{ PART 1 } –  Catherine + Pete’s wedding celebrations began with a elegant and beautiful, traditional Vietnamese Tea Ceremony, held at the bride’s parents home.

Their ceremony was truly fascinating… Catherine looked ever-so-elegant in her stunning traditional Vietnamese Ao dai gown and headpiece. We’re so thrilled to share these beautiful photos and a glimpse into a tradition as beautiful as this. Please enjoy the photos and notes along the way about what happens during this ceremony and the history behind it.

This dress is so stunning, I love how delicate it looks

The groom and his family bear elaborately decorated lacquer boxes, covered in red cloth. The gifts in these boxes represent the wealth the groom’s family will bring to the bride’s family. The gifts can be fruit, cakes, a roast pig, fabric and jewelry for the bride. The number of boxes must be an even number { odd numbers are seen as bad luck } and the gifts must be covered by red cloth. In Vietnamese beliefs, the even number and the red color will bring luck to the couple.

The permission ceremony begins in front of the bride’s ancestor altar. The bride and groom begin by asking for permission from the ancestors to bless them.

The bride and groom, in front of all their guests, will turn to their parents. Each parent will then give advice about marriage and family to the couple.  The groom’s gift boxes filled with jewelry will be opened by the groom’s mother, who will then put each piece on the bride for good fortune.