A few months ago, Taylor asked me if I could possibly come up to Massachusetts a day early to photograph their Traditional Vietnamese Tea Ceremony that was taking place the day before their wedding. I wasn’t sure what to expect but I was excited for the new experience and the chance to learn more about the beautiful Vietnamese culture.

What I learned was that in the Vietnamese culture, the Tea Ceremony is the official ceremony where the groom’s family receives the bride into their family through a series of special and meaningful events.

On Friday morning Trong’s family arrived at Taylor’s parent’s house and formed a procession at the base of the driveway with Trong and his parents at the front. As the family processed inside, Trong’s parents took the time to introduce every family member to Taylor’s parents who were holding their front door open.

Once everyone was inside and the platters of traditional gifts were placed on the table, it was time for the bride to enter. Taylor’s mom was sent upstairs to lead Taylor into the kitchen where everyone was gathered. From there it was time to formally introduce each side of the family to each other.

Once the formal introductions were completed it was time to move on to the tea section of the ceremony. The elders of both sides of the family were seated on couches and starting with the grandparents, Taylor and Trong began to serve the tea. They served each elder family member, one at a time, and after taking a sip of tea that family member formally announced their acceptance of Taylor into their family and exchanged a gift. It was a beautiful experience to witness and a joy to photograph!

According to Vietnamese Traditional, Taylor and Trong were technically considered officially married after the Tea Ceremony, even though they had to wait until the next day to celebrate their wedding. Both Taylor and Trong’s families were so incredibly welcoming to each other and to me and it was so special to get to meet so many family members the day before the wedding and then show up on Saturday and feel like we were already all friends.

I hope you enjoy this little peek into this beautiful tradition!

Xoxo,

Mary Kate