Yanzhi and Houmiao's love story began in the art world, with their first connection being sparked over a phone call for a job interview at an art gallery. What started as a professional collaboration soon turned into something deeper, their shared passion for creativity and beauty laying the foundation for a lifelong partnership. Years later, their breathtaking two-day wedding in Menorca was a reflection of everything they loved—art, nature, and culture. Beautifully organized by destination planner Open the Door Events, Yanzhi and Houmiao's intimate wedding included countless meaningful and artistic details that made it an unforgettable celebration. From a live painting evolving throughout the night to the arrival of a breathtaking black horse, every moment was crafted with intention and love.
Our Love Story
The Day We Met
We first met over the phone during a job interview. Mil was running a contemporary art gallery in Shanghai, and I was working at a contemporary art gallery in Hong Kong. Mil's gallery was hiring, and that’s how we connected. I later traveled to Shanghai to meet in person, and we began our collaboration. Our shared passion for art is what sparked our partnership.
The Proposal
For my birthday, Mil arranged a staycation in Shanghai. He filled our hotel room with adorable stuffed toys, and inside a shell-shaped one, he hid a puzzle game he had designed. I had to use the cards he provided to find the answers to hidden riddles. The final answer revealed the sentence: "Will you be my Menorca?"
Just like the characters in our favorite TV series Money Heist, we had city names as our code names. Mine was Menorca—the Spanish island where we later decided to have our wedding.
The Engagement Ring
We had talked about my dream engagement ring before, and I mentioned that I loved the classic look of an oval-cut diamond on a simple band. Mil surprised me with the most beautiful ring—exactly what I had envisioned.
Our Wedding
The Vision
Our goal was to create a wedding that reflected our shared passions: the beauty of islands, the elegance of horses, and the inspiring world of art. We envisioned a celebration that would be unforgettable for our guests—one that not only delighted the senses with exquisite design but also moved people on a deeper, more emotional level.
Our Team of Vendors
We were meticulous in our search for the perfect wedding planner, scouring social media for someone who shared our vision. When we discovered Opi, we knew we had found the right match—their past work was breathtaking. Choosing Opi was one of the best decisions we made. We believe in the power of connection, and from the start, we were on the same wavelength.
Through Opi, we met the incredibly talented photographer Joy and the dynamic videography team Yes & Tonic. Together, they captured the essence of our love story in a way that was both relaxed and cinematic. Our venue, Santa Ponsa in Menorca, was the perfect backdrop for our special day. We collaborated with local artists, musicians, and florists to create a truly unique and unforgettable experience.
The Location
Our journey to Menorca began with a visit to the renowned Hauser & Wirth art gallery. While there, we discovered the joy of riding Menorquin horses—a truly unique experience. As we explored potential wedding venues, we were consistently drawn to the island’s exceptional aesthetic.
What started as a casual visit turned into a revelation—Menorca was the perfect place for our special day. The Fontenille hotel offered us two stunning venues: the classic Santa Ponsa and the modern Torre Vella. We chose Santa Ponsa for our ceremony and accommodations, while Torre Vella’s private cliff and vineyard provided the perfect setting for our welcome cocktail and dinner. This incredible venue made our two-day wedding an unforgettable experience.
The Ceremony
Our wedding ceremony took place in a garden at Santa Ponsa. A natural stone path served as the aisle, while simple yet elegant floral arrangements and modern designer chairs created a stunning backdrop.
Our dear friends Joan and Juan, who became certified wedding officiants just for us, led our ceremony. Surrounded by loved ones, we felt incredibly blessed. We also had a heartwarming ring ceremony, where our wedding bands were passed around to each guest, symbolizing their love and support.
To honor our Chinese heritage, we held a traditional tea ceremony on the morning of our wedding. My mother and I wore beautiful qipaos as we expressed our gratitude to our parents.
The Reception
The reception setting was a visual masterpiece. Two curved tables brought everyone together in an intimate, inviting atmosphere. The natural stone sculptures and understated floral arrangements created an effortlessly elegant backdrop.
The tabletop featured a modern art installation made of light tubes, and an artist painted the tablecloths live, adding a touch of creativity to the evening. I still remember the breathtaking sunset as Mil and I entered the venue—watching the sky blend with our setting was pure magic. We had discussed the general layout with our planner, but the final result exceeded our wildest dreams. Opi’s attention to detail and artistic vision made for an unforgettable experience.
The Special Touches
As a special keepsake, each guest received a unique ceramic name tag, handcrafted by a local artist. Even the flower vases were one-of-a-kind ceramic pieces. We loved collaborating with local artisans to create personalized souvenirs. Our wedding favors included hand-painted canvas tote bags, personalized luggage tags we designed ourselves, and a box filled with local Menorcan specialties. We wanted our guests to leave with something truly special.
Our Favorite Moment
One of our favorite parts of the wedding was the seamless integration of art. The artist’s live painting, which started on the tablecloths and culminated in a grand canvas, set a vibrant tone. As the night went on, guests joined in, adding their own brushstrokes to the evolving artwork. These pieces now hang in our home, a tangible reminder of that unforgettable night.
Another magical moment happened before the welcome cocktail—a breathtaking black horse made a surprise entrance. As avid equestrians, we’ve encountered many horses, but this one was extraordinary. We had asked about taking photos with the hotel’s horses, but this surprise went far beyond our expectations. It was a fairytale moment that made our hearts soar.
Our Style
The Bridal Looks
For our two-day wedding, I curated four looks. For the welcome cocktail, I chose a playful yet elegant white short dress adorned with a large bow, designed by a talented Shanghai designer. The unique fabric was subtly imprinted with the Chinese double happiness symbol, a cherished emblem of marital bliss.
For the morning tea ceremony, I wore a bespoke qipao, crafted by a renowned Hangzhou designer. It was hand-embroidered with white and gold flowers, while my earrings and hair accessories featured delicate ginkgo leaf motifs—symbols of marital happiness and longevity in Chinese culture.
For the ceremony, I had long envisioned myself in a lace mermaid gown. After searching endlessly, I finally commissioned a local artisan to create a bespoke wedding dress that embodied my dream.
After the banquet, I changed into a floral dress and swapped my heels for RV sneakers. Dancing a K-pop medley with my dad and Mil was a highlight of the night, followed by hours of laughter and celebration with our loved ones.
The Groom Looks
Mil’s attire was designed to complement mine. For the welcome cocktail, we wore matching outfits made from the same white fabric featuring double happiness symbols. For the ceremony, he wore a bespoke dark gray suit.
Our Advice
For The Planning Process
Start by identifying what you love (and what you don’t). Find a wedding planner who aligns with your vision, communicate your expectations clearly, and trust their expertise. Let go of the small details—they’ll handle it all, and you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the final result.
For On The Day
Even the smallest weddings have unexpected moments. Focus on enjoying the day with your partner and spending time with loved ones. Don’t stress over tiny hiccups—your guests will be too busy having fun to notice! Just relax and soak in every moment.
For Post-Wedding
Planning a wedding is a whirlwind, but it’s a beautiful journey. After the festivities, take time to savor your newlywed bliss. For us, the most meaningful part was seeing the smiles on our guests' faces. Now, it’s time to relax and embrace this exciting new chapter together.
Vendors & Style
Photography: Joy Zamora
Videography: Yes and Tonic
Wedding Planner: Open the Door Events
Venue: Santa Ponsa
Florist: 2 Many Flowers
Bridal Shoes: Prada / Roger Vivier
