Laura and Jeremy were married at the Gallery in Houston on June 24 and it was one of the most beautiful and interesting weddings I’ve ever had the pleasure of photographing. Laura is Chinese, and Jeremy’s family is Indonesian, so it was a cultural smorgasbord!
The morning started off with a traditional Chinese tea ceremony where Laura and Jeremy served tea to their friends and family while receiving gifts and well wishes.
But not before they had a little fun! First, Jeremy had to prove himself worthy of his bride-to-be! The bridesmaids presented him with a series of tasks that weren’t exactly pleasant. Symbolizing the sweet, bitter, sour, and spicy moments that make up a marriage, Jeremy and his mates had to eat spicy hot sauce, drink plain vinegar, eat a lemon, then honey (ok that’s not that bad) and then do a shot of liquor. If he refused he’d have to get a scoop of whipped cream in the face, delivered via a child’s catapult toy. He got through the hot sauce, vinegar, lemon and honey but when it came time to do the shot, Jeremy opted for the whipped cream. Personally, I would’ve taken the shot but to each his own! His brother happily took one for the team as well and those are some of the best photos of the day. Then they played a little guessing game. The bride and her bridesmaids put their hands in a circle around Jeremy and, blindfolded, he had to guess which hands belonged to Laura. I was so focused looking through my camera so I’m not 100% sure but I think he got it right because everyone cheered, and Jeremy got to see (and smooch) his bride, who donned a traditional red dress for the morning’s festivities. After that it was onto the tea ceremony, which is just a cool thing to witness.
After everyone took a nice siesta we all gathered later that afternoon for their Western ceremony. Laura wore a stunning, textured dress by Mori Lee and the groom donned his stylish blue pinstripe suit. After the ceremony guests were treated to a Lion dance by the talented Houston Lion Kings. Afterwards we took the bride and groom and dance company outside on the balcony for some special photos with just them.
One of my favorite moments not just from this wedding but any wedding, was when they guys performed a choreographed dance to the tune of Backstreet Boys “Backstreet’s Back”. And no, they didn’t hold back, especially the groom’s brother. He really got into it.. It was so much fun! The groomsmen pulled Jeremy onto the dance floor and, dancing alongside them in near perfect synchronization, Jeremy really let his personality shine. I don’t know where he’d been hiding this side of him from me but I’m so glad I got to see it. It was bananas.
Laura and Jeremy danced a sweet little number together and her dress moved in such a way it looked like it was floating. Ah, I love tulle. Why can’t everything be made of tulle? Actually her dress may have been organza but close enough!
Wrapping up the night was a grand sparkler exit (my favorite) out on the balcony. It was the perfect end to a magical day.
Details
Laura’s Red dress: Taobao
Laura’s Bridal Gown: Mori Lee
Flowers: Mike Vidrop/ VIP Productions
Groom’s Suit: Bookatailor
Bridesmaid Dresses: Azazie
Cake: Roland’s Swiss Bakery
Lion Dance Company: Houston Lion Kings
” To be your friend was all I ever wanted; to be your lover was all I ever dreamed.” Valerie Lombardo
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