Wedding belles by the beach on Sanya

Where else in China can you get married on the beach with the tropical sun shining down on you? This is the dream wedding with style, romance and atmosphere. In fact, it is everything a beach wedding should be, and it's all part of the bridal show put on at the beachside lawn of the Kempinski Hotel Haitang Bay Sanya, a 2 billion yuan ($323 million) investment by the group and its first and only beach resort in China.

Centered on a theme of luxury with "the art of happiness", the three-day event from June 17 in Sanya introduces young couples to the possibilities.

"The moment reminds me of the first time I met my girlfriend at Liaoning University in 2006," says Pasha, a Russian who has lived in China for seven years. He says he loves the Western-style ceremony intermingled with traditional Chinese aesthetics.

"Everything is perfectly created to look as if it was part of nature - the church design, the marriage vows, the white and gold color scheme, the flowers, the music," says Pasha.

William Latour, general manager of the hotel, says the bridal show is to "create and share experience."

"The beach, the Venetian-style river, and the natural environment are all made for weddings, and our venues make the moment even more exceptional," says Latour, adding that the hotel intends to become a popular wedding destination in Sanya.

"We will offer tailor-made wedding services to cater to a more diverse market by developing venues like Vienna Grand Ballroom, villa and lighthouse," Latour adds.

Jack Widagdo, director of sales and marketing, says weddings are more than just a big feast or ceremony. It is more of a holistic experience.

"The concept starts from the exquisite interior design, to the Italian furniture to the panoramic ocean views, to the incredible oysters and seafood in our buffet," says Widagdo.

Other exclusives include the Las Vegas-themed bachelor party at the private five-bedroom pool villa, mini golf on the 18-hole putting greens and a masquerade ball after the ceremony.

There is also a mix of cultural elements for guests who prefer a more Chinese ambience.

wangjinhui@chinadaily.com.cn

(China Daily 06/22/2013 page13)