Having never been to a Chinese wedding before, I found it fascinating photographing the traditions and intricacies of the day. The morning started off bright and early at Emma’s family home. In typical Hong Kong style, the girls set up a series of Chinese Wedding Door Games for Sunny’s arrival. This is where the bride waits in her room as all of her bridesmaids and female friends begin tormenting the groom and his entourage of groomsmen and friends outside.
The reason being the groom has to prove his love and devotion to his bride. Sunny therefore had to complete a series of challenges in order to cross the threshold and take Emma off to get married. These ranged from eating food laced with wasabi and other sour & bitter ingredients, singing, quizzes on Emma, press-ups and so on! I’ve never seen a groom work so hard to reach his bride, and all grooms should take note!
Once allowed upstairs to see his bride, Emma and Sunny then held tea ceremonies with each family in their respective family homes, before going on to the Barbican for a civil ceremony. This was followed by a traditional Chinese banquet in London Bridge, complete with karaoke.
Emma and Sunny, it was such an honour to photograph your wedding, and I loved being a part of it. I hope you’re having a fabulous time in Hawaii and come home soon to see all of your photos!
Venues: Emma & Sunny’s family homes for the tea ceremonies, Barbican for the civil ceremony, and Tuli Restaurant for the amazing Chinese banquet
Dresses: Traditional Chinese clothing from Hong Kong, and for the white wedding dress: Augusta Jones
Shoes: “Anglomania Lady Dragon Heart” shoes by Vivienne Westwood