Shaina and Dale are the definition of a modern Bay Area couple—busy careers, full schedules, yet intentional about every choice for their wedding experience. Hosting their wedding at Kohl Mansion in Burlingame gave them the perfect mix of elegance and ease, a space that felt elevated while still approachable.
What made their celebration especially meaningful was how they blended their cultures. Shaina’s Hawaiian roots and Dale’s Chinese heritage showed up throughout the day in ways that felt organic and true to them.
Getting Ready & First Look
CLASSIC START WITH MEANINGFUL DETAILS
The day started slow, with time to take in the space before everything picked up. In a quiet moment, Dale’s mom gifted Shaina a jade bracelet—a meaningful piece that tied his family’s heritage.
Their first look happened inside on the mansion’s black-and-white checkered floors. The setting was bold and classic, giving them a private space to breathe before the rest of the day unfolded. It set the tone—centered on the moments that actually matter.
Ceremony at Kohl Mansion
OUTDOOR VOWS WITH STUNNING ARCHITECTURE
The ceremony at Kohl Mansion was something special. Guests filled the lawn with the mansion behind them, which honestly doesn’t need much to feel incredible. The florals added just the right amount of texture and color—simple, but so impactful. Understated luxury that feels effortlessly beautiful.
One of the sweetest parts of the day was Shaina walking down the aisle with her mom. It was such a grounding, emotional moment before she joined Dale at the altar. Their vows had so much heart and intention, and standing there in that setting, it felt like everything aligned perfectly.
Cocktail Hour
LION DANCERS & LIVE ENERGY
Cocktail hour brought one of the biggest surprises of the day—lion dancers! The energy shifted instantly, and guests loved every second. It was bold, joyful, and such a perfect inclusion of Dale’s heritage.
Sunset Portraits in the Courtyard
PLAYFUL MOMENTS IN THE GARDEN
While cocktail hour continued, we slipped away for portraits in the courtyard garden. Surrounded by hedges and the mansion’s architecture, they walked, laughed, and shared a few quiet moments. Nothing overly posed, just their natural rhythm together.
Dinner & Reception
AN INTIMATE, CLASSIC SETTING
Dinner was set inside Kohl Mansion’s paneled dining hall. Guests gathered at round tables while Shaina and Dale sat at a sweetheart table in front of the grand fireplace. The decor was minimal yet classy—candles, florals, and clean details that carried the same understated luxury seen throughout the day.
Later, Shaina changed into a second dress before the dancing kicked off, the perfect transition into the night. The reception felt warm, joyful, and completely personal to them.
S & D’s Wedding at Kohl Mansion
ROMANTIC, ORGANIC, CLASSY
What made this day unforgettable wasn’t just the beauty of the setting (though Kohl Mansion truly is one of the Bay Area’s most stunning venues). It was how Shaina and Dale made it theirs—intentional details, cultural traditions, and a vibe that felt timeless yet completely personal.
If you’re dreaming about a wedding at Kohl Mansion, this day is proof of how versatile and meaningful the space can be. Whether you lean toward understated luxury or something a little more bold, it’s the kind of venue that gives you space to create a day that feels like you.
In the depths of wedding planning? Let’s connect and create timeless, heirloom worthy photos.
| VENDOR TEAM |
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| Planner: Taylor Rae Weddings || Venue: Kohl Mansion || Photographer: Sarah Woods Photo || Caterer: Michi’s Catering || Florals: Fleurisse Design || Hair & Makeup: Beauty on Set |
