Hong Kong actor Yau Yung-tin, known for his role as the trainee solicitor “Tony boy” in the television drama The Invisibles, married his fiancée Winnie Fu Tian-yan in a lavish ceremony at The Ritz-Carlton, following a highly publicized engagement and traditional betrothal rituals held earlier this autumn. The nuptials saw the convergence of traditional customs and modern celebration, attended by numerous industry figures and close family.
The formal wedding celebration was the culmination of preparations that began in early October when Yung-tin publicly announced his successful proposal to Winnie. A significant milestone, the guo da li, or traditional Chinese betrothal ceremony, took place at the end of October. This key event involved the presentation of luxurious gifts to the bride’s family, including premium dried seafood like abalone, sea cucumber, shark fin, and delicacies such as heart-shaped fish maw steaks. Additionally, the gifts included eight pairs of gold dragon and phoenix bangles, along with gold chains and diamond jewelry, signaling the groom’s respect and commitment, and reportedly receiving high praise from his future in-laws.
The wedding day commenced with the customary Chinese gate-crashing game and tea ceremony. The groom, accompanied by his groomsmen, including fellow actors Alan Chow and Ken Chan, successfully retrieved the bride. For the morning rituals, Yung-tin wore an embroidered dark blue gold dragon magua (a traditional Chinese jacket). Winnie, the bride, made a stunning entrance in a pink and gold “King’s Quun Kwa” gown, heavily embroidered with dragons and phoenixes, complemented by a substantial ensemble of gold jewelry, notably a colossal “meteor hammer” styled dragon and phoenix bangle.
The formal wedding and evening banquet were hosted at the luxurious hotel, featuring 23 tables of guests. The event brought together many of the couple’s friends from the entertainment industry, both in front of and behind the cameras. A striking element of the reception was the newlywed’s entrance: instead of a conventional walk-in, the couple and the entire bridal party made a high-energy entrance through a choreographed dance sequence. Groomsman Ken Chan was credited with dedicating two weeks to teaching the group the routine, resulting in a successful and lively performance.
During his heartfelt speech at the banquet, Yung-tin shared a personal and poignant reflection. He revealed that his father had recently suffered two strokes within a few months, emphasizing the fragility of health and the importance of treasuring the present moment as his father continues his recovery. He concluded his address by extending well wishes for good health and happiness to all their guests.
The wedding ceremony, with its blend of cultural adherence, contemporary flair, and emotional vulnerability, serves as a testament to the enduring significance of tradition within modern Hong Kong celebrity culture, while underlining the universal lessons of cherishing family and health. The couple is expected to balance their professional careers with their new life together.
