After seven years as a member of one of Asia’s most powerful families, raising two children and enduring intense public scrutiny, supermodel Ming Xi has finally received the fairytale wedding many believe she deserved long ago.

On the evening of May 31, Ming Xi shared a series of behind-the-scenes photos from a welcome party held ahead of her official wedding ceremony on June 1 at a luxurious estate in France. She appeared in a mint-green gown adorned with delicate floral embroidery, featuring a flowing sheer tulle skirt and a black bow accent. The elegant look was completed with pastel blue low heels decorated with tiny bows.

Standing beside her was Mario Ho, looking sophisticated in an ivory linen suit. Both families, along with the couple’s two children, gathered under the roof of a Normandy-style estate, creating a warm and joyful atmosphere. Close friend Eileen Gu was also present and praised Ming Xi as “the most beautiful bride.”

Looking at these pictures, it is difficult to imagine the long and often challenging journey the model endured to reach this moment.

The Most Difficult Test in Asian Showbiz

Ming Xi and Mario Ho first met in 2018 while appearing on the same reality television program. Mario later admitted that he had already developed feelings for her before joining the show.

Their relationship immediately attracted public attention because they were far from an ordinary couple. Ming Xi was six years older than Mario and came from a middle-class family in Shanghai, while Mario was the son of one of Macau’s most influential business dynasties.

Before their relationship could move forward, Ming Xi reportedly had to pass a rigorous test. Her future mother-in-law, Angela Leong, carefully investigated her background and allegedly spoke with hundreds of people in Shanghai to learn more about her family and personal history before approving the relationship. What impressed Angela Leong was not Ming Xi’s fame or beauty, but her character, patience, and ability to handle difficult situations with intelligence and grace.

In 2019, Mario Ho dominated headlines across Asia when he organized an extravagant proposal at a shopping mall in Shanghai. The venue was decorated with tens of thousands of roses and featured a Super Mario-inspired theme based on the couple’s shared love of video games.

Mario dressed as Mario to “rescue the princess,” but during the most important moment, he became so nervous that he reportedly forgot which finger the engagement ring should go on and had to ask his mother for help in front of the audience. The moment went viral and amused countless netizens. Despite the attention, Ming Xi happily accepted the proposal.

Seven Years Married Without a Wedding

Ming Xi and Mario Ho officially registered their marriage in July 2019. However, their wedding plans were postponed several times due to the family’s mourning period following the passing of casino tycoon Stanley Ho, widely known as the “King of Gambling” in Macau.

During those seven years, the couple welcomed two children: son Ronaldo Ho and a daughter born in 2022. Following the birth of their first child, the Ho family reportedly gifted the couple nearly USD 10 million and various assets, including a luxury villa in Hong Kong’s Deep Water Bay, one of the most expensive residential areas in the world, valued at nearly USD 90 million.

However, their journey was not always smooth. In mid-2025, Mario Ho became the subject of several serious rumors, including allegations that he had fathered a child with a member of BY2 and other related claims. Mario later denied all accusations.

Ming Xi chose to remain silent throughout the controversy. She did not defend her husband publicly nor engage in online arguments, but she also did not walk away from the relationship. For many observers, that decision spoke louder than any statement could.

A Reward for Someone Who Knew How to Wait

In May 2026, Ming Xi was officially appointed by her mother-in-law to executive positions within several companies. She was also reportedly included among the successors to Angela Leong’s personal fortune, estimated at USD 3.2 billion. In addition, the family gifted her a cargo ship valued at HKD 4.6 billion for her 35th birthday.

The woman who was once questioned because of her ordinary family background, her career as a lingerie model, and her six-year age gap with her husband now stands at the center of one of Asia’s most powerful families.

Mario Ho revealed that the theme of their wedding was “A Promise Fulfilled Right on Time.”

Inside the pastel pink wedding gift boxes prepared for guests were luxury Sisley products, custom-made French perfumes, and Michelin-star-quality wedding desserts. Yet among the lavish gifts was also a small figurine of Mario and Princess Peach, a touching reminder of the couple’s unforgettable 2019 proposal.

Seven years later, Mario appeared once again at their wedding.

This time, the story had come full circle.

Some promises require time before they become reality.

And when they finally arrive, they carry the meaning of the entire journey that came before them.

Sources: K14