When you see true love, there is no need to dress it up. It is simply what drives everything else. For those of you who had been a part of the in(SCP)ire me contest I held last year, this is the couple I had the absolute privilege of photographing as a result of their love story, which in(SCP)ired all of you to vote and support them. I have had people come up to me who did not even know Jia and Andrew and tell me they were their favorites. This is a love story that started as early as middle school, grew through a geometry project pairing, and guided them through making tough decisions when it came to college, grad school, and job decisions. So here they are, and I’m so happy to be part of this super special day
Jia and Andrew also collaborated with Becca of Lavender’s Blue Designs for these super fun campground-inspired invitations
Andrew said this is the first time he wore a full tux and tie. Looking great =)
I had a lot of fun watching and following Jia’s pins on Pinterest (don’t forget to follow me there for wedding detail inspiration!) Who doesn’t love Badgley Mischka shoes, especially with a lucky pence added?
Jia’s gorgeous hand-tied bouquet that reflected the green and white theme of the wedding
First Look – just do it! So cute!
We walked all around Camp Jori for these portraits. I really felt like I was in the middle of a magical forest!
One of my favorites!
Jia wore Andrew’s mother’s wedding veil. So beautiful!
Um, can I get a standing ovation for this gorgeous White by Vera Wang dress? Layers and layers of tulle, fit for the princess of this fairytale wedding
Jia and Andrew were so comfortable in front of my camera. You have to understand this is very much not normal for them – Jia and Andrew are the last people in the world to want to draw attention to themselves. Andrew wrote the in(SCP)ire me submission for the two of them
Nevertheless, I wanted these portraits to focus on who they are as people – pure-hearted, kind, graceful, and a blessing to every person who knows them
Additional personal touches in their multi-cultural fusion wedding ceremony included this beautiful handmade chuppah with paper flowers
Jia added small portraits of the grandparents who could not be here. In addition, a colorful tea set was used for a tea ceremony with the parents
The daisies in the bridesmaid bouquet make me happy
A quiet moment between Jia and her father
Andrew’s Aunt Jo officiated the wedding ceremony
I got teary-eyed during their vows, no lie. Amongst other things, they pledged to always support each other despite their differences. In fact, it was once said that the only things Jia and Andrew share together is a love of napping and eating food
Photographing this wedding party was so much fun!
A great group of guys!
Not sure what was happening here, but that’s Ray, Jia’s childhood best friend and her “Dude”
Ray’s mother made this beautiful cake… I think this is my favorite cake of 2012!
Ah Pareeee
The reception was held at the main hall at Camp Jori. I love how the green and white rafters on the top match the poms poms and lanterns
Jia and Andrew used a world map for their table seating. They represent cities that these two have traveled to
Painstakingly folded paper flowers and paper stars lined the tables. So beautiful!
The “beer” sign cracks me up
Hello Photo Booth =)
The lunch reception and party was fabulous
Andrew’s mother’s reaction when the song “Sunrise, Sunset” from the musical Fiddler on the Roof came on during the mother son dance
Every speech at this wedding was so heartfelt (and translated)
Horah!
And more dancing!
Jia and Andrew, thank you for taking the courage to share your love story with the entire world, and for welcoming me so warmly into your home and lives. Thank you also for creating such a beautiful time for all of your friends and family to come together. To Jia and Andrew’s friends and everyone who had voted for them- this could not have happened without you and your tireless support. So from all of us here, thank you
The vendors:
Wedding photography by Shang Chen Photography, assisted by Karen of Lightly Salted Photographic
Venue: Camp Jori, Wakefield, RI
Catering: Family friend
Cake: Family friend
Invitations and paper: Lavender’s Blue (SCP favorite!)
Dress: White by Vera Wang
Alterations: Sewing Creations by Rose
Rings: Blue Nile
Tuxedo: Carl Anthony Tuxedo, Cranston, RI
Make-up: Jane Sincere, Rumford, RI
Hair: Christina Squire, Rumford, RI
Flowers: Stop & Shop, Cranston, RI
Rentals: Liberty Rentals, Peace Dale, RI
Harpist: Shelley Otis
Shang is a San Francisco-based wedding photographer for dynamic couples. She captures imagery that pops with color, personality, and energy.
be the first to see new work and get fun photography tips- like her work on facebook
by Shang
3 comments