Melicia & Justin at Sunset Bluffs

Some weddings are hard to fit into a single category, and Melicia and Justin’s celebration at Sunset Bluffs was a perfect example…but in the best way possible. Their day brought together Vietnamese traditions, generations of family, their adorable corgi, fireworks, and a reception that eventually turned into what they called a “wholesome rave.” It was a celebration that felt completely, unapologetically them.

Melicia and Justin have been together since high school, spending half their lives building a relationship around love, family, and happiness. Their engagement was just as meaningful. Justin proposed in Hội An, Vietnam, during a Lunar New Year photoshoot overlooking the city’s famous lantern-lit streets. It was his first visit to Vietnam, where Melicia’s family is from, and he had the opportunity to meet her grandparents and extended family. Proposing in a place so closely connected to her heritage made the moment even more special.

The outdoor ceremony at Sunset Bluffs provided a beautiful backdrop, with dramatic stone bluffs and sparkling water surrounding the celebration. Between emotional moments during the ceremony, joyful family portraits, and candid laughter with friends, there was no shortage of meaningful moments to photograph. And, of course, their sweet little corgi had an important role to play, too!

Family was a huge part of their wedding, too. During the reception, Melicia and Justin changed into traditional Vietnamese wedding attire for a tea ceremony honoring their parents. Lion dancers brought even more color and excitement to the celebration. These weren’t simply wedding-day details; they were meaningful ways to celebrate Melicia’s heritage and recognize the family members who helped shape their lives together.

Melicia and Justin love electronic music, so they had a very specific vision for their reception: a wholesome rave. We were absolutely here for it. The evening included a fireworks display, and the second half of the reception brought in an EDM DJ from Complete to get the party going. The couple also brought some fun light-up accessories, giving us the opportunity to experiment with colorful lighting and create some unique, creative portraits.

We love when couples bring their own ideas to the table. Those personal touches let us make photographs that go beyond the expected and capture something that genuinely reflects who they are. What we enjoyed the most about Melicia and Justin’s wedding was how naturally everything came together. Their cultural traditions, close family relationships, love of music, and playful personalities all had a place in the celebration. From a meaningful tea ceremony to a packed dance floor, every part of the day told us something about who they are and what matters most to them.

Melicia and Justin, thank you for letting us document such a joyful, personal celebration. We hope these photographs bring you back to the love, laughter, and happiness of your wedding day for decades to come!

Planning your own wedding? We’d love to hear your story. Explore our St. Louis wedding photography page or get in touch to start a conversation.

Venue: Sunset Bluffs | Washington, Missouri