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On Tuesday morning Phan Long, in a police uniform, stood at attention and saluted as the parade formations marched past on Hanoi’s Tran Phu Street.
Huyen, in a wedding dress, placed her hand over her heart and looked on with pride.
The photo shoot caught the attention of crowds of onlookers and soldiers. People even stepped aside so that the couple could stand near the fence close to the marching personnel.
Some commanders congratulated them through loudspeakers or came to shake their hands.
"Our photo shoot falling during the nation’s celebration is a happiness and pride beyond words," the bride said.
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Phan Long and his fiancée Thanh Huyen stand at attention as parade formations pass Tran Phu Street, Hanoi, on the morning of Sept. 2. Photo courtesy of Mr Hanh Phuc Studio |
Long works in Hong Ca Prison in Lao Cai Province. Huyen, a native of Hung Yen Province, got the idea for the wedding photos after seeing another couple’s shoot during the Aug. 30 rehearsal.
She then became determined to do it, saying she did not want to miss "a once-in-40-years opportunity."
Long was hesitant and worried about the crowds and his fiancée’s comfort. He was also reluctant to wear his uniform off duty. After Huyen convinced him and he understood where she was coming from, he agreed.
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Parade commanders shake hands and congratulate Phan Long and Thanh Huyen during the National Day parade on Sept. 2 in Hanoi. Photo by Mr Hanh Phuc Studio |
Van Anh, representing the studio that shot the Aug. 30 session for the earlier couple, said the National Day shoot was harder than usual.
"The crowds came out early and the rain would not let up. Our team camped out at several spots for two nights to get the best angles."
Huyen arrived at 7 a.m. on Monday while Long came late because of work.
They stayed up almost all night and worried that the rain would ruin their plans. At around 4 a.m. on Tuesday, they changed into their wedding outfits and joined the thronging crowds.
Phan Long and his fiancée Thanh Huyen take photos as the parade passes Tran Phu Street, Hanoi, on the morning of Sept. 2. Video courtesy of Mr Hanh Phuc Studio
Long and Huyen have known each other for years, having grown up in the same hometown. Their relationship grew through brief holiday meetings. After the shoot they returned to their jobs and started preparing for the wedding at the end of the year.
