Do you believe in true love? We do! Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and we’d like to share a few love stories from couples right here in Beijing. Forget the fairy tales of princesses being rescued from castles, here’s what love in the real world looks like.

We asked couples to share their stories and to give a piece of advice for how to keep relationships alive and thriving year after year. Today, let’s meet Camilla Kongshavn Jovanovic and Dimitrije Jovanovic.

Can you tell us a bit about you and your partner?

Camilla is from Norway/Thailand and Dimitrije is from Serbia. Camilla has been in China for the past 11 years and is a mother and an entrepreneur. Dimitrije has been in Beijing for nine years and is currently a PE teacher and developer at the Tsinghua International School.

How did you meet and who made the first move?

We met in a shared apartment. Camilla moved in with a friend of Dimitrije’s temporarily and Dimitrije was one of her roommates. He made the “first” move.

How did you know he/she was the one?

Dimitrije: She did not judge me for what I had, who I was, or where/how I lived at the time. I lived very simply in an old shared apartment, and that commonly put most women off of the thoughts of any serious relationship, or relationship at all for that matter, as it doesn’t scream wealth and success. After we connected it was just me she saw, nothing else, and that was unique to me, particularly because our backgrounds are so different. We didn’t have much growing up, and she had everything and more. She was very open and honest since day one and held nothing back. I also realized how easy it was to spend time with her, and how little it took to make each other happy and content. She truly just enjoyed my company and presence no matter what we did, which was mutual, and that made me realize she could make any day enjoyable.

Camilla: Combining what he mentioned, plus everything he gave away and did to simply be together with me was beyond anything I had ever experienced. He was willing and ready to give his whole life if he had to. He’s a man of his word, the most loving and dedicated.

What do you love the most about your partner?

For Dimitrije, it’s Camilla’s honest heart. For Camilla, it’s how much Dimitrije cares about his family.

Is there something that you can’t stand about your partner? How do you handle it?

There’s nothing that we can’t stand about each other. There are certain things of course we both need to work on to further strengthen our relationship, but we solve them through talk and by compromising.

What’s the most valuable piece of relationship advice all couples should know?

Trust each other unconditionally, speak up if something feels wrong, compromise – you’ve got to give a lot of yourself to reach a certain level of harmony, let go of the small stuff, support each other, show interest and love towards each other on a regular basis, speak to each other with respect and goodwill, and provide your partner with space if you see space is needed. Quality time is important – somehow get that into the hectic schedule.

Images: Camilla Kongshavn Jovanovic

We hosted our first Thanksgiving dinner celebration as a family last night and it was a blast! The food was delicious, the company excellent, and the drinks sparkling (the Prosecco was my favorite though the red wine that fellow editor Julie Wolf recommended here impressed my husband most). Yet the success of this year’s Thanksgiving actually started 48 hours before the dinner itself, when I joined my husband in the kitchen to help him prepare and cook.

You see, my husband loves celebrating all the American holidays the traditional way – with food. This means we break out the barbecue grill on Jul 4, purchase heaps of full-size candy bars for Halloween (more of which ends up in our hands than the trick or treaters’), and prepare the works for Thanksgiving. Just take a look at our menu last night to get an idea:

This was my husband’s menu for our family of three, and year after year since we have been married, he has prepared and cooked this meal almost entirely by himself. Wait a second, you’re probably asking, by himself? What am I, his spouse and life partner, doing?! Well, I kind of took it upon myself to just sit with the kid and keep him out of the kitchen. In my defense, I have tried to help before, but have either been rejected outright or been chased out of the kitchen before I could properly contribute. My husband is a man with high expectations, and in his kitchen, you don’t get to stand around with your hands on your hips waiting for step-by-step instructions. Much like Yoda, he believes, “Do or do not, there is no try.”

But this year, we were backed into a corner by time. Because of an issue about the kitchen cleanliness, my husband took it upon himself to scrub the counters until they were sparkling white before he began his food preparation, which led to a big time crunch. Sensing his frustration and mounting anxiety, I jumped in to help and this time, he didn’t say no. Don’t worry I still didn’t lay a hand on the actual cooking; I simply prepped the food and cleaned up whatever he dumped in the sink. But I did it mostly by instinct, accurately anticipating that if apples were on the countertop, they needed to be washed and cut. Before I knew it, we had gotten into a flow in the kitchen – he would ask for something, and I would get it straightaway. This came as close to the idyllic picture of husband and wife cooking together happily in the kitchen as we have ever gotten.

After almost eight years, I felt like my husband had finally accepted my help, and that my help was worthy. Later on, when I asked him what changed this year, he said that “I was much more motivated to help and didn’t just stand in the kitchen like a deer in the headlights”. Instead of being offended, I’m taking it in stride and hearing “You’re getting better at this cooking thing!” which motivates me to keep working at it. Cheers to that!

And here’s another fun part about cooking – sharing recipes! Here’s ours for good Ol’ Fashioned Apple Pie

INGREDIENTS

* Pie dough for top and bottom 9-inch pie, chilled
* 4 to 4 1/2 pounds (2kg) Granny Smith apples
* 1/2 cup (100 grams) light or dark brown sugar
* 1/2 cup (100 grams) granulated sugar
* 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
* 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
* 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
* 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
* 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
* 2 tablespoons cornstarch
* 1 tablespoon butter
* 1 egg

DIRECTIONS

* FOR APPLE FILLING
* Peel, and then cut the apples in half. Remove the cores, and then slice apple halves into thin slices, about 1/4-inch thick. Place the apple slices into a very large bowl.
Scatter both sugars, salt, and spices over the apples, and then use your hands to toss them, coating the apple slices as much as possible. Set aside for 1 hour at room temperature.
* PREPARE PIE CRUST
* Roll out the first half of pie dough on a lightly-floured work surface. To prevent the dough from sticking and to ensure uniform thickness, roll from the center of the dough outwards and keep lifting up and turning the dough a quarter turn as you roll. Check for the correct size by inverting the pie dish over the dough. The dough should be about 1 1/2 to 2 inches larger than the dish.
Being careful not to stretch it, place the dough into the pie dish, and then trim overhanging dough to within 3/4-inch of the edge of the dish. Refrigerate while you make the pie filling.
Roll out the second half of dough to a similar size as before and transfer it to a large parchment-lined baking sheet. Keep this in the refrigerator until needed.
* PREPARE OVEN
* Position an oven rack towards the center of the oven, and then heat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200C).
* ASSEMBLE PIE
* Toss cornstarch (or tapioca) with the apples. Transfer most (if not all) of the apples into the prepared bottom crust, using your hands to really pack them down into the pie. Fill the pie until apples are mounded at the same height as the edge of the pie crust. If you have too many apples, save them (see notes).
Pour the juices that have accumulated at the bottom of the bowl over the apples. (If it looks like there’s more than 3/4 to 1 cup of liquid, you might want to leave some behind, see notes below). Cut a tablespoon of butter into 8 or so small pieces and dot them over the pie.
For a double crust pie, place the second pie dough round over the filling or cut it into strips and lattice the top. If you are not adding a lattice crust and instead are adding the top crust in one piece, use a sharp knife to cut a few slits in the top of the crust to allow steam to vent.
Trim excess dough from the top crust or lattice strips, and then fold the overhang underneath itself, forming a thick rim. Press it together or crimp it with your fingers (or use a fork).
Whisk the egg with a tablespoon of water, and then use as an egg wash by lightly brushing the top crust. This adds shine and helps the crust brown.
* BAKE PIE
* Place the prepared pie onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper (this can be the same lined baking sheet used for chilling the top crust). Bake the pie for about 75 minutes, turning a few times for even browning.
If you notice that the pie crust is browning too quickly, mold a large piece of foil over a bowl that’s been placed upside down to make a foil dome. Place the foil dome over the pie for the remaining bake time. This will slow the browning.
Apple pie is done when the juices are bubbling through the vents of the top crust or lattice. If you do not see bubbles, the pie needs more time. Another way to check for doneness is to use an internal thermometer. Pierce the pie in the middle then test the temperature. The pie is done when it reads 195 degrees Fahrenheit (90C). Piercing the pie is also a nice indication of how soft the apples are. If they feel too crunchy, the pie needs more time.
* SERVING
* Be sure to cool the pie, without slicing into it, for at least 1 hour, preferably longer. Keep in mind that the pie filling does not fully thicken until it is completely cooled. So, for the absolute best results, cool the pie to room temperature, and then place it into the refrigerator for an hour or two.
Waiting to cut into the pie until cool will prevent a soggy slice.

KEEP READING: Coaching is the New Therapy for Anyone and Everyone

Images: Vivienne Tseng-Rush, Pexels

Date night is one of those essentials that’ll keep a relationship strong and grounded. No matter how much you love your kids, it’s important to carve out some time just for your spouse.

This week’s date night deal is in celebration of Maison Flo’s 20th anniversary on November 20. Beijing’s classic French fine dining establishment is celebrating two decades of excellence with an 11-course dinner that’s usually priced at RMB 1,636 at the whopping discounted price of RMB 998.

Seats for their 20th anniversary night are limited and they highly recommend their guests to make their booking in advance.

Anniversary Menu

Assortments of Bread ǀ Seasonal Canapés
Seafood
4 pieces of Fine de Claire Oysters ǀ 2 pieces of Pacific Scallops
or
Charcuterie
5J Iberico Ham ǀ Chorizo ǀ Pork Pâté ǀ Saucisson
Add on RMB 168 to enjoy both dishes
&
Salad
Arugula Salad ǀ Mango ǀ Mandarin Orange ǀ Shrimp ǀ Avocado ǀ Yuzu & Apple Vinaigrette Dressing
_________________________________
Foie Gras
Foie Gras Terrine ǀ Raspberry Jelly ǀ Hawthorn Purée ǀ Caramelized Hazelnut ǀ Fig Bread
or
“Rougié” Pan Seared Foie Gras ǀ Chestnut ǀ Pumpkin Cream ǀ Orange Oil
&
Scallop
Seared Pacific Scallop ǀ Mushroom & Kale ǀ Langoustine Butter Emulsion
or
Escargots
Escargots ǀ Herbs Isigny Butter ǀ Pastis
_____________________________________________
Seafood Soup
French Seafood Soup ǀ Fennel ǀ Aioli ǀ Comté Cheese
or
Mushroom Soup
Mushroom Soup ǀ Marinated Wild Mushroom ǀ Truffle Cream
________________________________________________
Wagyu Beef
Australian M3+ Wagyu Beef Rib-Eye ǀ Foie Gras ǀ Black Pepper Sauce
&
Cod Fish
Slowed Cook Cod ǀ Celeriac Cream ǀ Tarragon & Corn Sauce ǀ Corn Powder
Seasonal Vegetables
Upgrade RMB 188 for Lobster Thermidor Pasta
__________________________________________________

Chocolate
Marble Chocolate Fondant ǀ Raspberry Jelly ǀ Vanilla Ice Cream
&
Coconut
Orange Mousse ǀ Lemon Jelly ǀ Yogurt Sorbet ǀ Coconut Biscuit

Assortments of Mignardise and Chocolate

Maison Flo – November 20 from 5:30 – 11pm
RMB 998 per person + 10 percent service charge
18 Xiaoyun Lu, Chaoyang District, 朝阳区霄云路18号, 6595 5135, www.flo.cn

Photo: Provided by Maison Flo, TripAdvisor, unsplash

Ditch the sofa and Netflix for a night, in exchange for enjoying everyone’s favorite pastime while supporting charity! It’s a couples’ movie and food fest in aid of a local charity, Wings of Hope.

It’s the winter season, and date nights can seriously wither into obscurity in favor of a comfy onesie, a hunt for the next best mini TV series, and a bowl of microwave popcorn! But fortunately, you can be saved from the abyss that is mediocre evenings in front of the box, by a more fun and exciting viewing experience that pays – not you, but those in need.

Why not enjoy a couples’ movie night at the awesome bar and family restaurant, Fella’s. Come prepared (not in your onesie) with your date to share a two-course meal with drink. Couples can opt for either a chicken or vegetarian meal, and their choice of libation! The movie of choice is Game Night, starring Jason Bateman and Rachel McAdams, whose game night hilariously transforms into a real-life mystery after one them is kidnapped in an apparent burglary. Sounds fun? Of course it will be!

This event is the first of its kind and if all goes well, could be a regular go-to for date night lovers needing an excuse to wrestle themselves away from anti-climatic and, let’s be honest, unexceptional move nights in. Proceeds will go toward supporting young children suffering from cancer. To register, scan the QR code below. Attendance will be capped at 30, and if you want to join you must sign up by January 21.

Movie Date Night at Fella’s, Jan 26
Adults. RMB 350. January 26. Fella’s Restaurant and Bar, 8 Laiguangying Dong Lu, Chaoyang District (info@fellasbeijing.cn) 来广营东路8号，北京朝阳区

Marrying a person from a different nationality comes with many advantages – you get to discover their country as a local, face some unexpected challenges that hopefully make you grow as a person, and taste so much good food.

However, coming from two different cultures can also have an effect of the power dynamic in a relationship, especially if the two are you are not living in a third-culture country. When you and your partner live in a country where neither of you understand the law of the land, it becomes about figuring life out together. However, when you live in your partner’s country, it is very easy to become dependent on them to various extents.

I always liked to think of myself as a very independent person and asking my husband for help too often makes me feel bad. However, I have recently discovered an unpleasant truth about myself: without noticing, I have become incredibly dependent on my Chinese husband when dealing with life in China.

How on earth did this happen? It is of course understandable that a foreign partner who doesn’t speak the local language would need a lot of help in daily life from their local spouse. That being said, for me personally there is no reason whatsoever to be as dependent as I am on him when it comes to things like paying bills, ordering takeout and deliveries, or calling in to make a reservation. The problem is not language; I speak Chinese well enough to be able to do all of these things, so why is it that he takes on a disproportionate amount of the little daily tasks that involve Chinese?

A Question of Local Knowledge or Security?

One part of it, I like to convince myself, is the fact that he is the king of finding deals; so when it comes to ordering food or groceries, he’ll always have snagged some voucher or other from the depths of the internet. Consequently, if I order or buy anything online and end up paying more, he will actually complain about the 5 kuai I just wasted.

Yet, then again there are the many other small tasks that don’t involve saving money that I seem quite eager to delegate to him without much thought. It’s almost like there’s an assumption in the relationship that because an interaction happens in his language, it’s simply easier for him to take care of these responsibilities, even though I could manage fine on my own.

Is it laziness or is it insecurity? I do admit to sometimes worrying about whether I will understand what the person on the phone is on about. Often if someone calls me and I don’t get their meaning right away, I will just chuck my phone at my husband like a hot potato rather than stick it out and try to figure it out on my own. In these circumstances it is simply the fact that there is an easier option – him. When I need to take care of bills or official documentation, there is always an underlying worry that I will tick the wrong box or misunderstand some vital information and therefore mess it all up. So I reckon it’s a laziness born out of insecurity. Why even risk it, when having your local husband take care of it is just so much easier.

Power Dynamics

I cannot help but wonder what my dependence on him does to our relationship dynamic. I have to admit that he has never complained about the fact that I rely on him in many things, and even if he is away he will eagerly order groceries from his special savings site for me. It sometimes feels like he almost enjoys being needed this way. After all, helpless female is something that is generally considered “cute” and “attractive” in China. But still, I cannot help but imagine that if it were the other way around I might get a bit tired of constantly having to nanny my partner, when they really are capable of doing something on their own.

Finally, my reliance also means that as soon as the husband isn’t around, I once again go through a process of having to get used to doing everything on my own, while at the same time realizing how much I have come to rely on him for the little chores. For someone who enjoys feeling independent, this is not a very pleasant revelation. But rather than being depressed about my battered ego, I tend to think that my husband’s absences are now proving a good exercise. Having to deal with all these small nuisances reminds me that I can actually do many things in China on my own. I might not save those 5 kuai in the end, but I definitely won’t starve either.

Photo: Tina Franklin (Flickr)

If there is one thing I have learned living in Beijing it is the undeniable scientific fact that the law of attraction is alive and well. I realized this early on in my research in expat living when we first moved to China a decade ago. No matter if I am shopping, just walking around, or even at home, women practically fall over themselves because of my fiendishly good looks.

Take the simple act of shopping. Pushing my shopping cart down an aisle, I noticed women will follow me from one end of the aisle to the other, almost as if they are desperate to help me locate what I need. Sometimes they even make helpful suggestions about products I might like to purchase. No sooner do I leave one star-struck woman behind and turn the corner on another aisle, than I will encounter another woman equally drawn to me. Undaunted by my poor Chinese language skills, they barrage me with words, no doubt expressing their admiration for my chiseled beauty.

This flattering attention is even unearthed in uncommon places like Tiananmen Square. Many a time I have noticed the stares of women (and appreciative men) as they admire my foreign stride. Some even point, seemingly at the center of my face, expressing their admiration for my “big” good looks. I suspect as much as I can make out the Chinese word da from time to time. Occasionally, a few will even ask to take a picture with me – no doubt mistaking me for Brad Pitt or Leonardo. I get that a lot.

All of this attention, however, pales in comparison to the extremes that some women in Beijing will go to in order to display their attraction to me. Several times a week, when I come home I will find little notes tucked into my door handle from women who I can only surmise are so smitten by my handsomeness that they have printed their phone numbers out in order that I might actually call them for some intercultural interaction. Often they have even included pictures of themselves on the back. It is like a real life variation of Match.com or eHarmony.  except they do not provide much information about their hobbies or interests. Despite this, I have gathered that some of them like to take long showers or enjoy going to the beach as they often pose in the shower or wearing only swimsuits.

Clearly these well-intentioned young women are unaware that I am a husband and father of three children. Still I cannot fault them; after all, we are all bound by the law of foreign attraction.

Photo: Bernat (Flickr)

Often referred to as Chinese Valentine’s Day, Qixi falls on the seventh day of the seventh month in the Chinese lunar calendar, making it August 2 this year. The traditional festival celebrates the once-per-year meeting of the weaver girl and the cowherd in Chinese mythology, whose forbidden love had them banished to opposite sides of the sky. Read more about the myth here.

Luckily for lazy lovebirds, Qixi falls on a Saturday this year, so there is no excuse not to treat your significant other to a second Valentine’s blow out. Here are our pick of events around town (all events fall on August 2 unless otherwise stated).

Chinese Valentine’s Day Celebration
Indulge in an international dinner buffet featuring seafood and salads from Greece, Thailand and Germany. Finish up with a selection of romantic, pink-themed desserts. RMB 498+ per person. 5.30pm.Greenfish Restaurant (6629 6990).

Chinese Valentine’s Day at Mutianyu
The Brickyard’s great value Qixi package includes private transfers to/from Beijing, a stay in a superior Great Wall view queen room, a bottle of Prosecco, breakfast for two, and two 60 minute Chinese massages. RMB 2,488 per couple.Brickyard Eco-Retreat (6162 6506).

Double 7 Valentine’s Day
Celebrate Qixi, Spanish-style, at Agua. Daytime diners can choose the infinity brunch, while evening visitors have the option of a special set menu for couples. Both will be showered with special Chinese Valentine’s Day gifts. RMB 980 per couple. 6pm. Agua (5208 6188).

"Be my Valentine" Staycation
Want a romantic getaway but don’t have time to leave the city? Head over to Xicheng, where the DoubleTree is offering a staycation package including a five course Chinese meal and breakfast for two. RMB 1,088 per couple. DoubleTree by Hilton (6338 1999 ext 1628).

Italian Romance
Set the mood for romance with a special five course menu of classic Italian dishes created by Barolo’s Chef de Cuisine Eugenio, complemented by a welcome drink of rosé Champagne. Add an optional wine pairing for RMB 398 per person. RMB 2,288 per couple. 6pm. Barolo (5908 8151).

L’Amour Français
The French know how to do romance, so what better way to say “je t’aime” than with a cosy French meal. If you’d rather toast the occasion with a drink, the bar will have a menu of champagne cocktails for RMB 50 all night. RMB 388 per couple. 6pm. Cafe de la Poste (6402 7047).

Inspired by Great Love at Modo
Based on Modo Urban Deli’s motto “Inspired by Great Produce”, on Qixi the menu is “Inspired by Great Love”. Sample a four course menu of dishes such as beef tenderloin and Nutella crème brûlée. RMB 198 per person. All Day. Modo Urban Deli (6415 7207).

Pink Sparkling and Bubbly Afternoons
They say champagne is an aphrodisiac. Get in the mood at Fez Bar, where Sundays equal buy-one-get-one-free bottles of Pierre Chainier pink sparkling or Parxet Cuvée 21 Cava. RMB 398. 3pm-6pm. Fez Bar (5208 6188).

A Fine Romance
The fastest way to a person’s heart is through their stomach. Treat that special someone to a Cantonese feast at Huang Ting, featuring romance-inducing dishes such as chicken with goji berries. RMB 598 per couple. 6pm. Huang Ting (6510 6707).

Indulge at One East
Celebrate romance at One East restaurant where they are offering up a three-course set dinner. They have set aside a special couples table and if you are lucky enough to snag it, you will be treated to dinner and an overnight stay in a Hilton deluxe room. RMB 596 per couple. 6pm.One East (5865 5030).

Magnifique Romance
Add a little French romance to your Qixi at VIC. Indulge in a French-inspired dinner buffet, complemented by free-flow soft drinks and French wines. Couples will receive gifts including teddy bears, roses and chocolates, and will have the chance to wine a one night stay in a luxury room (including breakfast). RMB 520. 6pm. VIC (8599 6666).

Chinese Valentine’s Day at Capital M
The night of August 2 heralds “Chinese Valentine’s Day”, or Qixi, and Capital M are celebrating with their most romantic menu in one of the city’s most romantic settings, beginning with Champagne & canapés. RMB 888 per couple. 6pm. Capital M (6702 2727).

Chinese Valentine’s Day Set Menu
Flamme is offering a good value set menu filled with romantic touches such as strawberry butter, smoked salmon mousse and heart-shaped pastry. Sample two Valentine’s cocktails – the Almond Old Fashioned and the True Love – for RMB 99. RMB 699 per couple. 11am onwards.Flamme (6417 8608).

This post first appeared on thebeijinger.com on July 27, 2014.

Photo: Courtesy of Ritz-Carlton

Valentine’s Day may have already come and gone, but we think there’s still room for romance. For the first time ever, beijingkids is turning the lens on parents – specifically, life as a couple.

Hire a babysitter and pick an activity for two from our list of 50 date suggestions, including restaurants, bars, cooking classes, spas, weekend getaways, sports, and more. Life isn’t always smooth sailing, so we also have a feature on couples counseling and how to maintain a strong relationship abroad.

Are you intimidated by the idea of sending your child to a Chinese school? Don’t be, say two moms in our feature about foreign kids in local schools. They offer insight on the workload, language barriers, cost, and process of signing up for an all-Chinese school. Also in Learning, Art Consultant Jonathan Boehm of Imagine Gallery speaks to students from Beijing City International School about identifying a quality piece of art and matching pieces with exhibitions.  

Have you ridden Line 6 yet? If not, we offer a roundup of attractions along Beijing’s newest subway line for those itching to explore. Also in Playing, our ballet feature gives you the scoop on CISCA, On Pointe Dance Studio, and Ballet Pro Dance Studio, as well as the benefits of classical dance for both boys and girls.

In Health, we say goodbye to Ms. Nutrition Olivia Lee, who is moving to the US with her family after eight years in Beijing. She leaves us with some hard-earned nutrition lessons from life in China. In anticipation of spring, Dr. Richard offers different ways to manage hay fever. Plus, School Correspondent Ellis Friedman identifies important medical milestones and the tests that go along with them.

This month, Brazilian mom Renata Carvalho gets a makeover at Hair & Beauty by Hummingbird. In Talking Shop, we spotlight Taiwan’s Fiona’s Prince, a fairy tale-inspired clothing brand with branches across Beijing. In Birthday Bash, find out about the climbing, slacklining, and football birthday packages at O’le Climbing.

As always, search our event listings for family-friendly happenings or check our directory listings to find anything in Beijing.

Can’t find the print edition? Send an email to distribution@beijing-kids.com or call 5820 7700.

Or, check out the PDF version at Issuu.com:

Have you ever wondered how much it would cost to get hitched in Beijing? Well, according to CNReview, here is a list of expenses which a respectable couple would expect to pay for their nuptial bliss:

1.  Decent housing near the 6th Ring Road (80 square meters and above) with an average price of RMB 20,000 per square meter: RMB 20,000 x 80 = RMB 1,600,000.

In summary, the total cost is RMB 1,600,000 + RMB 150,000 + RMB 80,000 + RMB 120,000 + RMB 30,000 + RMB 48,000 = RMB 2,028,000.

Although this may seem like an awful lot of money, don’t forget what they say about having a dream wedding of a lifetime:

Priceless.

(and for everything else, there is MasterCard, .. or your Chinese credit card).