Vancouver Wedding and Portrait Photographer - Magnolia Photographic » chinese wedding

Connie and Patrick’s Marriott Pinnacle Wedding

Laura — Tue, 25 Jan 2011 01:30:19 +0000

There’s a first time for everything, and Connie and Patrick’s wedding marked the first time I ever saw a groom scale a balcony, Romeo-and-Juliet-style. In fact, Patrick was Spiderman-like with his wall-climbing skills (ignoring the fact that his friends gave him a little lift to begin with). It was all in the name of defeating the bridesmaids and their tricky groom games, a Chinese tradition designed to playfully thwart the groom from seeing the bride. All this debauchery was followed by two tea ceremonies, a wedding ceremony at Ryerson United Church, photo sessions at Locarno Beach and the Vancouver Convention Centre, and finally a grand reception at the beautiful Marriott Pinnacle Hotel. Connie and Patrick’s wedding colours were white and the most delicious shade of deep purple (one of my favourite colours!), carried throughout the amazing decor by Celsia Florist and Upright Decor.

Pao Yi and Kevin’s Vancouver Wedding – July 11, 2009

Laura — Sun, 02 Aug 2009 00:20:56 +0000

Kevin and Pao Yi had quite the epic wedding day! Somehow they managed to fit in a wedding ceremony at Shaughnessy Heights United Church, two tea ceremonies, two locations for their photo session, a multi-course dinner reception, and even a lion dance! Not to mention lots of speeches, games, table toasting, and dress changes for Pao Yi during the reception. There was a great theme of family throughout the day, evident in the many family members gathered at Kevin and Pao Yi’s parents’ homes to witness the tea ceremony, and in the 250+ guests in attendance at the reception – Kevin and Pao Yi even had their parents sitting with them at the head table, which I thought was a sweet way to honour them. Family members had also arranged a surprise lion dance for the couple, which started the reception at Kirin Richmond off with a bang! I love watching lion dances – there’s something about the fierce lion faces, bright colours, and the banging of the drums that is so intense! Earlier in the day we had spent some much quieter time with Kevin and Pao Yi at Van Dusen Gardens, followed by a quick trip to Spanish Banks. I’d also like to give a quick shout-out to the limo driver, Reid, for Star Limosine – he always knew exactly where we were going, was pleasant and courteous, and pretty much the best all-round limo driver I’ve ever encountered. In fact, we’ve had past experience with Star Limosine and they have always been great! Back to Kevin and Pao Yi – thanks for having us there to photograph your beautiful day! We had an awesome time with you, your bridal party, and family!

Cheryl and Darren’s Vancouver Wedding – June 28, 2009

Laura — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 00:36:21 +0000

I was really excited for Cheryl and Darren’s big day – not just because they are an awesome, fun couple (not to mention crazy smart – a doctor and a rocket scientist?!!), but because it was a chance to see a few of our past clients. Cheryl was a bridesmaid in Kathy and Dave’s wedding, which we photographed two years ago, and Dave and Kathy were the MC’s at Stephanie and Mike’s wedding, which we photographed last year. It was so neat to see them all again, along with many other familiar faces. Onto Cheryl and Darren’s wedding – the day started with some “groom games”, a fun tradition where the bridesmaids make the groom and groomsman perform various, uh, “tasks” before the groom can see the bride. As you can see from the photo below, Darren is valiantly swinging an orange in a leg of panty hose from his, uh, midsection in a croquet-game style (let’s just say the rest of the games were equally hilarious!) The ceremony was held at the always magnificent Hycroft Manor, overlooking downtown and just in front of the amazing balcony and pillars that unmistakably characterize the architecture at Hycroft. After the beautiful ceremony we had a quick photo session with the bride and groom around Hycroft, then it was off to Locarno Beach with the very energetic bridal party. After some fun on the beach, we headed to UBC, and followed it up with a short stop in Richmond. Finally, we made our way to the Kirin Restaurant at Starlight. This is the newest restaurant in the Kirin chain, and it did not disappoint – the decor is stunning and modern, complimented by a gorgeous Asian-themed courtyard – and as usual, the food was fresh and delicious! The bridal party had planned some fun games for the evening, particularly a game of Jeopardy! with questions all about the bride (and complete with a bridal party version of Alex Trebek). Cheryl also changed into three different outfits throughout the evening, all very different and fabulous, and finished the evening in a gorgeous magenta gown, dancing the night away with her wonderful new husband, Darren.A little Dave-and-Kathy montage – one from their own wedding, one from Stephanie and Michael’s wedding, and one from Cheryl and Darren’s wedding. Can’t wait to see you both at another one soon!A little Dave-and-Kathy montage – one from their own wedding, one from Stephanie and Michael’s wedding, and one from Cheryl and Darren’s wedding. Can’t wait to see you both at another one soon!

Our Favourite Vancouver Wedding Venues – Kirin Restaurant

Laura — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 01:00:46 +0000

Kirin Restaurant, Richmond – Chinese cuisine at it’s best! The service, food, and presentation are excellent. The food is fresh, colourful and each dish is presented in a beautiful and appetizing display. As well, the décor of this restaurant is particularly modern, yet still retaining many traditional Chinese elements – perfect for photo opportunities! There are five locations in the Lower Mainland.

Jessie and Jo’s Cecil Green and Sun Sui Wah Wedding

Laura — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 01:55:15 +0000

Jessie and Jo had one of those epic days – you know, the ones that start early in the morning and finish 14 hours later! A long day indeed, but a very fun one too! We started with coverage of the groom games (a.k.a “groom torture”) where Jessie’s friends and bridesmaids made Jo and his guys do all kinds of crazy things – let’s just say there was a bucket of ice, some whipped cream, and even a little bit of karaoke! Next it was off to two tea ceremonies, and then the wedding ceremony at the beautiful Cecil Green. We followed it up with a a photo session around Cecil Green, Iona Beach, and Richmond City Hall. Now let me say that I have shot at Iona a lot, and it has always been a great spot. However, on this particular day at this particular time, it seemed that every mosquito in the world had gathered at Iona and was quietly waiting for our unsuspecting bridal party to arrive. Needless to say, our photo time at Iona was short! But I have to give major credit to Jessie, who, in her strapless bridal gown, did not have the barrier of Jo’s tux and took more than her fair share of bites – fortunately, after seeing the photos she told me it was worth it! (phew…) All throughout the day, Jo always had his arm around Jessie or was ready with a big smile in her direction – he absolutely adores her, and it’s clear that the feeling is mutual! The day concluded with a lovely reception at Sun Sui Wah Restaurant – thanks to Jessie and Jo for having us with you!

Wilson and Tania’s Westwood Plateau Wedding

Laura — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 00:41:37 +0000

Pajo’s fish and chips, frisbee, and flying a kite (or at least trying to) – plus a wedding – what could be more fun?! We started Wilson and Tania’s big day by meeting them and their bridal party at Rocky Point Park, where there just happens to be a Pajo’s (best fish and chips ever). Of course the group had to indulge, with the bridesmaids dutifully (and carefully) feeding Tania the ever-so-greasy battered fish. After lunch we walked around the park for the photo session, with a little break for some frisbee and “kite-flying” – I have that in quotes because, well, there was no wind so the kite never got more than about 10 feet off the ground – but it was fun nonetheless! We then headed to Westwood Plateau for a tea ceremony, which was then followed by the beautiful garden wedding ceremony, and all topped off by a fabulous reception overlooking the mountains and valley below.