Start Off The Chinese New Year With This Elegantly Styled Dinner Banquet (Recipes Included!)

With the beginning of the lunar new year comes a much awaited celebration with family and friends–a time to be grateful for the year that passed, a time to cherish one another, and a time to make way for what is to come. Opening the Year of the Pig in style is definitely how we’d like to kick-start 2019, so we’re sharing with you this beautiful Chinese New Year feast styled by renowned destination wedding planner and stylist, Joy Proctor. Here’s a bonus for all of you: we included the recipes for the delicious dishes featured in this post! Read on to see Joy created this beautiful table spread for a cozy home dinner celebration for the new year.

China and crystal from Joy’s cabinet, fruit and citrus, and beautifully arranged flowers by Heather of Myrtle et Olive in colors corresponding to luck and happiness were used for an elegantly festive table setting. She used a delictae palette in shades of red, pink, purple and orange, which are known to be lucky colors. Likewise, the overflowing bowls of citrus symbolize luck and add a pop of color to the whole scene!

Don’t forget envelopes of money for good luck! The envelopes are often red or gold and traditionally list the families name on the outside.

One way to invite guests to get into the spirit is by offering them hand embroidered fans to accessorize. Joy sourced fans by Luneville, which were exquisitely designed. This added detail sparked conversation on the history of embroidery, which began in China and made its way to Europe much later. A celebration is also not complete without delicate sweets that guests can take home. For Joy’s dinner celebration, she gave guests gorgeous year of the pig and florals cookies by Cake by Nicole.

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10 Things You Shouldn’t Do a Week Before Your Wedding

One week to go! You’re probably feeling all sorts of things–excitement, panic, anticipation, and more! In the hullabaloo of things, you might be tempted to do something that you shouldn’t, or you might just carelessly forget to be careful. With just a few days left, you should be in tip top shape and avoid anything that might cause your trouble. So to keep you on track for the final days before your wedding, here’s a list of things you SHOULDN’T do a week before your wedding.

 

(1) Pull all-nighters.

At this point in time you’ll want to have your complete 8 hours of sleep so that your mind, body, and skin get all the rest it needs prior to the big day.

 

(2) Try a crazy new diet.

This is going to do you more harm than good. Your body might react negatively to your sudden change in food consumption, and you might just end up binge eating. If you want to shed a few pounds, start your program way in advance!

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This Wedding Venue Embraced the Bride and Groom in The Most Beautiful Greenery

When you have a gorgeous setting for your wedding venue, you need nothing else to make your day look extra beautiful Wing and Gigi’s wedding day was set in the most nature-filled venue you can imagine! We were instantly drawn to all the vines and greenery that embraced the couple as they tied the knot. They chose white flowers to add a touch of femininity to the scene but allowed the beauty of the venue to take center stage. Fill your day with the goodness of nature with this extra romantic garden wedding captured by none other than ! Trust us, it won’t disappoint.

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How to Make the Most of Your Trip to a Bridal Fair

The internet is an endless source of information for the modern couple. This can be fantastic as one can get a whole load of ideas without having to take a step out of their home. At the same time, it can be overwhelming and unnerving for the newly engaged. Just choosing a photographer alone can be a challenge in itself! Spreadsheets can be useful to compare and contrast prices but ultimately, some things need that personal human touch–like how comfortable you are with your photographer, or whether that dream gown is as perfect as you imagined in reality. This is why bridal fairs are here to the rescue! They help to consolidate some of the very best in the industry. Brands and vendors display their work so you can easily browse through and analyze which brands suit your budget and taste. Do note that it can get really crowded as everyone wants to snag that super deal just like you and I. As with any task on your wedding checklist, here are some tips and tricks on how to conquer that next bridal fair and make the most of your trip. Follow our advice and you’ll be on your way to acing bridal fairs like a pro!

[Photo: Mary Ann Art & Photography]

 

Do Your Homework Together

Before heading down to that showcase or fair, don’t do yourself a disservice and go unprepared. You can easliy get overwhelmed with information overload, the crowd, all the display elements, and number of vendors at the event. Sit down together with your other half and pick out some themes that both of you like, narrow down some vendors after checking their websites and social media sites, and survey which of your choices fall within your budget. This way, you will be able to focus on your initial choices at the fair and it will not be as exhausting!

 

[From: Sweet Engagement Shoot in Shek O and the University of Hong Kong / Photo: History Studio]

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This Couple’s Beautiful Wedding Took Place at The Crystal Chapel in Guam

Chloe and Raymond’s wedding day was picture perfect as can be. They tied the knot in the Crystal Chapel in Guam, which had immaculate white walls, towering glass windows, and a breathtaking view of the ocean. The sun-filled ceremony was also a very touching one, full or laughter and tears from the couple’s loved ones. Aside from the heartwarming events of the day, what caught our attention was Chloe’s gown. She walked down the aisle in a captivating blush tinted dress made with lace a tulle. She definitely showed us that brides CAN wear colored wedding dresses! See more of this wedding now through the beautiful photos taken by Savour Productions.

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