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A Gay Autumnal Farm Wedding | Jinyan & Steven

November 3, 2022

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Weddings

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Two grooms kissing, facing one another with their arms wrapped around one another in a slow dance. They are standing in a wide autumn-leaf-covered trail and there are autumnal trees surrounding them.

Published on Equally Wed!

It was the perfect Autumnal queer farm wedding hosted by Jin & Steven. They gathered such warm and loving family and friends for an absolutely stunning day. The happy couple have been together for over 3 years and this was an exciting start to their new lives together.

Jin & Steven started wedding planning pre-proposal since they wanted to ensure their day was perfect. The beginning of their official wedding story started with a mutual proposal in January while they visited San Francisco on a beach with the view of the golden gate bridge in the background. They got each other jade necklaces of each other’s Chinese zodiac animal.

To learn more about the beginning part of their marriage story, read their engagement blogpost here!

Everyone was incredibly joyous and jubilant for Jin & Steven. They had amazing weather — clear skies and a warm Autumnal day. Their ceremony was endearingly officiated by their very close friend Becca. It was a beautiful ceremony that finished with two emotional and heartfelt vows from the couple. Jin’s referenced math and though it may seem odd, it was the perfect way for him to express just how much he loved his future-husband.

To start the reception festivities, the couple enjoyed a fun first dance that included not one but *two* lifts. The reception space was gorgeously lit with candles and chandeliers. There was beautiful rich dark green everywhere in the space; it was the signature color of the wedding. After a delicious meal and lovely toasts from Jin’s mom and the couple’s best men, they ended the night with s’mores and sparklers with all of their guests. It was an excellent way to end a heartwarming day full of celebration.

Huge thank you goes to Jin & Steven’s phenomenal creative team!

Photography | Mei Lin Barral Photography
Planner | Alex Kessler from Valley View Farm
Venue, Catering, & Bar | Valley View Farm
Officiant | Close friend of the couple: Becca Masutani
Floral Design | Until We Wed Flowers
Cake | Lady M Cake Boutique
Dessert | Wheelhouse from Valley View Farm
Makeup Artist + Hair Stylist | Upstyle
Wedding Bands | Blue Nile
Jin & Steven’s Wedding Attire | Hive & Colony
Jin’s Wedding Shoes | Wolf & Shepherd
Steven’s Wedding Shoes | Allen Edmonds
DJ | Evan Healey from Meritage Entertainment
Engagement Necklaces | Phuong Jewelry Store
Invitations & Stationery Suite | Brody Printing
Women’s Wedding Party Attire | Etsy
Men’s Wedding Party Attire | The Black Tux

Two grooms walking hand in hand, one looking directly to camera and the other looking up to his partner. Their wedding party is following them behind and everyone is smiling. Autumnal trees are in the background.
Black and white photo of two grooms standing side by side, holding hands. They are both looking straight to camera and are smiling. They are on a leaf-covered trail and there are trees in the background.
Close up detail photo of the two grooms' wedding bands. They are a classic simple gold. They are set atop the boutonnieres and a polaroid photo of the couple on one of their vow books.
Detail of the groom's wedding shoes and milk tea bubble tea socks. In view is one of each groom's leg. They are standing atop autumnal leaves.
Ceremony location featuring barn beams covered in decorative white sheer curtains. There are aisles of empty wooden benches for the guests to sit on. It is a light-filled area full of glass windows and glass doors. At the end of the aisle is the alter which is comprised of birch tree branches and decorated with greenery and white florals.
Detail of the groom's signature cocktail menu. It is set atop the bar counter and flanked by said signature cocktails. There are multiple wine glasses and various bottles of liquor on the shelves in the background. The two signature cocktails are called "Kirby Cove" and "Torre de Palma".
Detail of the pink-orange signature cocktail "Torre de Palma". There are multiple of them set atop a silver tray on the bar counter.
Tablescape focusing on an individual place setting comprised of two white plates on top of one another flanked by two forks and one knife. There is a dark green napkin below the plates. There is greenery as part of the centerpiece and the table is made of wood.
Two grooms mid-ceremony. One is about to place the wedding band on the other's hand. The officiant is smiling wide. She is dressed in a green qi pao and the grooms are dressed in two different shades of dark blue suits. The alter is decorated with birch trees, greenery, and white florals.
Renovated barn reception venue featuring multiple wooden tables and chairs. There are hanging wide candle-like chandeliers that are lit. Sheer white curtains decorate the wooden beams alongside greenery.
Two grooms kissing at the end of the ceremony. The grooms are dressed in two different shades of dark blue suits. They are surrounded by their wedding party and visible guests are one of the groom's mother and the other groom's grandmother who is clapping. The alter is decorated with birch trees, greenery, and white florals.
Two grooms standing side by side in two different colored dark blue suits. They are facing away from the camera and are holding hands. They are in a forest and standing atop autumnal leaves.
Detail of the grooms' two gold wedding bands, two boutonnieres, two polaroid photos of the grooms, and the wedding vow book which has the words "Have a Lovely Day" written on it. The journal has illustrations of one white bear and one brown bear and they are flanked by pink flowers and white sparkle/bubble motifs.
Detail of the "Wedding [illustrated hear]" wooden sign placed at the entrance of the ceremony/reception courtyard area. The ceremony location is partially visible in the background.
Two grooms standing facing one another in two different colored dark blue suits. Both of their hands are in their pockets. They are in a forest and standing atop an autumnal-leaf-covered trail.
Detail of the grooms' officiant with a huge smile on her face and her eyes are closed in glee. She is wearing a dark green qi pao.
Two grooms standing side by side, holding hands. They are both looking straight to camera and are smiling. They are dressed in two different colored dark blue suits, have matching striped burgundy ties, and have similar styles of white floral and greenery boutonnieres. They are on an autumnal-leaf-covered trail and there are trees in the background.
Torso portrait of one of the grooms smiling and looking up and to his left off camera. He is dressed in a dark blue suit with a burgundy striped tie and a white and greenery boutonniere. He is standing in an autumnal forest.
Full body portrait of one of the grooms smiling and looking up and to his left off camera. He is dressed in a dark blue suit, a burgundy striped tie, a white and greenery boutonniere, and brown dress shoes. He is standing in an autumnal forest with the sun shining through the trees.
Full body portrait of two grooms walking hand in hand, one looking directly to camera and the other looking up to his partner. Their wedding party is following them behind and everyone is smiling. The women are dressed in dark green qi paos and are holding white bouquets. The men are dressed in black suits with matching dark green ties and white boutonnieres. Autumnal trees are in the background with the sun shining through them.
Detail of a ceremony sign labeled "RESERVED" which is set on the ground among some greenery by one of the wooden aisle benches.
One of the grooms smiling down at his grandmother with his father smiling toward them in the background.
Big "double happiness" Chinese character sign. The character and outline are a light brown/gold and the background of the sign is a deep red. It is hanging on a staircase above the guest book and cards/gifts table.
Two grooms and two female members of their wedding party standing side by side in a line. They are all smiling. The grooms are wearing suits with ties and boutonnieres and the women are wearing qi paos and holding bouquets.
Table 3 in the reception location. It is a large wooden table with wooden chairs. The shin is shining brightly in the room. The table is fully set for the guests. There are dark green napkins and the table center is decorated with greenery.
Two grooms mid-ceremony. One is reading his vows and the other is wiping away tears. The officiant is looking towards the groom who is reciting his vows. She is dressed in a green qi pao and the grooms are dressed in two different shades of dark blue suits. The alter is decorated with birch trees, greenery, and white florals.
Detail of the "Table 3" sign. There is an unlit white candle with greenery decorating the center. A water-filled stemless wine glass is seen in front and to the side of the table sign.
Two grooms walking hand in hand with big smiles right after their ceremony. All of their guests are smiling and clapping for the happy couple. The ceremony location is a barn-style indoor area with big wooden beams and wooden benches for the guests. The beams are decorated with white sheer curtains.
An individual place setting comprised of two white plates on top of one another flanked by two forks and one knife. There is a dark green napkin below the plates. There is greenery as part of the centerpiece and the table is made of wood. The sun is shining brightly in the background.
Detail of a wooden tray full of one of the amuse bouches served during cocktail hour. It is a roasted tomato topped with greenery set on a crispy slice of baguette. The orange/yellow sun is tinting the food.
Two women who are part of the wedding party, dressed in dark green qi paos, facing one another with their heads turned to look directly at the camera. Their arms are wrapped around one another in a hug and they are both smiling. They are standing in the stone courtyard area in front of the ceremony location.
Row of guests clapping for the newly married couple (out of frame, not shown in photo). The sun is shining behind them. They are all smiling.
Cocktail hour buffet featuring several hors d'oeuvres. There are dark green napkins atop upside down wooden wine boxes and pumpkins as decoration.
A black smoker featuring nine raw and seasoned salmon pieces on wooden slats ready to be cooked. There are a pair of open metal tongs set atop a pile of wooden slats next to the salmon.
Groom's head is turned toward the camera and he is smiling/laughing. His husband is also smiling/laughing behind him, looking straight ahead (he is faced towards his guests). He has his right hand holding his wedding band on his left hand.
Two grooms standing side by side with their wedding planner. They all have their arms around one another and are smiling directly to the camera. There are autumnal trees in the background.
Wedding guest mid-signing of the guest book. There is a bouquet of white flowers in a vase on top of a wooden platform on the table.
Two grooms standing side by side, holding hands. They are both looking at each other, facing away from the camera. They are dressed in two different colored dark blue suits. They are in an autumnal forest.
Wedding guest who is part of the wedding party sticking their tongue out and holding up a "peace" sign with their left hand. Their eyes are shut in a "groovy" manner. They are standing next to a cocktail hour table with other wedding guests.
The grooms' head table featuring a fully set table with two salad appetizers, bread basket, and one of each of the signature cocktails. There are dark green napkins under the empty set of two white plates for each groom and in the bread basket.
Detail of the "Valley View Farm [maple leaf illustration]" white napkins with black font. The napkins are set on a wooden table and there is an upside wooden crate behind it with greenery.
Weddings guests taking a photo with the photobooth. There is a big ring light where everyone is looking towards and smiling. One guest has her arms above her head in a joyful manner.
Two grooms standing about to give a speech to begin their reception. One groom is looking off to his right, mouth open in a smile. He is holding a microphone. His husband is standing to his right and is looking up towards him with a big smile on his face. They are standing at their couple head table which is decorated with greenery as well as the wooden beam above them.
Two grooms walking hand in hand entering their reception. Their guests are sitting at the tables, clapping. Both grooms are smiling and looking around at their guests. The reception area is decorated with white sheer curtains and greenery.
Two grooms standing facing each other with their hands in their pockets. They are both looking at each other, smiling. They are dressed in two different colored dark blue suits. They are in an autumnal forest.
Detail of part of the hors d'oeuvres during cocktail hour set on a wooden stump featuring primarily dried sausage, pickles red and orange bell peppers, and herbs. There is a warty orange and dark green gourde as an autumnal decoration.
Cocktail hour stone (unlit) bonfire surrounded by wooden chairs (made from barrels) and barrels.
High table and stools made from wooden barrels.
Overview of the ceremony and reception locations and the courtyard in between them.
Two grooms walking hand in hand. One is looking down to his left toward the ground and the other is looking up at his soon-to-be husband. They are both smiling. They are dressed in two different colored dark blue suits, striped burgundy ties, and white boutonnieres. They are in an autumnal forest walking on an autumnal-leaf-covered trail.
Detail photo of a stone planter with full greenery.
Two grooms slow dancing in each other's arm, facing one another. They are both softly smiling. They are dressed in two different colored dark blue suits, striped burgundy ties, and white boutonnieres. They are in an autumnal forest walking on an autumnal-leaf-covered trail.
An alter in a ceremony location that is decorated with birch trees, greenery, and white florals. There are wooden beams in the location. There are windows behind showing an autumnal forest in the background.
Detail of chicken hors d'oeuvres on a silver platter.
Two grooms receiving a silver gift bag from family members. There are autumnal trees behind everyone.
Two grooms at the head couple table (which is decorated with greenery as well as the wooden beam above them) with one of the groom's mothers. One of the grooms and his mother are giving a speech. One groom is looking off to his right, mouth open in a smile. He is holding a microphone. His husband is sitting to his left and is looking towards him with a soft smile.
Detail of a wooden board full of one of the amuse bouches served during cocktail hour. It is a roasted tomato topped with greenery set on a crispy slice of baguette. The orange/yellow sun is tinting the food.
Two grooms standing side by side, holding each other's hands, two different colored dark blue suits. They are in a forest and standing atop autumnal leaves.
Two grooms about to receive their signature cocktails from their wedding planner.
Torso portrait of one of the grooms smiling and looking straight to camera. He is dressed in a dark blue suit with a burgundy striped tie and a white and greenery boutonniere. He is standing in an autumnal forest atop an autumnal-leaf-covered trail.
Guests seated, clapping, during the reception.
Black and white photo of two grooms running hand in hand through an aisle of sparklers held up by their guests.
Matcha thousand layer crepe cake on a white cake stand. There is a bouquet of white flowers behind the cake and dark green napkins decorating the wooden table.
Two grooms slow dancing during their first dance as husbands during their reception. They are standing facing one another and are holding and embracing each other. They are both smiling, looking at one another.
Two grooms enjoying the first piece of their matcha thousand layer cake. They are both smiling, closed mouthed, full of cake. One of the grooms is holding the slice of cake they just cut together and they are both each holding a fork.
Two grooms having their first dance. One is picking up the other who has his arms outstretched in a wide stance. Their guests are all looking at them and smiling.
Detail of a tray of apple crumble pie and in the background is someone scooping a ball of vanilla ice cream from the ice cream tub.
The s'mores station with a blackboard style sign that says "s'mores station" with a tray of Hershey's chocolate bars, marshmallows, and graham crackers. People are behind the station in various stages of eating s'mores.
Wedding guests and the two grooms huddled around a bonfire roasting marshmallows for their s'mores. They are all either smiling or in conversation with one another. There are three string light strings hanging above the group.
A small group of 3 people huddled around a bonfire. Two are actively roasting marshmallows while the other is standing next to the fire.
Two grooms dancing during their first dance at their reception. One is holding the other who has his legs wrapped around his new husband's waist. The one being carried is smiling down at his husband and has his arms around his shoulders. Guests are seen clapping and smiling in the background.
Black and white photo of two grooms standing, kissing one another while each holding two sparklers.

Mei Lin (first name, pronounced "may-LYNN", she/her) is a queer pug-loving musical theatre enthusiast who's passionate about commemorating diverse couples in love and their four-legged family. Trans rights are human rights. Love is love. Stop AAPI Hate. Black Lives Matter.

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