With a whopping 600 guests to the ceremony, and 300 to the reception a day later, the vintage wedding of Priscilla Choi and Brian Tran (channelling 1920s old Hollywood glamour) was a colossal effort – but in the hands of Brisbane wedding planner Beauty & Grace – a total triumph.
“The fact that we pulled off such a big wedding over two days, with so many people, and in only a matter of a few months [the couple were engaged less than five months earlier] was due to a miracle in the form of Grace Phon,” admires Priscilla, 24.
The immaculate wedding photos are by Rachael Muller, with today’s blog covering the ceremony at Albert Street Uniting Church, and a gorgeous – and somewhat kitschy – photo shoot, locations including QLD Parliament House and Bowen Hills train station.
Stay tuned for Part 2 – a traditional Chinese tea ceremony (lots of cashed-up red envelopes) and wedding reception themed ‘Shanghai Tang’, or Shanghai in the 1920s.
Priscilla and her bridal party were a vision of ivory with splashes of maroon. Her 1920s-inspired gown was a pre-loved Jenny Packham design with graceful lace cap-sleeves and a sheer keyhole back.
Having first met at church when they were 16 and 21, Priscilla and Brian’s ceremony was a religious one, conducted by Reverend Canon Christoper Allan, who mentored Brian (a minister in training) for two years. “It meant a lot for us to have Chris run the service,” says Priscilla.
Guests enjoyed refreshment boxes at the church after the ceremony, packed with a cupcake and other snacks and drinks.
Brian, 29, and his three groomsmen wore custom made suits tailored in China, the tweed pattern of the fabric inspired by a suit worn by actor Joseph Gordon Levitt in a GQ photo shoot.
Priscilla chose Amy from Particulart Hair & Makeup for her expertise in Asian makeup. “Our complexion and eyes are different and lot of makeup artists get it wrong,” she explains.
Of photographer Rachael Muller, Priscilla says, “Her photos and style were perfect for us so we didn’t hesitate to ask her to be our wedding photographer.”
Photos courtesy of Rachael Muller Photography.