Korean Tea Ceremony & Wedding
One of my favorite parts of being a Temecula wedding photographer is hearing the story of how a couple met. Most people meet online these days, which is totally fine, but unique, offbeat stories always get me pumped. Jasper and Deborah’s story definitely fits that bill. They met while flying solo to Thailand last December, and somehow, as the plane was disembarking, Jasper convinced Deborah to join him on a ferry ride to Krabi—probably with his CrossFit tales and subtle “guns” flexes.
Over the next four days, they explored Thailand together—riding elephants, sipping warm beers, and rocking karaoke at dive bars. When the trip ended, Jasper returned to Los Angeles and Deborah to Singapore. They tried to forget each other, but Jasper’s relentless CrossFit photo updates made that impossible. Fate intervened when Deborah had a ticket to California, and they reunited in July. Things moved fast from there: a wedding in Temecula, an intimate Korean tea ceremony, and a plan to move to Australia a week later.
Below are a handful of photos from their beautiful wedding and traditional Korean tea ceremony in Temecula!
Korean Tea Ceremony Photographer
I’ve photographed Chinese weddings, Indian weddings, Filipino traditions, and plenty of other unique cultural ceremonies over the years. But this was my first time photographing a traditional Korean tea ceremony, or Paebaek. Watching the family and guests come together over tea, sharing gratitude, and showing love for one another was incredible. From the vibrant hanboks to the genuine, heartfelt emotions, every moment was full of color, culture, and meaning—exactly the kind of wedding photography I live for.
Seriously, check out how rad these Korean dresses look!
A Laid-Back, Family-Focused Korean Destination Wedding in Temecula
I asked the bride, Deborah, to share a bit about why she and Jasper chose Temecula for their wedding, and here’s what she had to say:
“We chose to get married in Temecula because we wanted something less busy and laid back that our families would both enjoy. The plan was to have a relaxed weekend with both families (and 5-7 friends) staying in an Airbnb we rented and using the backyard of the property for a garden wedding. After the small intimate wedding ceremony, our guests would be treated to food from a pizza truck as well as cocktails! The wedding would be fun, but we also wanted to keep it simple and elegant, focusing on God and honoring our parents/families. Jasper and I are of different cultures (he is Korean American, I’m Singaporean Chinese) so celebrating the coming together of 2 families was very important.”
This perfectly captures the vibe of their day—intimate, meaningful, and full of personality. It’s not about extravagance; it’s about family, love, and making memories that everyone will actually enjoy.
Congratulations once more, Jasper and Deborah! Photographing your intimate Korean tea ceremony and Temecula wedding was indeed an honor. As you journey to Australia, I hope these photos bring joy. May each image spark a smile mid-flight, reminding you of shared moments. Rest assured, I’ll have all photos edited and ready upon your arrival. Your new home will be welcomed by these cherished memories.
The privilege of hearing your story was humbling. Participating in the culturally significant tea ceremony was a unique experience. Above all, the opportunity to meet you both was enlightening.
To two extraordinary individuals, my sincerest well wishes in Australia! As you embark on future adventures, remember: you have my heartfelt cheers!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Paebaek ceremony in Korean tradition?
A Paebaek ceremony is a fundamental part of traditional Korean wedding ceremonies. It’s a private, family-only event that occurs after the main wedding. The newlyweds serve tea to their parents and relatives, engaging in a series of half-bows and deep bows. In return, they receive words of wisdom, blessings, and often, money in white envelopes. This ceremony symbolizes the joining of two families rather than just two individuals.
What is the significance of dates and chestnuts in a Paebaek tea ceremony?
Dates and chestnuts aren’t just random snacks—they’re full-on symbolism. During the Paebaek, the bride’s mom tosses them, and the couple tries to catch them using her wedding skirt. Nail it, and you’re predicting your future kiddos: dates mean girls, chestnuts mean boys. Crazy, right? This little ritual is always a blast to watch—and even better to photograph or film. Seriously, these moments make wedding photos pop with personality, tradition, and a hint of chaos. Don’t worry if you’re laughing the whole time—everyone does.
What is the role of piggyback rides and wild geese in Korean weddings?
Yeah, it sounds a little quirky at first. The groom giving the bride a piggyback ride? That’s him saying, “I got you—literally and figuratively—through everything life throws at us.” Sweet, right? And those wild geese you see—usually a pair of wooden ones? They’re all about loyalty. Geese mate for life, so they’re a straight-up symbol of sticking together, being faithful, and thinking about the family you’ll build. Honestly, it’s one of those traditions that’s equal parts adorable and meaningful—and definitely makes for some epic photos.
What are appropriate gifts for a Korean wedding ceremony?
Money. Yep, that’s the main vibe. Wrap it up in a crisp white envelope, and you’re golden. This goes for both the big wedding ceremony and the Paebaek tea ceremony. Quick tip: keep the amount in odd numbers—odd is lucky, even is, well… not so much. Hand the envelope to the groom’s parents at the reception, flash a smile, and you’re officially playing by tradition. Simple, classic, and totally appreciated.
