The 10 Questions Everyone Asks Me About Ming & Mario’s Ceremony

par Vincent FLOVINNO, Officiant de Cérémonie Laïque et Directeur de Cérémonie de Rêve

On June 1, 2026, model Ming Xi and billionaire entrepreneur Mario Ho celebrated their union in a venue as extraordinary as it was unexpected: the Abbey of Mont Saint-Michel. I had the honor of officiating their ceremony.

As a wedding officiant for more than 15 years, I have had the privilege of celebrating hundreds of weddings, each one unique in its own way.

Of all those ceremonies, Ming and Mario’s is undoubtedly the most publicized, and the one that has generated the most questions, judging by the countless messages I have received.

Out of respect for the couple’s privacy and confidentiality, I will not share any information they would prefer to keep private. However, I would like to offer a glimpse behind the scenes of this remarkable event, reveal a few details that the photographs don’t capture, and answer the ten questions I have been asked most often about this incredible ceremony:

Ming Xi and Mario Ho Wedding celebrated by Vincent

Photo: Jose Villa  –  Officiant: Vincent Flovinno

1. Who Are Ming Xi and Mario Ho?

Photo: Jose Villa

This question may seem surprising, given that Ming Xi and Mario Ho are among the most well-known and influential figures in Hong Kong and mainland China. However, their names remain relatively unfamiliar to the general public in France.

And yet, most French people have already seen Ming Xi without necessarily recognizing her. An internationally acclaimed Chinese supermodel, she has walked the runway for some of the world’s most prestigious fashion houses, including Givenchy, Chanel, Balmain, Dior, and Victoria’s Secret. Many have also unknowingly seen her in the iconic 2015 Flower by Kenzo advertising campaign.

Mario Ho, meanwhile, is the third son of the late Chinese-Portuguese billionaire Stanley Ho, often referred to as the “King of Casinos.” A graduate of the prestigious MIT, Mario is a successful entrepreneur and investor. Among his many business ventures, he is a co-owner of the NBA’s Boston Celtics and has been recognized by Fortune China as one of the country’s most influential leaders under the age of 40.

2. Why Did Ming Xi and Mario Ho Select Mont Saint-Michel for Their Wedding Celebration?

Without being overly patriotic, let’s not forget that Mont Saint-Michel is France’s most visited tourist destination outside of Paris. Known as the “Bastille of the Seas,” this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a dream destination for countless couples from around the world.

As a wedding officiant, I have already had the opportunity to celebrate several elopements in the Bay of Mont Saint-Michel, with the ceremony typically followed by a photo session among the winding tidal landscapes and the picturesque streets of the old village.

Ming Xi and Mario Ho’s wedding was an entirely different story. To my knowledge, they are the only couple to have been married inside the Abbey itself, perched at the very top of Mont Saint-Michel.

Ming spoke about the iconic and extraordinary nature of the site as one of the main reasons behind their choice. By celebrating their wedding within the Abbey, the event would become something unprecedented, unique, and exceptional—a reflection of their own remarkable story as a couple.

Mont-Saint-Michel

Photo: Jose Villa

3. How Can You Get Married at Mont Saint-Michel?

Photo: Jose Villa

Many couples get married “at Mont Saint-Michel,” but almost never inside the Abbey itself.

Most weddings take place in nearby reception venues, hotels, or restaurants, while elopements (intimate weddings without guests) are often held in the Bay of Mont Saint-Michel. In fact, it was in these very meadows overlooking the bay that Ming and Mario were photographed by renowned photographer Jose Villa.

The Abbey of Mont Saint-Michel is managed by a public institution, the Centre des Monuments Nationaux (CMN), and can occasionally be privatized for special events. In the specific case of Ming and Mario’s wedding, the couple – who are also patrons of the site – were granted access under a paid agreement which, according to the CMN, contributes to the preservation and maintenance of Mont Saint-Michel Abbey and the 110 national monuments under its care, while adhering to strict conservation requirements designed to protect the site.

Obtaining the necessary permissions was a lengthy process that required nearly a year of collaboration with the CMN and the various stakeholders responsible for managing and preserving this exceptional monument.

This is what made the event so extraordinary. While many couples dream of getting married at Mont Saint-Michel, very few can even imagine celebrating their wedding within the walls of the Abbey itself.

4. Was the Ceremony Religious, Civil, or Symbolic?

The ceremony was not a civil wedding: Ming Xi and Mario Ho had already been legally married in their home country in 2019.

Nor was it a religious ceremony. As mentioned previously, the Abbey is owned by the French State through the Centre des Monuments Nationaux. Mont Saint-Michel Abbey was deconsecrated during the French Revolution and has never been reconsecrated. The Abbey Church is therefore not officially designated for Catholic worship.

Although a monastic presence and liturgical celebrations are permitted, sacraments (such as a Catholic wedding) are not allowed because the Abbey Church is considered “deconsecrated.” Furthermore, the Catholic Church does not provide for this type of celebration within an abbey. This is why there has never been a wedding at Mont Saint-Michel Abbey.

Photo: Jose Villa

Ming Xi and Mario Ho’s Ceremony Was a Symbolic Wedding Ceremony

As you have probably gathered by now, this was a symbolic wedding ceremony, which is why I officiated the event in my role as a wedding celebrant.

As Assocem – the French association representing, among other professions, wedding celebrants- defines it: “A symbolic wedding ceremony is a non-religious wedding ceremony that gives couples the freedom to personalize every aspect of their celebration according to their values, beliefs, and love story.”

In other words, a symbolic wedding ceremony allows couples to create a truly meaningful and personal experience, free from both religious and legal constraints, while still preserving the solemnity, emotion, and symbolism that make a wedding ceremony so memorable.

5. Why Did Ming Xi and Mario Ho Wait Seven Years After Their Civil Marriage to Celebrate Their Wedding?

Photo: Jose Villa

Several major events took place after Ming Xi and Mario Ho’s civil marriage and contributed to postponing their wedding celebration:

  • First, the passing of Stanley Ho—Mario Ho’s father and the legendary Macau casino magnate, in 2020. In many cultures, a period of mourning traditionally leads to the postponement of major celebrations, including weddings.
  • The births of their two children, Ronaldo and Romee. The responsibilities of family life and the demands of becoming young parents also played a significant role in delaying the celebration.
  • Finally, the COVID-19 pandemic and its many restrictions made organizing an international wedding particularly challenging.

After several postponements, the promise has finally been fulfilled.

6. How Did Ming Xi and Mario Ho’s Wedding Ceremony Unfold?

I consider the ceremony itself to be a deeply personal moment, so I will not disclose its full content. However, I can say that it was a ceremony that was at once solemn, heartfelt, and sincere.

The ceremony lasted 28 minutes and included reflections on what marriage means to Ming and Mario, a declaration of intent, the exchange of vows and wedding rings, and other symbolic elements. Every aspect of the ceremony was designed to convey positive symbolism, fostering harmony, unity, and success in their life together.

We held two rehearsals beforehand to familiarize ourselves with the scale and unique atmosphere of the Abbey, which proved invaluable for both the couple and myself. These rehearsals helped reduce stress and ensure a smooth flow throughout the ceremony.

They also gave us the opportunity to conduct sound checks, coordinate the timing of the violinists’ performances, adapt our delivery to the remarkable acoustics of the Abbey, and carefully plan the positioning and movements of every participant involved in the ceremony.

Officiant: Vincent Flovinno  –  Floral Design: Tulipina Design

Some people imagine that a rehearsal is meant to “rehearse the emotions,” when in reality, it serves a very different purpose.

You don’t rehearse emotions: you rehearse the logistics so that you can fully experience the emotions on the wedding day.

And that was exactly the case here.

7. What Language Was the Ceremony Conducted In? And What About the Couple’s Vows?

Photo: Jose Villa

Many people asked me this question, knowing that the couple is of Chinese heritage and that the ceremony took place in France.

Although many of the guests had traveled from China, most of them spoke and understood English. English was therefore the natural choice for the ceremony, and the language in which I officiated.

Ming and Mario did, however, write and recite their personalized vows in their native language.

It was undoubtedly one of the most emotional moments of the ceremony for both Mario and Ming, particularly during the reading of their vows. It made the moment even more authentic, heartfelt, and moving for all of the guests in attendance.

After all, looks, smiles, and emotions speak a universal language. When feelings are genuine, they always find their way to people’s hearts.

8. What Were Ming Xi and Mario Ho Like Behind the Scenes, Away from the Cameras?

Ming and Mario appeared particularly relaxed and at ease during the ceremony rehearsals, both in their attitude and in their casual attire. I also sensed a wonderful connection between them, as well as a genuine and sincere love.

Naturally, the emotions were much more palpable during the ceremony itself, but that is precisely what makes a wedding ceremony even more beautiful and authentic. Ming and Mario are accustomed to being the center of attention and handled the presence of guests and cameras with remarkable ease. Their posture reflected confidence, and they were both very comfortable speaking in front of an audience, which contributed greatly to making their exchange of vows so moving.

I was truly delighted and honored to stand beside them during such an important moment in their lives.

Officiant: Vincent Flovinno  –  Floral Design: Tulipina Design

9. Did Ming Xi and Mario Ho’s Children Take Part in the Ceremony?

Photo: Jose Villa

Ronaldo, age 6, and Romee, age 5, play an important role in Ming and Mario’s lives. It was therefore only natural that they would have a role in their wedding ceremony as well, because this day belonged to them too—which is something I mentioned during the ceremony.

The couple’s two children served as flower kids, and they performed their role perfectly. I was impressed by their confidence and charmed by their smiles.

During the ceremony, I also spoke about the special bond that unites the four of them, as well as the life they have built – and will continue to build – together as a family.

10. What Made Ming and Mario’s Ceremony Such a Unique and Extraordinary Experience?

Beyond the unprecedented nature of this wedding at the iconic Abbey of Mont Saint-Michel, beyond the fame of the couple, the luxury, the custom Dior Haute Couture wedding gown enhanced with 200 carats of Graff diamonds, the breathtaking floral installations, and the stunning images featured across social media and magazines such as Vogue, it is a collection of simple moments that left the deepest impression on me—particularly during the preparations.

I was first struck by the serenity that filled the imposing and majestic Abbey of Mont Saint-Michel when it was completely free of tourists. Situated at the meeting point of land, sea, and sky, it seemed to defy both time and tides with a calm, reassuring strength. This was all the more remarkable given the extraordinary energy and activity within its walls, where some of the world’s finest wedding professionals had gathered to bring this unique event to life.

Despite the logistical challenges and the 300 steps that had to be climbed on foot after reaching the top of the Mount, the overall organization was seamless and masterfully coordinated by Michèle Li (The Wedding Company Hong Kong) and her team. It was a pleasure to collaborate with her, as well as with Nancy (Fête in France), whose professionalism and kindness I greatly appreciated.

There was an incredible atmosphere behind the scenes of the event.

I can still picture Kianna (Tulipina Design) and her team working tirelessly to create magical floral installations using the thousands of flowers that had to be transported to the summit of Mont Saint-Michel. There were so many flowers that, during setup, it felt as though we were standing in one of the world’s largest flower markets.

I can also still see the Potel et Chabot catering team working around the Abbey’s historic freight lift, equipped with its original winch system, to transport equipment for the cocktail reception to the top of the Mount.

I can still hear the warning cries of the seagulls—the guardians of the “Bastille of the Seas”—when the drones took off from the Abbey terrace to film the event. Several seagulls immediately swooped toward the drones to make sure they were not predators threatening their territory.

The photography team led by José Villa and the videographers led by Gione da Silva were exceptional. The violinists of ALR Music made the ancient stones of the Abbey resonate as deeply as our hearts, while the technical teams (Delighter…) delivered outstanding work. It was a joy to work alongside them, as well as with the representatives of the Abbey and the Centre des Monuments Nationaux.

Everything had been carefully orchestrated to ensure that the celebration unfolded with harmony and ease, allowing Ming and Mario to fully experience this magical moment with their loved ones.

And that is exactly what happened.

I will never forget these moments of emotion, nor the kindness, warmth, and sincerity that Ming and Mario showed throughout this extraordinary experience.

Thank you once again, Ming and Mario, for giving me the extraordinary honor of becoming the first – and so far the only – wedding officiant to celebrate a wedding ceremony within the Abbey of Mont Saint-Michel.

It is a privilege and a memory I will cherish for the rest of my life.

I wish you a life filled with tenderness, laughter, adventure, and strength. A life in which, despite the passing of time, you continue to look at one another with the same admiration that shone in your eyes during your wedding ceremony.

Mont Saint-Michel Abbey has stood for more than a thousand years, enduring the tides, the storms, and the passage of time itself. May your promises endure and stand the test of time with the same unwavering strength and constancy.

Photo: Jose Villa

Photo: Jose Villa

Photo: Jose Villa

Discover the Full Photo Gallery of Ming Xi and Mario Ho’s Wedding in Vogue Magazine

Vincent-FLOVINNO-Wedding-Officiant-Ming-Xi-Mario-Ho

Vincent Flovinno, Officiant and Director of Cérémonie de Rêve by FLOVINNO

A special thank you to this extraordinary couple:

Ming Xi: @mingxi11
Mario Ho: @momomarioho

Heartfelt thanks to the exceptional team of wedding professionals:

Wedding Planning: @theweddingcohk
Floral Design: @tulipinadesign
Photography: @josevilla
Video: @gione.silva
Officiant: @vincent_flovinno from @ceremoniedereve
Violonists: @alrmusic

Thank you to everyone who helped make this extraordinary event possible!

In particular, the Centre des Monuments Nationaux, which manages and preserves Mont Saint-Michel Abbey.