I knew my coworker Jessika was getting married, but little did I know she was planning one of the most gorgeous weddings I’ve seen in a long time.

Jessika recently got married and graciously allowed me to gawk at the incredible photos by Harvard Photography. And make no mistake — obviously, I had nothing to do with these amazing flowers, but I do sort of know the florist behind them. These gorgeous decorations were done by Catherine Hillen-Rulloda of Avante Gardens in Anaheim, who is married to Phil Rulloda, who did a book with Silverio Casabar, who was my mom’s mentor. Small world!

Anyway, you don’t want to hear about my six degrees of separation. You want to know about the flowers!

Here are Jessika and her lucky new husband, Jay. Jay’s wearing a traditional maile leaf lei, while Jessika’s bouquet is just dripping with orchids. How’s that for bringing the islands to the mainland?

One thing that I loved about Jessika’s wedding was all the gorgeous leis. Check out this cutie! I believe this was a ti leaf lei with some dendrobium orchids weaved into it.

And another lei shot. Last one, I swear, but I seriously wanted to include pictures of Jessika’s mom and new mother-in-law and the priest because their leis were spectacular. I will restrain myself, however, since this is not a lei blog. Although, I hope to do a lei post later on down the line. The green lei is also maile leaf, but the pink and red one is what I believe is called a Christina lei. It’s a serious lei.

Here’s another gratuitous shot of the bridal bouquet, the beautiful bride and one of her bridesmaids. Dude….I love those bridesmaid dresses. Oh, sorry, let me get back on topic. Yeah, the bridesmaid’s bouquet is similarly spectacular, with plenty of pink orchids. The difference is its a little less fuller than the bridal bouquet. And I think it was just extraordinary timing that the plum trees were blossoming for Jessika’s wedding — they almost look like cherry blossoms.

The reception was pretty spectacular. White chair covers and lavender sashes were on all the chairs, and while you don’t always see balloons mixing with such pretty flower arrangements, these served a purpose — they simulated firecrackers, which traditionally ward off evil spirits at Chinese weddings.

Guest table arrangements alternated between this trio of vases filled with water and flowers — cherry blossom branches, purple mini callas and purple dendrobium orchids — and…

…this graceful arrangement of cherry blossom branches, orchids and exotic greenery. Also, if you look closely, Jessika pointed out to me later that there were little origami cranes  included in the arrangement, folded by Jay himself! Small, light and low arrangements like these are preferable, in my opinion, since they allow the guests at the table to see each other and are easy to carry off at the end of the night. (At most receptions, there is some sort of system that allows one guest at the table to take home the arrangement — I’ve seen a sticker under a plate, for example.)

And let’s not forget the cake. The cake itself is very simple, but honestly, that’s what I prefer. It makes the decorations that you do decide to use pop that much more. Of course, the cake table’s placement was perfect and its flanked by two tall trumpet vases full of blossoming cherry blossom branches.

*Made a few corrections after getting clarification from the bride! Thanks Jessika!