The best timeless bouquet best represents who I am – simple and feminine.
Tell us a little about yourselves, what you do, what you love…
My husband and I are both teachers who love to take advantage of long breaks – perks of being teachers. We travel whenever we get a chance. We already had a traditional Chinese wedding back home. We both used to party a lot, so it made the most sense to celebrate our love and party away with all of our loved ones in our favourite country. Our wedding was everything I look for in a party, great food, live music, timeless music and flowing drinks. The live sax and violin too! We both love to sing our hearts out, so it couldn’t be done in any other way.
How/where/when did you meet – and what were your first impressions?
We met on a dating app 9 years ago. He was finishing his undergraduate degree while I was in Hong Kong, just starting at university.
Erin: I wasn’t looking for love or anything serious, as I had just turned 21 when I first met Martin. He was so cool and mysterious. He was in his early 20s too, so we were just two young adults looking for some fun. We’d talk for hours despite the time difference between the UK and HK. My phone was glued to my palm until the sun rose since the day he slipped into my DMs. It’s all butterflies whenever I see his name pop up on my screen. We’d been chatting on Instagram for months (5? I believe) before we first met. I thought to myself: he’d never be into me; why would he be interested in me? He’s popular, funny and charming. People adore him. And I was JUST a girl. I even asked my friends if I should just slowly back out. I was so oblivious up until the moment he asked me out. And now here we are! Together for nearly a decade and happily married!
Martin: It started with a simple birthday DM on Instagram, but it quickly became so much more. Despite the time difference, talking to her became a habit I didn’t want to break as we spent months trading sleep for conversation, staying up late and waking up early just to stay connected. I wasn’t necessarily looking for a life partner at the time, but when I finally saw her in person after five months. She was this bubbly, confident girl who had this energy that just filled the room. The chemistry was instant. I remember my friends’ shocked faces when I told them I was going to ask her out after just a week or two. They couldn’t believe how fast it moved. But for me, it wasn’t fast; it was just right. I knew immediately that I had found my person to take on every adventure with. Looking at her now as my wife, I know I was right.
What styling and visual elements worked best for you? (could be things, the florals, particular hire products or your marquee, etc., something the stylist created or simply just the scenic beauty of your location or the existing design of your venue).
I am someone who can’t envision things in my mind. So when I saw everything come together at the moment I stepped into the venue, the castle itself impressed me the most. Did I also mention the weather on the day of our wedding was absolutely perfect? Barely a single cloud in the sky, and the Sicilian air bound everything together in the best way possible. But honestly, I can’t thank you, Mary Fiori, enough for bringing the best out of the castle. The owner (name) was so lovely in our Zoom meeting, and his professionalism definitely helped us find exactly what we were looking for. The fresh calla lilies in my bouquet were all his idea. I told him I didn’t want something that’s done by a million others. I suggested adding a pearl band, and there it was. The best timeless bouquet best represents who I am – simple and feminine.
What did you enjoy most about the planning process, and do you have any tips for couples starting their wedding planning journey?
One tip for couples starting their wedding planning journey – hire a wedding planner! I can’t thank Silvia and Laura from Varese Wedding enough for making my dream come true. With their help, my husband and I were able to put together a dream team for our wedding. As we are both working full-time, it’s hard to keep ourselves up to speed on everything. Silvia and Laura really cared about our experience, and they genuinely were there for us every single step. Despite the time difference between Hong Kong and Italy, they tried their best to communicate efficiently using multiple platforms. Some of my guests have already asked for their contact, so if you’re looking for a professional wedding planning duo – look no further! Silvia and Laura are your best bet!
Tell us about your vendors. Were there any standout suppliers you would like to make special mention of?
My husband and I both agree on one thing – the food and drinks at weddings could make or break guests’ experience. Therefore, we flew to Catania in the summer of 2025, just to make sure we liked the food from our catering company, Squiseating. From aperitivo to after-party snacks, Squiseating DELIVERED. Not only was the food world-class, but their attentive staff also saved both my husband and me a plate of food because we were busy greeting our guests. Our guests til this day are still talking about the food served, we can all agree that Sicilian food, especially seafood, is out of this world! They also did an amazing job on wine pairing; we are still looking for ways to deliver the wines served at our wedding to Hong Kong. That’s how good they are!
Tell us about your main outfits, what was unique, and is there a story?
As someone who’s rather fussy with outfits, dress shopping was actually the first thing on my to-do list. Therefore, right after the proposal, I had made multiple appointments with different wedding gown shops. I never in a million years thought I’d say yes to the dress at my very first appointment. But I did! I loved it so much that I chose to buy it instead of renting it. Right after the deposit, I cancelled all the other appointments. It was truly a moment of ‘when you know, you know’. It is a two-way dress, I could just take off the sleeves if I wanted to change my look. But during the ceremony, I chose to keep them on. I’m so glad I did, because they fit the whole feeling of our day so beautifully—everything about the enchanted forest: the ficus, the magnolias, the cinnamon, the fig, the jacaranda, and the camphor. The way it all came together made it feel like the dress wasn’t just chosen—it was meant for that exact moment.
I wanted to lean into a sense of timeless grandeur, opting for two distinct looks that balanced heritage with modern elegance. My ceremony look featured a single-breasted white dinner jacket crafted from Piacenza 330gr virgin wool—a selection from their Celebration line. Seen under candlelight, the fabric represented purity and nobility; it was a ‘classic element’ that felt both regal and refined for the exchange of vows. As the evening transitioned to the first dance and after-party, I shifted into a sharper, more structured silhouette: a double-breasted black tuxedo by Dugdale Bros & Co. Cut from a substantial 400gr 100% wool with a sleek Italian fit, this piece was designed to bridge the gap between a traditional tuxedo and a classic smoking jacket. With its deep V-neck, four-button closure (fastening just one for that effortless drape), and a silk shawl collar, it provided the perfect high-contrast, high-energy finish to a truly unforgettable night.
What were one or two elements that were most important to you both that you were happy to spend a little more on? (food, photography, florals, the venue, your outfits?).
Honestly, every single element mattered to us so much—because we wanted our wedding to feel like us from start to finish. And wow… the team at Varese Wedding truly made it all come alive. It was like magic. The food was incredible, the wine was even better, the music set the perfect mood, and the florals? They complemented everything so beautifully—it all just flowed together flawlessly. And then there was Nunzio, Angelo, Carmen, and their incredible team—capturing every magical moment so we can relive it again and again. I swear, they made time feel even more special than it already was. If I had to choose just one element, I’d say the venue. We knew we wanted a place that couldn’t be found or replicated—something truly one of a kind—and that’s exactly why we chose Castello Xirumi. We also looked at vineyards and castles around Firenze, but it just didn’t feel like “us.” I’m someone who’s always full of surprises, and whenever I throw someone a party, I make sure they’re going to be pleasantly shocked—in the best way. And at Xirumi? Every turn you take, every room you enter, it gives you a totally new vibe. It felt like the venue was telling a story with us, chapter by chapter. And have I mentioned we kept the location a secret for as long as possible? At first, my guests were complaining—because they wanted to dress to impress once they knew where they were going. But I stood firm, completely confident in our decision… and honestly? I had zero regrets. Later, they actually loved the little secrecy. It made the whole process feel more exciting, more fun, and more personal—like we were sharing a surprise with them before the big reveal. Castello Xirumi really is like no other castle in the world. It felt dreamy, unforgettable, and completely perfect for the best day of my life. I’m still smiling thinking about it. So if you’re not sure if you should break your bank for your dream venue, DO IT! You won’t regret it!
Was there a favourite moment (or two) that you will treasure always?
Definitely the first look. I always assumed it was just staged—that all I had to do was look at the camera
and pose. But when I stepped into the next room and Martin was waiting, everything hit me at once,
and I started tearing up. I’m so grateful that Carmen captured that moment. I’ll hold onto that small
piece of memory in my heart forever.
What does being married mean to you, and are there any special rituals you have that you would like to share?
Erin: In my vows, I said that marriage to me is choosing the same person—every single day. The good days, the hard days… every day. And I meant it with my whole heart: I will choose him again and again. He’s my person.
Martin: To me, being married means I’ve chosen her as my forever. She is the person I want by my side through every unfolding chapter, the one I’ll lean on through the lows and celebrate with during the highs. It’s about more than just staying together—it’s about growing together, building a legacy, and knowing that no matter where life takes us, we’re creating something meaningful as a team.
Fun fact: we celebrate Valentine’s Day on June 14th! It’s totally random, I know—but there’s a reason, and it’s kind of ‘us’. My birthday is really close to Valentine’s Day, and Chinese New Year always falls around late January to mid-February. By that time of year, we’re usually running on empty—exhausted from all the celebrations and, honestly, a little worn out from the endless food and drinks. So we decided to choose a month that isn’t our anniversary, isn’t a birthday, and isn’t tied to any major celebrations. That way, we can slow down and actually feel each other’s love—without the rush, without the noise, without everything feeling hectic. We usually pick a beautiful bottle of wine at a new restaurant, and we just hold hands during dinner. It’s not a formal ritual… but it’s absolutely an “us” thing.
P.S. Martin is so much better at remembering this day than I am. Which is exactly how I know he’s a keeper. He always goes out of his way to make sure I feel loved—no matter where we are.
LOCATION Castello Xirumi, @castelloxirumi BRIDE Erin, @erinteresaaa GROOM Martin, @lauiowai PHOTOGRAPHER Nunzio Bruno, @nunziobruno_wedding VIDEOGRAPHER Angelo Bruno, @angelobruno_vdo CONTENT CREATOR Carmen Di Prima, @carmendiprima PLANNER Varese Wedding, @varese_wedding FLORIST Mary Fiori, @mary_fiori_ STYLIST Sunyizi, @sunyizi313 ENTERTAINMENT Madagascar Eventi, @madagascareventi CATERING & CAKE Squiseating, @squiseating RINGS Custom Made in Hong Kong BRIDE’S OUTFIT Ceremony – Aziel – Rosa Clará, @rosa_clara; Lola Corset – Divine Atelier, @divineatelier; Skirt with Train in off white – Monêtre, @monetre.official; Alice Sequin Dress – Retrofête, @retrofete BRIDE’S SHOES Ceremony – SERAFINA 5 Inch Open Toe Platform Block Heel Sandals – Bella Belle, @bellabelleshoes; Reception/Party – Platform sneakers BRIDE’S FRAGRANCE La Baguette Eau de Parfum – FENDI, @fendi GROOM’S SUITS Piacenza 330gr Virgin Wool Celebration Selection White Jacket & Dugdale Bros & Co. Formalwear selection black tuxedo 100%Wool 400gr – Dynasty Tailor, @dynasty_cwb
