Let's do this!

Meet us under the chuppah! The chuppah is a Jewish wedding canopy, symbolizing the home we will create. With family being a pillar of our home, our siblings, Diane, Evelyn, Meng and Steve, will hold our chuppah. Standing with us under the chuppah will be our parents, Bill, Eva, Lenny and Arlene. As we marry, we will encircle each other seven times. In traditional Jewish weddings, the bride would circle the groom seven times to symbolize the bride's protection and love of the groom. As we intend to protect and love each other, and take on life's challenges as partners, we will encircle each other. Another tradition is for the groom to step on a wine glass at the point that the marriage is sealed. This ritual has two prongs of symbolism in Jewish culture: 1 - it calls back to the fall of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem, and 2 - the breaking of the glass symbolizes the idea that a marriage reunites two souls that were meant to find each other. By breaking the glass, the couple recognizes that their separation is ending as they are to be united in marriage. Their previous separation is celebrated because they are brought back together. As with the circling ritual, we will break the glass together. Our invitations include the phoenix and dragon, the symbols of a Chinese marriage. The phoenix (yin) balances the dragon (yang), creating matrimonial bliss and everlasting love. Red is the colour of love, loyalty, and honour (and many others) in Chinese tradition. Keeping with tradition, Gillian will be wearing red. After the ceremony, we continue the cultural exchange in our food. Gillian's parents are from Malaysia, with Bill's family (and discerning palate) from the port city of Malacca. As a port city, the flavours of Malacca are a mix of Chinese, Malay, Indonesian, Indian, Dutch, Portuguese, and many more. Our menu reflects many flavours hailing from this region. Long noodles will be served, which represent longevity. Thank you for sharing our special day with us!