Our Vietnamese culture is very important to us, which is why we have a fusion of American and Vietnamese traditions on our special day. To uphold our traditions, we begin our journey with a ceremony called a Dam Hoi. Dam Hoi is a traditional Vietnamese Engagement Ceremony, also known as an "Asking Ceremony." It is a union of both families, and a formal proposal from the groom to be, to the bride to be.

On the day of the Dam Hoi, the groom, with his family and friends, come bearing gifts to the bride and her family, varying from an assortment of jewelry, sweets, tea, fruit, alcohol, and notable items such as a roasted pig (yum!). These gifts are presented to the bride's parents, who then share the gifts with family members as a formal  announcement of their daughter's engagement.

During the Dam Hoi, a variety of ceremonies take place. There is a candle ceremony, representing the respect given to ancestors for a happy, long, and blessed marriage,  a  gift ceremony, where the groom is able to place the engagement ring on the hand of the bride to be, and the mother of the groom also presents gifts of jewelry to the bride as a gesture of acceptance and welcoming. Lastly, there is a tea/alcohol ceremony where the bride and groom serve tea/alcohol to one another's family members.

Following the Dam Hoi, we party and celebrate this joyous occasion!