Bridging two houses

The engagement of Justin Lam and Anna Lim

For Justin and Anna, their Ting Hun was more than a rite of passage, it was a living bridge between two families. They honored tradition with reverence, but also let their personalities shine, creating a celebration that was both timeless and distinctly their own.

“For us, Ting Hun is reciprocity made visible—a bridge between two houses,” Anna shared. “We kept the rite intact and let our character show in how we made it warm and clear.”

Instead of the customary straight aisle, they chose a gentle curve, inspired by imperial garden walkways. This allowed them to greet both families as they entered, turning the act of walking into a symbol of reciprocity, blessings exchanged in smiles, glances, and quiet nods.

The couple also leaned into meaningful details. They dressed the day in hot pink and gold, a modern echo of traditional red, symbolizing joy and vitality. Peonies (牡丹 mǔdān) adorned the space, carrying the wish that both families flourish in harmony.

To make sure every guest felt included, Jerome Go guided the ceremony bilingually, explaining the “why” behind each tradition so no one felt left out.

“Splendor should never undermine meaning. Expression and significance go hand in hand,” Justin reflected.

When it came to traditions, they kept those that brought households closer together: serving tea in order, practicing gǎikǒu (改口)—the heartfelt change of addressing each other’s parents as “Mom” and “Dad”—and honoring elders by name.

Gifts were exchanged and returned, ensuring balance was seen, not just tallied.

For Anna, one moment stood out above all: “I offered the cup, met his mother’s eyes, and said the word I had practiced in my head—Mom. It’s such a small sound, but it rearranges your life.”

Their menu carried the same thoughtfulness. With Chef Wang of Canton Road, they designed a feast rooted in blessings; noodles and eggs for longevity, fish for abundance, sweet tāngyuán (汤圆) for togetherness.

“The point,” Anna explained, “is to keep the meaning while letting the flavors be true to you.”

The most touching part of the day was its continuity. Before, during, and after, their families were active participants, elders blessing, siblings guiding, friends helping weave every detail together.

Even their soundtrack, quietly threaded with songs from childhood and courtship, made the rite sound like them.

“We slipped in the music that raised us, an orchestral Pokémon Center theme, Defying Gravity, a little IU and Taylor Swift, and the Cantonese classic 《每天爱你多一些》. The aunties were rightly with the program; they didn’t clock it. Hours later my phone lit up with “no way—was that…?” from various friends. It didn’t change the rite; it just sounded like us”, shares Anna.

“Heritage stays alive when we keep the why and refresh the how,” Justin said.

And that is exactly what their Ting Hun became: a living promise, where two houses met not only in ceremony, but in spirit, ready to flourish together.