Five hours to a lifetime

The happy couple cuts the cake at China Daily HQ. Photo provided to Shanghai Star

These people are the nearest thing I have to family in China, and so it felt right to invite them all to the wedding at a convenient venue. And what could be more convenient than the lobby on the first floor?

Thanks to Wi-fi, my parents in the US were able to attend via Skype. It was a lot of fun, and all nine layers of the auspicious cake disappeared.

Right now, Shijun and I are planning our honeymoon, and Shanghai is on the list of possibilities.

A recent survey of college students nearing graduation showed that it topped Beijing as the most preferred city. It's youthful and energetic, and I’ve always wanted to check out the Oriental Pearl TV Tower's rotating restaurant. My head is already spinning, so I might not even notice.

But what about that first question? Why would a woman make a five-hour journey to see a man she only just met online?

I asked Shijun that question, and she answered without hesitation:"I followed my heart."

About the couple

Date: July 24

Venue: China Daily's Lobby Hall

Groom: Randy Wright, 59, senior editor of China Daily from the US

Bride: Wang Shijun, 49, teacher from Tianjin