Destination Wedding Photography in Toronto

A Destination Chinese Tea Ceremony Wedding in Toronto Canada

After some beautiful destination pre wedding photography sessions in Toronto, Paris and London with Queenie and Jacky, I was honoured to be asked to fly over to Toronto, Canada to document the couples’s traditional Chinese wedding tea ceremonies.

Here are a few images from this traditional destination wedding in Toronto, which took place at a mixture of Queenie's parent's house and at the Hilton in Toronto and followed by a fun-filled Chinese wedding banquet.

Guide to Traditional Chinese Wedding Tea Ceremonies

• Symbol of Unity: The Chinese wedding tea ceremony symbolizes the union of two families. It represents the couple's formal introduction to each other's relatives, demonstrating respect and gratitude towards their elders.

• Gratitude and Blessings: It's an opportunity for the couple to express gratitude for their parents' love and upbringing and to seek their blessings for a happy and prosperous marriage.

• Welcoming the Bride/Groom: The tea ceremony officially welcomes the bride or groom into their new family, signifying their acceptance and integration.

The Ceremony: Steps & Etiquette

1. Preparation:

   • Tea Set: Use a traditional Chinese tea set with a teapot, teacups, and a tray. Red or gold colours are considered auspicious.

   • Tea: Select high-quality tea, like oolong or jasmine. Avoid green tea, which can sometimes be associated with bitterness.

   • Sweet Treats: Offer dates, lotus seeds, or other sweets alongside the tea, symbolizing a sweet and fruitful marriage.

   • Gifts (Optional): It's customary for elders to present the couple with red envelopes containing money ("lai see") or jewellery as blessings.

2. Order of Service:

   • Bride's Family First: The ceremony typically begins with the bride's family, followed by the groom's family.

   • Hierarchy: Elders are served first, following a descending order of seniority (parents, grandparents, aunts/uncles, older siblings).

   • Formal Introductions: Often, a designated family member will introduce the couple to each relative as they serve tea.

3. The Serving:

   • Kneeling or Standing: Traditionally, the couple kneels to serve tea, but nowadays, standing is also acceptable.

   • Both Hands: The couple should use both hands to present the teacups to each elder.

   • Formal Address: Address each elder by their formal title within the family, such as "father," "aunt," or "grandfather."

   • Expression of Gratitude: Offer a simple phrase of thanks and blessings, like " [Title], please drink tea."

4. Receiving Tea and Gifts:

   • Elders' Acknowledgement: The elders receive the tea with both hands and take a sip, symbolizing acceptance.

   • Presenting Gifts: Elders then present their prepared gifts or red envelopes to the couple.

   • Expressions of Well Wishes: Elders share their blessings and advice for a happy and fulfilling marriage.

Tips for a Smooth Ceremony:

• Practice: Rehearse the order of service and formal addresses to ensure a smooth flow on the day.

• Attire: Dress in traditional Chinese attire, like a qipao or qun kwa for the bride and a changshan or suit for the groom. Alternatively, opt for semi-formal attire in auspicious colours like red or gold.

• Master of Ceremonies: Consider having a designated family member (often a bridesmaid or groomsman) lead the ceremony if many relatives are involved.

• Modern Variations: Many modern couples personalize the tea ceremony by incorporating both families simultaneously or tailoring the sequence to their preferences.

Additional Considerations:

• Location: Tea ceremonies can be held at the bride's or groom's family home or in a private room at the wedding venue.

• Cultural Customs: Specific customs and variations might exist depending on regional and family traditions.

The Chinese wedding tea ceremony is a beautiful and meaningful tradition that reflects the importance of family, respect, and gratitude in Chinese culture. By understanding its significance and following the proper etiquette, couples can create a memorable and heartfelt experience that honours their heritage and marks the beginning of their life together.

Find out more about my destination and London wedding photography work by exploring some of the weddings below.