A Multicultural Wedding at The Rockleigh: Gisela & John’s Chinese-Venezuelan-American Celebration

When Gisela first shared that choosing a florist who understood and honored culture was one of the most important decisions she would make, I knew immediately that this wedding would be layered, intentional, and deeply personal.

And when I told her, “You’ve arrived at the right place,” I meant it.

What you see in these images goes beyond the décor. It’s the profound difference between flowers placed in a space and a space that has been transformed with meaning.

From Vision to Visual Impact

In our early conversations, Gisela was torn between two directions:

• A classic palette of whites, creams, and soft colors

• Or embracing color in a way that honored her Chinese heritage

At first glance, many of the early inspiration references leaned neutral. But as you move through these images you can see how color, scale, and cultural symbolism ultimately shaped the final experience.

Every detail is intentional.

Designing Experience First, Not Just a Color Palette

Before we defined colors, we defined moments.

Gisela was clear about what mattered most, and those priorities guided every visual decision you see in the photos:

• A lush ceremony installation with a fully designed aisle

• Florals that framed the ceremony architecture and expanded the space outward

• A statement cocktail installation designed specifically for portraits, not just décor, but an experience for guests and the couple

• A dramatic sweetheart table, elevated on a stage, grounded with florals, and draped behind to create depth and focus

• Elevated centerpieces paired with a variety of candle heights: glass, glow, and reflection everywhere

As the images reveal, nothing here floats alone. Everything is layered: florals, light, height, texture.

The Venue Walkthrough That Changed Everything

The venue walkthrough at The Rockleigh was the turning point.

Gisela arrived with her mom and her fiancé, John. I brought my mom with me. What isn’t visible in the photos (but is felt throughout the design) is what happened that day.

Gisela’s mom is Chinese, lived in Venezuela, and speaks Spanish. My mom speaks Spanish. Within minutes, conversation flowed, laughter followed, and the energy shifted. It felt familiar. It felt grounded. It felt like family.

That connection shaped the trust that came next.

We discussed multiple palettes during the walkthrough, but none felt resolved. Instead of forcing a decision, I returned to the studio and created:

• 2D ceremony renderings

• 3D reception renderings

Those renderings allowed Gisela to see what you now see in the photos: scale, movement, and emotional impact.

Trusting Red — and Seeing the Difference

When you compare the visuals you can see exactly why red became the anchor.

Red is powerful in Chinese culture, symbolizing luck, prosperity, joy, and celebration. In the images, it doesn’t overwhelm, it grounds.

• Red roses woven into lush greenery

• Soft blushes and neutrals balancing intensity

• Candlelight reflecting warmth against gold, glass, and mirrored surfaces

  
  

The gallery shows a story fully realized.

Gisela trusted me, and that trust allowed the design to be bold, respectful, and unforgettable.

Wedding Day at The Rockleigh: What the Images Reveal

On wedding day, everything you see in the images came together seamlessly:

• Ceremony florals embraced the architecture and framed the moment

• The aisle became immersive, not just a path, but an experience

• Cocktail hour florals doubled as portrait backdrops for guests and the couple

• The raised sweetheart table created a focal point you could feel across the room

• Elevated centerpieces floated above tables, while layers of candlelight grounded the space below

What stands out most in the imagery are the details:

• Menus written in Chinese

• Favor bags featuring Chinese characters

• Thoughtful cultural elements integrated naturally, never as an afterthought

The difference between a styled setup and a fully realized celebration reveals itself in the atmosphere: continuity throughout the spaces, candlelight, texture, and intentional design working together to create a space that feels alive.

A Multicultural Wedding Designed with Intention

This Chinese-Venezuelan-American wedding at The Rockleigh is proof that honoring culture doesn’t mean choosing between tradition and luxury.

It means designing with understanding.

The images tell a story of trust, collaboration, and identity; one that goes far beyond flowers.

Vendor Team

Design & Production | House of Bernal

Venue | The Rockleigh, NJ

Photography | Ivash Photography

Videography | Ivash Studios

Content Creators | Jelo Pacana Photo, The BTS Bestieee

Bridal Gown | Pnina Tornai, Kleinfeld Bridal

Bridesmaids Gowns | Mac Duggal

Bridal Shoes | Aquazzura, Christian Louboutin, Jimmy Choo

Suits | Suit Supply, Zegna

Bowtie | Tom Ford

Floor Wrap | AC Graphics Inc

Hair Artist | Lilly Hair

Makeup Artist | Tori B Beauty

DJ | James Leung & Kenny

Hora Loca | Klearview Studios

Planning a Multicultural Wedding at The Rockleigh?

At House of Bernal, we design weddings that honor culture, story, and intention; whether you’re planning a Chinese wedding, an East Asian wedding, or a fully multicultural celebration.

If you want your wedding to feel like you, you have arrived at the right place.