Weddingbee

I know I haven’t really gotten into all the meaty, nitty gritty details of our wedding day yet, but I’m going to jump ahead with a brief overview of our Chinese Banquet the next day.

That Sunday morning, we had brunch at my parents house with most of my extended out-of-town family. It was rushed but fun, and we were still exhilarated (and pooped) from our wedding the night before. Then I frantically went to Zazu Salon in Hinsdale and had my hair done by TJ, having never even met the stylist, let alone having done a trial with her! But I just crossed my fingers and figured it would be fine. I was right, A+ for TJ! I decided to go with a “low, messy, bun” (my exact descriptor words to her) since I had my hair half up/half down for my Saturday wedding. Actually, my first reaction when TJ finished was, “Hrmm, I think this updo makes me look OLD.” But then I realized it worked very nicely with my traditional Chinese chi pao.

Not the greatest picture, but this was taken right after we arrived at his parents’ house.

A nice shot of me and Mr. E’s maternal Grandmother, who is placing some sort of evergreen twig in my hair for good luck (I think).

Serving tea to Mr. E’s parents. In exchange they gave us red envelopes. There actually wasn’t much money in the red envelopes, it was really more symbolic rather than about collecting money.

I received a lot of gold that day, and I had to wear it all at one time! Mr. E’s sister is helping me clasp a bracelet. A few hours later we headed to Furama Restaurant right outside Chicago’s Chinatown.

What wedding is complete without a balloon arch!? By the way, we *had* to wear the 2 red ribbons, one said “Bride” and one said “Groom.” Just in case the guests couldn’t figure that out… teehee.

Close up of my hair with a few orchids.

Me and my favorite little (only) sister.

Being introduced as B&G!

Awwww! Love this photo. Mr E. says that I always like pictures where I look nice, but his face is partially obscured, HAHA. Not true…

Cutting the cake… the cake is straight out of my worst nightmare… The purple things along the edge remind me of little shrimp cocktail hanging off… All of the mini people on the stairs had no noses. We determined that this had to be because the bakery uses them over and over again, and they pluck the people off by their face.  At least it TASTED good (and I had a big hunkin’ slice!)

It is customary to go from table to table to toast all of your guests.

The end of the loooong night, and a slightly blurry shot with our parents and some of my relatives. Can I just say that we were absolutely exhausted at this reception!? All the guests kept coming up to us and saying, “You guys look so nice! And so tired!” hahaha. We were really ready to be in Hawaii by this point. While I’m at it, here is a review of the tailor that made my traditional Chinese dress.

Chinese Chi Pao: Oriental Fine Tailor, Chicago, 312.328.0371 – B

I had my traditional Chinese Chi Pao made at a little custom shop on the South Side of Chicago. The fabric was a deep, rich, red brocade with dragons and phoenixes all over. I picked the fabric, the lady took many measurements, and it took her about 3-4 weeks to complete the dress. However, the back zipper did not lie smoothly, but I think it was because I picked a thicker brocade instead of the usual thinner satin material. Also, her measurements must have been off!! She measured me at the beginning of August right before I started the South Beach Diet. 3 weeks later, I went back for a fitting, and the dress fit JUST RIGHT. Why is that strange?? Because I had actually LOST 10 pounds during that 3 week period! So if I HADN’T lost that weight, I would have been screwed… But it’s all good. The dress is pretty, it was only $120, and I probably won’t wear it (or fit into it) again anyways!

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