Blush, Reds, and Gold Modern Tea Ceremony at Rancho Las Lomas
Styled Shoot
Check out the feature on Wedding Chicks
As a first generation Vietnamese American, when I got engaged, I understood the importance of having a traditional tea ceremony (for our parents and elders) along with a western ceremony (for ourselves and the younger generations). But when wedding planning began, I struggled finding inspiration for a tea ceremony set up. Most of what I found on the internet was very traditional and didn’t align with my overall wedding vision. I spoke to other first generation Vietnamese/Chinese American friends and they had the same issue. We had no idea how to make a tea ceremony more modern and in-line with our current aesthetics. With this dilemma, I sought out a solution: to design it myself. I approached Danielle of Something Borrowed, Something New and Marjorie of 329 Events to pitch my styled shoot idea: a beautifully designed tea ceremony geared towards first generation Vietnamese/Chinese Americans with the goal of respecting our elders while complimenting our wedding aesthetics.
With a team consisting mostly of Asian American vendors, we planned a modern tea ceremony at Rancho Las Lomas in Silverado, California with blush roses paired with dried palms and touches of blush, peach, ivory, and of course, red for good luck.
Traditionally, on the wedding day, the celebration starts with the tea ceremony. The couple spends the morning serving tea to their elders. In return, the elders bless their wedding and gift them with red envelopes. When the tea ceremony ends, couples–at least in western culture–continue their wedding day with a western ceremony. For our shoot, we were honored that the bride’s grandparents agreed to participate.
Personally, I am so proud of how this editorial came together and ecstatic when it got featured on Wedding Chicks. I truly believe that representation matters and felt like there was a lack of Asian Americans couples (with two POC) seen in popular wedding blogs. I hope that this shoot helps fellow Asian Americans navigate how to make their tea ceremony represent them as a couple and having the design carry over with their western ceremony and reception.
Pieces by Calligraphy by Michelle T include: custom invitation suite, double good luck acrylic sign with copper stand, red envelopes, menus, and table numbers
Invitation suite pieces include: invitation card, RSVP card and envelope, details card, silk ribbon, envelope liner, envelope calligraphy, and vintage stamps
V E N D O R C R E D I T S
stationery + acrylic signs • @calligraphybymichellet
florals • @irisesdesignsca
desserts • @puffectbakerycafe
rentals • @fruitvaledesigns
groom tux • @friartux
dress, traditional attire, favors + accessories • @eastmeetsdress
host + design • @sbsnbride
planning + coordination • @329events
venue • @rancholaslomas
photo • @playfulsoulphotography
video • @alex_mo_photography_video
hair & makeup • @sharonypark
Ready to start working together and book your wedding invitations and other day of goods? Fill out my contact form . We’ll be in touch soon!
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