We’re back to feature another celebration with E & E! We feel so lucky to play a part in another big day for E & E and their family members, in planning and coordinating their traditional Hong Kong Tea Ceremony.

We were brought on to bridge the gap between family expectations and how to execute on these visions. Despite differing communication styles across generations, E & E were always ready and willing to work with us and with their families to solidify plans.

As is traditional Chinese Tea Ceremony customs, we started the morning at the Bride’s home with “Groom games”. Only after successful “hazing” of the Groom (and Groomsmen) could the Groom retrieve his Bride. The Bridesmaids prepared a series of fun games to challenge the guys, while family members of both sides observed. As soon as the men arrived, they were blindfolded with facemasks (creative, no??), put on trashbags, and were led to the backyard to play the games.

The first game tested the guys’ tastebuds as they were forced to eat very creative (and often gross!) snacks and guess what they ate. These snacks included Korean fiery noodles (buldak), silkworms (!!), and natto. The second game lined up the men to compete against one another in eating various treats attached on strings. Unfortunately, the poor Groom was boxed out at the last minute and had to eat a super crazy hot ghost pepper as punishment for being last to finish the race. Family members swiftly provided milk to abate the hot-pepper-sweats.

The final game tested the guys’ singing and performing ability, as they were required to write an original song. After all these trials, the Groom was finally able to receive his Bride!

Everyone then traveled over to the Groom’s home for the Tea Ceremony. Both the Bride and Groom were dressed in Xiu He Fu (繡和服) traditional Chinese attire for the Chinese Tea Ceremony to formally honor their family members. We compiled a list of over 30 sets of parties to be honored. It was a beautiful thing to witness all the Aunties and Uncles actively preparing and participating in the whole Tea Ceremony. During this process, lunch was delivered and the Bridal Party enjoyed a brief break. After the Tea Ceremony and lunch, we headed over to the Chinese banquet hall to set up the reception space. We worked quickly alongside the decorator, banquet staff, and helpers to set up the room and completely transformed the space into a classic Chinese banquet reception!

The Dinner Reception featured a Welcome photobooth for every guest to take a photo with the Bride and Groom. Throughout the reception, the MC entertained everyone with fun games and generous prizes and all the guests enjoyed delicious Chinese banquet dishes.

Overall, it was so sweet to work with E & E in planning a Chinese Tea Ceremony to serve their families! What a joy it was to spend another few months working alongside them again!