written by Sonder Studio

When you form an intimate relationship with a space—its angles, quiet corners, and often-overlooked details—something special unfolds. You start to see it differently, understanding its charm, history, and deeper story in a way most people never do. That’s exactly how I feel about Samcheonggak. I’ve had the privilege of photographing weddings here many times, and each visit reveals something new. It’s a place that continues to surprise me, even after all these years.

Jason and Lorena chose to hold their wedding at Samcheonggak and returning there felt like reconnecting with a familiar friend. Their thoughtful, personal touches complemented the natural beauty of the property in a way that felt both intentional and deeply personal. Below, I’m sharing a glimpse into their Samcheonggak wedding, a few of my favorite details from this venue, and how working with someone who knows this space can bring a sense of calm and intentionality to the day.

Jason and Lorena’s Global Love Story

Jason and Lorena envisioned their wedding as a truly global celebration of their marriage. As scientists, curiosity guides their careers, and it felt natural that the same sense of exploration would shape how they chose to honor their relationship.

Lorena is from Brazil, and the two were first married there, exchanging vows at sunrise beneath the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro. For that celebration, they prioritized documenting the experience with videography. When planning their wedding in Korea, however, they chose to invest in photography. A hanok wedding at Samcheonggak felt like the perfect setting to honor Jason’s heritage and capture this chapter of their story in still images.

Moments That Made Their Samcheonggak Wedding Truly Them

So many meaningful moments unfolded throughout Jason and Lorena’s Samcheonggak wedding. These are a few that lingered with me long after the day.

Lorena’s Timeless Outfits & Wedding Day Style

The day unfolded with an effortless sense of classic refinement, marked by an ease that gave each detail the space to breathe. That feeling was reflected beautifully in Lorena’s wardrobe choices. Her Brazilian wedding was a touch more formal, so she began this day with a more relaxed look for portraits before the ceremony, then changed into her main bridal gown just before walking down the aisle.

Her ceremony dress was a timeless A-line silhouette, subtly reminiscent of early Vera Wang. She continued wearing it for their portraits together and family photographs after the ceremony, allowing the elegance of the gown to settle naturally into the traditional architecture of the venue.

A Mother’s Love Woven Into the Bouquet

While Samcheonggak uses in-house florals, Lorena’s mother—who is a florist—wanted to create something personal for her daughter’s wedding day. Together, she and Lorena designed a bridal bouquet and a floral ring holder, a tender and meaningful way for her mother to be part of the celebration.

During our calls leading up to the wedding, Lorena also shared that proteas had been part of her celebration in Brazil, and that she hoped to carry that meaning with her into her day in Korea as well. Her engagement ring had even been designed with the protea in mind. Knowing how much the flower represented, I was mindful to document detail photos of her ring resting gently among its petals.

The florals held personal significance for me as well. The protea is the national flower of South Africa, where I’m from, and seeing it there felt like a quiet moment of kismet, a gentle reminder of how many stories can meet in one place.

Lorena and Jason’s Deep Love for Each Other

Those shared layers of meaning carried naturally into the way Lorena and Jason moved through the day together.

Lorena carries a playful, expressive energy, while Jason is a little more reserved, and throughout the day, I let that dynamic guide the way I photographed them. Sometimes it was as simple as inviting Lorena to play with Jason’s hair, or watching as she spontaneously draped her veil over his head. In those moments, Jason would light up, and I was able to document the ease, laughter, and tenderness between them. It was a small, honest window into how deeply they love one another.

Because I had the chance to know them ahead of time, I was specifically intentional about photographing the complete arc of their connection during the ceremony. While many photographers in Korea focus primarily on the bride, I made space to notice Jason’s quiet, honest expressions as well. Their bond is gentle, intimate, and unmistakably present, and I wanted the images to carry that feeling.

Why Samcheonggak Is a Dream Wedding Venue in Seoul

Samcheonggak is one of my favorite wedding venues, and a place I find myself returning to time and again. Here are a few things that make it so special, and how my familiarity with the venue can gently shape a smoother, more meaningful experience for your wedding.

Samcheonggak’s Natural Beauty

Carved into Bukaksan Mountain, the Samcheonggak wedding venue feels deeply rooted in its natural surroundings. Though so close to the city, it offers a genuine sense of calm, framed by lush forest and sweeping mountain views—a peaceful retreat from the energy of Seoul.

The midday light here can be strong, but the glow of golden hour is something truly special. Because I know this venue so well, I understand how the light moves across the property throughout the day. That familiarity lets me guide couples to the most flattering, atmospheric spots at the most ideal time without ever pulling them out of the moment.

Endless Portrait Opportunities

The property includes five hanoks, two pavilions, and three courtyards, offering endless opportunities for portraits without ever leaving the grounds. During Jason and Lorena’s wedding, I guided them to the best light and explored some of the smaller hanoks, documenting moments among the traditional Korean architecture in a way that felt relaxed and unhurried.

With my familiarity with Samcheonggak, I can navigate the property and coordinate with the staff in ways that help bring your vision to life—whether it’s photographing a tucked-away hanok or creating a feeling that’s uniquely yours.

Secluded Magic, Just Minutes From Seoul

While Samcheonggak feels tucked away in nature, it’s still incredibly close to the heart of Seoul. This balance allows you to experience the full spectrum of Korea—serene mountain beauty during your celebration, and the vibrant culture and energy of the city just moments away. It’s a venue that offers a deeper connection to place, enriching the overall experience.

Curious to see more of Korea’s beautiful wedding venues? You can explore a few of my favorites here.

Finding Comfort in Front of the Camera

Beautiful spaces can set the tone for a wedding day, but what truly shapes the photographs is how it feels to be inside those moments.

Couples often tell me that being photographed feels a little daunting. And that’s very normal—especially if it’s not something you do often. It’s natural to feel a flutter of nerves, but the magic happens when you let yourself be fully present in the excitement of the day and trust the vision you’ve created. That quiet confidence always carries through in the photographs, in the way a moment lingers, or a glance is held.

One of the things I admired most about Lorena was the gentle strength she brought to her day. Her confidence in herself and her vision, paired with the trust we had built together, allowed me to document moments that felt authentic, tender, and true to who they are as a couple.

It was such a joy to rediscover the magic of Samcheonggak during Jason and Lorena’s wedding. This is a place that never fails to inspire me, where every corner and beam seems to hold its own quiet story Days like this are a reminder of why I approach weddings with such care: noticing the subtle moments, honoring both partners equally, and creating space for couples to simply be themselves. If you’re dreaming of a celebration here—or anywhere that feels deeply meaningful—I would love to connect and help bring your vision to life in a way that feels truly yours.

Standout Samcheonggak Wedding Vendors

Digital Photographer: Lorryn Smit

Venue: Samcheonggak