PARO, Bhutan – When A-list Hong Kong actress Carina Lau said she wanted a quiet wedding, she should have known that it might have just been wishful thinking on her and her ‘Cannes award winning’ husband-to-be, Tony Leung Chiu-wai’s part.

In true Chinese entertainment news fashion, an onslaught of paparazzi has followed the couple and their entourage to Bhutan, where they will be holding their wedding on Monday.

Lau had reportedly chosen the tranquil Bhutan because it is supposedly an auspicious and sacred location for Buddhists.

Bhutan had also reportedly been recommended as a wedding venue by Tibetan Buddhist Leader, the Karmapa Lama, whom the couple had been introduced to in India by Hong Kong singer, Faye Wong, when the couple had been going through a rough patch early last year.

Lau had been romantically linked to high-tech Taiwanese tycoon Terry Gou.

Apart from Faye Wong, who will be on the couple’s highly exclusive guest list, celebrities such as Lin Ching-hisa, Cecilia Yip, Deborah Li and Ti Lung, have all been specially flown in to attend the wedding.

They too have not escaped from the prying camera lens of Hong Kong's relentless entertainment media.

This is despite Bhutan’s restrictions on tourism and reports of authorities turning away journalists without work visas.

At least one Bhutanese travel guide was also reportedly warned for escorting a reporter who managed to get a snapshot of the couple.

The Uma Paro Hotel, where the wedding will be held is not taking any chances and has beefed up its security measures.

Two white tents bearing traditional Bhutanese symbols have been erected in front of the 5-star hotel, a 15 minute drive from the airport.

While the couple has been photographed in traditional Bhutanese garb for their wedding pictures, reports say that Lau will stick to a more typical gown for the actual day.

Hong Kong newspapers have reported that Lau will don a Vera Wang gown and Roger Vivier high heels.

While the wedding may be an extravagant affair for the couple of 20 years and their 80 friends, reports also say that Leung and Lau will be donating all their wedding gifts to charity.

Meanwhile, rumours have it that the couple will be serenaded by Faye Wong and will perform a duet together.

- CNA/os