In Vietnamese culture, marriage is more than the union of two people - it is also the joining of two families. In this spirit, we will be welcoming our close family and elders to our home for a Vietnamese Tea Ceremony where our families will formally meet, we will ask for our ancestors' blessings, and we will pay respects to our elders and parents.

As we begin building our family together, what better place to start than where we come from?

"Uống nước nhớ nguồn.

Làm con phải hiếu

Công cha như núi Thái Sơn

Nghĩa mẹ như nước trong nguồn chảy ra."

This is a beautiful traditional Vietnamese saying about gratitude and filial piety.

"When you drink water, remember its source.

As a child, you must be filial

A father's labor is like Mount Thai Son

A mother's love is like water flowing from its source."

Because the ceremony takes place in our home and is traditionally a small family gathering, attendance will be limited to close family and the wedding party. We are excited to celebrate with all of our guests later at the wedding ceremony and reception.

Tea Ceremony Attire:

Ao Dai (Traditional Vietnamese dress) or Formal Attire

Note to Bridesmaids and Groomspeople: Yours are taken care of, we'll reach out to you for your measurements directly.

Tea Ceremony Itinerary:

1. Procession of the groom's family led by the groom's parents and elders, followed by the groom, groomspeople carrying gifts, and the rest of the groom's family.

2. Exchange of gifts from groomspeople to bridesmaids outside the house

3. Bride's family to welcome groom's family into the house

4. Introductions of the two families to each other

5. Unveiling of Gifts

6. Ancestor prayer: the couple prays to their ancestors by presenting offerings at the family alter, seeking their blessings for a harmonious marriage

7. Tea Ceremony: The couple serves tea to their parents as a sign of respect and gratitude. This ritual also symbolizes the joining of the two families

8. Parents/ families give gifts to the couple - traditionally jewelries

9. Speeches

10. Ceremony followed by a Vietnamese lunch