FAQs

Question

Where can we see photos from the wedding?

Answer

We will be uploading photos once we get them back from our amazing photographer to our shared Google Photos album! We invite you to share any and all photos you have from the night here, where you can also subscribe for updates: https://photos.app.goo.gl/Xrpd4yTiR8qkEGRW6.

Question

What is the significance of September 29, 2023?

Answer

Our wedding celebration coincides with the Mid-Autumn Festival (zhōng qiū jié, 中秋节), one of the most important holidays celebrated in Chinese culture. This celebration dates back over 3,000 years, celebrated on the 15th day of the 8th month of the Chinese lunisolar calendar with a full moon at night. The festival celebrates the legend of Chang'e, the Moon goddess in Chinese mythology. Because of its origins in the story of a mythical warrior and his beloved Chang'e, the Mid-Autumn moon has traditionally been an auspicious date to celebrate marriages! It is said that "the moon on the night of Mid-Autumn Festival is the brightest and the most beautiful". This is a time to celebrate family and togetherness which we are delighted to share with you. 皓月闪烁，星光闪耀，中秋佳节，美满快乐！ A bright moon and stars twinkle and shine. Wishing you a merry Mid-Autumn Festival, bliss, and happiness.

Question

What is the significance of the 囍 character?

Answer

The double happiness symbol "囍" (shuāngxǐ, 双喜) in Chinese is comprised of 喜喜 – two copies of the Chinese character "喜" (xǐ), which means joy and happiness. It’s commonly used as a Chinese wedding symbol to represent double the joy and happiness for the newlyweds as they begin their marriage! Look for this character all throughout our wedding and decor.

Question

What's the menu going to be?

Answer

We are so excited to have worked with the Understory's chef to create a delicious, Asian-inspired buffet for our wedding celebration! You can expect tuna poke bites, cauliflower steak, firecracker chicken, potstickers, Peking Duck confit, as well as an amazing dessert spread and a ramen bar to cap out the night. The tuna poke bites are gluten and dairy free, and the potstickers and ramen bar are vegetarian-friendly. Please let us know if you'll require additional dietary accommodations!

Question

Will extra 红包 (hongbao) packets be available at the reception?

Answer

In Chinese weddings, traditionally guests give red envelopes with money inside to the couple as wedding gifts. The red envelope is called “红包" (hóng bāo) or ”利事“ (lì shì) in Chinese, which represents “good fortune”. Extra red envelopes will be available at the wedding for anyone who would like to partake in this cultural tradition!

Question

What is a chuppah?

Answer

The chuppah is a canopy under which the wedding ceremony takes place. In Jewish tradition, the chuppah represents the new home that the newlyweds will create together.

Question

Why do you break a glass at Jewish weddings?

Answer

The conclusion of the ceremony, the breaking of the glass is interpreted in many different ways. Historically, it is said to symbolize the destruction of the ancient temple of Jerusalem. However, the tradition is now more closely associated with celebration and joy for the newlyweds. Although the custom traditionally calls for the groom specifically to break the glass, Eli and Shirley will be doing it together.