Welcome to the Family

By Avery Khuan

“Everyone needs a house to live in, but a supportive family is what builds a home.” – Anthony Liccione

Weddings celebrate the couple; after all, they are the ones getting married. But every so often, there comes a wedding that is not just a celebration of romantic love but of family and of connection. These weddings become collaborations, not just between the couple and the wedding planner but also with the family that surrounds them.

But the sense of family and collaboration came even before the big day, starting with Antony and Joanne’s invitation cards which were designed by their close friend.

So, it only made sense that Antony and Joanne’s wedding was Nyonya-themed with one of the cornerstones of the traditional Nyonya culture being the importance of family. Held at Suffolk House in Penang, their guests were made up of closest friends and family. They also chose the location because most of their guests hailed from the island of heritage and it was the perfect opportunity for their overseas guests to experience the local culture and tradition.

From the bride’s father distributing heel protectors to the ladies in heels to the couple’s friend hosting their wedding ceremony and Joanne’s brother helping out with miscellaneous matters from the registration of guests to transporting decor props to and from Kuala Lumpur to Penang, it was a wedding that came together with the help of loved ones. Rather than merely enjoying the celebrations, Antony and Joanne’s friends and family made it a point to bring life to joy.