Wedding adorned with one ton of fresh vegetables to create rural flavor

The wedding on November 20 in Phu Cat District, central Binh Dinh Province, offered guests a variety of traditional snacks, such as sweet potatoes, cassava, mung bean cakes, and coconut kumquat drinks.

"We wanted a wedding that felt close to our roots and connected with our family and neighbors, and so we chose elements inspired by the countryside," Hoa says.

The wedding of the 29-year-old from Binh Dinh Province and his bride from Binh Thuan got millions of views and likes on social media for its unique concept.

Minh Hoa and Hong Nga, the groom and bride, pose for photos at their wedding in Phu Cat District, Binh Dinh Province, on Nov. 20, 2024. Photo courtesy of the couple

Hoa says it took a week for him and his family to make the decorations to create the rural ambience while keeping costs low.

They chopped down two large coconut trees in their backyard to make the wedding arch and adorned it with coconut leaves, straws and chicken cages.

For the interior, Hoa spent VND10 million (US$392.93) to get a ton of fresh vegetables like potatoes, bell peppers, carrots, and cauliflowers to decorate the stage and dining tables.

"Rather than serving alcohol to the guests, my mother prepared 1,000 coconuts and personally picked papaya flowers to create the bridal bouquet," he says.

Instead of cutting a cake as is normal at weddings, the couple planted a coconut tree to symbolize growth and prosperity in their marriage. The guests then raised glasses of coconut water to toast the newlyweds.

Instead of cutting a cake, groom Minh Hoa and bride Hong Nga plant coconut trees during their wedding on Nov. 20, 2024. Photo courtesy of the couple

Guests marveled at the "miniature vegetable garden" created for the event. To ensure no food went to waste, Nga provided rattan baskets and plastic bags so attendees could take home the fresh vegetables.

"Even the wedding arch was offered to our guests for reuse," Nga says.

To add to the charm, Hoa, a professional photographer, made portraits of every guest and gave it to them as a keepsake to express his thanks.

Before the ceremony the couple hosted an intimate "Love again from the start" party with family and close friends. They wore vintage clothing borrowed from Hoa’s parents, recreating the warmth of a traditional family gathering.

Hoa invited local chefs to cook signature Binh Dinh dishes like jumping shrimp and crispy pancakes so that guests could enjoy local flavors.

He adds: "This wedding was not just a celebration of our love. It was a moment to bring our loved ones closer together and leave them with unforgettable memories."

The groom and his family adorn the wedding arch with straw, along with fruits and vegetables.