In the summer of 2022, Amy Gong came across Dan Maxwell’s dating profile—and something about it resonated. Dan, equally intrigued, wasted no time in asking her out. Their first date was spent sharing a Japanese breakfast under the Los Angeles sun, nervously chatting and picking at their food. Subsequent outings carried the same gentle awkwardness until Dan sent a text that cut through the haze: “I like you. Do you like me too?” Amy replied with a simple yes.
Fast-forward to Christmas Day 2023—Dan proposed. The couple’s joy was immediate, marked by a phone call to Dan’s mother to share the happy news. Tragically, she passed away just months later. As a tribute, Amy and Dan created a custom tarot deck for their wedding, with each guest represented on a unique card. The deck also included spiritual homages to Dan’s mother, his stepfather, and Amy’s late father—ensuring no loved one was left out of the celebration.
Initially hesitant about having a wedding at all, Amy grappled with the belief that she didn’t deserve something so beautiful. “I gave Dan a hard time about it,” she recalled. “But after a good cry, I realized it was something my inner child needed.” They decided on a small, meaningful celebration in her hometown of Los Angeles, eventually choosing The Mountain Mermaid in Topanga Canyon—a venue rich with history, once a refuge for gay men in the 1950s and, more recently, for firefighters during wildfires.
“We wanted a space with soul,” Amy said. “And people who’d care for us.”
Working with planner Amanda Chase of Substance, the couple prioritized inclusivity and intentionality in every aspect of their day. Designed with neurodivergent guests in mind, the event embraced comfort and calm over rigid tradition—an atmosphere shaped by authenticity and accessibility.
Guests were greeted by verdant gardens and winding paths, with antique furniture arranged around a shimmering pool. The ceremony was held under a canopy of trees, with seating positioned to allow Amy and Dan to walk from opposite sides and meet in the center, exchanging smiles and eye contact with every guest along the way. “I was so excited when I reached Dan, I tried to kiss him before the ceremony even started,” Amy laughed.
Her wedding look was styled by Elena Cortez-Neavel of Abilitee, a neurodivergent slow fashion designer. The vintage-inspired lace gown and dramatic veil were thoughtfully chosen for their textures and emotional resonance. Bridesmaids wore dresses from Amy’s own collection—romantic layers of tulle and floral fabrics from labels like Selkie and Rodarte—a personal touch reflecting Amy’s love for sharing beauty with her closest friends.
Rather than a rigid timeline, the evening flowed organically. Guests explored the gardens, grazed on abundant charcuterie and fresh fruit, sought out their personalized tarot cards, or retreated to quiet spaces to relax. “We didn’t want anyone to feel like they had to perform,” Amy explained. “Just be.”
A traditional Chinese tea ceremony followed after nightfall. Dressed in a red and gold Qun Kua, Amy honored her family’s roots in Guangdong province. She and Dan served tea to their elders, receiving blessings and red envelopes in a moment that blended reverence, emotion, and cultural pride. “It was grounding and emotional,” she said. “A way to bring in lineage.”
As the celebration drew to a close, Amy changed into a 1950s vintage dress discovered in her late mother-in-law’s basement. With soft lights glowing around them, she and Dan shared a final, quiet dance among friends—grateful, unhurried, and deeply present.
Their wedding, unbound by convention, reflected the essence of who they are and how they love. It honored memory, embraced difference, and extended an open-hearted invitation to simply exist in joy, softness, and community.
