A Pastel-Drenched Chinese Celebration at Amandayan Amid the Mountainscapes of Lijiang

Hailey and Jonathan chose Lijiang as the setting for a wedding that felt both transportive and deeply personal, where Chinese traditions could flourish within a landscape of mountain air, ancient stone lanes, and refined contemporary luxury. Their multi-day celebration took place at both the Banyan Tree and the Aman, pairing expansive views of Yunnan’s peaks with the quiet grandeur of historic courtyards and preserved architecture. The event design complemented the destination rather than competing with it, incorporating loose seasonal florals, candlelit warmth, and textural details that softened the dramatic wooden pillars and stone interiors of the Aman. The ceremony took place around the property’s reflective pool, where the still water, open sky, and centuries-old structures created a striking sense of calm. Throughout the weekend, heritage was intentionally woven in — from a traditional tea ceremony honoring both families to locally sourced menus featuring Yunnan mushrooms and Chinese wines. Elegant, atmospheric, and full of feeling, every detail was well-considered yet retained a sense of ease.

Our Love Story

^{The Day We Met}

We met through a mutual friend during the Covid lockdown period in early 2021. We were both stuck in Hong Kong, away from our families during Lunar New Year, and our friend invited us over for dinner. We had a long chat that day, but it was not until a couple of months later that we got together.

^{The Proposal}

We had already planned to register our marriage when Jonathan proposed, but it still took Hailey by surprise. What she thought was a shopping trip in Bangkok to pick out Jonathan’s suit for the registration turned out to be a huge surprise that ended with a (too) quick and enthusiastic “yes!”

^{The Engagement Ring}

The ring came together after a lot of back and forth. We spent time exploring different designs—from halo settings to various diamond cuts—making several visits to jewellers and even discussing the options with Hailey’s parents, as it was important to us that the final choice felt meaningful and considered. We landed on a round-cut diamond set on a delicate band of small diamonds. It felt timeless and elegant, the kind of ring that would look just as right ten years from now.

Our Wedding

^{The Vision}

We knew early on that we wanted a venue outside the usual locations in Asia. We both love nature and the outdoors, and we wanted our guests to experience something genuinely new and meaningful. Ideally, the location would also connect to our heritage and culture in a meaningful way. Lijiang checked every box. 

^{Our Team of Vendors}

We are both full-time working professionals with busy schedules, so it was important that we were able to find vendors we could trust to help shape, plan, and execute our vision. We were so glad to have Michele and Rainbow from The Wedding Co lead and execute the entire event. Their professionalism and care for our guests made all the difference. We were also lucky to have Maritha on photography and Matt on video. Together, they captured our special moments and etched them into memory forever.

^{The Location}

The idea first came from Jonathan’s sister-in-law, actually! We chose Lijiang for its unique ability to bring together history, nature, and modern refinement. The city’s centuries-old architecture and stone courtyards offer a deep connection to China’s cultural heritage, while the surrounding mountains and open skies provide a dramatic natural backdrop.

We held our wedding ceremony at Aman Lijiang, where preserved architecture and expansive outdoor courtyards allowed our guests to experience the beauty of Lijiang’s historic cityscape in a serene, intimate setting. Our pre-wedding reception took place at Banyan Tree Lijiang, set against open landscapes and mountain views, offering a contrasting outdoor experience that felt relaxed and immersive. Together, the two locations allowed our guests to experience both the cultural richness of the city and the natural beauty of Lijiang—a balance between historical charm and contemporary China that felt deeply meaningful to us.

^{The Ceremony}

We held our ceremony in the late afternoon at Aman Lijiang, with the pool as the heart of the setting. Still and reflective, it created a sense of quiet symmetry, framed by traditional architecture and open skies. The space felt intimate yet expansive and offered a naturally striking backdrop for both the ceremony and our photographs. It was an intimate venue that could only accommodate a small group of guests, and we felt it was the best expression of how we wanted our special day to be.

^{The Cocktail Hour}

The cocktail hour unfolded at sunset, centred around the gazebo at Aman Lijiang. As dusk settled, live guzheng music drifted gently through the courtyards, creating a sense of intimacy as guests gathered, conversed, and took in the surroundings. The combination of traditional music, open air, and evening light ushered in the evening ahead with unhurried grace.

^{The Reception}

The reception took place in the main hall of Aman Lijiang, a solemn double-storey space anchored by dark stone floors, towering wooden pillars, and traditional Chinese screen panels lining the walls. We softened the space with loose wildflowers and warm lighting—a deliberate contrast between the grandeur of the architecture and the lightness of the décor. As the evening unfolded, the focus shifted to the people who mattered most. Both families took to the mic, sharing blessings and more than a few heartfelt (and some embarrassing) stories, filling the room with warmth and laughter. We also curated a dinner menu of local Yunnan produce, including the region’s famous wild mushrooms. And for a bit of fun, we set out champagne guns and point-and-shoot cameras for guests to play with throughout the night, little props that kept the evening high-energy and fun.

^{The Special Touches}

We were intentional about weaving local heritage into the celebration. For the pre-wedding dinner, we invited performers from the local Naxi community to lead us in their traditional dance party around the bonfire. Yunnan, the province where Lijiang is located, is widely known as the flower capital of Asia, so an abundance of seasonal blooms shaped the visuals of the wedding. For the entire celebration, we curated menus of local Yunnan produce, including the region’s famous wild mushrooms, and chose to serve exclusively Chinese wines, including bottles of Ao Yun produced in Yunnan, as a way of honouring the region.

We also made sure to incorporate moments of fun guest participation. Our guests were given bubble guns for our ceremony exit. Walking through a cloud of bubbles as a newly married couple was so dreamy, and it was entirely created in the moment by the enthusiastic participation of our guests. And as a nod to our shared experience of growing up in Singapore, we definitely had to include a Yum Seng, a traditional toast from the guests to the bride and groom.

^{Our Favorite Moment}

One of our most cherished moments was the morning of the wedding day, when we were able to spend unhurried time surrounded by our immediate families and closest relatives. Before the celebrations began, we held a traditional tea ceremony, offering tea to the elders from both sides of the family as a gesture of gratitude and respect. It was a meaningful and emotional experience and a reminder that our marriage is not only the union of two individuals, but also the joining of two families in support of us. Following the tea ceremony, we shared our private vows with each other in an intimate setting, away from the larger celebration. That quiet exchange between the two of us allowed us to pause and reflect as we stepped into the next chapter of our lives together.

Our Style

^{The Bridal Looks}

I wore several looks across the celebrations, each reflecting a different moment of the day. For the pre-wedding dinner, I chose a flowy off-white piece from Huong Boutique. The sheer draped silhouette added a soft, whimsical touch—a gentle warm-up to the wedding day ahead. For the main ceremony, I wore an off-shoulder gown by Aire Barcelona. Clean, fluid lines formed the base of the dress, while soft tulle florals framed the arms and extended into a sheer train. The gown felt light, airy, and quietly romantic, with subtle 3D details that softened the overall silhouette. For the dinner reception, I wanted to pay tribute to my Chinese heritage. I changed into a red silk modern qipao by emerging Chinese designer ShowLoveMart, featuring subtle hand-sewn floral embroidery and a flattering mermaid cut. The colour red, symbolising “Xi,” which stands for joy and celebration, helped shift the mood of the evening from the light elegance of the afternoon ceremony to a night filled with laughter, energy, and celebration.

^{The Groom Looks}

Jonathan wanted his outfits to evolve naturally with the different moments of the celebration. To welcome the guests, he began in a semi-formal ensemble featuring a navy-blue jacket paired with coordinating trousers and shirt—a polished yet relaxed look that set a warm and approachable tone. The pre-wedding dinner at Banyan Tree Lijiang was held outdoors, and he chose colours that complemented the natural surroundings while keeping the mood light and informal. For the main ceremony, Jonathan changed into a classic three-piece tuxedo, bringing a sense of timeless formality to the occasion. As the evening transitioned into the dinner reception, he switched into a white tuxedo that felt refined yet celebratory, reflecting the shift into a more festive atmosphere. Later in the night, he returned to a more relaxed style with a casual jacket and trousers for the after-party, allowing the celebration to conclude on a comfortable and effortless note.

^{Our Bridesmaids’ & Groomsmen’s Looks}

My bridesmaids and I really came together to brainstorm this. They all have very different styles, so a single uniform dress wasn't the right approach. Instead, we agreed on a direction—mint green, soft fabrics, light silhouettes—and each person chose what actually worked for her. The shade sat naturally against the stone textures and architectural lines of Amandayan, while still fitting the broader guest palette of light florals, soft tones, and subtle chinoiserie details. The result felt intentional but personal—different dresses, one mood. Jonathan’s groomsmen are some of his closest friends, and it was important to him that they felt comfortable, present, and able to fully enjoy the celebration alongside the guests. To keep the day simple and relaxed, they wore a single coordinated look rather than changing outfits, allowing them to focus on the moments and the people around them. Their attire featured a light brown tone chosen to create a gentle contrast with Jonathan’s looks while complementing the warm textures and architectural palette of Aman Lijiang. Each look was finished with a classic black bow tie, adding a refined touch that brought the group together while maintaining an effortless, timeless feel.

Our Advice

^{For the Planning Process}

The most valuable decision we made was finding a wedding planner who genuinely cared—not just about logistics, but about the experience. Having someone who understood our vision and anticipated challenges meant we could stay focused on what actually mattered. Equally important was keeping open communication with each other throughout, making sure we stayed aligned on decisions and priorities as things evolved. Planning a wedding takes patience and a real openness to new ideas—not every detail will go to plan, and sometimes that’s where the best moments come from. Most importantly, enjoy the process! It was one of our first times creating and building something together, and it was fun!

^{For On The Day}

Try to rest as much as possible the day before—the celebration arrives quickly, and having the energy to be fully present makes a meaningful difference. On the day, trust your team and let them do their job. Letting go of the need to manage every detail allows you to stay in the moment as it unfolds. It also helps to have one or two close friends or family members nearby who can quietly step in should anything unexpected arise, giving you an extra sense of calm throughout the day. Most importantly, remember to breathe and take in the moments you’ve created together, and the coming together of your loved ones in celebration.

^{For Post-Wedding}

Once the formalities are over, give yourselves permission to let your hair down and enjoy the night. Some of our favourite moments came after the main celebration, when we changed into something more comfortable, gathered with our closest friends and family, and simply let the evening unfold without a schedule. It felt like a quiet exhale after months of planning—laughter came more easily, conversations lingered longer, and the whole night took on a carefree, celebratory energy. We were fortunate that some of our most enthusiastic friends took charge of organising the after-party so we could just show up and enjoy ourselves. On a slightly more practical note, a little preparation for the next morning never hurts. Staying hydrated and even taking a pre-emptive hangover remedy can make the day after much kinder. Most importantly, treat those final hours as your chance to celebrate freely—the perfect, joyful closing to a day that marks the beginning of everything ahead.