“Why are you crying?” I wondered as I looked at her teary eyes. The atmosphere was heavy with emotion, her tears glistening as they cascaded down her rosy cheeks. At that moment, words failed me; I could only envelop her in a gentle embrace.
This was our engagement day—a joyful and meaningful celebration that invited the blessing of both our families. Witnessed by our relatives, our love story was officially authenticated, taking its place in the fabric of our familial histories.
For so long, I had dreamt of this day: she would wear the traditional Vietnamese bridal dress, the Áo Dài, its delicate fabric encasing her like a second skin. Then, as our eyes locked, we exchanged rings, sealing our union. Her eyes sparkled with happiness, mirroring the pride I saw emanating from our families.
I had prepared meticulously for this moment. I carried special gifts to her family home, symbols allowing me to take ‘my bride’ with me. I remembered our humble bows in front of our parents, those who had raised us and made us who we are. Together, we spoke words of gratitude and made promises to stick together through life’s twists and turns, until our hair turned gray and our days drew to a close.
She didn’t have to say anything; her nod was enough. A simple gesture that permitted me to announce to my parents, “She has agreed.”
Thanks must also go to Camellia, the team that made our engagement ceremony unforgettable. Every detail was executed with subtlety and elegance, and the venue was adorned in hues of traditional red, accented with shades of pure white and pink. The ambiance was so warm and sentimental, charged with emotions so palpable they could be touched.
The ceremony wasn’t just a formality; it was the canvas upon which Camellia painted our love, turning an already significant day into something truly extraordinary. And so, as we stood there, enveloped in love and encased in tradition, we knew this was just the beginning of our forever.
And to her, my bride-to-be, my companion for life, I whispered, “Don’t worry, I’ll always be here to protect you, and together, we will build a home filled with happiness.”
