Double Happiness :: The Wedding of Joyce and Tommy

In Chinese culture the number eight signifies good luck, so naturally Joyce and Tommy were married on 08.08.08. The Chinese symbol for double happiness was a theme throughout the wedding (though I think Joyce and Tommy were at least quadruple happy on their wedding day!). After the ceremony at Trinity Lutheran Church in Bethesda, we headed to the Far East Restaurant in Rockville for a wonderful feast and celebration. Growing up in the area, Far East was our family's place to go when we went out for Chinese food, so it was fun to go back for a wedding. The food is still good!  

Joyce and Tommy incorporated many of their cultures' traditions into their wedding and found unique ways to highlight their personalities. It was truly a celebration of them, and that's how it should be.   

Getting ready at the Bethesda North Marriott...

A little dose of double happiness...

Check out Joyce's red shoes. Red is also a sign of happiness and prosperity in Chinese culture.

Joyce and Tommy chose to see each other before the ceremony so we could do some portraits at Strathmore Mansion.
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Joyce makes her entrance...

... and her smile lit up the room...

I loved that Joyce and Tommy were willing to do some fun portraits after the ceremony. We just stepped outside to the church playground.

This was just a random driveway across from the church. I thought it was cool how they were enveloped by the sun's rays. 

There's that double happiness again...

A surprise groom's cake for Tommy. Joyce and Tommy love going to sporting events together and Fenway Park is their favorite place to see a game.

The Lion Dance was a real treat, and a first for me. The dance is used to summon good luck and fortune. 

Joyce and Tommy had to feed the lion lettuce and money.

Toasting at each table is another tradition. 

In addition to delicious cake, Joyce and Tommy set up a candy bar with some of their favorite treats.

Tommy's favorite, the Chick-O-Stick. Unfortunately, Joyce's favorite, Ferrero Rocher chocolates, were long gone by the time I hit the candy bar.

Normally the bride and groom get the cake smashed on their face, but this guest got it good from his son.

Joyce and Tommy, I wish you all the double happiness in the world.

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