Defender Doan Van Hau prepared several luxurious remarks, from gold-coated betrothal gifts to firework performances, for his wedding ceremony to Doan Hai My, a top 10 Miss Vietnam 2020.
The famous couple held their highly-anticipated engagement ceremony in Hanoi on Nov. 11, followed by a same-day wedding ceremony in the footballer's hometown, the northern province of Thai Binh.
Hau and his family brought betrothal gifts to the beauty queen’s home in Hanoi in the morning to complete rituals for their engagement ceremony.
Decorated with a gold-coated dragon-shaped item, the gifts received attention and praise for their luxuriousness.
Star-shaped appliques were integrated into the red ao dai that Hau and My donned during their engagement ceremony, in a nod to Vietnam’s national flag. This adds meaning to the ceremony as Hau has been a regular starter of the national football squad.
The bride's bouquet was made from lilies of the valley and white tulips, both renowned for their expensive selling prices.
According to knowledge portal Knowinsiders, lily of the valley ranks ninth worldwide in terms of top selling prices, due to its rarity as a wild flower that can be harvested only once a year. A flower supplier in Vietnam said with delivery cost added up, Vietnam-based buyers have to normally pay between VND18-30 million (US$738-$1,231) for a bouquet made from the flower.
Also known as "the return of happiness," lily of the valley is a popular choice for wedding bouquets. Other celebrity brides - including actress Ngo Thanh Van and To Ngoc Vien Minh, star striker Nguyen Cong Phuong’s wife - also had bouquets made from the flower for their wedding ceremonies.
White tulips are sold in Vietnam for up to VND1 million per 10 units.
Hau, 24, gained popularity after his early-career performances made him a regular starter on the national football team. His play contributed in helping Vietnam win the 2018 SEA Games.
He and My, 22, began dating a few months after My competed in the 2020 Miss Vietnam contest. The couple publicized their relationship in 2022.
Hau has been seen traveling with My’s family on several trips, and My has often been spotted in the crowd at Hau’s football matches.
Following their engagement in Hanoi and wedding ceremony in Thai Binh on Nov. 11, they are set to have a Hanoi wedding ceremony on Nov. 26.
Photos and video by Duong Pham, Linh Le Chi, Ha Cuc