The Sinan Mansions, Shanghai Elopement Photo Story Award

A couple shares a heartfelt moment in the rain, blurring raindrops and tears for a memorable and distinct wedding experience

The couple shares a heartfelt moment in the rain, blurring the lines between raindrops and tears. A unique wedding experience.

The couple exchanged vows sincerely in the rain. You couldn't tell whether it was rain or tears on their face.

Nowadays, more and more Chinese newlyweds choose to celebrate their big day in an intimate, relaxing way. As the only garden-style historical building complex in Shanghai, China the Sinan Mansions is located in a quiet corner away from the hustle and bustle of downtown. With a few close friends and relatives gathered there, the ceremony took place outdoors with their lovely personal speeches. It was raining heavily that day and the moment was moving and sacred. The couple expressed their love to each other in the rain as if the world was left with the only two of them. I was more than happy to photograph their elopement wedding, to photographic the love of friends, the love of family, and the love of them.

A glowing bride-to-be surrounded by her bridesmaids in a JW Marriot hotel room, exuding pure happiness moments before the ceremony

Bride-to-be radiates pure joy as her bridesmaids surround her in the JW Marriott hotel room before the ceremony

Before the ceremony, the bride was filled with immense joy as she was surrounded by her bridesmaids in the hotel room.

Parents of the newlyweds at JW Marriott, Shanghai, China, exchanging red packets during the traditional tea ceremony

Parents of the newlyweds at JW Marriott, Shanghai, China, presenting red packets as part of the tea ceremony

As a part of the tea ceremony, the parents of the newlyweds presented them with red packets.

A happy couple in wedding attire joyfully descends the stairs of the picturesque Sinan Mansions in Shanghai for their outdoor ceremony

The couple strides elegantly down the stairs at the Sinan Mansions in Shanghai for their outdoor ceremony

Once they had arrived at the ceremony venue and changed clothes, the couple made their way down the stairs towards the outdoor ceremony location.

A couple stands together during a rainy ceremony at Sinan Mansions, with the groom holding an umbrella to shelter both himself and his bride

The groom, sheltered under an umbrella at the Sinan Mansions ceremony, delicately holds his bride's hand

During the ceremony, under an umbrella covering, the groom gently reached his girl and held her hand.

Parents are moved to tears during a rainy ceremony at Sinan Mansions, Shanghai, China

Romantic ceremony at Sinan Mansions, Shanghai, China captivates parents despite the pouring rain

The scene of the romantic ceremony also moved parents.

Newlyweds say their goodbyes as they are showered with love by their friends and family at Sinan Mansions in Shanghai

Newlyweds bid farewell surrounded by heartfelt wishes from loved ones at the Sinan Mansions, Shanghai

After the ceremony, the couple left in the blessings from their friends and relatives.

A happily married couple dances with pure joy and freedom in the beautiful backdrop of Sinan Mansions, Shanghai, China

A couple dances freely and joyfully together in the picturesque setting of Sinan Mansions, Shanghai, China

Perhaps this is the perfect ending picture for their wedding story: dance freely and joyfully, together.

What are the standout features of a wedding ceremony and reception at a historic garden house?

A garden house wedding offers a unique blend of the old and the new. Many with options for hotels, restaurants, bars, and shops on the grounds, these venues offer a multitude of backdrops and settings for a memorable wedding celebration. Some historic garden houses also function as living museums of world architecture, providing a picturesque and one-of-a-kind ambiance for a couple's day.

What is the atmosphere like for a garden house elopement with a limited number of guests?

With a garden house elopement, couples can enjoy an intimate and romantic setting for their day. Surrounded by beautifully manicured gardens and historic architecture, these venues provide a peaceful ambience for a small and intimate wedding ceremony. The picturesque setting also offers a stunning backdrop for wedding photos.