Our Chinese Fiesta – Here’s to Tonight
The toasts are always the fun part of the night. Some couples give prizes to the table that cheers the loudest, as an incentive for the crowd to go wild. We didn’t need any incentives, as our guests were pretty wild on their own (the tequila shot favors helped with this, I think). Naturally, this was the first time I chased tequila with champagne.
The kids were so cute!
Stick-on mustaches really bring out the goofiness in people.
This table was particularly loud… and drunk. 
People got really creative with those mustaches – bushy eyebrows and sideburns were all over the place.
I was so cute, Katie tried to eat me. Good for me.
Not sure what was going on here. I think it was a champagne break… or a team huddle.
And then it was time to partayyyy!
Our Chinese Fiesta – The Tea Ceremony
When I was younger, I never imagined that I’d have a Chinese wedding banquet. I’ve been to more than I can count and they were all pretty boring. I remember getting scolded for running around by the photographer at my uncle’s wedding and loud, obnoxious Chinese DJs.
So, I never thought I’d ever have a Chinese tea ceremony but I’m really glad we did because it was so special. We used my cousin Joanie’s tea set (Kim did too) and there wasn’t any planning on my part because the restaurant staff and my family knew exactly what to do.
Our friend Chi was made tea holder – we didn’t ask him or anything, I think someone just roped him in. He did a great job!
ST’s grandparents went first. They did really well even though I’m not sure if anyone told them about the tea ceremony.
Next was my grandmother. She looked so pretty all dolled up in a new silk suit with her nails and hair did. From the sweet smile on her face, I think this was her favorite part of the whole night. It was my favorite part too. 
Well, besides becoming Mrs. Señior Taco. That was one of my favorite parts of my whole life so far.
We gave her tea and a red envelope (lai-see) with a little cheddar in it…
She in turn gave us some cash and me some bling. It was just your usual business transaction.
Here’s a view of her from the front. I’m sad we didn’t get one during the tea ceremony. I absolutely love this picture of her. My grandmother always had the best style. Photo credit: Aunt Sandy.
Then, it was his parents’ turn. I love how open they are to new experiences.
Last up were my parents.
I’m not sure what we were laughing about but this picture warms my heart. 
Then it was time for the toasts. 
Our Chinese Fiesta – The First Dance
When we last left off, I’d veered a bit off-course and shared my favorite details of the reception.
After our beautiful ceremony and bridal party portraits in Grand Central Station, we headed back to the reception. The mariachi band was doing their thing and guests were getting settled in, ready to eat. The mariachi band was playing while we got ready to file in.
First up were ST’s adorable grandparents.
Then, his awesome parents and little sister. I loved his mom’s dress!
Then, ST’s other sister’s family, which includes our cute little flower girls. His sister’s dress was so pretty – loved that color on her.
Then, my parents. I love their happy smiles.
Then, the bridal party. Saul wore black and white brogues before hipsters did – he’s that cool. My dear friends Jiwon (below) and Rebecca drove back to Maryland at 10:30 that night for church the next morning. Love those girls and I’m so thankful they made the trip out.
Next up was Albert and Wendy. I love that Laura, Albert’s wife and their son were waving hello.
After that, the maids of honor (maid of honors?), Kim and Melody, and the best man, Ruben. My sisters looked so beautiful; I absolutely loved those sassy dresses.
Finally, it was our turn!
We went right into our first dance – “Mi Credo” by Pepe Aguilar. The DJ made a mistake and kept playing our entrance song, which was “Volver a Comenzar” by Café Tacuba. That was a bit awkward, but ST was all whatevs, I love you.
And then he spontaneously dipped me. Thank goodness I didn’t fall!
After that, our pastor prayed for the food, the mariachis geared up again, and I we went upstairs to change for the tea ceremony. We only had the mariachis for an hour but I definitely wish we’d hired them for at least two. They were really good! Plus, they asked us what color outfits they should wear so they could match our color scheme.
They serenaded us for the last song. My mom designed my hoochie Chinese reception dress. She definitely designed it with ST’s interests in mind.
Up next, the tea ceremony!