Inside“ 90 Day Fiancé” Stars Josh and Lily's 'Dreamy and Romantic' Wedding in China Inspired by Tang Dynasty (Exclusive)
The couple, who appears in season 6 of the TLC series, invited 30 loved ones to witness their nuptials in a regal, castle-like setting in Hangzhou on Jan. 26
The couple, who appears in season 6 of the TLC series, invited 30 loved ones to witness their nuptials in a regal, castle-like setting in Hangzhou on Jan. 26
90 Day Fiancé: The Other Way stars Josh McGuffey and Lily Huang said “I do” — and they took their loved ones on “a dreamy journey through ancient China” on their wedding day.
The couple — who appears in season 6 of the TLC reality series — married earlier this year on Jan. 26 in Huang’s native China at the GALLERIA Pink Castle Wedding Art Center in Hangzhou. Their glamorous nuptials were featured on the show’s latest episode on Monday, Nov. 11.
Huang and McGuffey welcomed 30 close family members and friends to the celebration, which “recreated the wedding ceremonies of the prosperous Tang dynasty,” they tell PEOPLE.
“Lily is dreamy and romantic, so in addition to keeping everything traditional, she wanted beauty to be infused in everything,” McGuffey says.
Inspired by China’s golden age, they highlighted the color red — considered a symbol of good luck — throughout the décor. There were also dragon and phoenix designs surrounding the ceiling, adding to “the mythical, traditional Chinese atmosphere.”
“These elements allowed the wedding guests to truly experience a dreamy journey through ancient China that spans thousands of years,” Huang notes.
Their castle-like wedding venue provided the perfect backdrop for their regal theme. ”It felt like we were having a wedding in the clouds because of the romantic and elevated design of the venue,” Huang says.
The couple also incorporated several Chinese traditions into their wedding ceremony. During their vow exchange, they bowed to each other “as an act of mutual respect.”
“We also knotted our hair together as a symbol that we are bound to each other for life, and interlinked our arms as we sipped wine,” McGuffey adds, noting it was not only a celebration of their love but a promise to each other that they will enjoy “the sweet moments of life” together.
The bride and groom wore wedding attire which replicated the royal clothing worn by princesses and princes for their weddings during the Tang dynasty. Huang walked down the aisle to traditional Chinese music, paired with ceremonial drums.
Following the ceremony, the newlyweds and their guests enjoyed a meal featuring an array of Chinese food with an emphasis on fish dishes. “Fish signifies new beginnings, abundance, prosperity and luck in China,” Huang notes.
Reflecting on their magical wedding day, the couple tells PEOPLE it was “truly a dream come true.”
“We are so lucky to have had good friends and family there to celebrate our love with us,” says McGuffey, whose brother Jarod traveled from the U.S. to attend the wedding. “We were so excited to hold each other’s hands and put our love on display.”
For Huang, it was the first time she had the opportunity to introduce her now-husband to many of her family and friends in China.
Now, the couple — who met on a language learning app — is looking forward to “growing old as partners” together. “I am also so happy that I now have a protector in Josh,” Huang adds.
They plan to take a honeymoon cruise before building their life together in Hangzhou. McGuffey, who is from South Carolina, quit his job to make the big move to China, where Huang is a successful businesswoman.
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90 Day Fiancé: The Other Way airs on Mondays at 8 p.m. ET/PT on TLC and streams on Max.