expected, making it difficult to move. Without hesitation, they made a spontaneous decision—buying a new Cheongsam (Qipao) on the spot.
Within minutes, V had changed into a sleek, form-fitting red dress, exuding a different kind of elegance—modern, effortless, and undeniably stunning. Not to be outdone, B also bought a new piece to complement her look, embracing the spontaneity of the moment.
This was what I loved most about them. They weren’t just here for a photoshoot—they were living their love story in real-time, embracing every twist, every challenge, and every unexpected moment with open hearts.
One of our stops was a famous bar in Chinatown, where B & V sat sipping on cocktails, the warm glow of lanterns reflecting off their glasses. The moment felt frozen in time—like a scene pulled from an ’80s or ’90s Wong Kar Wai film, filled with longing and quiet intimacy.
From there, we walked through the alleys, past storefronts with faded signs, under strings of glowing red lanterns. The city felt alive, yet in their presence, there was an undeniable stillness.
Love, Written in the Details
This wasn’t just an engagement shoot—it was a story. A collision of past and present, tradition and modernity, fate and choice.
Because sometimes, love arrives in the most unassuming ways. A boba date. A delayed first meeting. A night spent sweating in silence.
And before you know it, you’ve found the person you were meant to spend forever with.
And for B & V, this was just the beginning.
– Victorio
