A few weeks ago we photographed Sherry and Allan’s family for their traditional Chinese Tea Ceremony before their wedding. We really enjoy capturing tea ceremonies and being a part of this wonderful honouring of older family members by the bride and groom.

Allan and his best friend- his Dad.

Beautiful, old and delicate, family heirloom tea cups.

Sherry and Allan serve tea in order, starting with the his parents, then proceeding from the oldest family members to the youngest. In return, the newlyweds receive lucky red envelopes (“lai see,” which means “lucky”) stuffed with money or jewelry. The helpers are usually women blessed with a happy marriage or wealth.

Sherry receiving some jewelry, which she later wore for her wedding ceremony.

Sherry serves tea (holding the teacup with both hands) to her parents and she does this out of respect and to thank her parents for raising her.

On January 16, 2011, Justin + I and a small group of select wedding vendors will be hosting an informal party at the beautiful Sutton Place Hotel in Vancouver for couples like you who are currently planning their weddings. Join us to ask questions and to seek advice from seasoned wedding pros without the crowds and sales pitch environment of the traditional wedding shows.  This is a fun and interactive event so grab your fiance or friend and join the fun. Admission is FREE!

Please RSVP by Thursday, January 13th to attend. We hope to see you there!

Steff + Justin :-)

We met Venessa and Derek in person for the first time on the day before their wedding day on a surprisingly cold, very rainy day (I thought it might even snow!). I had been chatting for months with Venessa, but it was so nice to finally met her and Derek in person. With the weather the way it had been in the few days before, we made a solid rain plan and then on the day of their wedding Vanessa, Derek and their guests enjoyed a perfect blue sky, Autumn day! Awesome! Back to the sunny day plan! We had a fun afternoon with them and their bridal party traipsing around the Whistler area, but we’ll start you out with one sneak peak from a lovely forest spot we found. More to come!

Ramona and Shaun are an absolutely adorable couple who were beaming with massive smiles from ear to ear like Cheshire cats all day. They are so truly in love. We have more to share from their wonderful day, but for now just a little sneak peak.