Stephanie & Colin: the Harmony of Love and Cultures 愛與文化融合的和諧慶典
Photography: Jackson, Jonah, and Julia at Ikonica Images
Venues: Fairmont Royal York, Toronto., St. Andrew’s Church • Wedding Planner: Edwina Luu • Videography: Yang, Vaan & Dario at SDEweddings
Makeup: Jessica at Toronto Beauty Group • Floral Design: Pearl D’Souza • DJ: Sean at Colthrust Entertainment • Pianist: Lada Lagover • Lion Dance: Sifu Kin Sze at Lion Dance Toronto
As Featured in The Art of Celebration Annual Edition No.1
“Colin and I are both pianists, and we wanted music to be the universal language that brings both our cultures together.”
Stephanie and Colin's wedding was one celebrating cultural diversity, merging Asian and Black traditions with music. With a mission to challenge stereotypes and inspire their community, their wedding became a tapestry of heritage. From classic Chinese motifs to Caribbean-infused desserts, each element paid homage to their roots. Their love story and wedding sings the melody of diversity and love bridging cultures.
Their love story, rooted in their mutual appreciation for piano, evolved amidst the challenges of the pandemic and discussions about their interracial relationship. Despite external pressures, they remained committed to each other.
The wedding incorporated elements from both Colin's Caribbean heritage and Stephanie's Chinese background.
They supported Chinese and Black-owned businesses, reflecting their commitment to their roots. Traditional Chinese decor, fashion, and performances honoured their family members, while the dragon and phoenix motif, along with the double happiness symbol, adorned their wedding materials.
A tea ceremony, a new experience for Stephanie's parents, was included to pay homage to their heritage. Traditional Chinese wedding favours and the lion dance added cultural flair, while the speeches and programs were translated into both English and Chinese to ensure inclusivity.
Caribbean influences appeared in the dessert course while traditional Chinese dumplings were handmade for a family reunion the next day. The bridesmaids wore modern qipaos, even accommodating Stephanie's pregnant maid of honour, while Stephanie herself wore a hand-embroidered qipao, featuring the cover of "The Joy Luck Club" on her custom-made book clutch, symbolizing her immigrant story and honouring author Amy Tan, a family friend.
"I did a lot of the graphic design for the wedding (floor wrap, seating chart, and ceremony programmes) which included the dragon and phoenix motif surrounding the double happiness symbol," Stephanie shares, as she reflects on their meaningful wedding day.
Their wedding showcased the best of both worlds, blending Chinese and Canadian traditions in a multi-lingual and musically diverse celebration. Planning in just seven months, they emphasized the importance of an organized wedding planner experienced with cultural weddings, ensuring a seamless and memorable event. The Royal York Hotel was a beautiful setting in which to celebrate and to share their piano duet with family and friends.
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