This past weekend, I coordinated my fashionably stylish cousin’s wedding in Palo Alto, CA. I love weddings.. simply because each bride’s (and groom’s) style shines through to create an all unique event – every time! The whirlwind of events started on Friday (day before wedding) when flowers were to arrive from San Diego and when the Bride (Minh-ha) and I headed to the flower mart in San Francisco for some last minute greens.
Wedding Part I: Vietnamese Ceremony
Saturday morning started off with a traditional Vietnamese ceremony where the Groom (Brian) and his family arrived at the Bride’s house for the marriage ceremony; essentially this process can be interpreted as “Picking up the Bride” to be brought back to his home. The ceremony was a shortened version from the ultra traditional tea ceremony.
Minh-ha and Brian wore tradtional “ao dai” attire. Her ao dai and crown was especially unique since it was her mother’s from 38 years ago when she married in Vietnam. Minh-ha’s late grandparents were recognized and included (in spirit)in the blessing of the marriage.
Gifts from Brian and his family were presented to Minh-ha & family, to include: Tea, Dried Fruits, Alchohol, and Fresh fruit. Both sides of the families were introduced and gifts from the Moms were presented to the Bride. Here is a photo from the ceremony:
- Vietnamese marriage ceremony with the bride and groom in traditional vietnamese ao dai.
Wedding Part II: Vow Exchange (Redux)
The wedding continued later in the day with a vow exchange ceremony with all guests as witnesses. There was no officiant and the bride did not wear a white dress. Several family members and close friends were invited to provide poem readings, and then the Bride and Groom exchanged vows written for eachother. The celebration of unity symbol was through the placement of a lasso around both of them and the lighting of their unity candle. Then the party began!
- Boutonnieres: seeded eucalyptus and small billy ball, wrapped in white silk ribbon and twine for a rustic look.
Centerpiece: 3 Cattaleyas wrapped with white silk ribbon in multifaceted vase. NOTE: This is an ultra minimalistic approach to center pieces and a great way to keep costs down!
- Me & J with the ever-so fashionable bride & groom. Groom sported a BR suit and Bride chose a 3.1 Philip Lim double pleated gold cocktail dress. I personally loved it.
- Placecards: designed by Brian. It included a variety of photographs taken by him as a professional photographer/graphic designer.
Cupcake as dessert - provided by Brian's sister-inlaw. MmmM Good!!
- Mini cupcakes
The entire wedding went smoothly and everyone had a fun time! Luckly I had a fashionably chic, minimalist bride & groom to work with! Thanks Minh-ha & Brian! Congratulations!
For those interested in reading, you can find my clotheshorse cousin’s blog at: http://threadbared.blogspot.com/
