Shiya & Wenhao’s Chinese Garden Wedding NYC

Today on our Celebrate Blog we are sharing a beautiful Song Dynasty–Inspired Chinese Wedding at Celebrate at Snug Harbor, NYC.

Shiya and Wenhao’s celebration began beneath the serene beauty of the Chinese Scholar Garden at Celebrate at Snug Harbor, where tradition, nature, and love blended perfectly. Moreover, hosting a wedding like this at Celebrate was truly meaningful for both our team and for Shiya and Wenhao as a couple. Recently, we sat down with them to hear, in their own words, what it was like to plan and experience such a beautiful, tradition-filled day. We’re excited to share a behind-the-scenes look at the special moments and heartfelt details of their wedding from the couple’s perspective.

When asked why they chose Celebrate at Snug Harbor for their wedding, Shiya and Wenhao shared that the venue held both practical and deeply personal significance. Their wedding took place on May 20th, 2025—a date chosen with intention. In Chinese, “May 20” sounds similar to “I love you,” making it a beautifully symbolic and romantic day to say their vows.

From the start, the couple knew they wanted a wedding inspired by the Song Dynasty (960–1279 AD), complete with traditional Hanfu attire, classical Chinese artwork—including the iconic A Thousand Li of Rivers and Mountains (“千里江山图”)—and a serene atmosphere that honored their cultural roots. As passionate advocates of traditional Chinese culture, they envisioned a celebration that felt timeless and authentic, even in the heart of New York City.

The moment they discovered the Chinese Scholar’s Garden at Snug Harbor, they knew it was the perfect match. As the only venue in NYC that truly captured the elegance, artistry, and tranquility they were looking for, it felt like the ideal setting to bring their vision to life. Wenhao shared—an instant connection that set the tone for their unforgettable day.

“My fiancé, our guests, and I are passionate advocates of traditional Chinese culture. That’s why we’re planning a Song Dynasty–inspired wedding (960–1279 AD), right here in New York City. We wore traditional Hanfu clothing, incorporating classical Chinese artwork (specifically A Thousand Li of Rivers and Mountains “千里江山图“), and created a serene and culturally meaningful atmosphere. The Chinese Scholar Garden is the only venue in NYC that would fit our theme perfectly, so I knew from first glance that this was the right spot.“

The ceremony took place in the Chinese Scholar’s Garden, just in front of the tearoom—a beautifully intimate spot that, therefore, felt perfectly suited for their mini wedding of about twenty guests. Additionally, the peaceful surroundings, delicate architecture, and close-knit setting made the moment feel personal and heartfelt. Altogether, this created exactly the atmosphere Shiya and Wenhao had hoped for, combining intimacy, beauty, and meaningful tradition.

 

Shiya and Wenhao drew deep inspiration from the elegance of the Song Dynasty (960–1279 AD), weaving its timeless artistry into every detail of their celebration. They chose a traditional red and green color palette—shades beloved during that era—to bring authenticity and harmony to the setting. One of the most meaningful design elements was the custom backdrop: a printed reproduction of classical Song Dynasty artwork paired with a poem written by their planner. This poem beautifully captured their 11-year love story—from how they first met, to the hobbies they share, to the long-distance chapters that strengthened their bond. The result was a ceremony space rich with culture, symbolism, and the couple’s own history, blending ancient inspiration with modern love.

A lighthearted moment from the day came when the couple realized they had forgotten to bring chopsticks! Quick-thinking and resourceful, one guest fashioned a pair using branches found on the ground—proving that even small, unexpected moments can add charm and laughter to a wedding celebration.

When asked about planning their wedding, Shiya and Wenhao shared that they worked with a remote wedding planner based in China, who is also a passionate advocate of traditional Chinese culture. Their planner helped design the ceremony setting, wrote the personalized poem, and even prepared the hosting scripts, ensuring every detail reflected the couple’s vision. The team at Celebrate at Snug Harbor—Carmela and Mona—also played an invaluable role. Carmela offered thoughtful reminders during the planning process, like the importance of a water station and a Bluetooth speaker since there’s no Wi-Fi in the Chinese Scholar Garden. On the wedding day, Mona coordinated shuttle arrivals and departures and even helped save the day when the couple forgot the chopsticks—ensuring the celebration ran smoothly and stress-free!

Shiya and Wenhao made their wedding truly personal by incorporating many creative DIY elements that added charm, meaning, and fun for their guests. They handcrafted several key ceremony props, including the red silk “Qianjin” joining sash, which they held together as they walked down the aisle, and a custom dried gourd for the Hejin Ritual, symbolizing sharing life’s sweetness and bitterness. Guests were also delighted with thoughtful DIY favors and interactive activities: a photo contest where everyone could submit and vote on their favorite shots, a playful lucky draw using Poké Balls to reveal the bride’s and groom’s rings, and even vows spoken by all attendees instead of an officiant. Each handmade detail and interactive moment made the celebration uniquely theirs, blending tradition, creativity, and community in a way that left a lasting impression.

Advice for Future Couples: When asked what advice they would share with couples planning their weddings at Celebrate and specifically in the Chinese Schola Garden, Shiya and Wenhao offered thoughtful and encouraging guidance:

• Plan ahead whenever possible. “We only had less than a month after securing our venue, and it was exhausting! Giving yourself extra time makes a huge difference.  Through this process we learned firsthand about how important it is to protect the historical architecture of the CSG. We had to carefully design a setup plan that didn’t come into direct contact with the building in order to finally get approval.”

• Be bold and follow your vision. “A wedding is a once-in-a-lifetime experience—don’t be discouraged by doubts or obstacles. When we started, no one believed it was possible to hold an authentic Chinese traditional wedding in NYC, and I had never seen one either. With creativity and determination, we found the perfect venue, sourced props online or handmade them, and even brought some from China with the help of our families. Everything is possible if you’re willing to go for it.”

• Choose the right vendors. “Rely on reviews and word-of-mouth recommendations to save headaches. If your time and budget allow, try out services in advance—like scheduling a trial makeup session—so you know exactly what to expect on your big day.”

Their advice reminds couples that planning a wedding is both a challenge and an adventure, and staying true to your vision makes it unforgettable. 

We are so grateful to Shiya and Wenhao for letting us share their beautiful, tradition-filled wedding and for trusting us to capture their story. Their creativity, dedication, and love made every detail unforgettable. A special thank you also goes to photographer Chace Young, whose stunning images perfectly preserved the magic, intimacy, and joy of their day. Congratulations to the happy couple on a truly remarkable celebration!

Reach out to us today, and let’s bring your dream wedding to life!

Vendor Team:

Vendor List:

Chinese Scholar Garden – Celebrate at Snug Harbor

Photographer & Videographer: Chace Yang

Makeup artist: Yu Xiaohongshu