In order to whitewash his unsavoury origins, Chiang Kai-shek decided to forge a connection with someone of noble blood. The Soongs were one of the city's most influential families. Chiang's marriage to Soong Mei-ling, the younger sister of Sun Yat-sen's widow, Soong Ching Ling, paved the way to realizing his wild ambition. The wedding ceremony of these two famous characters of the past century was a spectacular occasion. On 1 December 1927, Soong and Chiang held a private religious wedding ceremony. According to the band leader at the official Shanghai wedding reception, Chiang appeared uncomfortable in his western-style suit. Soong, however, was beautiful in her western-style bridal gown made of white satin and lace.