Featuring the engagement of Michael Guo and Gloria Chen
For Michael and Gloria, their Ting Hun was more than a ceremony, it was a thoughtful beginning shaped by intention, meaning, and unmistakable style. From the very start, the couple knew they wanted to honor tradition while creating something that felt entirely their own.
They began with a clear vision. “We approached it with the intention of honoring tradition while creating a clear and memorable identity,” Gloria shares.
Instead of softening the palette, they leaned fully into red, symbolic of celebration, luck, and auspicious beginnings. While Gloria admits her personal preference leaned toward pink, the couple made a deliberate choice.
“We wanted it to feel cohesive, striking, and instantly recognizable… a bright red, bold Ting Hun.”
This vision guided every detail. Gloria wore a dress with a clean silhouette in reflective red, elegant yet impactful, allowing her to stand out while still blending seamlessly into the overall aesthetic. The result was a celebration that felt both rooted and refreshingly modern.
As they moved into planning the ceremony itself, Michael and Gloria chose to preserve most of the traditional elements. Their main adjustment? The setting. Instead of hosting it at home, they opted for a venue to ensure a smoother, more structured flow. It allowed them to honor customs without the stress of logistics, an important balance for couples navigating tradition today.
The menu was another meaningful highlight. Every dish was chosen with symbolism in mind: noodles for long life, eggs for fertility and new beginnings, and round elements to represent unity.
“It was important for us that the menu aligned not just in flavor, but in meaning,” they explain. Each course quietly echoed wishes for prosperity, harmony, and abundance.
Beyond the rituals, the couple focused on creating a warm and engaging experience for their families.
“Ting Hun, for us, is as much about the families as it is about the couple,” Michael says.
Thoughtful touches, like light games and an engaging host, helped bring everyone together, turning tradition into a shared celebration filled with laughter and connection.
Looking back, what stood out most was the cohesion. Every detail from the bold red palette to the seamless program flow came together to reflect who they are as a couple: intentional, grounded, and expressive.
WE Tip:
When planning your Ting Hun, start with one strong anchor; whether it’s a color, a value, or a story. Let that guide your decisions, from styling to menu to program flow. This clarity not only simplifies planning but ensures your celebration feels authentic, meaningful, and unforgettable for everyone involved.
Michael and Gloria’s Dream Team:
Coordination and Creative Direction: Tinghun Tris
Additional coordination: Gian Quitorano of Shadow Events
Venue: Shangri-La The Fort
Event Styling: Michael Ruiz
Photo and Video: Mayad
Host: Jerome Go
