Oh, Derek and Zenia…
You crazy kids. 😉
Globe trotting, cooking up a storm, loving their furry companions, loving each other… Derek and Zenia do everything with full and open hearts. Their wedding day was no exception.
It’s my great pleasure to present to you their amazing wedding. 🙂 This post features my favorites from their big day! Want to see them all? Head over to the full gallery to view or purchase prints/files from among all the photographs!
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Getting ready location: Gatehouse Suites
Hair/Makeup: Aveda Institute
Ceremony Music: Foxtree
Ceremony/Reception Venue: MSU Horticulture Gardens
Videographer: Blue Glass Studios (see the video for Derek and Zenia’s wedding day here!!)
Caterer: Soup Spoon Cafe
DJ: Brad Mamo DJ
Entertainment (Lion Dancers): Sam Chan of Chan’s Kung Fu
Special thanks to my amazing second shooter, Jenn! Some of the shots here are hers. 🙂
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Zenia and Derek began the day in preparation for the traditional Tea Ceremony….
Family gathered for the ceremony, some meeting after many years or for the first time. 🙂
Red is a common color in Chinese wedding tradition, and the little details throughout the ceremony were no exception.
As last, the ceremony began, with the happy couple serving their elders tea…
After which the loved ones offer a gift to the couple.
With the Tea Ceremony complete, a gorgeous white wedding dress awaited!
Derek waited anxiously as Zenia approached….
Aaaahhhh how cute are these two??? I adore the love in their smiles. <3
The time was nearing for the wedding ceremony at the Horticulture Gardens….
You can’t have a party without Sparty the dog!! 😀
Sparty carried the rings- he’s a hard working little fella. 😉
Haha… the photo at the right below just cracks me up… what a pair of goofballs! 😀
The greenhouse at the Horticulture Gardens is such an AMAZING venue. The light is simply magical!! Derek and Zenia’s decor had a distinct “travel” feel- put together in a homey but gorgeous way!!
While the guests began to enjoy cocktail hour, we went to pay a visit to a very special addition to the day: the Wienermobile!!
Derek and Ben had driven the Wienermobile back in the day- I even got to see the proof lol!
Yard games entertained the guests as the we took a few more photographs with the bridal party…
CRAZY BRIDAL PARTIES ARE THE BEST!!!
One of the most special pieces of decor was this awesome “map” seating chart! It showed where Derek and Zenia’s family and friends had traveled from to be a part of their wedding day- such an amazing testament to the love that surrounds them. <3
The speeches had everyone crying and laughing!
I don’t know what story was being told in the sots below… but I like to imagine it’s some kind of epic Beard story. 😉
My husband can confirm that I have been craving this AMAZING corn chowder since the moment I tasted it. The Soup Spoon Cafe is AWESOME- everything they make is delicious!!
When you get ice cream from the right place, you have to present it victoriously. It’s a rule. 😉
Derek and Zenia gave out little toys and gifts as they made their rounds to all the tables! They got a lot of use haha!
A very special treat was in store… drums began to sound as lions came to life on the dance floor!!
With the dace floor now open, the night began!
At last, the day was done. We snuck away for a few moments in the gardens…
Derek and Zenia, may your zest for life and love carry you through a lifetime of joy together. Congratulations!!
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Want to see more? Head over to the full gallery to view or purchase prints/files from among all the photographs!