It was an unusual set of circumstances that eventually brought these two, first seen on the cover of Issue 10, together. At 17 Chang left China to live with a host family in Australia. £I stayed with [John’s] loving and caring family and soon after they called me their surrogate daughter, says Chang who admits her and John didn’t always see eye to eye. £?after having one argument we refused to speak with each other for one whole year.
Plenty of time passed before fate brought them back together – and this time there were no hard feelings. £I saw John again in 2007 after he came back from travelling. I was amazed how he’d turned from a teenager to a man. We started dating but kept it a secret from the family for a year and a half. When we told everyone they were shocked and happy at the same time.
Fast forward to 2014 and Chang and John were engaged and in the middle of planning their wedding which was held at St. Patricks Estate in Manly (the same place Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban got married for those interested in that useless piece of trivia). Once the principal training facility for priests in Australia, it provided a majestic backdrop for Chang and John’s informal ceremony, held just beyond the chapel’s sandstone walls at a nearby grotto.
£? I wanted an enchanted and relaxed ceremony. The grotto was surrounded by lush green ferns and leaves, I felt like a woodland fairy the whole day, says Chang who wore a beautiful embroidered gown by New Zealand label Rue De Seine.
The reception took place inside the Grand Hall where guests enjoyed a killer playlist of 50s, 60s and 70s rock n’ roll, soul and funk music. £We had so much fun dancing, says Chang, adding that their best decision was to hire Alex Marks Photography and La Lune Cinema
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£Our photographer Alex Marks was so great, he captured the energy and emotion of the day perfectly. He also happened to live on the same street. Coincidence or fate? We’ll let you decide.
CREDITS Photos Alex Marks Photography // Bridal gown Rue De Seine via The Babushka Ballerina // Shoes Tony Bianco // Hair and makeup Petr Vackar // Rings Cipollone Jewellers // Bridesmaid dresses ASOS // Suit and tie Calvin Klein // Shirt Calibre // Shoes Mario Alborino // Florist Emporio Manly // Ceremony and reception St Patricks Estate, NSW // Catering The ICMS College // Other desserts Le Parisian Patisserie // Furniture hire Vintage Patina // Entertainment Wedding DJ Hire // Celebrant Vivien Reed // Cinematographer La Lune Cinema.