From the moment we first spoke with Calanthia and Philip, their vision for a celebration that felt both timeless and deeply personal captivated us. They dreamed of a wedding where East would gracefully meet West in the English countryside — a setting that could honour their Chinese and Filipino heritage while reflecting the life they had built together in New York.

When we discovered Somerley Estate, with its elegant architecture and subtle echoes of chinoiserie woven throughout the house, we knew we had found the perfect canvas. Every design decision was rooted in cultural storytelling, expressed through refined and contemporary details. Symbolic motifs appeared throughout, from chinoiserie tableware and meaningful floral choices to plum blossoms at the sweetheart table and gentle nods to their beloved cat, Laffy - each detail chosen to reflect their story with intention.

The wedding weekend unfolded as a journey through atmosphere and experience. The welcome celebration blended tradition and modernity with tea-inspired cocktails, live sashimi stations, and mahjong accompanied by a live jazz band, creating a sense of relaxed elegance as guests mingled in multiple languages and from many corners of the world. Inside the grand interiors, a sense of heritage and history provided a striking backdrop for a celebration that felt both intimate and international.

Fashion played a central role in the storytelling. The bride spent two years collaborating on her couture wedding gown with designer Miss Sohee. Whilst in the Philippines, designer Michael Leyva crafted a magnificent gown adorned with 1,000 hand-woven pearls for the reception and first dance. And for the welcome celebrations, a jaw-dropping 3D gown was crafted by emerging Vietnamese brand Hacchic Couture.

This wedding was a beautiful expression of two cultures coming together with warmth and intention - a celebration that honoured family, heritage, and modern love in equal measure, set against the timeless beauty of the English countryside.

Captured by Rebecca Rees

As featured in Tatler