Shirley & Anthony: A Cultural Fusion Illuminated by Love in Montreal 文化交融，愛之光芒
Photography: FCP Weddings, Victor Le
Tea Ceremony Venue: Montreal Marriott Chateau Champlain • Ceremony and Dinner Reception Venue: Entrepôts Dominion • Planner: Liana Casella
Food Cocktail: Mama Ouy • Dinner Catering: Restaurant Kim Fung • Bubble Tea Station: Nos Thés • Cake: Pâtisserie Harmonie • Videographer: Beau Video
Make-up Artist + Hair Stylist: Sherry Hu • Dragon Show: Montréal Chan Lions Dance Club - Jimmy Chan
Special Performance: Chinese Canadian Singer, Sophie Chen - Flowers: Anaïs • DJ: PJ Entertainment • Stationary Design: Melissa Di Gennaro
Rentals: Celebrations Group, Tenue de Soirée • Print: KV print bar • Audio Visual: Contak AV • Photobooth: Omira Photo Booth • Bar: G&R
As Featured in The Art of Celebration Annual Edition No.1
“Growing up in a Chinese Canadian household, we were keen to showcase our cultural roots.”
Shirley and Anthony’s wedding in Montreal became a vibrant celebration of their Chinese Canadian heritage. From the rhythmic beats of the Lion Dance to the savory delights of a traditional banquet, every moment of their wedding was rich with symbolism and the significance of their Chinese heritage.
“Serving tea to elders and married couples, we received their advice and blessings. It was heartwarming to see my aunts and uncles who flew to Montreal from China participate in this cherished ritual.”
Anthony and Shirley's love story originated from a chance encounter in Montreal during a summer afternoon rainstorm, and endured through a year of maintaining a long distance relationship. From the onset, they envisioned their wedding infused with cultural elements, starting with a sea of Chinese lanterns. Their colour palette of red, symbolizing luck, and touches of black and white (like ink and paper) adorned everything from stationery to floral arrangements and wedding favour boxes. The festivities commenced with an intimate tea ceremony, where they donned traditional attire—a qipao for Shirley and a Tang suit for Anthony. This ritual, uncommon in Shirley's family, garnered heartfelt participation from relatives who flew in from China, bridging geographical and cultural divides.
The wedding favours, wrapped in red boxes adorned with double xi symbols, contained handmade fortune cookie soaps—a nod to Anthony's childhood in a Chinese restaurant family. Even the late-night snacks included a bubble tea station, delighting guests with a taste of Asian fusion. Despite initial plans for a New York loft wedding, they opted for Montreal to ensure inclusivity for their families.
The wedding's highlight was the Lion Dance, blessing the couple with prosperity and warding off negativity. The symbolism extended to their culinary choices, as they curated a traditional Chinese banquet, each dish carrying wishes for happiness. To ensure guests understood the significance, customized menus explained the meaning behind every culinary delight. The couple's attire transitioned to qipao and Tang suit during the reception, embracing tradition while their friend serenaded them with a classic Chinese song.
“The lantern and red-toned flower arrangements nod to our heritage. The sparkling wine and disco ball light that reflects on us capture the playful vibe we aimed for.”
“Our wedding theme beautifully merged our Canadian upbringing with our Chinese heritage. We were so happy to hear positive feedback from our parents' friends, many of whom remarked that our wedding stood out from the more Westernized ones they had attended, appreciating the attention to detail and the evident nods to our heritage woven throughout the event,” shares Shirley.
Their wedding vision come to life in L’Entrepot Dominion, a warehouse venue with an industrial chic aesthetic. Amidst challenges like unexpected rain during the cocktail hour, the day remained perfect, marked by laughter and heartfelt moments. Exchanging vows amidst loved ones, surrounded by radiating love and happiness, encapsulated the essence of their special day—a celebration honouring tradition, family, and love, cherished forever.
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