When Chloe first reached out, she described her wedding as a small affair with only 15 guests. They were planning an intimate wedding at home, blending a traditional tea ceremony with a civil ceremony, and wanted the day to feel meaningful, emotional, and deeply personal. From the very first message, it was clear this wedding would be about connection, family, and quiet moments rather than grand production.

Planning an Intimate Wedding at Home

There is something incredibly special about choosing to host your wedding at home. With a small guest count, every presence feels intentional. Every moment matters. An intimate wedding at home creates a space where emotions can unfold naturally, without pressure or distraction.

Chloe and Micheal envisioned a day that felt calm and unrushed. They wanted time to be present with their families and to honor their cultures in a meaningful way. Home weddings allow exactly that. Familiar walls, personal objects, and shared memories add depth to the day. It becomes less about performance and more about experience.

Before the wedding, I took time to scout nearby locations for couple photos and prepared a plan B in case of rain. I sent them a list of photo spots and reassured them that flexibility would guide the day. That sense of ease is essential for an intimate wedding at home. When couples feel supported, emotions flow freely.

Getting Ready in a Quiet, Meaningful Space

One of the most touching parts of the day was watching Chloe get ready in her Qun Kwa. The intricate embroidery had been brought from Hong Kong by her mother-in-law, and the craftsmanship was breathtaking. Every detail carried history and intention.

The calm energy of the morning allowed space for documentary moments. No rush. No noise. Just quiet preparation and anticipation. These moments often become the most treasured because they reflect how the day truly felt.

When it was time to take some couple photos, it was raining outside, so we decided to take the photos inside their bedroom. It was a reminder that you do not need a grand space to create beautiful images. Sometimes, a small room filled with love is more than enough.

At Home Tea Ceremony Blending Two Cultures

The heart of the day was the tea ceremony wedding, a beautiful tradition shared by Micheal and his family. A traditional tea ceremony is more than a ritual. It is a sign of respect, gratitude, and unity between families.

When I arrived, the house was quiet. Micheal was already dressed, and Chloe was finishing her hair and makeup. I took this moment to photograph the tea ceremony setup, knowing the room would soon be filled with people and energy.

As family members gathered, the ceremony unfolded gently. Tea was served, blessings were exchanged, and emotions surfaced naturally. This moment truly reflected multicultural wedding traditions at their best. Micheal’s family shared their culture with Chloe’s family, creating a moment of mutual respect and discovery. Chloe’s grandfather was especially moved, watching each step with curiosity and admiration.

A Civil Ceremony Filled with Emotion

After the tea ceremony, Chloe changed into a simple yet sophisticated dress by Jenny Yoo, purchased from Ma Chérie Bleue, one of my favorite bridal shops. She was ready in no time, and we had a quiet moment for a first look with her father.

When he entered the room, emotions took over. Pride, love, and disbelief all at once. I stepped out to give them privacy, allowing the moment to remain theirs alone.

Soon after, it was time for the intimate civil ceremony. This small wedding ceremony at home was filled with tears. Chloe and Micheal could barely hold their emotions, and their families were just as moved. An intimate civil ceremony has a way of stripping everything back to what truly matters. Love. Commitment. Family.

Couple Photos in the Rain and at Home

After they officially tied the knot, we headed out for couple photos. We were lucky. The location I had scouted was dry, allowing us to walk through the park and capture portraits in their wedding outfits.

Toward the end, the rain returned, and transparent umbrellas came out. Instead of fighting the weather, we embraced it. These moments often become favorites because they feel real and unplanned.

Before finishing, Chloe reminded me of one request. She wanted photos with her cats while wearing her wedding dress. I had promised her we would make time for it, and we did. Those images are now some of the most personal and joyful from the day.

An Intimate Wedding Day Remembered Forever

Two days after the wedding, I sent Chloe and Micheal their sneak peeks. Chloe’s response said everything. She wrote:

we are OBSESSED with the photos is an understatement, I must have looked at them a dozen times minimum already. They came out so beautifully and you did a great job at capturing the emotions in a way that will help us remember all the feelings, details, and love that was put into this day for years to come. I have nothing but the highest praise for you and your art

This is the true value of photography. Long after the day has passed, these images allow couples to relive the feelings, the quiet moments, and the love that surrounded them.

An intimate wedding at home, a traditional tea ceremony, and a day rooted in connection. A celebration that will be remembered for a lifetime. 

Planning Your Own Intimate Wedding at Home?

If you are planning an intimate wedding at home, a meaningful tea ceremony, or a multicultural celebration that blends traditions close to your heart, I would love to document it for you.

Small weddings hold incredible emotional depth. They deserve to be photographed with intention, sensitivity, and an eye for both movement and detail.

From helping you with your schedule to sharing my trusted vendors list, my role is to support you every step of the way so you can fully live your day.

If this kind of celebration speaks to you, I invite you to reach out and share your vision. I would be honored to tell your story.