CEREMONY STORY NO. 01

A joyful celebration at Leighton House

THE COUPLE

Serenity and Peter wanted a ceremony that felt true to who they are. Rather than following every wedding tradition, they focused on the elements that felt most meaningful to them, creating a celebration that reflected their values, cultures and shared story.

From Serenity's striking red dress to the absence of flowers and bridesmaids, every detail was chosen intentionally. The result was a day that felt personal, joyful and unmistakably theirs.

During our first conversations, one theme emerged again and again: connection.

Honouring their ancestors and the people who came before them was incredibly important. They wanted to celebrate both their Black and Chinese heritage, acknowledge the family and traditions that had shaped them, and create a ceremony that felt meaningful to everyone gathered in the room.

Every choice throughout the day reflected those values, from the rituals we included to the stories we shared.

A black background with white text that reads, "Fun but not funny."

During our first planning conversations, I asked Serenity and Peter how they wanted their ceremony to feel.

Their answer was simple:

"Fun but not funny."

They wanted warmth, laughter and joy, but they weren't looking for a performance or a stand-up routine. It was important that the ceremony felt sincere and reflected who they are as a couple.

Every choice throughout the day reflected that vision. From the rituals they chose to include to the stories we shared, the ceremony balanced celebration with meaning, creating space for both laughter and reflection.

Bride and groom with joyful expressions peeking through a black curtain.

The exterior of Leighton House, a brick building with large windows and gold letters spelling the name on the lower part of the wall. A tree with dark leaves partially obscures the upper part of the building, and there is a yellow sign on the left side of the image.

People attending a formal event or gathering inside a grand hall with ornate columns, a gold ceiling, and a staircase in the background.

People dancing at a nightclub or party, with dim lighting and a lively atmosphere.

A man and woman smiling and posing closely together in a restaurant or bar setting, with warm lighting and other people in the background.

THE CEREMONY WE CREATED

Together, we created a ceremony that blended storytelling, cultural traditions and symbolic rituals.

Alongside sharing their love story, the ceremony included a libation ceremony to honour ancestors and loved ones, a tasting ceremony representing the different flavours of life and marriage, and the joyful tradition of jumping the broom.

Each element was chosen because it held personal meaning, creating a ceremony that celebrated not only their relationship, but the people, histories and experiences that had brought them to this moment.

More than anything, the ceremony felt like a celebration of belonging. It honoured the people who came before them, the family they had built around themselves, and the journey that had led them here. There was a sense throughout the day of finally arriving — of looking around at the people who mattered most and recognising that this was exactly where they were meant to be.

Quote text in white and purple font on black background reading: 'Are you reading the script again?'

Ahead of the wedding, I shared the first draft of Serenity and Peter's ceremony script.

During one of our planning calls, Serenity told me she'd glanced over while they were both working from home and noticed Peter smiling at his laptop.

"Are you reading the script?" she asked.

He was.

They told me they couldn't stop reading it. Seeing their story, their values and the people who mattered most reflected back to them made the ceremony start to feel real long before the wedding day arrived.

Rituals with Meaning

To honour their heritage, loved ones and shared values, Serenity and Peter incorporated three meaningful rituals into their ceremony.

A couple dressed in red, standing in a richly decorated room with intricate blue and gold tilework, during a wedding ceremony.

Jumping the Broom

A joyful tradition marking the beginning of a new chapter together as husband and wife.

A decorative tray with small ceramic bowls containing spices, lemon wedges, and small heart-shaped chocolates, with a champagne flute nearby, on a lace tablecloth.

Tasting Ceremony

A cozy restaurant setup with a wooden table holding two glasses of rosé wine, a large textured vase, and a tray with decorative items, set against intricately carved wooden shelves displaying patterned vases and pitchers.

A symbolic sharing of different flavours, representing the richness and complexity of life, love and marriage.

Pouring Libations

A moment of remembrance, honouring ancestors and loved ones who helped shape the journey to this day.

A parade with a traditional Chinese lion dance, performers in red costumes, and people holding umbrellas walking along a street against a brick wall and green trees.

A wedding ceremony taking place in a richly decorated mosque with intricate blue and gold Islamic art and calligraphy. The couple stands in front of a black door, surrounded by a gathering of guests.

A woman in a long red, sparkly gown smiling while walking through a gathering. She is surrounded by people seated on white chairs, in an ornately decorated room.

A woman in a red, flowing, elaborate gown with a long train stands inside a room with art and sculptures on display. The room has a large window with a red shade, wooden floors, and framed artwork on the walls.

Credits

This celebration was brought to life with the support of some wonderful people:

Wedding Planner: Always Andri
Photographer: Jessi Zou Film
Venue: Leighton House

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