CHINESE TEA CEREMONY ON LUNAR NEW YEAR — Mylyn Wood Photography Colorful and Cultural Wedding Film Photographer

At my own wedding, more than a decade ago, I tried relentlessly to find ways to incorporate my heritage into my wedding in modern ways. For this, close to my heart project, I teamed up with Ashley from Alston Mayger Events to showcase a fresh twist on the Chinese tea ceremony and cultural traditions that will never go out of style.

Double-exposure portrait of a woman framed by a red cherry blossom fan and soft floral details.

This Chinese tea ceremony during Chinese Lunar New Year was featured on Ruffled and we, as a team, couldn’t be more proud.

A Modern Chinese Wedding Tea Ceremony for Lunar New Year

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.

Couple poses in formalwear beside oversized red and white Chinese fans decorated with flowers.

Red, Gold & the Double Happiness Symbol

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.

Couple stands close together, highlighting the floral back detail of the woman’s flowing red gown.

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

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.

Chinese Wedding Tradition, With a Little Room to Move

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.

Close-up of the couple with a vibrant bouquet of red, pink and painted tropical foliage

A Red Wedding Dress That Nods Back

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.

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.

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.

Couple poses closely in front of red and white fans, with a vibrant floral bouquet in the foreground.

Where Luxury and Chinese Wedding Tradition Meet

Asian brides, I hope you know how beautiful you are. I hope you know that luxury and tradition can merge flawlessly. Huge thank you to the vendor team who worked tirelessly to create this dream vision of mine and who lent their time and immense talents to bring it to life.