This Couple Eloped with a Traditional Chinese Tea Ceremony

April 15

This traditional Chinese tea ceremony elopement was the best choice for this couple’s nuptials for so many reasons, and though it was small-scale in size, it certainly wasn’t small-scale in style. Like many other couples, Joanne and Chris were preparing for a full-scale affair when COVID-19 decided it had other plans. Their March 2021 date for a large wedding quickly turned into an intimate elopement set for November of 2020 consisting of immediate family only. The Chinese tea ceremony is typically held on the day of the wedding where the newlyweds show their respect to the elders in their families by serving them tea. In turn, the families show their acceptance of the marriage. The ceremony symbolizes the union of two families, usually taking place inside the couple’s respective family homes. Since the couples’ grandparents recognize the ceremony as the official wedding, it made perfect sense for Joanna and Chris to tie the knot this way, celebrate in their own fashion, and end the day with a formal photoshoot by FR Weddings to capture their wedding day glow on camera. A red and pink palette has our hearts and this wedding’s color scheme was carried through their traditional attire, which also held significance. For the tea ceremony, Joanne wore a traditional two-piece Chinese wedding dress that included a jacket and skirt called qun kwa (or kua). This dress was passed down to all the women in her family, which she says made the day feel even more special. In their evening photoshoot, Joanne wore a simple and elegant cream satin dress while Chris wore an all-black suit with Gucci loafers. Through all the changes, the two managed to keep high spirits and Joanne says they even learned a thing or two in the process. “We decided to celebrate our marriage through a traditional Chinese tea ceremony, and although our plans constantly changed, we learned that what made our wedding day special wasn’t the flowers, decor or outfits, but being celebrated and showered with love from our family and friends,” Joanne says. We can’t think of anything better than celebrating your love with the ones that love you most. Read on for a note from the bride about one of her favorite wedding vendors and what made them so special. Cheers to the Huas!

Photo // FR Weddings

From the bride on her most helpful wedding vendor: “Jared from FR Weddings was easy-going and personable, which made us feel comfortable throughout the day. He didn’t just feel like a photographer, but a friend who truly wanted to know our story. We highly recommend him!”

Plans to tie the knot soon yourself? Check out some of our favorite Houston wedding vendors here to get the planning started! Cheers!

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