With tradition and individuality at play, the happy couple’s traditional Chinese engagement ceremony was as meaningful as it was visually stunning.
By Franchesca L. Tuazon
Under the captivating skies of Lijiang, China, digital creator Jaz Reyes and filmmaker Miguel Sotto celebrated a Ting Hun, or a traditional Chinese engagement ceremony, that seamlessly blended tradition, personal meaning and aesthetic beauty. With the majestic Jade Dragon Snow Mountain as backdrop, the event honored the Chinese engagement traditions central to their heritage while adding modern touches reflective of their love story.
“I realized the most important and cherished aspect of a Ting Hun is being able to formally introduce your significant other to their family and officially calling them family,” Jaz said. “Initially, I was nervous but through the four-day journey, I only heard nothing but amazement and kindness shown on both sides.”
Miguel shared the same sentiment. “Honestly, as a pure Filipino, I am deeply honored to have been accepted into experiencing this beautiful tradition. I found it quite fascinating and beautiful. I now appreciate it very much.”
Jaz and Miguel in Lijiang, China for their Ting Hun ceremony.
These two creative visionaries in their field made sure that every detail of their Ting Hun was perfect. Miguel is a photographer and filmmaker who creates corporate and commercial content. While Jaz is a producer and host whose award-winning thesis film was featured at Cannes and the Canada International Film Festival.
The Ting Hun was marked by meaningful rituals steeped in symbolism. Sharing a cup of tea with their parents symbolized unity and respect. While the couple’s entrance, with them walking backwards, was one of the most beautiful aspects of the ceremony for Miguel.
“To me, it symbolized Jaz making her way towards a future that she could not see yet, but someone who has been there will make sure she arrives at her destination,” he said.
For Jaz, the experience was also about connection. “I wanted the feeling and presence of those near and dear to us to witness and support us wholeheartedly. Because this celebration of the Ting Hun is something me and my fiancé can look back on with fondness; a memory where it can give us strength when times are tough.”
The couple’s choice of attire reflected this balance of tradition and individuality. Jaz’s cheongsam, custom-made by Putri Mudita, featured intricate embroidery representing her life milestones, while Miguel wore a classic tangzhuang designed with sleek modern details. “Embroidering memories truly made this one of my most cherished pieces of clothing in my closet. I can look at it and rewear it with fondness, [recalling] such a special time in my life,” Jaz said on her social media post.
While the details of the event were exquisite, Jaz emphasized that the Ting Hun wasn’t about grandeur. “Knowing that our union is not only accepted but celebrated can give us the power to overcome challenges we have yet to face — we can look unto these people to lean on and find support.”
Friends and family of the couple in their stunning Ting Hun looks.
Through their Ting Hun, Jaz and Miguel demonstrated how cultural traditions can be reimagined for modern couples, making their love story a timeless case of heritage and heartfelt expression.
