A Pandemic Love Story Culminates in a Cross-Cultural Celebration
The romantic journey of fashion journalist Zoe Suen and independent publisher managing editor Ivan Kirwan-Taylor, which unexpectedly blossomed amidst the initial stages of the global pandemic, recently reached its joyful peak with a captivating wedding. Their path from a dating app encounter to sharing a home during lockdown, followed by a romantic proposal in Japan, set the stage for a cross-cultural celebration that honored both their London life and Zoe's Hong Kong heritage. This narrative of a serendipitous connection evolving into a profound partnership is beautifully encapsulated in their unique wedding festivities.
Their story began in March 2020, as the world braced for the rapid spread of COVID-19. Zoe, a fashion journalist, connected with Ivan via a dating application. Their initial date quickly led to several more, and within days, Ivan proposed an unconventional arrangement: moving in together to navigate the impending lockdown. What started as a pragmatic decision transformed into a deep and enduring bond, as they spent the entire lockdown period side by side, and have shared their lives ever since.
Four years later, during a visit to a temple in Kyoto, Japan, Ivan orchestrated a surprise proposal. Zoe humorously recalled Ivan's unusual stress that day, initially attributing it to train travel. However, as Ivan knelt, the true reason for his anxiety became wonderfully clear. This significant moment in Japan set the wheels in motion for their wedding planning, which they decided would encompass two distinct celebrations: a primary event in London and a dinner reception in Hong Kong, Zoe's childhood home.
Adhering to Chinese cultural traditions, the selection of an auspicious wedding date was paramount. Zoe consulted her mother, hoping for several Saturday options during the summer. To her surprise, her mother presented only one specific date: August 2nd. This singular date influenced their choice of venues, ruling out some initial considerations. However, Zoe recalled a memorable press dinner at the ICA, particularly praising their roast chicken and, crucially, the perfect dance floor. The appeal of the food and the ideal space for dancing sealed their decision for the main London celebration.
For her wedding attire, Zoe envisioned a blend of London design and brands that resonated with her Chinese roots. She discovered her civil ceremony dress, a silk taffeta creation with a fitted bodice and tiered skirt, at a Molly Goddard sample sale. She completed this look with pearl earrings from the Chinese brand Soft Mountains, white mules from Jude, and a vintage clutch. Following a family dim sum lunch, Zoe changed into a strapless gown from the London bridal brand Wed. She collaborated with the brand's founders, Amy Trinh and Evan Phillips, to craft a custom floral headpiece inspired by one famously worn by Japanese-American actress Tina Chow. Despite initial anxieties about the headpiece being 'too much' on the wedding day, Zoe's concerns vanished the moment she entered the ICA, realizing it perfectly complemented the joyous occasion.
The evening unfolded with the much-anticipated roast chicken, followed by an abundance of espresso martinis, leading guests to enthusiastically embrace the dance floor. The festivities continued with an intimate after-party at Zoe and Ivan’s apartment. Reflecting on the night, Zoe described it as the 'funnest ever,' expressing a wish to relive every moment, even the early hours spent nibbling chocolate cake in their hotel room.