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I chose to get dressed in my study today not only because it had the best lighting but because two large portraits of my mother hang in here. Both on her wedding days to my father and Papa.
It’s been an adjustment for the past few months, and I found myself wanting to feel closer to my mom, especially on a day like today. And since I won’t be home tomorrow, our actual weddingday, I chose to set up here to get ready for the Chinese tea ceremony we’re holding for our family.
The tea ceremony is an ancient tradition where the bride and groom serve tea to both families to represent their union as well as a way to pay their respects, show gratitude, and welcome one another. Drinking the tea symbolizes each side accepting their partners into the family.
“It’s perfect!” Donna squeals as she adds final touches with hairspray. “A cream qipao was a great choice,” she adds as I twirl in front of the mirror.
My outfit is custom made, with personal touches. I took the classic qipao, a silk floor-length dress, and the traditional standing collar and blended it with a modern flair. I brush my hands over the smooth material and admire the delicate embroidered detailing of a dragon, several flowers, and other symbolic patterns. I added a slit that goes up mid-thigh. The short-sleeves are made from soft lace material. Traditionally, brides wear red, but I had other plans.
While Donna ushers everyone out, Liling enters with a serving cart and places it in the designated spot in the room. Nico follows in his matching cream changshan, the traditional male version of my dress with slacks made of the same material, so the color matches and buttons up.
We make our way over to the serving cart waiting for us in front of the hand-painted portraits. My fingers nervously play with my mother’s bracelet. Moving to kneel on top of the cushions, Nico follows as I stare up at my parents’ smiling faces.
Longing for them.
Wanting to make them proud.
My hands shake as I reach for the gorgeous navy teapot peppered with light-brown flowers and pour the liquid Liling has prepared for us into the matching teacup. The entire set washanded down to my mother, then left to me. Nico takes the pot to fill up his cup.
“Xiè xiè bà ba, ma ma, qing he chá.”Thank you, Father. Thank you, Mama. Please drink this tea, I whisper, bowing my head as Nico follows.
My throat tightens, and I try to fight the tears but fail. Nico’s warm hand rests on my back.
“You did good, baby,” he whispers in my ear before kissing my temple.
I spot Cesare smiling fondly at my mother’s likeness from the doorway.
Making our way downstairs into the living room, I find the family waiting for us. Nico pulls me into his side before shaking hands with Papa as people filter in. Dante and Enzo strategically stand back by the appetizers.
Liling directs everyone to their places on the balcony. Our sliding glass doors could completely open from wall-to-wall so that our living space led right to the outdoors, giving the room a larger feel.
We decided to keep today’s ceremony small, with only our immediate family and anyone who is in the wedding is in attendance. We wanted it to be intimate, especially since it is in our home and a sacred celebration.
Nico and I will be serving tea to his parents, Papa, Bo, and my adoptive parents, who are all seated in front of the tables on our terrace where heaters are set up.
Nico and I kneel on the cushions provided in front of each person.
“Cesare, please drink this tea,” Nico repeats what we’ve instructed him to do earlier.
If my heart grows any bigger, it’s going to pop out of my chest. I’m filled with so much pride that a man as strong andas proud as Nico could put aside his ego to kneel before our families as a sign of respect.
He catches me staring and winks.Oh, jeez.We repeat the process with Nico’s parents, my adoptive parents, and Bo.
Once that portion of the ceremony is over, the hired staff brings our lunch and tea for the rest of our guests spread out around tables decorated in stunning floral arrangements. I spot Grayson at the very back. He gives me a nod with a smile, and I return the gesture.
Nico takes my hand and leads me to our table.
“Jet! Nora!” I call as I see my adoptive parents making their way over to me, smiling.
Both are dressed in traditional attire as well.
“You look stunning, Anya,” Nora tells me as she embraces me in a hug.
“Congratulations, I hope the two of you are very happy,” Jet says as he and Nico shake hands.
“Thank you. We’re so glad you both could make it,” I reply.
An awkward pause hangs between the four of us, and we stand silently.
