Seems like weddings are the theme this summer. Tung's cousin David got hitched on June 25th. The morning started off traditionally with a tea ceremony at the bride's house. Tung and I are all decked out.
The bride, in her traditional outfit, offers tea to her parents and esteemed elders to thank them for raising her and as a symbol of her joining a new family.
Groomsmen stand by, bearing gifts in red cloth-covered platters. The gifts traditionally consist of tea, cakes, fruits, and even betel nuts from olden days.
After the tea ceremony, the bride is transported to the groom's house in a "xe bong" (flowered car) as part of the "ruouc dau" (receiving the bride) ceremony. Her parents and close relatives follow, then have tea and refreshments at the groom's house for a brief time before making their departure.
Since both families are Catholic, the afternoon mass is held at church. Tung and his cousin Mindy goof around before the ceremony starts.
The bride and groom stand in front of the altar with the bridesmaids and flower girl waiting on the sidelines.
Before the banquet dinner, I get my hair done as a trial run for my wedding.
A picture with the bride and groom before dinner starts.
Posing with Tung's sister. My hair turned out fine--didn't like the makeup.
The Precious Moments cake. By the way, I recently learned that many couples save the top layer of the cake and freeze it for a year to eat on their first anniversary?? Eeew. I'm all for ordering a new cake at the same place in the same flavor rather than eat year-old cake.
During the banquet, the bride typically wears an average of 3 outfits: her white wedding dress, a traditional outfit, and an evening gown for the cake-cutting. Lily managed to get David into a traditional Vietnamese groom's outfit as well.
Tung snags Cousin Bryant for a picture during dinner.
The ladies line up for the bouquet toss. Not me this time--my bouquet-catching days are behind me!
