Recreating the beauty of Southern Vietnamese culture through traditional weddings.

Weddings in the "grandparents' era"

The wedding photos of Huu Phu and Ngoc Trang quickly attracted attention from the online community upon being posted. Behind the lens is photographer Chau Quang Dien - a native of Ben Tre. He shared: "I only photograph weddings for family and close friends. I am a son of Ben Tre, so the essence of the Mekong Delta is deeply ingrained in my personality and my work."

As a long-time close friend of the groom, the photographer said: “I’ve known Phu for a very long time, since he was a fine arts student in Dong Thap. When Phu was preparing for his big day, he trusted me and my friends in the group to capture images of this important event in his life. My friends and I were very happy to be able to both record moments of our friend’s life and contribute to introducing the traditional beauty of the Mekong Delta in particular and Vietnam in general to friends everywhere.”

Wishing for a truly meaningful wedding, Huu Phu dedicated much time and effort to the preparations. Starting in 2023, he began planning, collecting, and personally decorating the wedding venue. Every small detail was meticulously cared for by the couple, creating a warm and romantic atmosphere. The wedding was not only a beautiful memory for the two of them but also a gift for their family and friends.

On Hữu Phú's big day, fresh flowers were arranged by artisans into graceful peacock tails, wedding invitations exuded an ancient charm with intricate patterns, and fruit platters overflowing with the flavors of Southern Vietnam added to the warm atmosphere. Particularly noteworthy was the wedding arch, designed in the traditional style, transporting guests back to a bygone era. Furthermore, Hữu Phú commissioned a custom-made classical makeup look for the bride, making her appear gentle and demure. And that wasn't all; with his skillful calligraphy, he personally wrote red couplets to display prominently in the house, expressing his reverence and respect for tradition.

The wedding offerings of Huu Phu and Ngoc Trang are deeply rooted in tradition. The tray of betel nuts and leaves – a symbol of union – is presented to the head of the bride's family. This is followed by a colorful tray of offerings representing prosperity and good fortune.

In the warm atmosphere of their wedding day, the bride and groom chose simple, traditional attire. The bride's bright red striped dress, combined with the groom's long robe and headscarf, created a beautiful and rustic image. The presence of parents and relatives in traditional ao dai further enhanced the traditional beauty of the ceremony.

“Phú is very passionate about studying Vietnamese culture. When preparing for the wedding, he spent a lot of time researching the customs and traditions of traditional Vietnamese weddings, trying to recreate as authentically as possible a beautiful cultural aspect of our ancestors. Therefore, the photographers' job was to capture his ideas in the most genuine way possible through images,” the photographer said.

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Passion for Southern Vietnamese culture

Growing up in a family with a deep cultural tradition, Huu Phu received devoted guidance from his grandfather. In the afternoons, he would often gather around his grandfather, listening to him tell fairy tales, stories about the customs and traditions of the past. He always found joy in watching his grandfather prepare feasts and write couplets. These images were deeply imprinted in his mind and became a great source of inspiration.

"We often call Phu 'the young old man' because of this special passion. Nowadays, it's very rare to find a young person with such a passion for Southern Vietnamese culture as Phu," Dien said.

A harmonious blend of traditional and modern beauty.

Organizing a traditional Southern Vietnamese wedding, especially in Ben Tre, requires meticulous attention to detail and dedication. The organizer needs not only a deep passion for Southern Vietnamese culture but also profound knowledge of ancient rituals and customs.

From conceptualizing and designing the home, ancestral altar, and wedding arch, to selecting attire for the bride and groom and their families, everything must be meticulously prepared to ensure it adheres to traditional values. The support and understanding of both families are also crucial in creating a complete and meaningful wedding.

Phuong Mai is a reporter for Travellive Magazine in Hanoi.

Phuong Mai