Lynn and Jon’s tea ceremony was to be the first I would ever have the privilege of attending and I could not have guessed what a beautiful and emotional time it would be. A tea ceremony is more than a rite of passage. It is a time when two families come together to pledge their support for the couple. Respect, love, and admiration were present, along with a roasted pig and cups of tea infused with lotus seeds and red dates.
The bride’s family waiting expectantly.
The groom approaches the house, bearing gifts wrapped in red. The color red symbolizes good luck and is supposed to ward off evil spirits
THAT SHOT!
This portrait of Lynn’ grandma was so incredibly gorgeous, straight out of the camera. Look at her skin! Oh how lucky I would be to have skin like that at her age.
The bride’s parents.
The groom’s parents.
During all of this, the bride waits nervously in another room, waiting for someone to come tell her it is time.
While the groom waits anxiously for the bride. 
As Lynn’s father stepped forward and began to welcome everyone present, he was overcome with emotion. This is a father who loves his daughter, very, very much.
Before the bride is presented, the gifts from the groom are unwrapped and explained to the crowd.
This pig was delish! I didn’t like the crunchy parts that they had me try though.
Finally it was time for the bride to emerge. I absolutely adore these images. Look at the way her face lights up the moment she spots Jonathan!
Lynn is one of those lucky girls that has the ability to look gorgeous even when they are crying. She was so sweet and emotional throughout the ceremony.
My second favorite moment of the day was when Lynn’s father spoke directly to Jon’s father and told him that they were as one family now. They both pledged to honor and support the new couple.
My favorite moment (I’m tearing up as I type this!), was when the mothers turned to each other and hugged. They said “We are family now, we are like sisters.”
Lynn and Jon stole sweet glances at each other throughout.
Then it was time for the bride to be presented with her jewelry.
First from the groom’s mother.
And then some beautiful pieces from her own mother.
Definitely my third favorite moment of the day, as mother and daughter express their love for each other for a look, the soon-to-be husband struggles to do up her necklace for her. The juxtaposition made me laugh.
Then it was time for the tea!
The service started with Jonathan’s parents, and then moved on to the rest of his honored relatives.
Red envelopes were exchanged.
Exchanging the red envelopes and a cup of hot tea with so many people involved can be tricky business!
Tea service ended with the bride’s parents, who promptly announced that it was time to eat!
What a spread they had!
Lynn’s family was incredibly gracious and insisted that I sit down for a few minutes and get something to eat. You definitely don’t have to tell me something like that twice!
Jon and his sister.
Lynn is almost always laughing. I just love her.
Father and daughter.
Lynn’s father is retired and has a really gorgeous atrium outside. Guests were so busy wandering through looking at all of the plants and flowers that they had to be reminded to head in and fill up their plates.
Lynn’s mother was a lovely hostess, and took the time to show her guests around the garden.
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Right before the rain came I stole Lynn and Jon away for a few moments to do some quick couple portraits.
These two can be found laughing together approximately 75% of the time.
The epitome of sweetness.
Coming soon: The Catholic ceremony (which technically happened before the BBQ and tea ceremony, but when you are blogging you can change the order of events if you please. )
by Jenna
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