An Intimate Courtyard Wedding in China

Amidst cascading florals and feather arrangements in the intimacy of a private estate in Shenzhen, China, the wedding day of Jessie and Diya elegantly unfolded. 

Designed by the bride herself, an imposing cross centerpiece of iron wrapped in glassy satin stood at six meters tall, an omen of the sacredness of her faith.

For the reception, communal tables were ornamented by artfully arranged ranunculus, panicum, and mosses, while figs and cherry tomatoes added unexpected elements of decadence. The bride wore a minimalistic Newhite gown with modern bodice detailing, then changed into a bespoke qipao made from embroidered Japanese silk and vintage Manolo Blahniks. 

The wedding was poetically captured by photographer Chenguang Han.

Our Story

Names / Jessie Ning & Diya Zou

Location / Shenzhen, China

Wedding Date / April 8th, 2024

Guest Numbers / 60

How We Met

Jessie and Diya’s friendship took root in their junior high, sprouting from the fertile ground of shared experiences. As they journeyed from adolescence into young adulthood, their connection remained a steadfast presence amidst the ever-changing tides of life.

For over 14 years, they cherished their bond as mere friends. Yet, as the years rolled by, a subtle shift began to stir. What had once been a simple friendship started to bloom with newfound depth. Like a gentle awakening, the undeniable truth emerged—romantic feelings that had silently grown stronger could no longer be ignored.

Thus, at the crossroads of friendship and love, Jessie and Diya found themselves perched on the cusp of a deeper journey. Hand in hand, they stepped over the threshold, ready to explore the vast, yet intimate landscape of love that waited with open arms.

Our Engagement Story

In the midst of the challenging COVID-19 pandemic, Diya and Jessie found themselves in different countries. Diya embarked on a new job opportunity in China, while Jessie remained in Canada. The physical separation lasted for nearly two years, putting their connection to the test. However, despite the distance, they remained engaged, showcasing their unwavering commitment to each other.

With the aid of technology, they nurtured their relationship and kept their love alive across the miles. Despite not being physically together, their hearts remained connected, and they embraced the promise of a shared future.

What we love most about each other…

In Diya’s presence, Jessie’s world takes on a different hue. Diya effortlessly exudes a carefree and easygoing nature, embodying the essence of living in the present moment. Through Diya’s eyes, every experience becomes a source of laughter and brightness, leaving Jessie with a sense of peace. Diya’s humor and lighthearted approach to life cast a spell of unwavering positivity.

Diya has known Jessie for a long time and has always been impressed by her pursuit of perfection and uncompromising attitude towards justice. Nevertheless, Diya finds Jessie to be the most endearing person in the world and the most extraordinary girl in his life. In Diya’s words, they are connected through their intellectual similarity and complement each other with diverse perspectives on life.

The Setting

Wedding Location

Diya and Jessie envisioned their wedding to be held in Shenzhen, the place where their paths first crossed and where cherished childhood memories were forged. Unlike typical local weddings, characterized by grand hotel ballrooms and lavish feasts, they longed for an intimate and heartfelt celebration. They desired to create an unforgettable experience for their closest family and friends, one that would be etched in their memories for years to come.

To bring their vision to life, they embarked on a search for a private estate with a charming courtyard. Jessie, donning multiple hats as both the bride and the wedding stylist, yearned for a venue that would offer creative freedom to design something truly unique.

Aesthetic

With an unwavering vision in mind, Jessie consistently strove for a blend of class, timelessness, and a touch of contemporaneity. As a seasoned designer, she possessed an intimate understanding of her unique style—one characterized by minimalism, luminosity, and an intricate balance. Every element she touched was curated to exude a sense of pristine purity.

For her wedding, Jessie yearned to maintain an air of understated elegance while infusing it with a palette of textures, masterfully woven through fabric and an array of floral selections. The simplicity of form served as the cornerstone, while an abundance of intricate details breathed life into every aspect of the occasion.

Preparation

The morning dawned with a sense of both excitement and trepidation. As the architects of their DIY wedding, the couple braced themselves for the inevitable hustle and bustle. Amidst the controlled chaos, a hint of exhilaration lingered in the air, knowing that this once-in-a-lifetime experience would forever hold a special place in their hearts.

To kickstart the day, they indulged in their favorite McDonald’s breakfast, savoring those familiar flavors that provided a comforting anchor. Then, Diya dedicated most of his time to rehearsing and double-checking all the necessary equipment. Meanwhile, Jessie embraced the role of multitasking maestro, gracefully gliding from one responsibility to another. She busily oversaw the installation of centerpieces, attended to miscellaneous decorations, meticulously set each table, and ensured that the floral arrangements bloomed with perfection. With each meticulous detail scrutinized under her watchful eye, she orchestrated a symphony of aesthetic harmony.

Time was both a blessing and a fleeting companion, as they had a mere six hours to transform the venue into a haven of beauty and enchantment before the ceremony commenced. Every minute counted, and they worked tirelessly, fueled by a shared dedication to crafting a day that would be etched in their memories forever.

With the completion of the venue preparation, Diya and Jessie set aside a cherished moment to devote to their parents. It was a time filled with genuine gratitude and the exchange of heartfelt words of appreciation. In this tender interlude, they embraced the comforting embrace of family bonds, treasuring the profound love and unwavering support that had led them to this momentous and joy-filled milestone.

“The simplicity of form served as the cornerstone, while an abundance of intricate details breathed life into every aspect of the occasion.”

Style Notes

Ceremony Décor

At the heart of the wedding, Jessie yearned for a centerpiece that would embody the sacredness of her faith on this momentous day. She envisioned a sacred symbol—a cross and an arch—that would evoke the sanctity of a church setting without falling into the trap of conventionality. With a true artist’s eye and a visionary spirit, she poured her heart into creating a centerpiece that would stand tall and exude reverence.

The result was a 6-meter tall, monument-like installation. To soften the imposing presence that such grandeur might bring, she enveloped the iron structure of the arch with translucent satin, allowing a gentle diffusion of light to cascade through its ethereal folds. And the cross was not to be a mere plain and predictable icon. Collaborating closely with the wedding florist, Jessie breathed life into a delicate cross made of dried hydrangeas. Each petal danced gracefully, uniting to form the sacred silhouette, an embodiment of her faith.

Along the simple yet sacred aisle, delicate whispers of floral companions echoed the solemnity of the occasion. Together, they wove a tapestry of faith and reverence, creating a visual symphony that resonated with the depth of emotions filling the air on this extraordinary day.

Reception Décor

Jessie’s creative vision soared in the elegant hall, utilizing its vertical space with a minimalistic staircase crafted from delicate floral blossoms. This staircase ascended from the grand piano towards the ceiling, predominantly adorned with cherry blossoms that mirrored the enchanting movement of music notes. This captivating arrangement drew the eyes upward, guiding the gaze along the floral path that intertwined with the melodies performed.

The wedding reception décor was thoughtfully divided into three parts, each with its own unique charm. The first part catered to families with an elegant indoor setup, while the second part featured an inviting outdoor arrangement for friends. Additionally, a romantic balcony setup served as a delightful space for mingling, sipping drinks, and soaking in the enchanting atmosphere.

The dominant color scheme was pristine white, creating an ethereal and timeless backdrop. Accents of iliac and celadon added depth and richness, harmoniously complementing the bride’s second look and achieving a balance between Western modernism and a subtle Oriental undertone.

The indoor dinner setup featured long tables adorned with ivory fine linen tablecloths. A stunning tablescape comprised of ranunculus, panicum, ginger, mosses, figs, cherry tomatoes, and giant alliums intertwined with reeded glass candle holders adorned the center. Soy candles in iliac, celadon, and off-white hues, varying in height, further enhanced the organic arrangement across the long dining table.

The outdoor reception setup was magical, transforming the ceremony space into the reception area during the recital. As the sunlight faded, the warm glow of candles illuminated the surroundings, creating a captivating ambiance. Guests marveled at the stunning setup when they stepped out for the reception dinner.

The balcony area was adorned with long candles and fine sand, creating an inviting space for guests to enjoy drinks and conversations. Overlooking the main courtyard, the balcony offered a breathtaking view, radiating an ultra-romantic and dreamy atmosphere that added to the overall enchantment of the occasion.

Wedding Planner & Stylist

Jessie and Diya’s search for a distinctive wedding style led them through countless interviews with planners, only to find uninspired ideas and cookie-cutter approaches. Committed to authenticity, Jessie courageously stepped up to plan and style the event herself.

Despite being a novice in event planning, Jessie dived into the logistics with gusto. She carefully handpicked vendors and built a team to execute her bespoke vision. She skillfully married each element of decor, seamlessly blending them into a cohesive concept that brought her vision to life. The task was formidable, yet it gave Jessie profound satisfaction.

While Jessie spearheaded the wedding preparations, the supportive pillars were their parents, whose belief in Jessie’s vision and hands-on assistance were crucial in turning ambitious plans into a genuine celebration of their journey.

Favors & Bonbonniere

Jessie and Diya, driven by their sustainable mindset, were determined to ensure that their wedding celebration would not leave behind a trail of waste and extravagance. They recognized the inherent value in preserving the essence of their special day, allowing their guests to carry a tangible piece of the event as a cherished memory.

Right from the early stages of planning, Jessie harbored a vision of providing guests with keepsakes that would embody the spirit of their wedding while minimizing environmental impact. For local guests, a delightful surprise awaited as they were presented with fresh florals and vegetables that had graced the tablescape and adorned the venue.

For guests who had traveled from afar, carefully dried bouquets, arranged by skilled florists, awaited them. These enduring blooms symbolized the everlasting nature of love and the lasting impression the celebration had left on the couple’s hearts.

To ensure that every guest could take home these precious mementos, the couple made a special request to the florists. These talented artisans stayed until the conclusion of the wedding, transforming each floral arrangement into a bouquet. With attention to detail, the bouquets were lovingly wrapped and placed into the hands of departing guests, serving as a poignant reminder of the love and joy that had permeated the air throughout the day.

In this thoughtful gesture, Jessie and Diya demonstrated their commitment to sustainability, mindfulness, and the creation of lasting memories.

Fashion & Beauty Notes

Bride’s Dress & Shoes

Jessie’s first ceremony look showcased a perfect blend of architectural elegance and delicate charm. She chose the Newhite gown, featuring pleated white satin and a minimalistic form. Pairing it seamlessly, she opted for Loeffler Randall heels in a matching color and fabric.

For her second reception look, Jessie wanted to embrace her Chinese tradition with a qipao, but she sought a modern twist. Disappointed by the available options, she decided to create her own. After extensive searching, she found a rare silk fabric with soft, unsaturated colors and subtle silver embroidery from Japan. Collaborating with a local tailor, she conveyed her vision for a slightly loose fit that maintained elegance.

To her delight, Jessie stumbled upon a vintage Manolo Blahnik shoe that perfectly complemented the colors and style of her qipao. The harmonious union of the two created an understated yet luxurious look that exuded unparalleled elegance. The ensemble paid homage to her ethnic tradition while embodying a sense of refined sophistication.

Wedding Rings, Jewelry & Accessories

Jessie’s creative touch extended to both the engagement ring and the wedding bands, resulting in exceptional pieces that stood out from traditional designs. The engagement ring broke away from conventions with its elegant offset arrangement of five claws, adding a sense of dynamic beauty beyond the usual options of four or six claws. Inspired by music, the concept behind the wedding bands symbolized unity through the metaphor of a “whole note.” Representing the couple as two half notes coming together to form a complete whole, these bands embodied their harmonious union and the profound sense of completeness they found in each other. Jessie’s thoughtful designs beautifully captured the essence of their relationship, showcasing their unique connection and the depth of their love.

In a nod to ancestral heritage, the majority of the jewelry worn on the day bore deep significance as heirlooms passed down through generations. To complement her traditional qipao look, Jessie sought out an artisan skilled in the ancient craft of coiled flower, also known as “chanhua.” The artisan expertly used colored silk threads to create a stunning orchid hairpin with an organic form. This bespoke accessory added a touch of elegance and cultural significance to Jessie’s look. Additionally, the artisan crafted an unconventional button that blended tradition with modernity, enhancing the overall aesthetic of the ensemble.

Groom’s Attire

Diya wore a bespoke suit in indigo velvet. The rich fabric hugged his frame, giving off a subtle, dignified air. A shade of indigo that mirrored the evening sky gave his outfit a hint of classic elegance. With just the right amount of sheen when he moved, the velvet added a touch of luxury without overstatement.

Pets

In a heartwarming and whimsical tribute to their three beloved feline children, Jessie and Diya made sure their furry companions were not left out on their special day. Recognizing the significance of family, even the four-legged members, the couple decided to bring their cats along to witness their heartfelt exchange of vows. To ensure their comfort and participation, Jessie and Diya ingeniously crafted custom costumes for their furry kids. Knowing that cats typically dislike wearing anything, they opted for tailored bows instead. The two boys wore stylish indigo velvet bows, mirroring the fabric of Diya’s suit, while the girl cat donned a charming bow tie made from the exact same fabric used in Jessie’s exquisite bridal gown. This delightful gesture highlighted the couple’s deep love and consideration for their feline family members and added a touch of whimsy and joy to their wedding celebration.

The Details

Entertainment

In a testament to their shared passion for classical music, Jessie and Diya, a pianist and violinist, made a bold decision for their wedding entertainment. Instead of opting for a conventional band or chamber ensemble, the couple took the center stage themselves, presenting a spellbinding recital to delight their guests. The performance commenced with Jessie’s solo of Grieg’s “Lyrical Piece”, a delightful and spring-like short piece. A seamless collaboration followed as Jessie and Diya played Korngold’s “Mond, so gehst du wieder auf,” an art song poetically capturing the emotions of love in the face of distance. This heartfelt expression of their own experiences resonated deeply with their audience.

The recital reached its pinnacle with Schumann’s “Widmung,” a profound dedication to each other, leaving an indelible mark of their love and musical prowess. Jessie and Diya’s decision to enchant their guests with this intimate recital created a truly memorable experience for all in attendance.

Guest Book

Jessie and Diya, drawing on their shared history and international experiences, devised a unique and visually captivating method for their wedding guests to check in. Having known each other since their teenage years but residing in different countries during their student and young adult lives, their paths often crossed during travel and meet-ups. Inspired by Diya’s visualization concept, they created a time roll, with the x-axis representing time and the y-axis denoting their geographic locations.

This ingenious display allowed guests to easily trace the couple’s journey and pinpoint significant moments of connection. Jessie enhanced the idea by embroidering their intersecting paths—initially close, then diverging as they pursued individual experiences, and ultimately converging again as they began dating and embarked on shared international adventures. This interactive guestbook encouraged attendees to sign their names at the spot and time where they first encountered the couple, fostering lively conversations among arriving guests who were unfamiliar with one another.

After the wedding, Jessie and Diya proudly framed the signing roll, transforming it into a cherished keepsake displayed in their home—a beautiful reminder of their intertwined lives and the love-filled journey they embarked upon together.

“To soften the imposing presence of the monument-like installation, translucent satin was used to envelop, allowing a gentle diffusion of light to cascade through its ethereal folds.”

Our Advice

A Mother’s Moment

In a departure from the norm, Jessie and Diya sought to give their mothers a well-deserved spotlight at their wedding. Recognizing the immense role their moms played in bringing them into the world, the couple decided that their mothers should have the honor of opening the ceremony. And so, with a touch of enchantment, the wedding began as Jessie and Diya’s mothers gracefully walked down the aisle, accompanied by the timeless melody of “When You Wish Upon a Star.” They were the true magic makers, the ones who set the course for the couple’s lives, and this heartfelt gesture served as a beautiful tribute to their immeasurable love and sacrifice.

A memorable moment…

As the whirlwind of the wedding day settled and the enchanting recital concluded, Jessie and Diya found themselves immersed in a truly magical moment. Stepping away from the festivities, they retreated to the serene balcony, surrounded by flickering candlelights. From this vantage point, they gazed down upon the courtyard, taking in the breathtaking scene they had meticulously crafted and surrounded by their cherished family and friends. In this tranquil setting, the couple savored a private moment all to themselves, raising their glasses in a heartfelt toast, their hearts brimming with gratitude and appreciation for the beauty of their design and the love that filled them throughout this unforgettable celebration.

Our Contacts

Wedding Stylist & Planner / Jessie Ning

Photography / Chenguang Han

Videography / Bin Gao

Bride’s Dress / Look 1 – Newhite, Look 2 – Jessie Ning

Bride’s Shoes / Look 1 – Loeffler Randall, Look 2 – Manolo Blahnik

Wedding Rings / Original designs by Jessie Ning

Hair & Makeup / Ye Lin

Stationery / Jessie Ning

Florist / Hong Zhou