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 sought a canvas that could be a setting where West would gracefully embrace East amidst the splendour of the English countryside - somewhere to hold space for their story. When we discovered the enchanting Somerley Estate, with its graceful architecture and subtle notes of Chinese ceramics and orchids, we knew we had found the perfect stage. Every design decision was rooted in their Chinese and Filipino backgrounds, yet shaped by their life together in New York; their vision was one of cultural harmony expressed through contemporary elegance. An interplay of symbolic motifs in the tableware, chinoiserie, and florals, as well as personal symbols such as plum blossoms at the sweetheart table and their beloved cat, Laffy, quietly honoured their unique love story.

We aimed to create a celebration that felt both familiar and wondrous, with moments that would gently transport guests through details and atmosphere. Eastern tea-inspired cocktails, live sashimi stations and mahjong, set to a live jazz backdrop, evoked the glamour of a bygone era for their welcome party. Under the watchful gaze of Van Dyck’s aristocrats in the famous Picture Gallery, guests conversed animatedly in English, Filipino, Mandarin and German. The bride also travelled across the globe to design her incredible wedding attire, embarking on a two-year collaboration with Miss Sohee Couture for her wedding dress. 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 beautiful wedding spoke of two lives woven across continents and traditions, entrusted to us to shape into a moment that would linger in memories long after the last toast was made.

Captured by Rebecca Rees

As featured in Tatler magazine & online