A Vietnamese Tea Ceremony + American Reception at Saint Kate Arts Hotel

August 18, 2023

Liz and Daniel, my very first Vietnamese couple (HUGE DEAL!) and one of the few people in my life who allow me to be my fullest BTS loving, boba-obsessed Asian self. 🧋

I think when people look at these photos it is so easy to just think “oh what a cute couple” but no, let me just PAUSE and tell everyone that this is no ordinary couple (not that any of our couples ever are).

Their wedding day was absolutely emotional and raw (with the recent passing of Liz’ father) and absolutely beautiful in every way visually with the contrast of the vibrant red Vietnamese tea ceremony and the clean and neutral American ceremony (two ceremonies in one day!)

We can’t wait to tell you more about the couple below!

P.S. Major shoutout to their adorable fluffy bridal party and their way too cute cake topper! 🐕

How They Met

Daniel had just returned from studying abroad in Thailand and Liz had recently gotten out of a long-term relationship with someone else. A mutual friend was throwing a party one night and invited both Daniel and Liz.

Daniel asked for Liz’s number that night – and the rest was history.

They soon found out later that they grew up about ten minutes away from each other a town apart!!!

Their parents had always known each other but they never had the chance to meet until college. Funny how fate works!

The Proposal

It was a Saturday evening and Liz was working at the salon with her cousin. As they were cleaning Daniel left the salon and came back with flowers, her nephews, and a brand-new purse. She thought she was getting proposed to so she was a bit thrown off by the purse.

He told me to open up the purse and Liz tried to play it off like she knew the ring was inside. There inside was the ring box. It was extra heavy. Daniel told Liz to open it. She was surprised he didn’t want to do it himself. So she confirmed with him that was for sure what he wanted her to do. When she opened it, it was full of change! That’s when everyone laughed and Daniel got down on one knee.

They forget the rest!

The Wedding Day

Throughout the day, every detail came together so beautifully, creating a celebration that was not just visually stunning, but also filled with love, joy, and laughter. Liz and Daniel’s wedding was a true reflection of their unique love story, blending tradition, culture, and modern elegance.

Vietnamese Tea Ceremony

The Vietnamese tea ceremony, an ancient and deeply meaningful tradition. Rooted in Vietnamese culture, this ritual is a beautiful fusion of respect, gratitude, and family bonds.

During the ceremony, the couple offers tea to their elders as a symbol of appreciation and to seek their blessings for a harmonious union. The traditional attire worn during the tea ceremony, known as “áo dài,” exudes elegance and grace, reflecting the couple’s respect for tradition and commitment to their heritage.

The tea ceremony not only honors the couple’s parents and grandparents but also signifies the joining of two families, emphasizing unity and harmony. This sacred ritual beautifully captures Vietnamese values and is a testament to the enduring love that will guide the couple’s path throughout their married life.

American Ceremony + Reception

In stark contrast to the vibrant Vietnamese tea ceremony, Liz and Daniel had a costume change as we flipped the room for their American ceremony, which was modern and elegant in design. After the American ceremony, guests browsed the art gallery for cocktail hour while we did another room flip for the reception!

Lion dancers kicked off the grand entrance as guests entered the reception and we had a wonderful time dancing, celebrating, and weeping (a lot)! It was such an amazing experience!

We are so grateful to have been a part of creating their special day and extending our heartfelt thanks to Liz and Daniel for inviting us into their lives.