Have you ever heard the commercial on the radio that says if you want to start a book club you need to begin with a book? That is definitely the best way to start anything really, but I feel as though I have jumped into the deep end of the pool when it comes to where I started wedding photography. But if you ask my mom, you'll learn that I am great at swimming. ;) With one wedding down and who knows how many to come, I am so incredibly excited that I have yet another one under my belt! Again, I had the great privilege to second-shoot for Alyse French Photography! This time around, I felt much more comfortable and of much more help to Alyse because I had had some experience. Ha ha! And my fellow blog readers, I have come to the conclusion that I desperately want to continue doing this!
On Sunday, October 28th Ben and Anna's wedding was held at Ashton Gardens. They had rose petals down the isle, candles, and an
amazing quartet playing. Their wedding ceremony was beautiful and in English. "Why is she telling me it was in English?" you maybe asking yourself. Well, that is because the rest of the day was entirely in Chinese. The Wedding party all spoke English and were all so amazingly friendly. One of Ben's friends helped by translating for us with everyone else.
It was a wonderful day and a gorgeous wedding!
Don't forget to check out Alyse's website, fallow her blog and like her Facebook page!
Anna had a white dress for most of the day and a traditional Chinese wedding dress for the reception.
Anna's mother seeing her in her white gown for the first time.
Her dress has little white flowers all down the train. Simply gorgeous!
"First look" destination
Anna hiding in the pavilion while Ben gets ready to see his bride for the first time!
If you have never heard of a "first look," you must read Alyse's post describing and explaining this wonderful way of breaking the traditional rules against seeing the bride before she walks down the isle.
Wedding party trying to sneak a peak. Sorry guys, this is a private moment.
They love each other so much, yet are so shy and cute when they first come face to face.
Anna just adores him!
Anna is so clever with all the cute props she brought for photos.
Awww... I love this shot!!
And this one! Don't make me pick my favorite!
Like I mentioned before, fun bunch.
Anna and Ben's mother and father
More props! I've got to say, these might have been my favorite. He he
Best guest book I have ever seen!
Tea table for the guests during the Chinese Tea ceremony.
Touch up before walking down the aisle
Married!!!
Reception begins
Coming down into the reception being introduced as husband and wife! (I'm loving the shadow on the wall)
First dance!
The first dance was actually the only dance at this wedding.
The reception was all in Chinese and they played games instead.
Now I don't know exactly what they were saying, but the lady in the red would say a bunch of things then the bride would have to repeat it. They would get longer and faster and it was really funny even to me, who knew not one word!
They did the same for the groom.
Anna in her traditional Chinese dress. She wasn't allowed to see until she was presented to her parents.
Bride's mother and father - It's no wonder she has an amazing smile.
Tada!!
Then the tea ceremony began. A lady brought in small cups of tea. The bride and groom would take one cup at a time, bow to each other, then to their parents and the rest of the people in the room. Then they would give the cup to one of the parents. They did it for each parent and then for each other.
I had never heard of a boss coming to a wedding and giving such a loving speech to his employee, Ben.
(It was in English)
A gift from the mothers
The bridal party made a video.
It was really funny.
Ben made a surprise slide show of photos and little clips of video of the two of them ever since they met.
It was very touching and always humorous.
One of the groomsmen sang.
One last toast
Here they come for their grand exit!
The End
