My cousin Monica's engagement to her fiancé Richard is celebrated with a traditional Chinese-style tea ceremony at her family's home in Hong Kong, followed by a dinner reception at Island Shangri-La. We flew in for the happy occasion. :)
The house is turned into a Chinese wedding movie set with red carpet, double happiness
lanterns, and all the works
The kids love watching and feeding the kois
While the grown ups pose for a photo before the star of the show makes her vavavoom appearance
And there she is, walking down the stairs… backwards!
That requires some major talent, you know!
Monica still walking backwards because she is not yet allowed to see the groom
She turns clockwise three times and enters the ceremonial room where the groom, his parents,
her parents, and the VIPs are waiting
And then, the gift-giving ceremony. They exchange watches, jewelry, flowers, etc. etc.
Other gifts from the groom's family include fabric, flowers, boxes of fruits in even numbers, eggs,
pomelos, hopia, candies, chocolates, and misua in red boxes among others
Then the formal tea ceremony begins. The couple, kneeling down, serves tea to the groom's family,
and then the bride's family in order of seniority
The elders drink the tea...
And give red envelopes to the bride and groom
And then picture taking time!
And then my favorite time... Eating time!!! :)
Misua for long lasting relationship
Sweet soup with two eggs, two pieces red dates, and two pieces winter melon
for a sweet life together
Fruits. These are optional. Hee hee hee.
Engagement giveaways
Congratulations, Richard and Monica! :)
Love the hair bling! :)