After seven years spent 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 before his official wedding ceremony on June 1 at a luxury estate in France. She appeared in a mint green dress adorned with delicate floral embroidery, featuring a flowing sheer tulle skirt and a black bow. The elegant look was completed by pastel blue low heels decorated with bows.
Standing next to her was Mario Ho, looking sophisticated in an ivory linen suit. Both families, together with the couple’s two children, gathered under the roof of a Norman-style estate, creating a warm and joyful atmosphere. Dear friend Eileen Gu was also present and praised Ming Xi as “the most beautiful bride”.
Looking at these images, it is difficult to imagine the long and often challenging journey the model had to undergo to reach this moment.
The most difficult test of the Asian show
Ming Xi and Mario Ho first met in 2018 while appearing on the same reality TV show. Mario later admitted that he had already developed feelings for her before joining the show.
Their relationship immediately attracted public attention because they were anything but a normal 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. His future mother-in-law, Angela Leong, carefully investigated his past and allegedly spoke to hundreds of people in Shanghai to learn more about his 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 staged an extravagant proposal at a 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 up as Mario to “save the princess”, but in the most important moment he became so nervous that he reportedly forgot which finger the engagement ring was supposed to go on and had to ask his mother for help in front of the audience. The moment went viral and entertained countless netizens. Despite the attention, Ming Xi happily accepted the proposal.
Seven years of marriage without marriage
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 Macao.
During these seven years, the couple had two children: son Ronaldo Ho and a daughter born in 2022. After the birth of their first child, the Ho family reportedly gave the couple almost $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 almost $90 million.
However, their journey was not always smooth sailing. In mid-2025, Mario Ho became the subject of numerous serious rumors, including allegations that he had fathered a child with a BY2 member and other related claims. Mario subsequently denied all allegations.
Ming Xi chose to remain silent throughout the controversy. She hasn’t publicly defended her husband or engaged in online arguments, but she hasn’t abandoned the relationship either. For many observers, that decision spoke louder than any statement.
A reward for someone who waited
In May 2026, Ming Xi was officially appointed by her mother-in-law to management positions within several companies. She was also reportedly included among the successors to Angela Leong’s personal fortune, estimated at $3.2 billion. Furthermore, on her 35th birthday her family gifted her a cargo ship worth HKD 4.6 billion.
The woman who was once questioned because of her ordinary family background, her career as a lingerie model and her six-year age difference with her husband now finds herself at the center of one of Asia’s most powerful families.
Mario Ho revealed that the theme of their wedding was “A Promise Kept in 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 marriage proposal.
Seven years later, Mario reappeared at their wedding.
This time the story has come full circle.
Some promises take time to become reality.
And when they finally arrive they bring with them the meaning of the entire journey that preceded them.
Sources: K14
