Vyna Phuong Le & Phu Van Truong

August 2, 2009 | Traditional Vietnamese Ceremony at residence, American Ceremony at the Old Lantern - Charlotte, Vermont

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Phu and I are just ordinary people who had a once in a lifetime chance of bumping into each other.

How we met

Phu and I are just ordinary people who had a once in a lifetime chance of bumping into each other. The first time we met was at a girlfriend’s house party. He had a girlfriend and I had a boyfriend - that’s it - and the story would have ended there, if we hadn’t met for the second time in Montreal. One weekend when a group of our friends all met in Montreal, our paths crossed again. When I saw him, he was so heartbroken as he watched his girlfriend introduce her new guy to the group without giving him a “break-up notice.” That night, toward the end of the party, I whispered in his ear: “Don’t be silly, you deserved a better girlfriend than her.” Again, we parted not really connecting yet as boyfriend/girlfriend. Who would have known that later in life I would become his other half?

A few months later, after coming back from an out-of-country trip, my boyfriend and I ended our struggling relationship. I had a very bad cold in the days that followed and no friends came to see me or call me. During that weekend, however, Phu called to check on me. He ended up with a container of soup and pills at my house. He asked where the kitchen was so he could prepare the soup for me. I was surprised at how sweet he was and instantly I felt this should be the guy that I was looking for. He was so caring and kind.

So, we finally connected; and after the soup incident, we began to hang out more. First, in a group and then, just us alone. We shared our pasts, talked about future, and found each other in many thoughtful ways of life. Then Phu asked me on an official date.

How he proposed

His proposing wasn’t like a fairytale story or a super-romantic one like you have heard before, but it was special to me. He prepared a typical Vietnamese hotpot-dinner at my parents’ house so that my whole family could join together for this special time. At the end of the dinner, everybody adored him with compliments and said that I was lucky girl. Then suddenly, he turned his head to me and said: “Am I a lucky guy also? Will you marry me honey?” I thought he was joking but then he said: “You know me, this is how I am. I’m a simple and family oriented guy. I feel like I am a part of this family already and I want everybody here to witness our special moment.”

I looked at my dad and deep down in his supportive eyes I could see only two words: “Say yes!” Since I was young until now, my dad and I are very close to each other. I talk to him through my up-and-down times and he is nonstop in supporting me no matter what I do. I couldn’t have been happier; and I even broke down in tears when I found out that my dad was also Phu’s proposing partner. He planned it all along with Phu and was the one who brought out the ring at the last minute. This told me that Phu has found a good connection between my dad and me; and if my dad is supporting him, then it means that I have found the right guy.

We had an engagement party at Zen Garden with close friends and family a few months after that.

Most Memorable Details

I remember it rained on my wedding day from the beginning to the end, with only a few breaks in the rain during the whole day, which we kept watching and found our way outside for pictures whenever it would stop. The weather made it so that lots of my guests could not make it to my reception place, but we made the best of it and still had a very good day. My photographers and their crew showed up early at my house and even helped us in setting up a few little things. They captured all the events that happened in that day – from getting ready, to taking down tables. Thanks to Joe and Linda. RaidenShine Photography came through and they really made the sun shine through the rain on my special day.

My music band surprised me with their special guest - a composer - who wrote and sang his song to Phu and me; the song was especially made just for us. Even though we got a few complaints about the loudness of our music, it was fun and we still danced the day away.

The cake was as lovely as it tasted. I still remember every detail on the cake and couldn’t believe how beautiful it was. When RaidenShine created our album, the cake made a full 12” x 24” page so we could see every detail. All my guests kept asking me who made that wonderful cake and remarked on how tasty it was. My cake vendor also did an amazing decoration job on the cake and setting up my traditional Vietnamese cake-topper, which surprised everyone.

Advice for brides

Try not to spend too much money on little things, but instead focus on the importance of family and enjoying your day together. Be sure your photographer knows what pictures will be most important to you, as the album and your memories are all you have left to show for all the money spent after the day. Also ask your friends and family to help – they love to be a part of the planning and it makes them feel more a part of your day. Save your money toward your other rentals or even honeymoon.

Shop around for your vendors; compare prices before setting your mind on any certain vendor, and make sure the details of the packages are similar. We found Vermont Bride a very helpful magazine and website when looking for vendors and referred to their information throughout the planning process.

Make a good connection between you and your photographer. Use them to help set up your timeline so that there is enough time for your special photos. Seek their advice, ideas, or recommendations. Use their experience from which they have learned, seen, or worked with at their previous wedding customers so you would get good vendors who you could totally trust on your day.

Try to enjoy your day instead of looking for perfection because the day goes by so quickly. Let it be the way it is.

Read our library of Vermont love stories online here.

Vermont Bride Magazine - Vermont's Most Trusted Wedding Resource Since 1990

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