Right royal dream wedding
In the former British Concession, the architecture of the Ritz-Carlton in Tianjin pays tribute to the history of the area, providing the right backdrop for a Western royal wedding. Photos provided to China Daily |
It's everything a girl will want for the happiest day in her life - a horse-drawn carriage, a banquet in a palatial garden, and a ritzy banquet in a magnificent ballroom. Zhang Zhao reports from Tianjin.
Cinderella and her Prince Charming, Prince William and his blushing bride Kate they all had what every couple wish for - the dream wedding with a castle, a parade in a golden carriage complete with liveried footmen and cheering well-wishers, and a glittering banquet in a palatial hall.
For those who dream, their wishes may well come true now, with the opening of the Ritz-Carlton Tianjin, which is branding itself the "wedding hotel", according to Vincent Billiard, the general manager.
Right in the heart of the business district where the old British Concession was, the hotel's architecture pays tribute to the history of the area, and is built like a British palace, with hints of Kensington and Buckingham.
The dark red facade is certainly palatial and the signature Rolls-Royces in front sets the tone immediately.
But the selling point of The Ritz-Carlton in Tianjin is its Wedding Salon, a one-stop shop offering detailed planning and tailor-made luxury for that once in a lifetime experience.
In fact, one day after its official opening, the first wedding was held on Oct 19, in the afternoon, following the local custom.
After arriving in the Rolls-Royce limousine the hotel sent to welcome them, the bride and groom got into a horse-drawn carriage for a parade around the castle-like hotel's driveway, a highlight of the wedding package.
The carriage was specially made to order in a factory in Henan province and is a replica of the one used in the wedding of Prince William two years ago. But the Ritz-Carlton added some new gadgets, including hidden speakers and a pair of stands to hold champagne goblets for the newlyweds.
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