A local couple wins guests over with a meaningful double ceremony—and playful, personal party that beats the summer heat.
By Ariel Felton | Photography by Justin and Amanda Brown
When David Cutlip and Christine Tsoi got engaged, Christine was a little busy. She was about to open her new restaurant, Splendid Shabu, in neighboring Pooler.
“I am very much a DIY-type of girl,” Christine says. “But I was working 12-hour days, seven days a week, and I didn’t have much time to dedicate to wedding planning.”
However, the couple’s year-and-a-half long engagement gave Christine the leeway she needed to research and book the major vendors—starting with the rural location on Savannah’s outskirts.
Farm Fresh
“We loved that The Mackey House included so much in their venue fee, and the staff was so helpful through the whole planning process,” Christine says of the Red Gate Farm house just off Chatham Parkway. “The ceremony and reception space was perfect for our 150 guests—mostly from out of town.”
Christine, a longtime fan of neutrals, worked with event designer Joshua Grotheer to match the outdoor scenery of the Mackey House with a natural palette of pale whites, rich greens, shimmering golds and burnished wooden accents. Against that softer backdrop, however, she staged a stunning second ceremony in scarlet.
Our Cup of Tea
The bride wanted her big day to pay tribute to her family’s Hong Kong heritage.
After the first ceremony, Christine quickly changed out of her white gown and into a traditional red gown for the Chinese tea ceremony.
During this timeless and elegant ritual, the bride and groom knelt and served tea to Christine’s parents. It was a deeply meaningful way to show respect to their elders and to commemorate a change in familial relationship.
The deep red couch, tray and tea set added the perfect complement to the wedding’s neutral palette. Bamboo fans, placed on each seat, helped guests keep cool between ceremonies.
A Cool Reception
With their vows said and their respects paid, the couple kicked up their heels with their fun-loving guests at a sweet, simple party filled with summer treats and dancing feet.
Behind the Veil
The big day: Saturday, July 18, 2015
Event designer: Joshua Grotheer Designs
Rehearsal dinner: Private, family-owned restaurant
Ceremony music: Dave Gibson
Gown: Handmade by family friend in Hong Kong
Accessories: Shoes, Gianni Bini
Hair and makeup: Beyond Beautiful By Heather
Bridesmaids’ dresses: LuLu’s
Groom/groomsmen’s attire: Calvin Klein
Catering: King of Pops, Magnolia Grill
Reception music: Dave Gibson
Florist: Joshua Grotheer Designs
Cake: Baker’s Pride
Rentals: Ultra Pom
Videographer: Brandon Zauche Videography
Invitations: Wedding Paper Divas
Photographer: Justin and Amanda Brown, The Happy Bloom, thehappybloom.com
