“Like nature, behind the lightest of love lies the biggest strength paired with the most gentle heart. You can barely see them, but you can feel it all around you.”
The stars know it all, isn’t it? You are about to know. Tian & Akou met each other through their families. Their love story was not a whirlwind romance, but they deeply cherish the comfort and sense of security they have found in each other. They enjoy the little things in life, including gourmet and travel, but behind sharing common interests, Akou is Tian’s encouragement. She guides him with her patience and wisdom to grow together and Tian makes her feel grounded and free to be herself. A perfect compliment to each other, he describes her as a brave warrior and he, the sharpest blade on her spear to protect her. They tied the knot on 11th October 2020.
Her Kindness…
Tian perceives Akou as a very kind and understanding woman who is easy to talk to. His most memorable recollection of her kindness was a time when they caught the red-eye flight to Akou’s hometown in Hangzhou. It was late and raining, while they were hauling luggage while in the queue for a cab. The person in front of them fell over and Akou instantly went to help, despite the rain.
His straightforwardness…
In Akou’s eyes, Tian is a very straightforward man whose actions speak louder than words. When they had first met and she learned that his English name was directly taken from his Chinese name (meaning sky), she knew he was a down-to-earth soul. Tian promised his “In sickness & in health” way before the wedding when she got sick in the middle of the night and he immediately drove 2 hours from Shanghai to Hangzhou to and take care of her.
The Proposal
With the help of their group of close friends, Tian prepared a celestial-themed proposal to surprise Akou, as he knows her love for the moon and the stars. Unlike most Chinese traditions, they didn’t opt for an engagement ceremony prior to their wedding day, because they believe their life together since their meeting has already proven more than a gesture.
The Venue
First Look. One would have thought they really were in Italy! Akou and Tian’s wedding took place at the Conti Toscana Castle Resort & Spa in Shaoxing, China. Besides the difficulties faced to hold a wedding abroad due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the couple chose this wedding venue for its Tuscan architecture and convenient location, which is approximately 3 hours drive from Shanghai. This was also easier access for friends and family to spend a weekend away from the city.
The Conti Toscana Castle Resort & Spa is a new resort in 2019, situated within the Shaoxing Kuai Ji Shan foothill. The property boasts of two theme hotels, the main one being the Castle Hotel. This authentic Tuscan mountain castle architecture in China is definitely a concept which most luxury hotels in the world are aiming for to bring the destination feeling in the home country.
The Castle Hotel consists of the Castle Tower with Twin Standard rooms, King rooms, Family rooms, and Suites; Holiday Villas and Dream Tree Houses. Besides its exterior, the grounds of the castle were just as authentic to the Italian architecture. Its plaza with fountain and stairs leading up to a wall adorned with Italian art was the perfect setting for our couple’s First Look.
Ceremony & Decor
The team at Le Rêve Events International, China was the brains behind this mesmerizing setup. Taking inspiration from the couple’s relationship, they wanted to bring out the serene and calm nature of the couple into the wedding decor. Held at the lawn, the wedding ceremony was set against lush green trees and mountains. The couple wanted a fresh, clean color theme, so opted for white and green to blend in with the surrounding nature.
Greeting guests at the entrance of the castle was a welcome sign created with a floral arrangement boxed between two clear, acrylic panels. As they approach the lawn, a dessert table and a personalized signing board of the couple’s illustration await them.
As an extension of this Italian castle setting, a European-style arch and background with Roman columns were used. The highlight was a translucent ribbon before the arch which offsets the columns for a softer touch, like a light fog at the break of dawn. White petals form the aisle walkway leading towards a circular glass stage in the center with white florals beneath the glass. Clear, ghost chairs were placed on the lawn, like morning dewdrops on the grass. The combination of these elements allowed for a dreamlike surrounding, amidst the forest behind it. While the guests waited, the bride was ready to arrive by her very own floral-adorned carriage, as a princess would.
Dinner Reception & Decor
The dinner reception was held in a European style where high and low centerpieces on alternating tables, by use of vintage brass and bronze vases were found. The couple wanted a subtle grey theme. Hence, the dress code of white, black, and grey and the color was added in the ballroom decor for a more formal, yet not too heavy effect, keeping a comfortable rhythm. The backdrop on stage was designed using their family name initials, with monochrome floral graphics to represent how their love has bloomed and grown. It was a perfect blend of elements from different parts of the world.
A highlight of the night was the couple’s first dance. Rather than the traditional slow dance, Akou wanted theirs to be a modern and lively dance out at the plaza under stringed lights and fireworks, that would bring the crowd to follow suit. It was also during this time that the ballroom was then transformed again into a multicolor dancefloor with a DJ waiting for the afterparty to begin.
Vendors:
Planning & Design: Le Rêve Events International
Venue: The Conti Toscana Castle Resort & Spa, China
Photographer: Gaobai Image
Decor Photographer: Brandystudio – Kaji
Wedding Dress: Galia Lahav
Gowns: Nicole + Felicia
