Shiyi and Oliver's International Wedding at Second Empire!

I met Shiyi and Oliver in October of 2018 to talk about the ceremony they envisioned and my services as their officiant. They chose to have the Sweet and Simple Ceremony with secret paragraphs. Their wedding was set for December 22nd 2018 at Second Empire in downtown Raleigh. Kevin Seifert with Love Every Moment was our photographer and furnished all the photos for this blog post.

The ceremony was in the Atrium downstairs. It is bright and light. Oliver and I make our entrance.

The venue was all decorated for Christmas this time of year. 

After Oliver and I were in place, Shiyi's father Chen, escorted his lovely daughter down the aisle. 

They made their way down the aisle as the guests stood in their honor. Everyone was so happy!

The transfer of the bride's hand into the groom's hand with the blessing of her parents. 

And so we begin with a warm welcome to all especially their parents. 

Oliver's parents traveled from Germany and Shiyi's parents from China for this special occasion. 

They met in 2017 while working in the same lab. It was not long before they fell in love. 

Now to reveal what they told me in confidence--what they love about each other, why they want to marry and what they are looking for in marriage.

Oliver makes his vows to Shiyi.

Shiyi wipes away a little tear that escaped from Oliver's eye!

Time to exchange the rings.

Oliver places the ring on Shiyi's finger as he says "With this ring, I marry you." 

Shiyi says the same to Oliver as she places the ring on his finger.

Now for the Wine Unity ceremony.

Before the ceremony I had combined wine from each of their heritages into one container. During the ceremony I poured the blended wine into glasses for them to drink from.

And they interlocked their arms and drank the wine!

A closing blessing before the pronouncement of marriage and the invitation to kiss!

Sealed with a kiss!

Introduction of the newlyweds!

I invited the guests to stand and join me in congratulating them.

So it is done and they take the next step in their new adventure--marriage!

A change of clothes into the traditional Chinese costumes for the reception and some photos.

Shiyi and Oliver, congratulations! Great wedding for a great couple. Thank you for choosing me to join you in marriage. I wish you the best always!