Friday, November 12, 2010

Linda and Ryan's Hei La Moon Wedding!

On Saturday, October 23rd, I was the coordinator for Linda and Ryan's wedding day, with their ceremony at the Old South Meeting House and reception later at Hei La Moon.

It was a relaxing morning and early afternoon for both of them. The ladies got their hair styled at a nearby salon, then got dressed at the couple's condo, with the bride’s friend doing the makeup. The men had lunch in Faneuil Hall and then got ready at the Four Seasons Hotel. Linda wore a stunning Melissa Sweet gown, while the bridesmaids were outfitted in grey J. Crew dresses and carried sweet pink bouquets.

The couple met up at the Boston Public Gardens for their "first look" and took portraits with the entire bridal party, taken by Dorie and her assistant from Dorie Lynn Photography. After their pictures, they headed to their historical ceremony venue. The Old South Meeting House was built in 1729 (!!) and was the space that held the mass protest meetings that led to the Boston Tea Party, and is currently a museum. Can't wait to see pictures of the place from Dorie! The ceremony was short and sweet, highlighted by ethereal music provided by harpist Emilia Pepen.

Guests were transported between the two venues by two trolleys from Old Town Trolley (they were told to park at Hei La Moon). The newlyweds and the wedding party took portraits in one trolley and arrived in style for the reception. Each table at Hei La Moon was adorned with a beautiful and simple centerpiece created by Orchids N' Blooms, who provided all the flowers for their wedding day. Every other setting had a banquet or a beverage menu on it, so guests would know ahead of time what would be served at dinner and at the bar. There was also a silver box of truffles for each person to take home.

After introductions, the bride quickly changed into her qipao and the newlyweds took part in a brief tea ceremony. Instead of using a traditional tea set, the couple used a contemporary blue-green ceramic set with a cherry blossom motif. They made sure to get multiple matching plates (which were really sushi plates) to use as trays for the many cups that were used by each family member. It was a great idea!

The guests then enjoyed a classic 10-course banquet and later danced to awesome music provided by DJ Shyne. It was great how he incorporated Chinese pop music (in a nod to Linda’s background) throughout the meal and then really got the party going after the head table went around and toasted each table! The bride changed back into her wedding dress for the rest of the reception. Throughout the night, the guests lined up to take pictures in the photobooth provided by Photobooth Favors. Bartenders from Premier Bar Service kept drinks flowing until the end. For dessert, guests helped themselves to delicious cupcakes with different frosting flowers from Party Favors. There was a small cake on top of the cupcake tower that Linda and Ryan used for their cake-cutting ceremony. Yum!

Overall, it was a truly wonderful night! Here are some pictures I took of their wedding day, with professional pictures to come later.

Linda and Ryan, I had a fabulous time working with both of you! I wish you guys all the best in your new married life together =)

~Fiona

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