A vibrant color palette, pup-themed welcome cocktails, and a romantic light tunnel? Yes please. From the traditional Buddhist altar to the late-night drinks and desserts with friends, we had so much fun crafting this vibrant red Vietnamese tea ceremony & welcome party. Because of the couple’s shared Vietnamese heritage, we wanted to be sure we were sensitive to the parents specific expectations while still remaining cohesive with the overall wedding weekend atmosphere the couple desired—and we even used a welcome sign that could travel with the couple to their events all weekend long to set the tone. With gentle black accents, a beautiful cultural attire, and yummy signature cocktails (sign us up!), this one has us wishing everyone worked with us for all their wedding weekend events!

To help guests know they had arrived, Rosalyn & Chris decided on a modern black welcome sign that we used at all their wedding weekend events. It directed guests to their escort cards at the tea ceremony/rehearsal dinner, called attendees into their outdoor welcome party, and indicated that they were in the right place at the wedding ceremony.

For their tea ceremony, R&C donned traditional Vietnamese wedding attire. I love when my couples decide to include their photographer in their auxiliary wedding weekend events. Having The Tinsley Co. team professionally capture the tea ceremony & welcome drinks ensured the families got plenty of opportunities to get the photos they’ll cherish for years to come.

Pro-Tip: Many Asian and Latin cultures have the tradition of “table visits”. This is where the couple goes around to each table during dinner to talk with guests, take photos, and participate in various cultural practices. If you want to honor your heritage without having to miss (or hurry throug) your wedding dinner, talk with your families about migrating this tradition to your rehearsal dinner. This will also give you more face time with guests who have traveled to celebrate alongside you.

Pro-Tip: To avoid frustrations, it is helpful to have conversations with your parents or elders about wedding expectations. While you don’t necessarily have to incorporate every tradition or element they desire, being prepared – and having conversations before the event – can help to alleviate tension between the generations.

As is custom, an unmarried cousin from the groom’s side and bride’s side served as the tea pourers. These teenagers created a system to prep, pour, and pass each cup on to the couple who then offered it up to the representing elders. Having 1-2 team members on hand to help remove dirty cups and refill tea pots was helpful for flow and ensuring these ladies could focus on their task.

R&C had two family members act as emcees to direct the events of the evening. It can be helpful to meet with your emcees to rehearse timing – like when and if you’re expected to speak, where they’d like you to stand, etc. – and feel comfortable with the flow of the event. But keep in mind, everyone is coming to your wedding weekend excited to see you and celebrate the “perfection” of the event – or your performance of traditions – is less important to them than getting to spend actual time with you, so don’t sweat the small things.

After the rehearsal dinner wrapped up, the families and wedding party met up with the remaining guests for welcome drinks & deserts. Event Design by Scott & Katie delivered on the bride’s vision of a “light tunnel.” Originally she’d dreamed of having this along the patio for their cocktail hour on the wedding day, but because of the timing of cocktail hour we advised her to relocate this moment to the welcome party which would provide better lighting for – and therefore more enjoyment of – the lighting installation.

While the couple’s bernedoodle, Franklin, couldn’t make the trip he certainly wasn’t forgotten! From custom cocktail napkins, to a special line in their ceremony, to the figurine of him munching down on their wedding cake, Franklin made key appearances throughout R&C’s wedding weekend.

Pro-Tip: Signature drinks are a fun way to add personality to your wedding weekend. Everyone who knows Rosalyn & Chris knows that a French 75 and a whiskey sour are their go-to drinks and so they were not at all surprised to see these on the menu. If you don’t have a signature drink, consider a cocktail – that you still actually like – that speaks to your story. It could be a Ranch Water to symbolize your Texas hometown, a Manhattan to represent your Central Park engagement, or even a Cuba Libre to tell people where you’re headed for your honeymoon.

Want to see R&C’s moody, romantic Garden of the Gods wedding? Check it out here.

Creative Partners

Beauty: Ember Hairstream

Cinema: Prime Wedding Films

Entertainment: Diamond Empire Band

Floral: Southern Charm Colorado

Lighting: Event Design by Scott & Katie

Photography: The Tinsley Co.

Rentals: Colorado Party Rentals

Stationery: Minted Weddings

Venue, Catering, Cake: Garden of the Gods Resort & Club

Planning, Design, & Coordination: Skylar Caitlin for Chancey Charm Weddings