We met by chance in 2013. I was living in New York and had been sent to Hong Kong on a two-week business trip. I met Carteneil, who lived in Hong Kong, only three days after I arrived and knew immediately that I needed to extend my trip.
For a while, we lived month by month, not knowing how much longer we would have together, but we were hopeful it would work out. What began as a two-week business trip turned into three years and a wedding. I still keep a copy of my original itinerary and boarding pass from that flight to Hong Kong. I proposed to Carteneil on of our favourite secluded beaches in Hong Kong called Tai Long Wang. Hiking to the beach, which can only be accessed by boat or a hike at low tide, is one of our favourite weekend activities. I carried the backpack with the ring safely hidden away and was sweating profusely, both from the extreme humidity and my nervousness about the impending proposal. Halfway into the hike, we saw a fast-approaching thunderstorm and Cartneneil suggested we turn back. Desperate not to have my engagement plans ruined, I insisted we carry on and as soon as we arrived at the beach, I got down on one knee. It started pouring within minutes, but of course, not even that could wash the smiles off our faces. We were married in Bali, the first place we vacationed together as a couple. We wanted a fairly small, intimate wedding that our friends and family would enjoy, since they had flown such a long way to be with us. Our day began with a traditional Chinese tea ceremony where we offered tea to both sides of parents and in return they offered their blessings. We had planned to have our ceremony and reception at two outside locations – a clifftop overlooking the ocean and a private estate under the stars. However, minutes before my groomsmen and I were to head to the ceremony, it started to pour. The rain didn’t pass and we ultimately had to move everything to indoor locations. Our wedding planner and the staff handled it with grace, and we took it all in our stride. Being married is having a partner in crime for life. Day to day, it is as if nothing has changed and yet somehow it feels different. We both have strong family values and wish for our children to grow up with the same respect and understanding for different cultures and religions as we have.
Photographer—Simon & Sophie Moore at Bayly+Moore | Videographer—Robb Susanto at AXIOO | Venue—Alila Villas Soori | Styling & flora—Tea Rose Wedding Designer | Bride’s Dress—Berta Bridal | Groom’s attire—Custommade by Veena Fashions | Groomsmen’s attire—The Black Tux | Bride’s shoes—Jimmy Choo | Groom’s bow tie—The Tie Bar
