(almost Ada and Hieu’s Tea Ceremony was a beautiful celebration of tradition, filled with heartfelt moments and plenty of laughter.
The Tea Ceremony
Though the Tea Ceremony was initially for their parents, Ada and Hieu embraced its deeper meaning. Ada shared, “My mum is my favourite person. She’s my rock, and I see how much love she has for me and all that she’s done. I wanted to have this Tea Ceremony to thank her for everything.”
To add some fun before the formalities, they included door games—a playful element that, while not traditionally Vietnamese, brought joy to everyone involved.
The Styling
Ada and Hieu opted for simplicity in their decor, focusing on meaningful touches. They rented everything needed for the ceremony, ensuring a smooth setup. A nostalgic highlight was the foam letters from Vietnam that spelled out their names, alongside charming Vietnamese wedding decorations like a felt love heart with the double happiness symbol and cute bride-and-groom illustrations.
The Outfits
Both Ada and Hieu wore traditional ao dais from Keeping Tradition, with Ada dazzling in a red gown adorned with intricate gold details. In Vietnamese culture, red symbolizes good fortune, while gold adds a touch of regal elegance. Their mothers complemented the scene in navy lace ao dais, adding an extra layer of sophistication.
Best part? Everyone (well, almost everyone) had a casual outfit change after the formalities to beat the Aussie summer heat!
The Ceremony
In keeping with tradition, the ceremony took place at two locations: the “bride’s family home” and the “groom’s family home.” For the latter, Ada and Hieu chose their own home, making it the perfect place to say their vows, both culturally and legally. They seamlessly blended tradition with modernity by inviting their civil celebrant, Christine Kha, to officiate the legal portion of their wedding at the end of the Tea Ceremony.
The Reception
A week after the Tea Ceremony, Ada and Hieu celebrated their wedding reception. This thoughtful scheduling allowed them to savour each moment without feeling rushed. Considering the Tea Ceremony took place on a sweltering 38-degree day, the extra time also gave them and their guests a chance to change into more comfortable outfits, ensuring everyone was ready to fully enjoy the festivities.
Vendors
Venue: Encore, St Kilda, Victoria, Australia
Tea Ceremony MC: Nhuly Weds
Celebrant: Christine Kha
Stylist: Vietnamese Tea Ceremony
Photographer: Single Souls
Videographer: Pixel 360
Makeup artists: Babydolls Makeup by Vanee
Hair: Vicky Bridal Hair
