Modern Chinese Wedding Tea Ceremony

No matter what’s trending year in and year out, embracing heritage and tradition will always have a special meaning and a timeless look. Mylyn Wood and Alston Mayger Events combined forces to inspire how you can add a fresh twist on old tradition with real couple Margaret and Clarke for the Chinese wedding tea ceremony. So many gorgeous ideas, let’s jump in!

From Ashley of Alston Mayger Events: When photographer Mylyn Wood found herself thinking about the tea ceremony that accompanies Asian wedding ceremonies and how to marry that with the creativity that accompanies styled shoots, she knew she’d stumbled upon a great idea.

“The opportunity to take a ceremony so deeply rooted in tradition and pivot just enough to bring in modern touches that still nod towards the history and my heritage really spoke to me,” Mylyn said.

Instead of the traditional Qun Kwa the bride typically wears to the Chinese tea ceremony, Mylyn partnered with Sweet Caroline Styles to create a billowy, loose-fitting gown in striking red. Katherine of Blue Floral Company assembled a daisy chain of delicate red blossoms to utilize as a tie adornment that draped down the back.

Anny Chow Bridal and Andy Tseng Hair were onsite to create an absolutely magical, full braid with soft, dewy, and ethereal makeup to compliment the styling.

Margaret held a bouquet comprised mostly of lily, peony, and monstera leaf splashed with a bright and bold pink to compliment the red and gold tones seen throughout this shoot.

For a subtle change, the floral chain on Margaret’s gown was switched out and a silk fabric belt was tied in a whimsical bow at the back to give the dress a different look and feel towards the end of the shoot.

We love how red was incorporated into this shoot, like in this real Chinese Fusion Wedding, where the pops of red were a nod to the bride’s heritage!

Margaret’s significant other Clarke wore a classic black tuxedo from The Black Tux; his lapel featuring a petite boutonnière of cherry blossom.

Floral Designer Katherine installed three Chinese fans at varying height and depth accompanied by both painted and natural floral to create texture, nuance, and interest for the eye.

Ashley Lachney of Alston Mayger Events was onsite to assist and provide styling guidance throughout the day.

“While this entire shoot is incredible, a favorite moment of mine was the set up with our cake from Hedonish Desserts.”

A classic silhouette iced in ivory buttercream and featuring a golden double happiness symbol arrived onsite and was placed in front of a soft pink backdrop, nestled in between floral arrangements and varying pink and white tapers.

Of course, no tea ceremony is considered finished without a nod to the traditional red envelope that is often presented to couples upon completion.

Margaret and Clarke knelt, enveloped by a circle of crimson petals, to present red envelopes or lai see to one another. These envelopes are a symbol of luck and good fortune, and typically contain money for the newlyweds.

When thinking of your wedding day, or any event, it’s important to note that the vision will only be as strong as the team that is executing it.

I wanted to show Asian brides how tradition and luxury can be accomplished in an updated way,” Mylyn said, “having an idea is only one facet of it. I loved how strongly I was able to convey this because of the level of talent this vendor team possessed.” – Alston Mayger Events

Looking for more gorgeous Asian wedding inspiration? This Lunar New Year inspired wedding is a must-see!

Event Design Alston Mayger Events

Photography @mylynwoodphoto

Venue @beastdaylight