Tea & tradition: A modern Chinese wedding editorial in Toronto

There’s something special about seeing tradition and modern love stories come together, says Tracey Manailescu, co-founder and vice president of The Wedding Planners Institute of Canada Inc., and the designer behind this modern Chinese wedding editorial shoot at The Ritz-Carlton Toronto.

“It was a heartfelt tribute to Chinese wedding customs with a stylish, modern twist,” she says. “We started with the traditional Chinese tea ceremony. Every part of it symbolizes deep respect, love and the union of two families.” 

The bride wore a gorgeous Cheongsam in the most vibrant, lucky red. For the Western ceremony, the team played with a warm and romantic colour palette: blush pinks, gold accents and rich pops of red that brought a festive, joyful vibe to the space. 

The groom wore custom cufflinks featuring the double happiness symbol, which was such a thoughtful nod to Chinese culture. The reception design made the most of the space’s floor-to-ceiling windows showing off Toronto’s skyline, with tables overflowing with lush florals and gold flatware that reflected the candlelight. The cake was a showstopper: three tiers with gold fortune cookies that elegantly tied the theme together.

What makes this modern Chinese wedding concept stand out isn’t just the visual impact – although, yes, that red cake deserves its own moment – it’s how effortlessly the cultural elements are woven into every layer of the day. Nothing feels staged or overly styled. Instead, it feels lived-in, intentional and full of meaning. It’s a reminder that tradition doesn’t have to feel formal or distant – it can feel warm, vibrant and completely your own.

Vendor team

Photography: Nichole Fan Photography

Planner/Design: Tracey M Events

Florals: Infinitude Design Canada

Venue: The Ritz-Carlton Toronto

Tea ceremony expert: Fleur Weddings

Day-of planners: Champagne and Macarons; Vanessa Legair

Events and design; Kim Mayo

Tea ceremony cheongsam: 7 Fairy

Wedding gown: The Fitzroy

Suit: Andrews Formals

Makeup: Victoria Barrett Makeup and Hair

Hair: @glowtouch_studio_

Stationery: Royal Stationery Design

Cake: Sweet and Shy Cakes

Rentals: Nayos

Furniture rentals: Detailz Couture

Napkins: Linen Closet

Models: Wincci Zhou; Nelson Cheng

Lesley Turner Editorial Content Writer

Lesley is a freelance writer and content strategist with a serious love for all things wedding. With a background in bridal fashion and over a decade of industry experience, she creates stylish, scroll-stopping content for Today's Bride and beyond.

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