POV: your custom wedding dress took over 100 hours to embroider
For their wedding in Ibiza, Shirley and Ted wanted to fuse their cultural backgrounds with their exotic destination to create a once-in-a-lifetime experience that their guests would remember for years to come. They also decided to take a unique approach to their wedding attire, having it completely custom-designed and tailored to them by a Premium Qipao designer in Los Angeles. Shirley even asked the designers to incorporate secret messages and homages in the embroidery on her Chinese Wedding Dress. Keep reading to see these epic ensembles created by the one and only JINZA Oriental Couture and to see the rest of this beautiful day captured by Ana Marina Sanz.
a warm summer palette
Our wedding in Ibiza was a celebration of love, culture, and the stunning beauty of the Mediterranean. We chose this island for its breathtaking landscapes, laid-back vibes, and world-class celebrations. Our design concept combined Ibiza’s natural elegance with traditional Chinese elements, creating a unique modern fusion that honored both our love story and heritage. The theme of our wedding embraced the end of summer with chic warm colors. Traditional Chinese symbols such as dragons, phoenixes, and the color red were incorporated into the Tang Suit and Qipao to honor our roots and symbolize prosperity, strength, serenity, and unity.
Ibiza had the perfect setting for a wedding that felt both intimate and grand. Our aim was to create unforgettable moments with our guests in a place that feels like paradise—a celebration that reflects who we are and where we come from, with a twist of Mediterranean magic. We could not have done this without an expert team.
a traditional tea ceremony
We held a tea ceremony before the wedding ceremony to pay respects to our parents before we began our journey as a new family. We blended these cultural elements with the island’s ambiance, inviting guests to experience a weekend of sophistication and soulful warmth.
bespoke garments for the bride and groom
At Jinza Oriental Couture, we had the honor of designing bespoke wedding attire for Shirley and Ted’s Ibiza celebration, seamlessly blending modern aesthetics with rich cultural heritage. Our process began with an in-depth consultation, where we reviewed images of their wedding venue and discussed their personal preferences. This collaborative approach ensured that each piece was uniquely tailored to reflect their individual styles and the ambiance of their Ibiza wedding. The design process included multiple fittings, both in-person and virtual, to ensure a perfect fit and alignment with Shirley and Ted’s vision.
Shirley envisioned a modern yet authentic Qipao, or Chinese wedding dress. We crafted a mermaid-style Qipao with a train, using luxurious 40-momme silk. The gown featured intricate hand-embroidered motifs, including a long-tailed phoenix and peonies—symbols of beauty and prosperity. Personal elements, such as her favorite mountains and her beloved dog, were also delicately embroidered, adding a deeply personal touch. The extensive embroidery required over 100 hours of meticulous work by two experienced artisans, employing traditional Panjin and Shu embroidery techniques to achieve the desired level of detail and artistry.
Ted desired a stylish and comfortable ensemble. We designed a black silk Tang suit with a relaxed collar and neckline. The suit was adorned with a hand-embroidered dragon and moon, complemented by lucky cloud motifs on the trim and cuffs. A matching red silk lining and cuffs, along with coordinating silk pants, completed his look.
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- Venues: Ca Na Xica
- Dress & Apparel: JINZA Oriental Couture
- Groom & His Men: JINZA Oriental Couture
- Wedding Photographers: Ana Marina Sanz
- Flowers: Mireya
- Wedding Films: Sascha
- Event Planning & Design: Kerry-Anne Winton
- Hair, Makeup & Beauty: Riccardo
- Hair, Makeup & Beauty: Corina
- Rentals: Jaquelin
- Lighting, Entertainment & Photo Booth: Claire