This Wedding at Callanwolde Fine Arts Center in Atlanta, Georgia, Included a 10-Course Dinner
Chris and Thao planned an elegant-and-timeless wedding with a neutral color palette. While the aesthetic of the day was minimal and subdued, there was nothing plain about the wedding. From a prank first look early in the morning to a bubble grand exit, each and every element of the wedding was customized and full of personality. Plus, the couple's reception included a ten-course Chinese dinner menu, what could be better than that? "Our wedding was a dream," recalls Thao. "I envisioned a wedding day embraced with simple elegance in soft blues, ivory, and gold accents. I wanted simple decors to allow the majestic venue to speak for itself."
Ahead of the big day, Chris and Thao participated in a traditional Vietnamese tea ceremony in honor of Thao’s Vietnamese heritage. "I come from a Vietnamese Buddhist background and I wanted to incorporate a traditional tea ceremony into our wedding day," shares Thao. "We donned traditional Vietnamese wedding attire called áo dài in a vibrant red and served tea to our parents and families as they showered us with blessings in words of wisdom and red envelopes of cash."
Thao shares that one of the most memorable parts of the couple's wedding was their 10-course reception dinner. "We specifically picked each dish and customized it to our preference," says Thao. "There were popular items like the infamous fried rice and the popular sautéed lobster to underrated delicacies such as jellyfish appetizers. That’s right, jellyfish! It was truly a hit among foodies and first-timers alike!"
The bride goes on to share that "another favorite moment for us was our send-off on a motorcycle! When we first started dating, Chris would take me out on dates with his motorcycle, and we won’t ever forget the thrill of that moment. I wore my red Vietnamese ao dai (it’s basically a long blouse with pants) as we did a faux send-off just down the sidewalk in a matching red motorcycle. Our families and friends cheered as they blew bubbles along the way. It was so much fun!"
Looking back on their wedding day, Thao and Chris encourage other couples to "start early, have fun with it, and remember what is truly important to you both. There will be emotional moments and difficult decisions as you go on your wedding planning journey, and that’s normal! When choosing your priorities, keep in mind that your guests will remember experiences that they will personally encounter more than anything—the food they’ll eat, the vibe of the reception and such. At the end of the day, there’s no right or wrong way to celebrate as this is all about the celebration of your love to and for each other. So do you, and enjoy it!"
