Finally, I’m able to blog this epic wedding, so epic they couldn’t fit it all into one day!
You might remember their mammoth pre-wedding shoot – brimful of happiness and fun. Well, they had a wedding to match. Cherry, Duncan and their families are all active members of the church as well as the Chinese community. Friends and family travelled from all over the world (from Vancouver to Hong Kong) to witness their union. A rare chance for the bridal party to be together, they hired a house together and the wedding was in fact, just part of a week of fun activities that they had planned!
This wedding was a combination of both a traditional Chinese and a church wedding. Chinese weddings start with traditional door games and tea ceremonies. The ceremony took place in the church that Cherry went to at school, then I moved on with the bridal party for some photos at a park near Cherry’s home before everyone congregated for the fabulous banquet at Water Sky.
It was a wonderful day with a great sense of community – everyone being so happy for Cherry and Duncan. They are a really fun couple and when they are around, laughter and smiles are never far away. I’m so happy I could be there to record their wedding for them.
It was such a big event, I’m going to start off by sharing some pictures of Cherry and Duncan so they’re not lost in the blogpost. Sit back and enjoy!
If you’re not familiar with Chinese weddings, proceedings are kicked off with a series of door games, where the bridal party issue challenges to the groomsmen. This is then followed by traditional tea ceremonies, where the couple serve tea to members of their family. The morning started off relatively serenely with Cherry gettting ready…
In the flat next door, friends and family were gathering to prepare for the door games and tea ceremony…
Some door games are kinder than others. Looks like mischief is afoot here…
The boys have arrived!!
And the games begin! How determined are these groomsmen to earn access to the bride?
Pretty determined it seems! First up…dance challenge 🙂
Next, the taste challenge…
Some being nicer than others. Luckily for Duncan, the groom was entitled to delegate to his groomsmen. I thought Duncan was pretty smart having so many ushers!
Yes, Duncan thought so too!
Third challenge – no hands allowed! Duncan’s brother Terence came all the way from Hong Kong to show everyone how it’s done…
Followed by this brilliantly photogenic round. I’ll let your imagination get to work on what this challenge was all about! Needless to say it needed his very closest friends (including his brothers Terence and Darren) to step up to the plate!
I should probably explain the next photo! This round involved snorting….pepper, it’s just pepper folks 🙂
Mmmmmm, that feels good!
And the penultimate challenge? It’s a Chinese wedding, it’s about the money of course…Duncan, how much do you think Cherry is worth?!
Having paid a suitably high sum of money for such a fabulous bride, Duncan earnt access to the house. He then had to answer a series of questions and finally…he earnt access to his bride. And doesn’t he look happy about it?
But it doesn’t end there! Next….tea ceremony, where the couple kneel and serve tea to their elders. Their offerings are returned with gifts of money and jewellery and blessings for their future together.
Despite all that bling, the limelight was still stolen by Cherry’s newborn nephew
A whole new day. And all is calm…
The veil was handmade by Cherry’s friend. Amazing!
Meanwhile, over with the boys…
Uh-oh, cufflink down! Glue gun to the rescue…
All sorted!
The wedding took place in the church that Cherry went to when she was at school…
This was a super cute idea…guests signed and wrote messages on little wooden hearts which were dropped into a frame
Contender for biggest group photo ever
Despite the rain, the bridal party rocked it at this playground
Yes, Cherry climbed up onto the fort in her dress. Respect!
Then this awesomeness happened…
Finally, the couple get a moment to themselves…
We haven’t even got to the banquet yet! The Chinese Banquet…with amazing cake made by Cherry & Ducan’s friend
At Chinese weddings, the guest write messages on long red card or fabric
Cherry in her traditional Chinese bridal gown. Stunning embroidery and check out her newly acquired bling!
Ready for another round of tea ceremonies
Time for the second dress change
And a whoooooole lot of toasting!
An amaaazing day! The bridal party went on into the night, but I will just leave you with this shot…
Congratulations Cherry and Duncan. Thanks for having me along for the day, it was swell! Wishing you the very best of luck in your new life together. Good luck in Hong Kong.
With thanks to James and Gareth for helping me with this big, big day
If you’re interested in having documentary wedding photography coverage at your wedding, contact Marie