A Spring Vietnamese Wedding | Wendy + Loi

Wendy and Loi are a couple that when planning their wedding, challenges kept being thrown at and thrown at… But after three years, everything eventually aligned perfectly for these two, and they were finally able to make their dream day happen! We are so happy to have been there every step of the way for them, and we can definitely say… All the waiting paid off! Their day was absolutely spectacular.

They met at their local youth group when Wendy was seven and Loi was nine. Having seen each other on Sundays while participating in Vietnamese language class, lion dancing, and team building games, they slowly became best friends that developed innocent crushes on each other. But they were just children that were too nervous to tell each other. A mutual friend, though, stepped in and revealed their secret feelings, pushing them together. They supported each other through high school, via attending the JROTC military ball, honors ceremonies, volunteering endeavors, and school dances. Loi was there to cheer on Wendy as she was accepted into the BA/MD program, and in 2013, he made the decision to join the Marine Corps.

After finding out that he’d be headed to basic training the next day, they wrote each other letters throughout those difficult three months, and then came to the conclusion that they were life partners, and life partners couldn’t live without each other. Both parties asked for their parents’ permission, before having their official engagement ceremony all the way back in December of 2013! The next four years flew by in a blur of long distance relationship trials while Loi was stationed at Camp Pendleton, pursuing his dreams, and Wendy completed her coursework at UNM for her BA/MD program. There were days without talking while he was in the field, and there were months without being able to see each other — at one point, nine whole months passed!

Wendy began med school in 2016 as Loi completed his four years of service, all in 2017. She then graduated with her MD in 2020, currently working as an anesthesiology resident in LA, and Loi went back to school to complete his Mechanical Engineering degree. Wendy said, “Between the military, medical school and COVID, we’ve long awaited for this wedding to celebrate with our love ones.” And we couldn’t agree more! It’s been almost 10 years since their initial engagement, and we were beyond honored to have been chose to document this heavily anticipated day!

The ceremony began with a traditional Vietnamese tea ceremony at Wendy’s family home. We then headed to the temple they have attended since children for their Buddhist ceremony. Wendy even pointed out to us a tree they shared their first kiss under as we took their portraits together amongst the blossom trees.

The day didn’t end there however as we then needed to head over to Sandia for their western ceremony and reception. We weren’t sure what we loved most, the fact that Wendy had 3 outfit and hair/makeup changes or all of the beautiful florals and traditions that made the wedding so special. Before we left, a lion dance was preformed for the couple while guests looked on and cheered in celebration of the new Mr. and Mrs.

We are so incredibly happy for the two of you, and cannot wait to see what the future holds for you both!! Congratulations!!!

Vendors
Tea Ceremony: Private Residence
Traditional Ceremony Venue: Chùa Quang Minh
Reception Venue: Sandia Casino
Planner: Lace and Bow Bridal Events
Photographers: Maura and Hannah
Video: Southwest Wedding Films
Florist: Albuquerque Florist
HMU: Jacqueline Chavez
Vietnamese Tea Ceremony Jewelry: Heirlooms given to Wendy by her late maternal grandmother
Western Ceremony Ring and Band: Happy Jewelers
Western Ceremony Necklace: Macy’s
Western Ceremony Bracelet: Swarovski
Shoes: Badgley Mischka
Suits: Men’s Wearhouse
Dress Store: Custom Stores in Vietnam
Dress Designers: Vietnamese Designers
Bridesmaid Dresses: David’s Bridal
Cake: Simply Sweet by Darci
Invitations: Hoa Tien Wedding Invitations
DJ: Dream Factory Productions