Cardiff Town Hall Chinese Wedding Photography | Jess + Ray

jess + ray

Back in October I travelled over to Cardiff to photograph my first Chinese wedding. I really, really hope it’s not long before I get to go to another one because I had such a great time. The customs and traditions were fascinating to observe and for a photographer, the morning in particular was an absolute joy. The groom has to go and collect the bride from her house. But before he can collect her he has to pass a series of challenges. Now, the games that the groom and groomsmen had to play to get through the door were wonderful to watch (although it was definitely one of those times where I’m glad to be behind the camera – imagine drinking apple juice and fish sauce, yuk).

Once they’d passed the tests, and given the bridesmaids enough gifts, they were allowed in. And I have to say that I felt really privileged to be there at the moment when Ray walked into Jess’s room to see her for the first time. It felt quite different to when a groom normally sees his bride for the first time.

After a short tea ceremony we then travelled to the registry office in Cardiff (although when I say registry office it doesn’t really do it justice. It’s definitely the grandest one I’ve been to) and once they were married everyone moved onto a banquet at the Happy Gathering restaurant.

It’s a bit of a mega-blog this, so get a cup of tea (or glass of wine, depending on the time) and take a seat. It was a full day and there’s plenty to show you. Also, for the eagle-eyed amongst you – yes, all the photographs are in colour. Black and white photos are considered to be bad luck. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

P.S A special thank you should go out to the gentleman who told me to try ‘the crispy noodles’ at the banquet. I probably wouldn’t have done if I’d known they were in fact jellyfish, but it turns out they were quite nice.