Joie & Rong Hua | An Elegant Marina One Wedding with a Cozy, Delicious Lunch at WAKANUI Grill Dining

Every wedding has its own energy—and Joie & Rong Hua’s wedding at Marina One was filled with warmth, sincerity, and a quiet joy that made my heart so full. From the sweetest gatecrash (with an entire roast pig!) to a cozy, laughter-filled lunch at WAKANUI Grill Dining, their day was a beautiful reflection of who they are: gracious, thoughtful, and surrounded by so much love.

Getting Ready: Capturing the Quiet, Meaningful Moments

One of my favorite parts of the day was photographing Joie getting ready with her mom and dad and the anticipation vibe of the family. There’s something so tender about these moments—the quiet anticipation, the way her mom helped with the final touches, the proud smile on her dad’s face. These are the kinds of photos I believe are so important: the quiet, often-overlooked moments that hold so much heart.

A Chill Gatecrash (With a Whole Roast Pig!)

The morning gatecrash was super chill—Joie’s bridesmaids went easy on Rong Hua and his groomsmen, which made for lots of genuine laughter and relaxed fun. And then came one of my favorite traditions: Rong Hua arriving with an entire roast pig.

It’s more than just a fun photo moment—in Chinese tradition, the roast pig symbolizes respect, gratitude, and sincerity from the groom’s family. It’s a way of honoring the bride’s family and blessing the marriage with abundance. Seeing Rong Hua proudly present it (with everyone cheering) was such a playful yet meaningful highlight of the morning.

Marina One’s Indoor Alcove: A Secret Garden Feel

Their solemnisation took place at an indoor alcove at Marina One, and it honestly felt like a secret garden tucked inside the city. The space was wrapped in greenery, with soft natural light streaming through the sides. Even the gentle drizzle outside added this cozy, romantic vibe. I loved how their champagne pink, white, and green color theme complemented the lush surroundings—it felt fresh, youthful, and so full of life. It was simple yet elegant, a perfect reflection of their style.

Couple Portraits

Despite a packed schedule, we carved out time for couple portraits around Marina One’s beautiful green pockets and sleek architecture. Even in those short moments, Joie & Rong Hua’s natural connection made every shot feel effortlessly beautiful. Their quiet smiles, the way they looked at each other—you could just feel the love radiating from them.

A Cozy Celebration at WAKANUI Grill Dining

After the solemnisation, the celebration continued with a cozy lunch at WAKANUI Grill Dining, right inside Marina One. If you’ve never been—it’s seriously a hidden gem. Known for their New Zealand beef and lamb grilled over Japanese binchotan charcoal, the food was absolutely incredible. Guests were treated to perfectly charred delights, each bite rich with smoky flavor. And the desserts? Light, refreshing, and the perfect sweet ending to a hearty meal. The restaurant itself felt intimate and warm, with modern interiors and big windows overlooking Marina One’s lush greenery. It was the perfect setting for heartfelt toasts, happy chatter, and lots of laughter.

The Heart of the Day

What truly stood out about Joie & Rong Hua wasn’t just their beautiful wedding or thoughtful details—it was their graciousness. Throughout the day, they were so kind, so thoughtful toward everyone around them. And when they stood up to give their thank-you speech? They didn’t just thank their family and friends—they even thanked me. That small gesture honestly melted my heart.

Their love for each other and the people around them shone through in every moment. It was such a privilege to capture their day, to be that quiet ninja behind the lens while soaking up all the joy, warmth, and genuine connections.

Planning a Wedding at Marina One or WAKANUI Grill Dining?

If you’re dreaming of a wedding at Marina One’s lush indoor alcove or an intimate celebration at WAKANUI Grill Dining, I’d love to help capture your story. I believe in photographing weddings as they naturally unfold—quiet, candid, beautiful moments that you’ll cherish for a lifetime.

Let’s chat—I’d be so excited to tell your story, your way.