Yun and Edison are such a beautiful couple! They decided to have their wedding at Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden. Yun got ready in the suite with her bridesmaids and started with her traditional Chinese Qipao (Traditional Chinese Dress)
In the first stage of events, they had door games- in which the groom and his buddies have to pass a series of tests (made by the bridesmaids) in order to receive the bride. (Oh and also…they have to pay money…..good money). After the bridesmaids are satisfied with the results, then the bride may be “released” to the groom.
After we finished that up, Yun, in her beautiful traditional Qi Pao and Edison and I headed to the Chinese Scholar Garden. (Which by the way is GORGEOUS and has a beautiful bamboo garden and pond! Truly one of the best-kept secrets in NYC!) They had their first look. Yun had a Chinese red veil over her head and Edison had to remove it to see his bride! In Chinese history, the groom never sees their bride until AFTER they are married and will see her for the first time after he takes off the veil. (Talk about a surprise….) Apparently, the removal of the veil symbolizes the “vow” that they will cherish and take care of each other for the rest of their lives. A lot of chinese brides today keep the veil as a keepsake item to remember their special day.
After seeing each other and getting some portraits in her traditional Qi Pao, Yun then changed into her white wedding dress! They had their wedding ceremony in the Scholar Garden and then partied the night away with friends and family! Honestly, it was like I was transported into some fantasy universe… and it did not feel like I was in a Staten Island Park in New York City….. at all.
It was SUCH a pleasure to be able to work with them and capture such a unique and special wedding day!
