Campaign giving back to Hong Kong elderly shows you’re never too old for a wedding shoot

Heart-warming effort by the Lions Club of Hong Kong Morrison Hill helps 25 low-income elderly couples celebrate their love

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So Kan, 86, and wife Li Hok-chun, 82, celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary. Photo: Jeff Ng

Published: 9:33am, 29 Dec 2018Updated: 9:32am, 29 Dec 2018

So Kan, 86, is looking dapper in a black suit and red bow tie, while his wife Li Hok-chun, 82, sports a white bridal gown with a lace jacket. They have been married for 60 years, but the way they look into each other’s eyes and their fresh enthusiasm for the photo shoot make them seem like newly weds.

The couple’s stiffness relaxes as they grow more comfortable in front of the lens, guided by the photographer, who is helping them take wedding shots of their 60th anniversary.

“Taking wedding photos in western outfits is a special way to celebrate. We were very nervous and excited about it,” So says, glancing fondly at his glowing bride.

The two met in Beijing in 1957 and got married in 1959, but have never taken such photos as western-style weddings were not popular in their part of the world at the time.

“The wedding customs then were very plain and simple. We followed the traditional way of wearing the Zhongshan suit, and bowed to Heaven and Earth at the nuptials,” So recalls. The Zhongshan suit is traditional Chinese wear named after Sun Yat-sen, the founding father of modern China, who was fond of the attire.

The campaign for low-income elderly couples helps bring joy and recaptures precious memories. Photo: Simon Ho

“I feel so happy and blessed being able to wear a wedding dress and have photos taken with my husband. It makes me feel young again,” Li says with a bright smile.

It makes me feel young again

Li Hok-chun, 82