Chinese Wedding at Van Dusen Botanical Garden & Kirin Starlight

Daniel and Megan had such a beautiful wedding at Van Dusen Botanical Garden in September. The weather was perfect and mild which was exactly what the couple had hoped for. Daniel and Megan were also keen to honour their family histories and cultural traditions for this Chinese wedding. They did this by including a Chinese tea ceremony and serving 12-course meal in a traditional Chinese-style wedding banquet, toasting each of the guest tables, and having multiple dress changes.

The day began with the couple getting ready before heading to Van Dusen Botanical Garden to have a first look, followed by all of their wedding party portraits. When we were done we headed indoors for the heartfelt wedding ceremony and shot family portraits outdoors near the fountains before driving to Kirin Starlight New Westminster for the Tea Ceremony and Reception.

For those who are unfamiliar, a tea ceremony is a significant way to show respect for family members at a Chinese wedding. A tea ceremony shows respect and gratitude to parents for all the years of love and care they have given to the couple. Generally speaking the parents are served first, followed by the eldest family members, grandparents and then aunts and uncles of the couple. Family member gift the couple with jewelry and money in hopes of bestowing blessings of good fortune upon the couple.

Although they opted not to play door games, which is common in many Chinese weddings the couple did decide to play the shoe game during dinner which kept all of their guests laughing, and after Megan changed into her final dress for the evening the couple toasted each of the tables of guests to thank them for sharing such a beautiful day with them.

We are so excited to share these pictures with you!