So after the Claiming The Bride games, Chris headed up the stairs into the bedroom for me. It was actually both nerve-wrecking and boring for me to sit alone, by myself, upstairs. Especially when the whole time I’m listening to screams of laughter and all the commotion going on downstairs! But finally, finally, Chris came up and it was just AWESOME seeing his face for the first time that day.. looking at me and smiling that smile that he reserves just for me 🙂

Looking uncannily bright-eyed and bushy-tailed at 8AM in the morning

Taken at the moment Chris stepped into the door and walked up to me.
At this point, my heart just about exploded with happiness 🙂

First kiss (of many) of the day!

Walking down to a cheering crowd

Wiping sweat off Chris’ brow – *lol*!

With my parents

And with Chris’ parents

We then headed down the stairs for the Tea Ceremony, where we serve little cups of sweet fruit tea to the elder relatives, and are served tea by the younger relatives. It’s a nice way to include the whole family in the wedding and a pleasant way of showing respect.

It all passed in a blur, to be honest.. all I remember was giving out lots of tea, receiving back lots of jewellery and ‘hong baos’ (red packets filled with money), and taking a gazillion photos by a gazillion people.

I wore my Chinese qipao, a traditional Chinese dress – the silk one that I got hand made back in Shanghai. It was a brilliant idea because it’s super comfortable and really cool, so it was a great way to start the day.

The tea set for the Tea Ceremony. I loved it, it was sooo Oriental!

Chris’ parents at their first ever Wedding Tea Ceremony

I LOVE THIS PIC!

Sparkly diamond earrings from his parents 🙂

And then it was my parents’ turn

Stunning jade necklace + diamond earrings 🙂

And ONE AMAZING DIAMOND TENNIS BRACELET!!!! OMG I love this so much.

Putting on all the jewellery immediately *ahem*

Pre-occupied with each other whilst taking a pic with Dad’s side of the family 😛

With my wonderful girl friends – ALL of whom flew in for our wedding. I love them.

With my amazing friends

*glomps*

Trying (and failing) to eat in a ladylike manner

Told ya 😉 Check out ‘lil Elliot on the right, eyeing my drumstick!

WAHEY!!!

It was only after the Tea Ceremony that I changed into my bridal gown, so that everyone (Chris included, by his request) would not see me in my gown until I walked down the aisle……..