The Traditions

In the morning on their wedding day, Jeannine and Thien held a traditional Chinese tea ceremony at her parents' home. Jeannine wore an ao dai, or traditional Vietnamese dress, designed by the mother of the groom. Close friends and family came bearing gifts, and the couple served tea as a sign of respect for their parents and elders. Each guest then presented Jeannine and Thien with a red envelope containing money (hong bao), symbolizing their wishes of good luck and wealth for the two. Later, the couple exchanged vows in a traditional wedding ceremony at St. Maria Goretti Catholic Church, where the bride had been baptized years before.