Mission Inn Wedding Video | LittleDove & Kaiyang
Mission Inn Wedding Video | LittleDove & Kaiyang's
A Whimsical, Cultural Wedding at the Historic Mission Inn Hotel & Spa
When LittleDove and Kaiyang envisioned their perfect wedding day, they dreamed of something truly magical—a romantic, whimsical evening that blended fairytale elegance with meaningful cultural traditions. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the historic Mission Inn Hotel & Spa in Riverside, California, their wedding became a cinematic celebration of love, family, and heritage.
The Perfect Riverside Wedding Venue: Mission Inn Hotel & Spa
The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa stands as one of Southern California's most iconic wedding venues. With its Spanish Mission Revival architecture, castle-like towers, and enchanting courtyards, this National Historic Landmark provided the perfect setting for LittleDove and Kaiyang's princess-themed celebration. The venue's grand staircase, ornate details, and romantic ambiance created an unforgettable backdrop for their wedding film.
A Unique First Touch Ceremony
Before their 6:00 PM ceremony, LittleDove and Kaiyang shared an intimate "first touch" moment at 5:15 PM—a beautiful alternative to the traditional first look. Without seeing each other, they connected through touch alone, creating an emotional moment captured by our wedding videography team. This touching pre-ceremony ritual set the tone for an evening filled with intentional, meaningful moments.
Blending Cultures: Traditional Lion Dancers and Native American Elements
What made this Mission Inn wedding truly special was the seamless integration of cultural traditions. The reception featured a spectacular lion dance performance by LA Lion Dance, bringing vibrant energy and traditional Chinese symbolism to the celebration. As a bride of Maidu and Miwok heritage, LittleDove incorporated Native American elements into the day, honoring her roots while celebrating her future with Kaiyang.
Elegant Wedding Details Worth Capturing
From a videographer's perspective, every detail told a story:
Red pockets displayed on the guest book table, honoring Chinese tradition
Exquisite floral arrangements by Jenny B Floral Design that brought the romantic, whimsical theme to life
Custom wedding rings and elegant ring box
Designer bridal shoes paired with a stunning Tom Sebastien wedding gown
The Mission Inn's magnificent architecture, from soaring ceilings to the iconic grand staircase
Live Music That Set the Mood
LittleDove and Kaiyang elevated their ceremony and reception with live musical performances:
Vince Torbey on organ during the ceremony
Tal Vaknine on harp, creating an ethereal atmosphere
DJ Pooya keeping the celebration alive during reception
This combination of classical and contemporary music created layers of emotion throughout their wedding film.
Cinematic Wedding Storytelling at Its Finest
At One Story Weddings, we don't just document events—we craft cinematic stories. You can see more examples of our narrative-driven approach in our wedding film portfolio. For LittleDove and Kaiyang's wedding video, we captured:
The bride's emotional walk down the aisle
Heartfelt personal vows exchanged during the ceremony
An intimate candle-lighting ceremony
The couple's romantic first dance
The dramatic lion dance performance
Gift exchanges between bride and groom while getting ready
Candid moments with family traveling from near and far
The grand staircase moment at Mission Inn
Joyful last dance(s) as the night came to a close
Why Mission Inn Hotel & Spa is Perfect for Wedding Videos
The Mission Inn offers wedding videographers and photographers endless opportunities for stunning shots:
Historic architecture with Spanish and Mediterranean influences
Multiple ceremony locations, from courtyards to the iconic chapel
Dramatic interior spaces with vaulted ceilings and ornate details
Romantic lighting perfect for evening celebrations
The famous grand staircase ideal for elegant bridal portraits
Bringing Your Wedding Vision to Life
LittleDove and Kaiyang's wedding shows what's possible when couples infuse their celebration with personal meaning. Their princess fairytale theme came alive through:
Carefully curated floral designs
Elegant décor that complemented the Mission Inn's grandeur
Cultural performances that honored both families
Intimate ceremony rituals like the candle lighting
A celebration that felt authentically them
What to Know About Mission Inn Weddings
Thinking about a Mission Inn wedding? LittleDove and Kaiyang's experience offers valuable insights. Their evening ceremony started at 6:00 PM, taking advantage of the venue's dramatic lighting as the sun set over Riverside. The 30-minute ceremony felt intimate yet grand, perfectly suited to the Mission Inn's romantic atmosphere.
One unique choice: they skipped traditional parent dances, allowing more time for cultural performances and guest interaction. The lion dancers became the highlight of the reception, giving their celebration a personalized energy that typical wedding traditions wouldn't have provided. Three heartfelt speeches from close friends and family added emotional depth without dragging out the evening.
The timing coordination between their photographer (The Hendrys) and our videography team ensured nothing was missed—from the first touch moment to the final dance. If you're planning a Mission Inn wedding with special cultural elements or non-traditional moments, having experienced vendors who understand your vision makes all the difference. Our bridal planning guide covers everything from timeline planning to coordinating with your vendor team.
The One Story Weddings Approach
Our wedding videography philosophy centers on storytelling that flows naturally. As experienced Orange County wedding videographers serving Riverside and Southern California, we capture:
Genuine emotions and candid moments
Important details that reflect your personality
Cultural traditions and family connections
The atmosphere and energy of your celebration
Cinematic sequences that feel like a film, not just a recording
For LittleDove and Kaiyang, this meant documenting everything from the architecture of Mission Inn to the laughter shared with family, from the precision of the lion dancers to the quiet intimacy of their vows.
Vendor Dream Team
This stunning wedding came together thanks to an incredible team of Riverside wedding vendors:
Venue: @missioninnhotel
Planning: @rebeccacalagnaevents
Florals: @jennybfloraldesign
Photography: @the_hendrys
Entertainment: @djpooya
Music: Vince Torbey (organ), @vakninetal (harp)
Hair & Makeup: @peachglam_
Cake: @stephyscakery
Bridal Gown: @tomsebastien_official
Bridesmaids: @davidsbridal
Groom's Attire: @theblacktux
Stationery: @beautifulweddingannouncements
Photobooth: @dilussoeventplanning
Lion Dance: LA Lion Dance
Ready to Create Your Wedding Film?
If you're planning an elegant, culturally rich wedding at Mission Inn Hotel & Spa or another landmark Southern California venue, and you want cinematic wedding videography that captures every meaningful detail—from traditional performances to intimate family moments—we'd love to tell your story.
At One Story Weddings, we specialize in narrative-driven wedding films that elevate emotion and artistry. Browse our complete collection of wedding videos to see how we transform wedding days into timeless cinematic stories. Whether you're incorporating lion dancers and red pockets or creating your own unique traditions, we'll ensure your wedding video becomes a treasured keepsake you'll watch for generations.
Visit www.onestoryweddings.com to view our portfolio and inquire about photo + video packages for your Riverside wedding.
Looking for a Mission Inn wedding videographer? One Story Weddings creates cinematic wedding films throughout Riverside County, Orange County, Los Angeles, and Southern California. Contact us today to discuss your wedding videography needs.
👉 Book your consultation and give yourself something exceptional.