Celebrating Culture Through the Paebaek Ceremony
One of the coolest parts of photographing weddings is getting to capture special cultural traditions—and the Korean Paebaek ceremony is always one of our favorites. We recently had the chance to document this heartfelt moment during a gorgeous wedding at Chateau Nouvelle in Houston, and it was just as fun and meaningful as it was beautiful. The Paebaek is a traditional Korean wedding ritual that honors the parents and celebrates the couple’s future together. The bride and groom wore vibrant hanbok (traditional Korean clothing), and the whole setup was so colorful and full of joy—it honestly felt like we were photographing a piece of art.
A Mix of Laughter, Love, and Legacy
One of the best moments? The chestnut and date toss. The groom’s parents tossed nuts into the bride’s hanbok skirt, and everyone cheered as she tried to catch them! It’s believed the number of nuts she catches represents how many kids the couple might have. It was lighthearted, sweet, and full of laughter—a perfect mix of fun and tradition. Chateau Nouvelle was the perfect venue for it all. With its elegant vibe and spacious layout, it was easy to blend this traditional Korean ceremony with a luxury wedding feel. The contrast between the hanbok’s vibrant colors and the venue’s sophisticated architecture made for some seriously stunning photos.
Vendors: Venue: Chateau Nouvelle; Wedding Planner - Finishing Touch Events; Cake - Supreme Kakes; Decor - Decor by Dulce; Caterer - LaRue Catering; DJ - EC Entertainment; Florist - The Tallest Tulip; HAMU & Wedding Gown - Glam by Nanie; Videographer - Caleb Nimmons Studio
Planning a Culturally Rich Wedding in Houston?
Whether you’re including a Paebaek ceremony, another cultural tradition, or blending multiple heritages, we’d be honored to document it all. Reach out today to see if your date is available—we’d love to capture the beauty and meaning of your celebration!