Queer Vows in Shangri-La, Yunnan, and after 10 Years Together
Some people meet through friends. Some swipe right. Lam (she/her) met Chi (she/her) because she couldn’t stop thinking about a Chinese fiction novel… and the person who edited it to perfection. That editor was Chi, and what started as a curious Facebook friend request turned into over a decade of adventures that led them to Jade Dragon Mountain in Shangri-La, Yunnan, for their vows. Their story has boba shop beginnings, national park road trips, and more than a few “will you go out with me?” moments.
How did you two meet?
Lam: I first noticed Chi’s name on a Chinese fiction novel she had edited. It had hundreds of chapters and not a single grammar slip. I had to know who had that kind of skill and patience. I searched until I found her on Facebook and sent a friend request. When we met at a boba shop, I was surprised to find out she was only 20 years old and undeniably cute. We became friends right away and started spending almost every occasion together.
Who made the first move?
Lam: That was me, but it wasn’t easy. I confessed my feelings six different times before Chi finally said yes on the seventh try.
Chi: Once I said yes, everything felt like it fell into place. We spent our days watching sunsets, hiking mountains, stargazing, and supporting each other through school, even when social bias and family pressure made it harder.
What were those early years like?
Chi: By our second year together, I had moved in with Lam and her family. That opened the door to countless adventures, especially trips to U.S. national parks.
Lam: Five years later, we moved to San Jose so I could take a new career opportunity, and that’s when our international travels began. Vietnam, Thailand, Japan, and China were some of our favorite trips.
What does a typical date day look like?
We love being outdoors. I’ll often plan a weekend getaway to a national park so we can hike and camp. Even if it’s just a short escape, being in nature together feels like our reset button.
How do you support one another?
Chi: I try to be a steady, gentle presence for Lam, especially when work challenges or bias come up. I listen and support her decisions, whether they’re risky or small.
Lam: And I’m always here to offer guidance when Chi has tough choices to make. That’s been a constant in our relationship.
How was the experience of having photographs taken together?
We were both shy at first. But being in places we love helped us relax and enjoy the moment. Having Eagle Scenes there to capture us in Shangri-La made it even more special. The photos felt like they really reflected us.
Why Jade Dragon Mountain in Shangri-La for your vows?
After ten years together, we wanted a location that felt like a dream and represented our love for nature and travel. Jade Dragon Mountain in Shangri-La was exactly that.
The scenery was breathtaking and it felt adventurous. The perfect place to promise forever.
What’s next for the two of you?
We see our vows as just the beginning.
We want to fill the rest of our lives with travel, laughter, and memories. Whatever comes our way, we believe we can get through it together.
Photography by Eagle Scenes
