Multicultural Wedding in Chandler, Arizona

Nichelle and Chris’ Chandler multicultural wedding day celebration was unforgettable for so many reasons. From their traditional Vietnamese tea ceremony to their wedding at SoHo63 later that evening, the entire day celebrated both of their cultures while prioritizing all the traditions, people, and personal details that mattered most to them.

As a community-first photographer who’s all about couples not sticking to one specific wedding “box” and creating a day that feels true to them, I was so excited to document every moment.

A Traditional Vietnamese Tea Ceremony in Gilbert

The morning started with one of my favorite parts of the entire day: Chris having to earn his way into the house.

Following tradition, Chris arrived with his family carrying gifts for Nichelle’s family, including an entire roasted pig. Before he was allowed inside, Nichelle’s siblings stopped him at the door and started grilling him with questions about her.

Once everyone made it inside, the tea ceremony began. Nichelle and Chris served tea to their elders while family members offered advice, blessings, and gifts for the couple’s future together. The ceremony also included candle lighting, incense lighting, wine service, a ring exchange, and Nichelle’s formal bride presentation.

One thing I loved was seeing Chris’ family fully participate in the traditions too. They dressed for the occasion, took part in the customs, and approached the entire morning with so much care and respect for Nichelle’s culture and family.

The whole morning felt intimate and family-centered in a way that set the tone for the rest of the day.

A Romantic Wedding at SoHo63

Later that evening, everyone gathered at SoHo63 in Chandler for the wedding ceremony and reception.

Nichelle and Chris completely transformed the space with hanging florals, draped fabric, floating candles, and sparklers woven throughout the reception design. It felt soft and romantic while still keeping the fun energy that matched them perfectly.

Before the ceremony, the two shared a first look together, which gave them a second to slow down before the rest of the night picked up. Then once guests filled in for the ceremony, the entire space shifted into celebration mode pretty quickly.

Another detail that tied the whole day together was the food. Instead of going with a more traditional wedding menu, they served an eight-course Vietnamese dinner during the reception, continuing to incorporate cultural elements into every part of the experience instead of separating them into just one portion of the day.

Everything felt connected back to family, heritage, and making guests feel included in the celebration.

Celebrating with Family and Friends

But it wasn’t just the blending of cultures that made the day feel so special. Nichelle and Chris also made family a huge part of the celebration itself. There were so many moments throughout the day that reflected how important their people are to them, from honoring elders during the tea ceremony to Chris’ family participating in the traditions alongside Nichelle’s family.

And once the reception started, that same energy carried right onto the dance floor. Nichelle chose to present her bouquet to her mom instead of doing a bouquet toss, which ended up being one of the sweetest moments of the night. They also made time for table touches and photos with every single table, making sure they got to celebrate with everyone who came to support them.

Then by the end of the night, the dance floor was completely packed. Between the bubbles, nonstop dancing, and guests screaming lyrics together, the whole reception felt like one giant celebration with all their favorite people.

 

Nichelle and Chris’ multicultural Chandler wedding was such a fun day to document. Between the meaningful cultural traditions, the personalized details at SoHo63, and the way they centered their families throughout the entire celebration, every part of the day felt completely true to them. It was the kind of wedding that perfectly reflects what I love most about this job: documenting all the moments, traditions, and relationships that make every wedding feel different.

Planning your own Arizona wedding and feeling a bit overwhelmed? Don’t worry! With over a decade of experience as an Arizona wedding photographer, I’m here to help. Head over to my blog, The Ultimate Wedding Planning Checklist & Vendor List, for a step-by-step guide to planning your dream day, plus a list of my favorite venues in Arizona!

Vendor Credits:

Venue: SoHo63

Hair/Makeup: Denise Tanigawa

DJ/MC: Jimmy Davenport

Florals: Love in Bloom

Catering: Mekong Palace Restaurant

Photographer: Maya Papaya Pictures

Dress: Wedding Belles Bridal Boutique

Tux Rental: Celebrity Tuxes and Tails

Photobooth: Desert Luxe Photo Booth