the big fat Vietnamese-German Wedding

As an added bonus to our trip home..

my "baby cousin" JR and his beautiful girlfriend Chi decided to tie the knot.

OK the wedding wasn't big nor fat... and the most German thing is our last name.. 
(but it sounded like a good title for this post. :-)

The wedding however was Vietnamese...  - well one ceremony was,

The happy couple started the morning with a traditional Vietnamese ceremony.
Family had gathered from the world...
We had a cousin who flew in from Australia..
Weddings are always such a fantastic, blissful time to reunite..

all the cousins.. (& my beautiful sister in law)

Nana & her boys.

New friends & family

Vietnamese Wedding traditions...

On the day of the wedding, the procession of the groom's family is led in specific order. The first person would be the representative of the groom's house followed by the groom's father, the groom, then the rest of his family and close friends

In the procession, the groom, his family and friends bear elaborately decorated lacquer boxes, covered in red cloth. Inside these boxes are gifts representing the wealth that the groom's family will bring to the bride's family Gifts are betel, fruit, cakes, a roast pig, fabric, and an abundance of jewelry for the bride.

there ceremony was fantastic... and I was so thankful to be invited & that my children were able to experience this as well..

after the Vietnamese ceremony at Chi's house.. we had a reception -

 followed by a traditional Western ceremony

& lets not forget the RECEPTION.. yeah baby... nothing but a goood time!

my "baby" cousin & his beautiful bride.

 mom & dad.. :-)

Grandpa & his girls