Minh-An and James formally celebrated their engagement Sunday with a gathering of both families at the Bothell home of Minh-An's parents. I made
engagement pictures of the couple earlier this spring; this traditional Vietnamese ceremony made the engagement official for their families.
Minh-An's mom had been busy readying the house for festivities. She decorated the house with fresh blossoms from her garden.
Minh-An's mom also prepared an incredible spread. Wraps, spring rolls, rice, meats -- and cream puffs from scratch!
The two families and close friends celebrated the couple. Here, James gets a toss from his groomsmen.
Minh-An's father, left, and her uncle, who emceed the ceremony.
Minh-An tapped the skills of her talented bridesmaids, dear friends from high school and college. One baked her a two-layer cake with strawberries and cream.
Two friends assembled a bouquet and bouts for the men.
The girls got pretty, then helped Minh-An with her make-up.
Look how beautiful she is!
James' family assembled in a small park across the street. Here, James' sister reviews the detailed itinerary.
She also pinned a bout on James, made by Minh-An's friends.
The groomsmen prepared to line up bearing traditional gifts for Minh-An's family. One of the gifts was an entire roasted pig. The red fabric covering each container symbolize happiness.
The men lined up in front of the house facing the ladies, then handed the gifts to the ladies to carry into the house.
Minh-An and her dad.
