In respect to their elders and to tradition, many of my Chinese couples include a tea ceremony on their wedding day, including Ziwei and Victor last year. So they were excited to connect with a Chinese wedding photographer who was familiar with tea ceremonies. The simple tea ceremony they planned would include just 2 rounds of tea with each set of their parents, followed by a western ceremony at Maymont.
This sweet couple met at William & Mary and started dating after graduation in 2016. On our initial call, Victor talked about how perfect Ziwei is for him – she can always predict what he’s doing, has an incredible sense of humor, and just gets him! They were together for 4 years before they got engaged in January of 2020. They didn’t want to wait to tie the knot, so to celebrate safely last year, the couple opted for an intimate celebration with just their families.
Ziwei and Victor started their day at Victor’s parents’ home, where they got ready and did a first look together before the day began. First looks are always a highlight for my couples. Getting to finally see each other, hold hands, and hug helps all the stress of the day just melt away! And you can see in the first look moments just how happy and relieved Ziwei and Victor are to see each other.
Next was the Chinese tea ceremony, which was in Victor’s parents home. Victor’s brother, Peter, helped pour and serve the tea. The couple first served tea to Victor’s parents, who gifted them with jewelry and words of advice. Then Ziwei’s parents offered them lucky red envelopes and more words of wisdom. I love how this cultural tradition gives the couple a chance for them to talk with each set of their parents together!
Then, we traveled all together to Maymont for their western ceremony under the pergola at the Italian Gardens. An officiant oversaw their exchange of vows and rings, and then they were legally married! Sunset portraits around the gardens was the perfect way to end their fall Maymont wedding day. Keep scrolling to see the story of their day!
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