OUR VIETNAMESE TRADITIONAL WEDDING CEREMONY AND PARTY

It was a chilly December 22nd, and I was wrapped up in a cozy blanket at my mother-in-law’s home in Bruges, Belgium, savoring the warmth of my husband’s coffee. Finally, I had the chance to reflect on the whirlwind of life-changing events that had unfolded throughout the year.

After the wedding solemnization and party in Singapore, Gregory and I dove headfirst into preparing for our traditional ceremony and celebration in Vietnam. It was three times larger this time, with an anticipated guest list of nearly 300. We had only 3 months to plan the family trip, the wedding tea ceremony, the reception dinner, and the wedding-after party. It was 3 stressful months of planning while having overwhelming months at work. Keeping negativity aside, right now,  I just want to take a moment to reflect on the most beautiful days of my life - the days I walked down the aisle in front of our friends, families, and relatives with the love of my life in Vietnam. A day my father had been wishing to happen over the last 20 years. 

On the significant date of September 22nd, the festivities began with a traditional tea ceremony that seamlessly blended our two families. It marked the first time Gregory and his family experienced the richness of Vietnamese customs and culture. Dressed in elegant Vietnamese "ao dai" costumes, Gregory's parents and groomsmen arrived at my house with betrothal presents at the auspicious hour of 2 pm. Outside, my family and bridesmaids eagerly awaited their arrival. I was sitting in my room, waiting for my husband to come and fetch me.

After both family introductions, Gregory's parents sought my parents' blessing for their son to join our family officially. With my parents' heartfelt approval, Gregory approached the room where I was sitting, adorned in Vietnam's traditional wedding dress. Taking my hands, we shared a kiss, and he led me down to present ourselves as man and wife. 

The ceremony included serving tea to our parents and exchanging greetings with friends and relatives before paying respects to our ancestors. In that sacred moment, my father couldn’t hold back tears as he prayed to his late father. It was a spiritual and emotional experience for both of us. The betrothal ceremony concluded with a collective family photo session and a joyous family dinner afterward to celebrate.

The festivities continued the next day with a wedding dinner party that united nearly 300 people from across the globe. Colleagues and friends flew in from Singapore, Australia, Barcelona, and the US to share our joy. Against all odds, we managed to secure a wedding decoration vendor just a week before the event and a live band a mere five days prior. The final touches to the decoration fell into place a mere two hours before the celebration. How did we manage to pull this off? I had no idea. It felt like a magical force, a guardian angel, had orchestrated everything. Everything miraculously aligned, from finding the perfect wedding dress to booking a makeup artist just a day before the big day—from location scouting to catering.

I was stressed out and nervous until the moment I put on my wedding dress. But as soon as I was about to walk down the aisle with my husband, he calmed me down instantly. He had that magical power in him. 

With friends and family, we raised our glasses, cut into a massive wedding cake, and indulged in a delightful dinner spread. The live band played lively and fun tunes, making everyone leave their seats and dance the night away. It was an evening of pure joy, the best and most fun I had experienced in a long time.

For my father, it was more than a wedding; it was the realization of a dream he had cherished for over two decades. The celebration went beyond the nuptials; it was a gathering of people whom we love, all who came together to share in our happiness. As I fondly reminisce about those laughter-filled days, a great sense of gratitude washes over me. Grateful for the unwavering support of family and friends and for the memories that will forever hold a special place in our hearts. After 17 years of wondering "Who will be my future husband?", "When will I get married?", finally I found what I was searching for. 

Here's to a lifetime filled with beautiful memories, love, and laughter. 

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