He's Always Invited

It takes a special personality to be a wedding emcee – to say those sweet words over and over again with the greatest sincerity. Fortunately for Li Yao, he really does seem to be in love with love.

Have you ever seen anyone break up at a wedding?
No. I admit that some couples do have a change of heart before the ceremony; the brides especially can get anxious. Another role of the wedding host is to help the young couples to calm down.

Tell us about your wedding.
It was an outdoor wedding in beautiful Hangzhou. When the warm sunlight shone on my wife’s face, I felt so happy deep inside. At that moment I told her my vow: From then on, I would take her to search for and embrace happiness together. She likes traveling, so I would collect mementos from all the cities she visits. She’s a gourmet, so I would try my best to learn every dish she likes. In the future, if I make her cry, I will use love to neutralize everything. That’s probably the cheesiest thing I’ve ever said at a wedding.

Where in Beijing would you go for a first date?
Once, I climbed a date tree and hopped onto the roof of our courtyard house. I was shocked – I felt like the whole of Beijing was under my feet. Then I knew I had to bring the person I loved onto the roof of a courtyard house to see it with me.

What are the five most romantic places in Beijing?
Boating or ice-skating on Houhai. Walking along the Forbidden City’s moat and watching the setting sun over the ancient walls. Sunbathing on the banks of Roma Lake. Sculpting in Time Cafe at Xiangshan. Maple Drive-In on Liangmaqiao Lu.

Where is the best place to break up in Beijing?
Subway Line 2. You and he/she can get on the train together. If you still haven’t changed your minds after a whole loop, you can just say goodbye and take the train in the other direction.

If you’d like to hire Li Yao to emcee your wedding, go to www.meilihunli.com.

Click here to see the February issue of the Beijinger in full.

Photos: Michelle Dai