1. Real Weddings

Yufang & Trent: A Traditional Wedding in Austin, TX

A playful card game of dares brought together YuFang and Trent. The scene: An Irish pub in down Austin. The occasion: Trent's 30th birthday. The first

A playful card game of dares brought together YuFang and Trent. The scene: An Irish pub in down Austin. The occasion: Trent's 30th birthday. The first dare: Try on a girl's high heels. Why would he do such a thing? The more dares Trent did, the more beer he got from his buddies, of course! Now back to the shoes. The Bride YuFang Chang, 33, physician The Groom Trent Bartow, 33, product marketing manager The Date March 29 Trent took this opportunity to strike up a conversation with YuFang, clad in three-inch stilettos -- he lasted two seconds in them! Luckily, the next dare got a little easier: get a girl's phone number. YuFang was pleased to help him out, and two years later, they were getting hitched in Austin.

The couple performed a Chinese tea ceremony in honor of YuFang's roots. Yufang and Trent served their parents and grandparents tea to thank them for raising them and as a sign of respect.
The couple wrote their guests' names in silver on black river stones. Table assignments were written on the back.
Red lanterns dangled above the courtyard where the reception took place.
Red and gold Chinese-style envelopes filled with scratch-off lottery tickets made for fun -- and sometimes profitable -- favors.
Trent accessorized his double-breasted suit with a red patterned tie and a single, yellow cymbidium orchid on his lapel.
Orchids and bands of red ribbon decorated the three-tiered cake. s
After they served their parents tea, YuFang and Trent exchanged traditional vows at sunset in front of large windows overlooking a meadow. Trent's sister also read a poem by a Chinese poet during the ceremony.
Trent loves reggae, so it was only fitting that the newlyweds dance to Is this Love by Bob Marley.
Traditional Chinese lion dancers performed at the reception.
Tables were topped with a collection of glass vases filled with river rocks, some with floating votives, and others with bouquets of orchids.
After changing into a traditional red and gold quipao, YuFang and her groom made their exit through a whirlwind of bubbles.
The bride carried a bouquet of red mokara orchids, mango calla lilies and green cymbidium orchids.