EMBRACE

Growing up in the Midwest, I was always the token Asian. Of course kids made fun of me for my slanted eyes, yellow skin and imperfect English. Many times I wished I was different. But in the end, I came to embrace my "Asian-ness". Because after all, the world is a colorful place.

Recently my Chinese friend got married in our hometown of Shanghai. Her wedding pictures were full of traditional Asian themes. Her and her American husband wore Chinese Qi Paos; The banquet was decorated with double happiness lanterns; and they toasted with plum wine instead of Champagne.

Many modern day marriages are multiracial. While we all love big churches and cream-colored dresses, a little touch here and there to represent the bride or the groom's racial background is just touching.

Not only does it show us that you are proud of and embrace your culture, it represents the beauty of different people coming together. Plus, all the happy colors from different cultures create the most dazzling pictures.

Photo Credit: http://www.uniquebridal.com/