Timeless Auspiciously Red Wedding and Al Fresco Reception Vibes

As young children, both Pei and Ping moved to the U.S. from China, so with a similar back story, budding medical careers, and complementary personalities, there was a high chance that this was a perfect match made when Pei's mom set them up on a blind date while they were still studying at VCU together. And her mom knew best in their love story because here we are!

After Ping's proposal, the wedding planning began in spite of the pandemic's challenges. The couple knew they wanted their western style wedding to include elements from their Chinese heritage like paper lanterns, the "double happiness" symbol (囍), Asian-inspired food and drink (with an ice cream and toppings bar for the ultimate sweet treat!), and lots of the color red for an auspicious or successful marriage.

For their intimate outdoor wedding ceremony with their closest loved ones at the Williamsburg Inn captured by Katherine Sparks Photography, the bride and groom performed a special traditional tea ceremony to honor their parents using a lovely blue and white porcelain tea set, and the ceremony's pergola archway with drapery and floral installment set the scene for this symbolic moment.

If their wedding had a definitive theme, it was certainly uniting family and friends in a very difficult year... in timeless style! Pei and Ping's al fresco reception underneath starlight and lanterns was simply beautiful with the long dinner tables decorated in high and low candles and continuous floral table runners. A semi-naked three tiered cake shimmered with gilded details while the fun was had with great music and a Selfie Station that doubled as their wedding guestbook. Pei's floral-inspired BHLDN gown perfectly complemented Ping's vibrant blue wedding suit, and even though they chose to have no wedding party due to the pandemic, there was no shortage of love, luck, and laughter surrounding them on their special day!

VENDOR CREDITS
Photography: Katherine Sparks Photography | Venue, Catering, Cake, & Florals: Williamsburg Inn | Hair, Makeup, Ceremony Music, & Officiant: DIY by Friends | Stationery: Minted | Videography: C.Y. Wedding Films | Entertainment: DJ Chizzau | Event Rentals & Lighting: Big Top Entertainment | Wedding Dress: BHLDN | Wedding Rings & Jewelry: Mejuri | Signage: DIY by Bride | Bride's Shoes: Stuart Weitzman | Selfie Station Sign: DIY Paper Boutique via Etsy

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