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Sanders Estate Wedding and Vietnamese Tea Ceremony

I arrived at Kristen’s parents’ home just before 8:30am. Everyone was bustling about setting up the alter for the tea ceremony. I found Kristen and her bridesmaids tucked away putting finishing touches on hair and makeup. Kristen was beaming in her scarlet Vietnamese gown – anxiously awaiting the day’s events getting started. Finally, Hoang, along with his family and friends, arrived out front. The pulled 5 red containers filled with gifts from their car to present to Kristen’s parents (both the odd number of boxes and the color red are said to bring good luck to the couple). They processed in, welcomed by the bride’s family and positioned themselves in front of the alter for Kristen’s entrance into the living room. Once she arrived, Kristen and Hoang exchanged flowers and began the rituals. They offered tea to their parents, siblings, and family elders. Kristen was presented with jewelry that the mothers helped put on her. Family members offered advice to the couple. Mind you, all of this was spoken in Vietnamese, but it was easy to follow along with gestures and their joyous laughter! Next, Kristen would be presented to Hoang’s family at his home. They repeated the ceremony for Hoang’s family, lighting candles, bowing and presenting more tea. I love the tradition of asking permission from the ancestors to bless their marriage as well as thanking and asking guidance from family. After we all feasted on some truly delicious food & had a short rest, it was time to head over to Sanders Estate for the Western Ceremony & wedding reception!

Kristen changed out of her red gown and into a stunning white lace dress. Hoang & his groomsmen bustled about the reception area setting up lights and details. I found a pathway filled with little white daisies and set them up for their first look. Kristen has a smile that is absolutely contagious. She is one of those people that just lights up a room and it is so easy to see and recognize her kind spirit. Kristen’s brother-in-law was the officiant and mentioned how her sweet nature brought softness to Hoang, and that his confidence brought decisiveness to Kristen. Kristen and Hoang wrote their own vows, and one of my favorite lines was when Kristen quoted Hoang saying “Life is like a durian, you have to work hard to get to the sweet center.” Kristen & Hoang literally danced down the isle after they were pronounced husband & wife.

Kristen & Hoang are pretty big Harry Potter fans – Kristen’s girlfriends threw her a Harry Potter themed bachelorette party & they are even doing a Harry Potter tour while they are on their honeymoon in England – so it was no surprise that there were several nods to their fandom in their wedding details. Guest favors were Ferrero Rocher balls made to look like golden snitches, their cake topper featured Kristen & Hoang holding wands, custom macaron designs included lightning bolts and brooms, and my favorite was the backs of their chairs – “He found a catch” and “She found a keeper”! Their friends made them play many – embarrassing – reception games that are apparently common among Vientamese wedding celebrations (or so I was told), and after they made their way around to all of the tables cheers-ing with their guests, I snuck them away for some quiet sunset portraits. The golden light was dipping behind the trees and reflected off of the wheat grass creating a golden glow around the happy couple. They danced the night away under the twilight sky and were sent off with sparklers. It was a long day of tradition & celebration and I am so glad I got to be there for it all! Congratulations Kristen & Hoang – I know you are off enjoying your European adventure – take some photos on that Harry Potter (and Game of Thrones!) tours for me!! Wishing you all the best! xoxo

Kristen’s made of honor performed a customized rendition of Jagged Edge’s “Let’s Get Married” as her toast! It was amazing!

Now this might have been my favorite moment of the night – Hoang’s best man was explaining how he tends to interrogate new girls interested in his best friends. He described how when he met Kristen, he flat out asked her, “What makes you think you’re good enough for my friend?” and Kristen replied *insert hand on hip & head bob* “What makes you think he’s good enough for me!?” It was hilarious & Kristen’s reaction is priceless!

Fun Fact! I actually met Kristen & Hoang because she was a bridesmaid at another Sanders Estate Wedding I photographed – Christina & Marc! This time, it was Christina’s turn to be a bridesmaid – it’s always so fun for me to get to photograph friends of my couples. I love that they know & trust me and the referral means the world! Thank you Christina & Marc!!

Venue: Couples’ family homes & Sanders Estate, Auburn, WA // Coordination, Catering, Florals & Cake: Blue Ribbon Cooking – shout out to my girl Melissa! // Hair & Makeup: OffWhite Makeup // Wedding Dress: BHLDN // DJ: DJ Tsunamii // Videography: Doh Tran // Photography: Meredith McKee Photography

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I believe in all things bright, happy & colorful! Specializing in capturing the JOY of life's greatest adventures!

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