Pour green tea instead of wine
Quan and Thu Anh's love story began during their student years in the Netherlands in 2017. They met by chance at a luncheon for newly arrived students, where Thu Anh, a new student, texted to ask about renting a room but Quan did not respond. However, fate brought them together and their love blossomed amidst the difficulties of studying abroad. After more than 7 years, they returned to Vietnam together to get married.
Quan and Thu Anh chose green tea and milk instead of the wine pouring ritual.
PHOTO: NVCC
"We don't have romantic travel memories, but mainly face challenges together," Quan shared. The difficulties of working, studying and living abroad have helped their relationship become closer and stronger than ever.
The most memorable milestone was during the Covid-19 outbreak. When both had to stay at home 24/7, Thu Anh realized that she did not hate Quan but loved and respected him more.
What made Quan and Thu Anh's wedding different was the replacement of the wine pouring ceremony with fresh milk and green tea. For them, this is not just a hobby but also has a very special meaning.
Quan and Thu Anh leave handprints at the wedding
PHOTO: NVCC
"We love and often mix green tea in our free time. We both really enjoy this combination, so we wanted to create a wedding with our own personal touch, instead of pouring wine like usual," Thu Anh said.
The couple originally planned to mix the matcha themselves on stage, but after consulting with their wedding planner, they decided to just pour it to avoid any risks.
Weddings are an opportunity for extended family reunions.
Quan and Thu Anh have lived and worked in the Netherlands for many years, but both wanted to return to Vietnam to hold a wedding with the desire to preserve traditional values. This is especially meaningful because the couple's families are all back home and this is the only occasion for them to fully gather together.
The couple performed a ballet before the wedding ceremony.
PHOTO: NVCC
Quan's maternal family is 100% Southern, while his paternal family is Northern, but there is an interesting linguistic mix. "My mother speaks with a standard Northern accent even though she was born in the South," Quan recalls. This diversity has created a wedding space that blends the two regions of the country.
Quan and Thu Anh held two weddings in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City at the end of December 2024. The ceremony of pouring green tea instead of wine was performed in Ho Chi Minh City.
Quan and Thu Anh have been in love for 7 years.
PHOTO: NVCC
Organizing Quan and Thu Anh’s wedding was not easy, especially when having to work in different time zones and prepare in two places. Another special ritual in the wedding in Ho Chi Minh City is to print colored handprints on paper, symbolizing the sharing of hardships and determination to build a home.
The couple also expressed their love through a ballet dance because the bride loves this sport. “Before the party, we performed the dance and filmed it as a souvenir. This video is just for the two of us to watch together,” Thu Anh said.
Quan emphasizes the importance of being clear about what you want in your wedding and finding a partner, perhaps a wedding planner, to help bring those ideas to life.
"Don't hesitate to share your ideas and always have the support of your loved ones, because a wedding is only complete when everyone is happy and joyful. We cannot organize a wedding alone. The support of a wedding planner is extremely important, especially if you are not in Vietnam," Quan shared.
According to Quan, every year during Tet, the couple would participate in the “Spring Homeland” program organized by the Vietnamese Embassy in the Netherlands, but this year they were absent because they were busy with their wedding in Vietnam. Although they could not attend this event, Quan and Thu Anh still maintained the traditional New Year celebration by organizing a year-end party at home and preparing a tray of offerings to their ancestors. They also decorated their house to welcome Tet, although the cold weather in the Netherlands prevented them from wearing Ao Dai.
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