Peter and Catherine are one of the funniest and energetic couples we have ever met. Their entire wedding was based around a Shanghainess Gangsta love theme, where the ladies wore Chinese traditional dresses and the men wore hats. Peter arrived at Catherine’s home in a vintage Holden along with his Gangsta-themed brothers – I think there were at least 14 of them! Following Chinese tradition, the Groom was not allowed to see his bride until he passed all the ridiculous games that were prepared by the bride’s closest friends and family.

The fun started with Peter singing his heart out to Catherine, brushing his teeth with hot Wasabi paste, picking up Mah-jong pieces in icy cold water using only their toes, and making a love heart using their lips with red lipstick applied. Then they had to form a circle and pass the banana between their legs with their mouths. It was quite a scene and we couldn’t stop chuckling to ourselves as we captured the moment. Eventually the bridal party was happy with Peter’s efforts, and gave him access to see his bride.

Two Chinese tea ceremonies were held at two different locations, which involved the bride and groom kneeling before their parents and serving them tea. It was a way for them to express their gratitude and respect in front of their parents and immediate relatives, and a customary practice for the married couple to say, “Thanks for bringing us up. Now we are getting married and we owe it all to you.” Then both parents will drink a small portion of the tea and say how sweet it is and then give them either jewelry or a red envelope filled with money to symbolise good luck.

Since it was a rainy and wet day in Canberra, the wedding ceremony was relocated from the gardens into one of the rooms inside the Old Parliament House. The building was grand and majestic, which set the scene quite beautifully for the couple to be married in. Formal group photos were taken, but then we decided to mix in a bit of fun with their friends.

Next was the location shoot. Despite the wet rain, we found some great places to shoot – the old Canberra railway museum and Old Kingston Bus Depot. These locations added to their Shanghai gangsta theme wedding and it felt like we had gone back in time! It was also great to have the flower boy and girl join us in the photo shoot because they added so much fun and laughter! They actually wanted a ride in the vintage wedding car, which apparently broke down mid-way to the reception.

The Reception finished off at the newly renovated Ruby Restaurant in Dickson which was owned by the Matron of Honour. She had the night off and joined us for the fun and games throughout the night, served with a delicious feast. There was plenty of entertainment where Peter did a cartoon voice-over for their bride and groom presentation. It was really sweet and cute, and we learned that they had been together for 10 years before they decided to get married. More games were played throughout the night for the Bride & Groom and the night ended off with more grooving on the dance floor.

As a special presentation of the night, we decided to surprise Peter and Catherine, with a same day slideshow with photos that were taken during the day.

Here is the slideshow presentation. Enjoy!

Peter and Catherine’s Wedding Slideshow from Akwoo on Vimeo.

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