1. Real Weddings

Ngoc & Brian: A Casual Bird-Themed Wedding in Omaha, Nebraska

After meeting through mutual friends, Ngoc and Brian dated for six months before Brian moved to Tampa, Florida to start culinary school. Busy schedule

After meeting through mutual friends, Ngoc and Brian dated for six months before Brian moved to Tampa, Florida to start culinary school. Busy schedules combined with health issues took a toll on the couple, and the pair ended their relationship six months later. Despite the break up, Ngoc and Brian remained best friends and talked every day. Ten months after the split, Brian invited Ngoc to Florida for a visit, where he convinced her that they were meant to be together. The Bride Ngoc Tran, 26, healthcare administrator The Groom Brian Payne, 27, sous chef The Date October 17 As soon as they got back together, Brian knew he wanted to ask Ngoc to marry him. He returned to Nebraska for the holidays with the intention of proposing on New Year's Eve in the same place where he and Ngoc had shared their first kiss. Ngoc's work schedule got in the way, though, and she was too tired to go out. The pair called it an early night, until finally, at 2 a.m., Brian couldn't stand it anymore and woke her up with a proposal. Still half asleep, Ngoc thought he was talking about the future, and muttered, Of course we're going to get married someday, and fell back asleep. It wasn't until the next morning when she was driving Brian to the airport that he reminded her of the proposal and asked if she wanted the ring. The couple wed on October 17th in a casual yet cool birds of a feather-themed wedding.

In lieu of a traditional ring pillow, Ngoc scoured online for the perfect piece of pottery to transport the wedding rings. She fell in love with these clay bird-shaped bowls that fit perfectly into their “birds of a feather” theme. The best part? After the wedding, she can use them as ring holders in her bathroom!
For months before the wedding, Ngoc collected vases, peacock feathers, candles, candle holders, jars, lanterns, and virtually anything else she envisioned incorporating into her reception decor. A family friend arranged the flowers, which were a combination of hydrangeas, calla lilies, roses, baby’s breath, willow branches, and greenery.
Ngoc’s sister, cousin, and aunt helped her fold 140 paper crane escort cards. The flock of paper birds fit in perfectly with the wedding theme.
Ngoc and her sister made the boutonnieres themselves out of peacock feathers, copper wire, a small charm, and fabric leftover from Christmas decorations. And because fresh flowers weren’t involved, they were able to make the boutonnieres months in advance.
Ngoc had originally hoped to find blue shoes to match her colors, but when she came across this pair of pink, four-inch heels online, she had to have them.
The bridal attendants all received their outfits as gifts from the bride and groom. The groomsmen wore fedoras, checkered vests, and Converse sneakers in keeping with the wedding’s casual but cool vibe, while the bridesmaids wore blue dresses with black net overlays and black jackets.
Ngoc and Brian served a tres leches cake, also known as Mexican birthday cake. The six-tiered confection was embellished with flowers and served with mixed berries, whipped cream, and edible purple and white orchids.
Brian’s parents refinished the metal arch over the altar after purchasing it from a local vendor. To counteract the stark white walls of the barn, Ngoc draped fabric in the wedding colors from the ceiling, giving the room a warm, romantic atmosphere. This photo was taken just after Ngoc and Brian were announced man and wife -- they were so excited to be married, they gave each other a high five!
Ngoc’s sister My, who owns a specialty paper company, created their “guestbook tree.” After designing the tree with the wedding’s signature bird motif, My printed the whole thing on canvas. Guests left thumbprints in green ink, then signed their name by their “leaf.” Now, the art piece hangs in their home.
The table numbers were set inside wooden pictures frames. The decorator also set out fans that Ngoc had originally purchased as favors when she wanted a destination wedding.
Ngoc and Brian made sure to put plenty of personal touches into their ensembles. From a fedora and Converse sneakers for him to a handmade shrug and flower pin for her, every detail was carefully selected to match their personalities and wedding theme.