Chinese Tea Ceremony

Jewel-Toned Summer Wedding with Chinese Tea Ceremony at Warrenwood Manor

It's been a couple years since I had the chance to photograph a wedding at Warrenwood Manor, so I was thrilled when Janice (she/her) & Quentin (he/him) told me that's where they were getting married! It's not often a venue has a gorgeous space to get ready, multiple location options for the ceremony, as well as an ideal reception space. As a photographer, I can't tell you how much stress is alleviated from a wedding day when you don't have to drive from location to location. It makes it so everyone can have some downtime and really be present, plus it gives us the ability to take couple's photos casually throughout the day instead of in one bigger block of time. Before this turns into an advertisement for Warrenwood, let's talk about this amazing couple.

Janice & Quentin are full of joy & laughter. They are remarkably kind to each other and everyone around them, so it didn't surprise me when they made every member of their vendor team feel like family. It was humbling to get to photograph their wedding and I am so happy to now call them friends! 

I could go on and on, but I really should just let the images speak for themselves. I’ve shared a few more details throughout the post that I couldn’t resist including.

During the Chinese tea ceremony, Quentin & Janice served tea to their parents and grandparents as a way to show respect and say thank you for helping them become the people they are now. Each of those family members said a little something after they had been served tea. I LOVE this tradition— it brought a new layer of intention, thoughtfulness, and intimacy to the day that really stuck with me and set the tone for the remainder of the day. 

In their words, "having dinner family style is not only a great tie into Chinese culture, but also helps us make the evening more intimate and bring together people from all different parts of our lives." I couldn't agree more— getting to sit and chat with guests during dinner was wonderful and I enjoyed watching so many important people from their lives all talking and getting to know one another. 

If you're crushing on their florals, State & Arrow Design Co. also did the florals for Kate & Rob's woodsy wedding. If you wantto see more intimate weddings in historic homes then this Whitehall wedding won't disappoint. 


Wedding Coordinator: Kaelyn Query with LexEffect // DJ: Mike Faulkner with BMF Sound Design // Florals: Jamie with State and Arrow // Caterer: Ashley with Minton’s // Wedding Gown: Martina Liana // Rentals: Bryant’s Rent-All // Make-Up: Something Blu // Pie Bar: Missy’s // Venue: Warrenwood Manor