When Vivian and Richard first told me about their Chinese-Vietnamese banquet style wedding reception at China Garden, I started imagining the typical banquet wedding: tons (and tons) of food, outfit changes and family pictures. Then Vivian revealed that there was going to be a “family band”. My first initial thoughts were something along the lines of Jackson 5 or Jonas Brothers, where all the band members were related (though that wouldn’t be too far from the actual truth). “No…” Vivian tell me. “…these are my family members, and they’re all going to bring their instruments and sing – like they do at every wedding!”
Wow.
Until recently, the only karaoke band I’ve ever heard of was the kind that involved plastic guitars and drum sets attached to a gaming console: like the kind that my mother would dig out of her closet when the entire family comes over the holidays. But there were no plastic guitars at Vivian and Richard’s wedding; this was the real deal. After all, a celebration isn’t a celebration unless you’ve got music. And when your guests are active participants in creating this aforementioned entertainment, the level of awesomeness just got multiplied by a gazillion.
But even rock-star weddings start with a little hair and make-up. Their day started across the street at the Le Meridian in Crystal City.
Venue: China Garden // Hair/Make-up: Bridal Artistry // Dress: Maggie Sottero // Shoes: Badgley Mischka // Rings: Solomon Brothers // Groom’s attire: Men’s Wearhouse // Floral/Décor: Global Rose // Stationery: Wedding Paper Divas
