Hello my dear friends, hope your week is off to a joyful and energetic start.
Today, let me bring you a little taste of Vietnamese culture by sharing about a beautiful wedding I recently attended in Da Nang, Vietnam. It was the wedding of my coworker’s son.
In my hometown, weddings are often held at home. But in cities like Da Nang, it's more common to celebrate in wedding venues or restaurants. This one took place last month, and although I’ve been meaning to share it earlier, there are so many things I want to share so now only I have time to write about it. 😀
The invitation said 11am, but I arrived around 12pm and that’s perfectly normal here. Guests often arrive a bit later, and when I got there, people were still arriving. At the entrance, a family member of the groom was welcoming guests and taking care of the wedding card box. Nearby was a photo area for guests to check in and take pictures.
My coworkers had saved me a seat near the door. Just as I sat down and started chatting, the reception doors were closing, it was time for the ceremony to begin.
The wedding opened with a lively dance performance. The performers looked like the bride and groom, but they were professional dancers, setting a festive tone.
Then came the real stars, the happy couple, who walked in and began the symbolic parts of the ceremony: cutting the cake, pouring wine into a tower of glasses, and sharing their first moments on stage.
As traditional, the parents of both sides joined the couple on stage to give the heartfelt words and blessings to their children.
At the same time, the restaurant staff began serving food, and more fun started: singing, performances, and delicious dishes!
The first course is lotus stem salad with seafood and Vietnamese sausages with heart shape served with shrimp crackers, very refreshing and yummy.
They continued to serve a second appetizer, warm and comforting chicken mushroom soup.
Next up, one of my favorite dishes: this is grilled lemongrass beef served with mustard greens and green chili dipping sauce (not too spicy). Using the mustard green to grab the beef and some pickle carrot and green papaya, dip into the green sauce, that is a hit to my mouth, very delicious.
Seemed like the special one was about to be brought out, with some candles, can you guess what dish is next? 😀
Tada a big steamed grouper with soy sauce: Very tender, naturally sweet grouper. Very delicious and the candles kept it warm even make it better.
As the celebration continued, guests kept singing, laughing, and drinking happily. The bride and groom went to every table to show appreciation and share happy moments with everyone.
To wrap up the meal: herbal stewed chicken with mushrooms, a nourishing and healthy dish to end the feast.
And then some dessert was served at the end, light and refreshing coconut jelly, perfectly chilled, fresh, and not too sweet. A gentle finish after such a rich and flavorful meal.
With a full belly and a happy heart, it was time for me to head home. I left feeling really satisfied with the food, the atmosphere, and people. Everything made it such a beautiful celebration and memory. Hope you enjoy my post :))
All photos were taken by my old phone. See you in the next post.
Sending love from Da Nang.