The biggest wedding I’ve ever been a part of!

To say that TiTi and Tony had an incredible wedding day is an understatement. When they first contacted me about photographing their day long event, I wasn’t sure if I could handle 15 hours of photography. But, after they told me about what they had planned, I knew I couldn’t pass up being a part of this Vietnamese and Cambodian wedding! I love experiencing traditional cultural ceremonies – I also love eating all the yummy food that I get to try for the very first time! (Brace yourself – this is a long one!)

Check out their engagement session: TiTi and Tony’s Engagement Session

The Vietnamese Ceremony

I arrived to the first ceremony location (TiTi’s parent’s home) at 7am. TiTi and her bridesmaids had already been up for hours preparing for the day! The bridal party wrapped up the final touches for the first ceremony and Tony’s family began to gather outside of the home. As the Vietnamese ceremony began, Tony and his family were welcomed inside. Bridal party members brought in gifts wrapped in bright red and gold paper; along with a roasted pig for sharing in a later meal. This acceptance of gifts by the family granted Tony the honor of taking TiTi’s hand in marriage. TiTi was led down the stairs and into the large room where family lined all the walls. The ceremony was given in Vietnamese, and since I (obviously) don’t speak Vietnamese, all I could do was look for emotion and moments. Jewelry was placed on TiTi by her mother and aunt. A special bracelet from a grandparent who has passed away caused the crowd to cry together. Each member of the family came to the couple to quietly give them their blessing. Even though I didn’t know what was being said, I knew that it was an emotional ceremony for each person involved. A loud cheer erupted when the ceremony concluded and family rushed in for hugs and photos with the new couple. The feast that was brought was then shared with all the guests. I had a steamed pork bun (or two!) for breakfast… it was so amazing!

The Cambodian Ceremony

Before I knew it we were at location number two – this time Tony’s parents home. Family was already filling the inside of the house with laughter and the smell of more amazing food. A beautiful spot for the Cambodian wedding ceremony was setup in the living room. It was adorned with colorful rugs and beautiful trays of fruits, nuts, and most importantly, liquor! TiTi and Tony had their second costume change of the day and were draped in gorgeous fabrics and gold accessories. Tony’s family again gathered outside – this time each taking a tray of offerings and lining up down the street. Drums were struck and shouts of joy were made as Tony paraded down the street with his family. Once at the front door, the offerings were again accepted by TiTi’s family and the couple was given gorgeous purple leis. TiTi was led into the ceremony room where family sat on the floor surrounding the offerings. The couple made offerings to both sets of parents before lighting incense and pouring tea. Then is was time for another outfit change – this time in pink and gold fabrics. When they returned, they sat in front of the “alter”. A monk recited prayers as a candle was passed around to family members to make a wish and send it through the warm flame to the couple. Then the BEST part happened… everyone in attendance began tossing grains on to the couple as red strings (blessings from family) were tied on TiTi and Tony’s wrists. It was a moment of celebration and happiness for everyone involved and definitely one of the coolest things I have ever been apart of!

The Vietnamese Catholic Ceremony

The third and final ceremony took place at Queen of Vietnamese Martyrs church in Wheat Ridge, CO. This ceremony was everything you expect from a traditional Catholic service (expect of course that it was given in Vietnamese!). TiTi wore a traditional white gown and Tony looked sleek in his fitted suit. We finished up the ceremony portion of the day with family formals and bridal party photos.

The Reception

Imagine a room filled with 600 people… now imagine it’s your wedding day and everyone in that room is there to see you! This was reality for TiTi and Tony on their Vietnamese and Cambodian wedding day! Before the 10 course dinner was served, TiTi’s dad serenaded the room with some Elvis and then her mom got up to sing her own song to the couple! Then a Vietnamese and Cambodian wedding singers graced the stage with beautiful songs. After cutting their cake with a real big knife, it was on to visiting all 60 tables to greet the anxious guests. TiTi and Tony changed clothes a few more times while we did this, making sure each guest got to see their amazing outfits. Each table gave TiTi and Tony red envelopes and everyone cheered glasses and took shots with the couple (don’t worry, TiTi and Tony were drinking tea!). Friends made TiTi push a uncooked egg up one of Tony’s pant legs and down the other – it was one of the funniest newlywed games I have ever seen!