Meet Ivan Huang

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ivan Huang and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ivan, is there something you can share with us that those outside of the industry might not be aware of?
One thing outsiders probably don’t realize about this industry — especially weddings and creative production — is just how much “emotional labor” is involved.

Yes, there’s a lot of logistics, scheduling, and coordination, but behind all that is a constant effort to read the room, soothe nerves, resolve last-minute changes without causing stress, and ensure every person feels seen, heard, and supported — from the bride and groom to the florist who’s running late.

We’re not just planners; we’re quiet anchors in the chaos, balancing creativity with calm. And most of that work? You’ll never see it in a photo or timeline — but it’s what makes the day truly beautiful.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
For me, the art isn’t just in the design or the logistics — it’s in the rhythm of human connection. I’m a planner and coordinator, yes, but what I really do is hold space for people when everything matters most.

What sets me apart is my ability to stay calm in chaos while still caring deeply. I don’t just manage timelines or vendor calls — I listen, I anticipate, I make sure people feel seen. I treat every event like it’s personal, because to the people living it, it is. That mindset has shaped the way I work and why I do what I do.

Getting here wasn’t easy. I didn’t always feel like I fit the mold of a typical coordinator. I had to carve out my own way — blending emotional awareness with structure, learning how to lead quietly, and trusting that consistency and care matter more than flash. I’ve faced burnout, imposter syndrome, and days where it felt like nothing was going right. But I kept showing up. I learned to stay steady, to listen more than I speak, and to let integrity guide me.

One of the turning points in my journey was meeting Pinkie and becoming part of 628Studio. She saw something in me — not just skill, but heart — and that changed how I saw myself, too. Working alongside someone who values both vision and vulnerability helped me grow into the kind of professional I always hoped to be.

I want people to know that behind every smooth, beautiful event, there’s someone quietly making sure the energy feels right, the timing flows, and everyone feels held. That’s what I do. That’s my art. And I’m proud of the kind of care I bring into the spaces I touch.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend came to town, I’d show them the fog rolling over Twin Peaks at sunrise, the way the light hits the Mission murals in the late afternoon. We’d drink coffee like poets in North Beach, eat oysters by the sea in Point Reyes, dance in hidden corners of Oakland, and let the wind carry our laughter across Ocean Beach. The week wouldn’t be about checking boxes — it’d be about chasing beauty, feeling everything, and remembering why we’re alive.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Absolutely — here’s a more sincere, heartfelt version of the shoutout:

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If there’s one person I want to dedicate this shoutout to, it’s Pinkie Ranckey — and everything she’s poured into 628STUDIO.

Working with Pinkie has been one of the most meaningful chapters in my life. She’s not just the founder of our studio — she’s the soul of it. Her creativity is incredible, yes, but what really sets her apart is how deeply she cares. About her team. About her clients. About the smallest details that turn a moment into a memory.

628STUDIO isn’t just a place where beautiful work gets done — it’s a space built on trust, intention, and heart. That culture starts with her. Pinkie has taught me that real leadership isn’t loud or showy — it’s steady, kind, and consistent. She believes in people, often before they believe in themselves. That kind of belief has shaped so much of who I am today, both professionally and personally.

So this shoutout is for her — for the way she shows up, the way she leads, and the way she reminds all of us that doing meaningful work starts with being a good human. I’m endlessly grateful to be part of this journey with her.

Website: https://www.628studio.com

Instagram: https://www.628studio.com

Image Credits
Pinkie Ranckey