This is a continuation from one of my previous posts: Part I & Part II.

We got the digital photos! Just a couple of days ago, GT and I had our third wedding reception. It was held here in Taichung, Taiwan. Although it was just a small intimate lunch reception with just relatives, we still observed a few traditions. I changed into 4 different outfits, 3 of which were lent by Masa LiLi (included in our photo package).  They also included the dress for the flower girl and a little boy, who walked in with us during our grand entrance.

Scene 1

After our first entrance, GT’s eldest uncle made a speech. After the speech, changed into a different outfit, we made our grand entrance for the second time. This time, we danced in along to ‘Poker Face’ with four of GT’s cousins. It was so much fun! We then played a game which consisted of red envelopes, followed with more speeches from uncles and then grandma. We then went around to room to each table to thank the guests.

Scene 2

Before I knew it, I was in outfit number 3 (qi pao) standing behind two Chinese lion dancers making our grand entrance for the third time to Chinese New Year’s music. It is lucky to give the lions red envelopes. So of course, GT and I each gave one of the lions a red envelope. Afterward, GT’s dad gave a speech.

Scene 3

Finally, I was in my last outfit for the feast. The MC made an announcement that the reception is coming to an end. She directed people towards the back of the room. The room had a stage at the back which was beautifully decorated with floral, greens, and branches. (I’ll have to post photos when we get them from the photographer.) One after another, the guests took turns taking photos with GT and I, who stood there like wax museum figures.

Scene 4

After two and half hours, all the guests were gone. I was amazed even though the MC had advised beforehand, it would take no more than 2 1/2 hours for everything we had planned. It went by like a light breeze.

Scene 5

And now, we are finally able to go on our honeymoon! We are off to Bali!!

The Piedmont Room

2. The Atrium:

The Atrium

3. Cator Woolford Gardens:

Pros: Beautiful outdoor garden and ceremony area

Cons: Rent own tables chairs & linens, Hire own caterer, Reception hall is minimal and plain (not the couple’s style)

Cator Woolford Garden

I came across this picture from the Cator Woolford Garden’s blog and just wanted to share it. I love the color, the sequence, and the energy in this series of photos.

Photo from http://www.cwgardens.blogspot.com/

Which venue do you like the most? Cast your vote with a comment!

photo from enrim iconz

When I was planning our wedding, I’ve been seeing so many images of using fruit as placecard holders. I absolutely loved the idea.  However, we ended up using something that was more suited with our table names. I wanted to share with you all some images that really inspired me. You can do so much with fruit as a design element in a wedding.

photo from country living

It’s very easy to do-it-yourself without spending a lot of money.

photo from kelley photo & design

Use seasonal fruits or vegetables to reflect the time of the year.

By saipua

However, if you don’t want to deal with the hassle as a bride or groom. Many florists offer the service. This is my favorite amongst the bunch {from Saipua}.

Instead of having a full open bar, one of my friend’s at her wedding last June had just a few specialty cocktails along with wine and beer. The cocktails were concoctions she made up herself, with names that went along with her East Coast Beach themed wedding.

Source: cocktails.about.com

Here are some fun wedding cocktail recipes from www.drinkmixers.com:

            Wedding Cake Martini

                        1.5 oz vanilla vodka
                       1/2 oz Malibu® coconut rum
                        1.5 oz pineapple juice
                    1 splash grenadine syrup

                Combine all ingredients in an ice shaker, half-filled with ice cubes. Shake well. Strain into glass.

            Wedding Bells Cocktail

                        3/4 oz cherry brandy
                        3/4 oz Dubonnet® French vermouth
                        3/4 oz gin
                        3/4 oz orange juice

                Shake well over ice cubes in a shaker, strain into a chilled cocktail glass, and serve.

Jen's wedding theme was pink and green. Clicking on the picture will take you to Sally's blog post with info on how she constructed the cake. (Photo by Cake Bee)

Dan and Jen are both very passionate about board games. I met Dan a few years before I met Jen and whenever we were anywhere with him, he’d always pull out a hockey bag full of board games from the trunk of his car and we’d all play something!  Jen surprised Dan by getting a groom’s cake made with his favorite game in mind.

So here we have it: Rubix Cube Groom's Cake! (Photo by CakeBee)

The following week Sally did the cake for some other friends of mine (also friends of Jen and Dan), Emily and Frank.  While I didn’t attend the wedding, I still wanted to share this amazing cake with you!

I love the polka dots! Photo by LauraKayPhoto.com. The cake topper was designed in the UK by FeltMeUpDesigns.blogspot.com.

Did a friend do your cake, or IS a friend doing your cake? I’d love to hear about it and see pictures!

Stay tuned for more pictures from Dan and Jen’s wedding next week!

Since Mike and Ellein are both from Hong Kong, they actually got married in HK and had a second wedding in New York.  The wedding was held in a church in Queens, and was followed by a reception in the church’s hall (there was also a tent outside).  All the food was catered by a local Korean catering company and I must say: it was probably *the most* food I’d ever seen at a wedding!

The appetizers - amazingly presented!

A sampling of the food: there was a huge buffet line and the options included Chinese, Korean, and Japanese food. Probably about 30-40 types of food all up!!

They picked up the favors in HK - they were little face cloths shaped like cakes. Yes, I did see one guy holding it in one hand, with a fork in the other!

Michael and Ellein are both fabulous dancers! When they entered the reception, they had changed out of their wedding clothes and into these outfits (they also had top hats!). Ellein choreographed the dance - it was amazing. One of their friends posted up a video on Facebook but unfortunately it is not on YouTube. If I can get a copy Ill post it up here!

The cake was HUGE!

And they had an ice sculpture. Personally, I don't think ice sculptures are worth it, but if it's your thing and you have the extra budget, then it does make a nice decoration. This one was in the shape of their monogram.

And there you have it! I also had the pleasure of meeting David at this wedding! Small world .

I loved that Ellein and Michael included some unique elements in their wedding (especially their dancing and singing!).  We had a great time. The only downside was that although there was a lot of food, it had been sitting in a warm tent for at least an hour before we actually got to eat it! What unique things have you seen and enjoyed at weddings recently?