Let me first say that Brantwyn Estate in Wilmington, Delaware is beautiful. It is located on the grounds of the DuPont Country Club. This mansion is so well maintained and the grounds are drool-worthy with lush landscaping and bursts of color everywhere.
Now onto my couple, Hsin-Ying and Mike. They met at UC Davis in 2002 and their relationship has obviously flourished since. If they were burnt out from their massive celebration in Taiwan last fall or their city hall ceremony in California, I certainly couldn’t tell. This multicultural wedding was beautiful and so much fun.
Hsin-Ying, her crew, and dress with no less than 5 feet of train (no joke) hid away in the bridal suite as the guests filtered into the beautiful garden on the side of the mansion.
The light was gorgeous as her father walked Hsin-Ying down through the brick and down the asile.
The ceremony was both funny and touching, interspersed with readings from family.
We quickly rounded up the family for the formals before we lost the great light but not without everyone catching a snapshot or ten…
As the sun was setting I had a few minutes to spend with the newlyweds in the gardens and I’m so glad I did.
(And this was with the train bustled!)
The reception began with lovely toasts and even some classical Asian melodies sung by Hsin-Ying’s mother and accompanied by a strings and a keyboard.
Guests were treated to pasta, salad, and carving stations as well as passed hors d’œuvres, cheeses, and fresh vegetables. Dining room centerpieces were small picture cards of Hsin-Ying and Mike from a photosession in Taiwan and large bowls of floating peonies. Meanwhile, a slideshow of their other wedding festivities played in the study.
Hsin-Ying and Mike worked the crowd during their choreographed first dance to Bocelli’s “Cuando Me Enamoro”.
Check out the front and back of the estate. I’m not lying when I tell you this place was beautiful.
And I can’t forget to mention the ring bearers…
Hsin-Ying changed from her fairy tale white gown into a graceful eggplant-colored cheongsam with black lace accents and a see-through back. It looked perfect on her. She returned to the party for more speeches and a dancefloor kept hopping by John from Tom Barrett DJs.
Hsin-Ying and Mike, thank you so much for letting me be a part of your day. Many happy wishes from this coast to yours and all around the world.
Cuando me enamoro
Doy toda mi vida
A quién se enamora de mí
Y no existe nadie
Que pueda alejarme
De lo que yo siento por tí
~Andrea Bocelli, “Cuando Me Enamoro”
