A Celebration to Remember: A & K’s Chinese Tea Ceremony and Multicultural Wedding
A and K planned their Chinese tea ceremony and multicultural wedding day with one clear priority in mind: celebrating with the people they love. They wanted a day that honored both sides of their families. One of bringing together their different cultures in a way that felt meaningful and, of course, like a party people would be talking about long after the last dance.
From the very start, it was clear how much heart these two have. I first got to spend time with them during their engagement session. While Annie and Kevin were obviously amazing, the real scene-stealer was their dog. If you know anything about Annie (and let’s be honest – Kevin’s just as guilty), it’s that she’s an animal lover through and through.
I actually saw A recently at the studio. The very first thing I asked was whether she had rescued any new animals lately. Because honestly, every time I see her, there’s a new cat or dog in her life. She just has this huge heart that can’t help but bring home someone new. It’s part of what makes her so special. And it’s so much a part of who they are as a couple.
Their wedding itself was semi-large, mostly because they have big families and loved ones traveling from all over the world to celebrate with them. The day was designed as a combined celebration, starting with a Western-style ceremony followed immediately by a traditional Chinese tea ceremony.
Tea Ceremony
The idea was to create a beautiful flow between the two: a classic Western wedding first, followed by a quick outfit change into A’s traditional Qun Kwa.(Note: a traditional Chinese wedding gown composed of a jacket (Kua) and a skirt (Qun). The Qun Kwa is typically red and features intricate embroidery). Then came the tea ceremony, a touching moment to honor A’s culture and family, some of whom had traveled all the way from China to be there.
The whole day was filled with love, laughter, and special little moments that will stick with me for a long time. One of the biggest highlights? Their portraits together. Even though it was raining, they were completely go with the flow. They trusted every suggestion and, more than that, were just excited to be together. Their first look? Pure magic.
You’d never know it from the photos, but we completely rearranged an entire hotel lobby to make their first look moment happen because of the rain. But it was worth it. Watching them see each other for the first time, just the way they lit up, was probably my favorite part of the whole day.
Well, that and the Tea Ceremony. Seeing K’s family experience A’s family’s traditions for the first time was so special. Everyone was beaming. And after the tea ceremony, the two of them snuck off for a quiet moment in the aquarium – yes, with sharks! – while their guests enjoyed cocktail hour. It was such a cool, peaceful way for them to soak in the moment together.
The night finished out with dancing, and one of my favorite surprises of the day: A’s dad didn’t realize he was supposed to dance with her. And his reaction on the dance floor? Absolutely priceless. We’re still laughing about it months later. It’s those unplanned moments that end up meaning the most. And I have no doubt she will treasure that memory with her dad for the rest of her life.
This couple knows how to throw a party, but even more than that, they’re just a joy to be around. Their Chinese tea ceremony and multicultural wedding was beautiful, heartfelt, and completely them.
Enjoy a few of our favorite moments from their unforgettable celebration.
