Engaged 2018 | Page 106

♥ local love  ANNA and XUESONG August 20, 2016 // Lefebvre Photo W HOEVER SAID YOU SHOULD not mix work with pleasure was clearly misguided, as Anna and Xuesong were actually fi rst drawn to one another while working for the same company, albeit for different teams. While they did eventually move on from sharing an employer, they never did move on from one another, deciding to make their partnership in life offi cial after going out for a few drinks one night. From there on out they were always on the same page, a great indication for the long and happy marriage they’re sure to have ahead of them. Joint decisions during the wedding planning process included booking the OceanCliff after falling in love with its stunning ballroom, its reasonable pricing, its unparalleled views of Aquidneck Island and its surrounding waters; hiring Danielle Lefebvre as their photographer after looking through her impressive portfolio; and arranging for a romantic sunset cruise on Narragansett Bay following their afternoon reception. It was also important to the couple that they honored their shared Chinese heritage by holding a traditional tea ceremony the morning of the wedding. “During this ceremony, both parents sit on the sofa and the bride and groom kneel before them and serve tea to each other’s parents in turn,” Anna explains. “It’s meant to show respect and appreciation to the couple’s parents for being supportive of their marriage.” But while the wedding did an amazing job of showcasing the harmonious nature of their relationship, it also did well to illustrate Xuesong’s and Anna’s individual tastes as well. Xuesong, always a fan of “little cute things” according to Anna, made sure that adorable cartoon drawings of the couple were on full display in order to make their big day more special and fun. Meanwhile, Anna fl aunted her style by selecting a bright color palette and by purchasing a beautiful, vibrant red dress just for the reception. “I decided to change because red is the traditional wedding color in Chinese culture,” she says. “It means happiness and joy, and I thought that it would be the perfect theme for our reception.” And judging by the couple’s contagious smiles, we’d say she was spot on. 104 | RHODE ISLAND MONTHLY'S ENGAGED 2018