WEDDING IDEAS

Irene asked her makeup artist to give her a finger-wave hairstyle, as well as a short, blusher veil. She accessorized with a pearl necklace and earrings. “Eric was extremely pleased with my choice of outfit and look—his eyes twinkled and his dimples deepened when he saw me for the first time that day,” Irene says.

Irene and Eric’s ceremony took place in the same room as the reception. A large matrimonial fabric with an embroidered dragon and phoenix was laid across the ceremonial table. The table also was decorated with a pair of red marriage candles and set in front of a large red fabric backdrop with the couple’s Chinese names framed by mini balloons.

At the end of the ceremony, Irene and Eric were presented with a “Certificate of Marriage” that detailed the wedding date, location, their names, and their parents’ names.

Irene wore sheer beaded elbow-length gloves to up the glamour factor. Later, she revealed her nails, which had been painted with elaborate Chinese designs and dotted with tiny crystals.

In a nod to Eric (he’s also an alternative rock musician), Irene had her makeup artist create a whole new look—with a rock-and-roll hairdo; dark grey jeweled hair clips; teardrop earrings; and jeweled finger cuffs.

Irene and Eric’s reception took place at The Grand Hotel, one of the oldest hotels in Taipei. Eric’s parents decided on the venue because of its prestige, traditional architecture, and history. The banquet hall, which was on the 12th floor, overlooked the city of Taipei.

The couple gave out a pair of mini pineapple tarts (a popular dessert in Taiwan) to each guest as favors. The tiny confections were packaged in a small purse-like box and imprinted with Chinese-style illustrations of two birds sitting on branches and a gold double happiness seal.

Irene & Eric in Taipei, Taiwan

Irene and Eric’s wedding was inspired by 1920s Shanghai old glamour in Taipei, Taiwan.

Photos By: Tan Buan Sen, Feldberyl Images, Singapore

Location: The Grand Hotel, Taipei, Taiwan

For Irene and Eric, planning their wedding was quite a production as the two New Yorkers worked to pull off two receptions (one hosted by Irene’s parents for 600 guests in Surabaya, Indonesia; the other by Eric’s parents for 250 guests in Taipei, Taiwan), within one week of each other!

The Bride Irene Santoso, 32, creative director
The Groom Eric Hsu, 33, creative director
The Date December 25

To make matters more complex, the couple's only choice (based on their hectic schedules and auspicious wedding dates) was to have their Chinese reception on Christmas. With their wedding dates set just 10 months from their engagement, the couple began planning a Taipei wedding that incorporated soft warm hues and 1920s glamour.

-- Anja Winikka