Real Wedding: Nathalee Kong & Christopher Tsai
Get inspired by their stylish celebration at the Institute of Contemporary Art.
Nat opted for a simple beaded dress from BHLDN to keep cool during the outdoor ceremony. Photograph by Scott Zuehlke Photography.
June 9, 2018
The Institute of Contemporary Art
Boston, Massachusetts
When you’re a globetrotting adventurer, you quickly learn to expect the unexpected—and yet, Nathalee Kong was wholly unprepared for what would happen on her trip to Kenya. Kong and her boyfriend, Christopher Tsai, were getting ready to embark on a safari when Chris decided to pop the question. “[After,] we hopped onto a Jeep to see lions,” Nat says. “It was
so surreal.”
When it came time to choose a venue for their celebration, however, the travel-loving couple opted for something a little closer to home—namely, the Institute of Contemporary Art, where they’d shared several dates throughout their courtship. And their wedding day had its own surprise in store, as a ship adorned with lights provided an impromptu backdrop. “That was the best wedding crasher I could’ve ever asked for,” Nat says.
Photograph by Scott Zuehlke Photography
THE ENVOY HOTEL
In a nod to their passion for travel, Nat and Chris posed beneath this sign—carved into a marble wall—at the Envoy Hotel, where they got ready.
Photograph by Scott Zuehlke Photography
FLOWERS
Arranged by Flowers by Justine, Nat’s bouquet featured roses, peonies, baby’s breath, and leafy greenery.
Photograph by Scott Zuehlke Photography
SHAKE SHACK
The wedding party stopped at Shake Shack to escape the heat before meeting their parents for photos prior to the festivities.
Photograph by Scott Zuehlke Photography
CEREMONY
The couple wrote their own vows, sprinkled with some humor. “[I talked about] having patience while Nat yells at couples on HGTV,” Chris says with a laugh.
Photograph by Scott Zuehlke Photography
RECEPTION
“I liked how open and airy the space felt with the windows, and I loved the wiring and the lights, but it felt a little too high,” Nat says. “The globe lanterns made it more intimate.”
Photograph by Scott Zuehlke Photography
DESSERT
Instead of cake, the couple served doughnuts from Union Square Donuts, which they arranged on a pegboard that they built themselves.
Photograph by Scott Zuehlke Photography
TABLESCAPES
Filled with eucalyptus and baby’s breath, amber bottles adorned the tables.
Photograph by Scott Zuehkle Photography
BRIDAL PARTY
The bridal party spent the afternoon posing for photos along Boston’s Harborwalk.
Photograph by Scott Zuehlke Photography
ESCORT CARDS
Nat and Chris decorated their escort cards (which were folded into paper airplanes) with shiba inu stickers—an homage to their dog, Kylo.
Caterer The Catered Affair
DJ DJ Cookie Policy
Doughnuts Union Square Donuts
Dresses BHLDN
Flowers Flowers by Justine
Groom’s Tux Suitsupply
Groomsmen Tuxes The Black Tux
Hair Jenny Luu
Makeup Lisa Chy Makeup
Day-of Coordinator Favoloso Weddings & Events
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