Alice Huang took the advice of a friend who had already married her ‘inter-mate’ when she ventured into the unknown world of online dating.
“She told me to take one weekend, enter appropriate parameters such as age and education, and rule out profiles with spelling mistakes, photos containing alcoholic beverages or sunglasses, and those with no photo at all,” Alice said.
The formulas worked for both of them, and the couple took an equally pragmatic approach to their wedding planning, agreeing on a date and venue within 24 hours of their engagement. Alice also had her gown and make-up sorted within the first fortnight.
“The gown was pretty much my only responsibility – John handled the rest. “I tried on three gowns in the one boutique - the first one was beautiful, the second looked so wrong on me, and the third one suited me perfectly! So three tries and one hour later, my gown was chosen,” Alice smiled.
While the honorary inclusion of Alice’s 15 year-old “best-dog” in the wedding party kept things unique, the couple’s wedding day was also steeped in Chinese tradition. Alice was given a “bad temper fan” to throw out of the car (along with any bad tempers) on the way to the ceremony, and was shielded from the heavens with a bamboo basket “in case her beauty and happiness may incite jealousy”.
Her mother also dumped a bucket of water at the back of the limousine in order to bring luck and wealth to the marriage – and to symbolise that her daughter wouldn’t be back!
Meanwhile, the happy couple had their own special gesture planned, and presented their parents with gifts during the ceremony to thank them for being there throughout their lives. “We also had a wine ceremony where we asked all the guests to drink champagne with us,” Alice said.
Rather aptly, many of them contributed to a wine fridge-fund instead of the usual gift registry, and the couple ended up receiving around 100 bottles of wine.
Looking for more inspirational wedding stories? Visit Real Weddings to find your perfect wedding venues in St. Kilda, VIC!
Gown: Luci Di Bella | Photographer: Studio Impressions | Ceremony and Reception Venue: Stokehouse | Reception Decorations, Flowers and Floral Decorations: Flowers Vasette | Engagement and Wedding Rings: Paul Bram | Groom’s Attire: Giorgio Armani | Bridesmaid’s Outfits: Leona Edmiston | Groomsmen’s Outfit: Formal Red | Celebrant: Janet Hussey | Stationery: Kardella Kreations | Make up and Hair: Darren Cartledge | Cake: Cioccolata Bella | Music: Top Dog Entertainment | First Night: Crown Towers
