MY ROXY & MASSIMO

"Lotus & Lily

side by side"

Traditional Ceremony & Intimate Wedding | Chloe Gallery

Tea ceremony table with red and yellow flowers, fruit and an Italian-patterned runner before a double happiness backdrop

Bride holding a white lily bouquet cascading over her flowing wedding gown

Newlyweds kissing at the reception backdrop between colorful floral arrangements at Chloe Gallery

Hit play to hear the love song of R&M right here!

Illustration of chopsticks lifting noodles, inspired by the phở of the couple's first date

Illustration of a bowl of phở with herbs, lime and chili, the dish Roxy cooked on their first date

THE AUTHENTICITY

Across the vast landscape of England, Roxy and Massimo began their love story with a special first date. They decided to exchange dishes from their homelands. Roxy cooked a bowl of phở, while Massimo prepared a plate of pasta, allowing each other to taste the flavors they had grown up with. Two dishes, two cultures, and somehow they found a connection from that very moment.

From that simple first date, Roxy and Massimo spent nearly seven years together, sharing a deep passion for food and traveling across different places. Their journey eventually reached a new milestone: a wedding celebration that blended Vietnamese and Italian cultures, where their love was told through familiar flavors, family traditions, and the lasting values of kinship.

Illustration of pasta with shrimp and mushrooms twirled on a fork, Massimo's first-date dish

Illustration of basil leaves and cherry tomatoes, a nod to Italian cuisine

VolareEsteriore Brothers

00:00 / 02:43

Vietnamese Italian wedding moodboard with lanterns, lotus, lilies, a moka pot and folk art

PHIN COFFEE AND ESPRESSO

Roxy had long dreamed of transforming her childhood home into a warm and welcoming space for one of the most meaningful moments of the day: the Vietnamese traditional ceremony. The entrance gate was decorated with flowers, lanterns, and a delicate ceramic sign lovingly made by Aimee, Roxy’s younger sister. Right at the doorway, a small cabinet was adorned with childhood photos of the couple alongside images of beloved family members. It created a gentle and heartfelt welcome, allowing every guest to feel the family story and love that had led Roxy and Massimo to this day.

Entrance gate with red and yellow lanterns, warm floral pillars and a hand-painted ceramic sign

Tea ceremony room with a red double happiness backdrop, round wooden table and large floral arrangements

Bride in an embroidered red áo dài holding a warm-toned bouquet before the double happiness backdrop

Inside the living room, the space was highlighted by a vibrant red backdrop featuring the traditional double happiness symbol, a pair of birds, and a large floral arrangement that brought a strong sense of Vietnamese tradition. At the center of the room stood a round wooden table prepared for both families. The table was decorated with subtle Italian inspired details along the runner, accompanied by bright yellow lemons that added a soft cultural connection between the two worlds.

Folk art illustration of children playing Rồng Rắn Lên Mây, a traditional Vietnamese game

Inspired by the idea of cultural exchange, Vietnamese and Italian elements were thoughtfully woven into every part of the ceremony. When Massimo’s family arrived at the front gate, the lively sounds of drums and gongs, along with a traditional lion dance, opened the celebration with joy and excitement. As a playful challenge for the groom’s side, the traditional game “Rồng Rắn Lên Mây” was introduced. Although Massimo and his groomsmen had never heard of the game before, they managed to complete the challenge in just 14 seconds.

Red lion dancers performing at the gate as bridesmaids in white áo dài watch

Bridal party and groomsmen playing Rồng Rắn Lên Mây in front of the flower-decorated gate

Groom in a blue áo dài and his mother greeted by two red lion dancers on arrival

Bride in red áo dài running toward the groom as bridesmaids in white áo dài cheer

Aerial view of guests watching the Rồng Rắn Lên Mây game outside the lantern-lit family home

Groom and groomsmen running and cheering outside the family home as the bride and bridesmaids laugh

Groom in blue áo dài cheering with groomsmen in olive áo dài after the gate challenge

Engagement trays blending betel and areca with Italian truffle and cheese, among red and orange flowers

The engagement trays were also carefully prepared with a thoughtful blend of cultures. Alongside traditional Vietnamese offerings such as betel leaves and areca nuts, and “bánh phu thê”, the trays also included Italian specialties like cheese, olives, and truffles that Massimo’s family personally prepared.

Italian truffle cheese, salsa tartufata and truffle oil on an engagement tray with red flowers

Within the warmth of family, the ceremony unfolded with stories that had long been waiting to be shared, heartfelt advice from parents, gentle smiles, tears of joy and tight embraces.

Groom giving a speech at the tea ceremony as the bride stands beside him with her bouquet

Vietnamese phin with lotus beside an Italian moka pot with lilies, symbols of the couple's coffee exchange

Instead of exchanging rings, Roxy and Massimo chose to perform a unique ritual together. Roxy enjoyed a warm cup of espresso brewed with a moka pot, while Massimo experienced the taste of traditional Vietnamese phin coffee. Each drink was carefully prepared by the other, turning this small gesture into a meaningful exchange of affection.

Bride and groom pouring tea together for their families during the Vietnamese tea ceremony

Groom sipping phin coffee as the bride drinks espresso in their coffee exchange ritual, family applauding

Groom in a blue áo dài wiping away tears during his speech as the bride looks on

Couple holding hands, showing the peacock pattern on his blue áo dài and floral embroidery on her red áo dài

Groom in a blue áo dài embracing a family member in a teal áo dài during the ceremony

Tearful bride giving a speech beside her mother in a mint green áo dài at the tea ceremony

Bride in a red floral áo dài and pearl necklace smiling at the groom during the ceremony

Couple kissing before the red double happiness backdrop, groom in blue áo dài and bride in red

Bride's father giving a lively speech at the tea ceremony as family laughs and claps

Couple laughing with the groom's mother at the ceremony table against the red backdrop

Groom's parents and international friends applauding at the tea ceremony table

The ceremony was spoken in three different languages, yet nothing felt lost in translation. Some moments simply needed no words, only presence and sincerity.

Couple handing out red envelopes to the bridal party with lion dancers behind them

Newlyweds running hand in hand through an arm tunnel formed by bridesmaids and groomsmen

Couple celebrating between two red lion dancers as the bridal party cheers among white petals

Couple kissing between two lion dancers in a shower of white petals under red and yellow lanterns

LOTUS AND LILY

As the reception began, Roxy carried a bouquet that combined Vietnamese lotus flowers with lilies, the national flower of Italy. Two familiar blooms from different cultures were placed together, becoming a small but meaningful detail that continued the story of the day.

Bridal bouquet of white lotus and lilies, the national flowers of Vietnam and Italy, on a silver tray

Groom in a black tuxedo and bow tie seated in a blue velvet armchair beside a chess table

Groom's monk strap shoes, satin bow tie and cufflinks on a red carpet beside his tuxedo jacket

Bride in a white strapless gown holding a lotus and lily bouquet in a sunlit bridal suite

Flat lay of crystal-strap bridal shoes and vintage silver hair pins on a gold frame

Bride laughing with her three bridesmaids in the bridal suite before the evening reception

Bride and bridesmaids having a playful pillow fight while getting ready

Bridesmaids reacting with excitement as they see the bride in her gown in golden sunlight

Bride's mother in a red velvet áo dài adjusting the back of the bride's strapless gown

Black and white portrait of the couple kissing in the garden at dusk

Reception gallery table with family photos, caricature drawings, a ceramic sign, lemons and red flowers

Guests watching a calligrapher write Vietnamese blessings on red scrolls at the reception

The reception opened with a calligraphy corner where guests could receive handwritten characters as a keepsake for the new year. The welcome area was designed with flowing drapery, decorated with tall floral arrangements, bright red chili peppers, and vibrant yellow lemons. The gallery table brought a sense of warmth through family photographs and a playful caricature drawing lovingly created by Mây, the couple’s youngest sister.

International guests admiring calligraphy at the reception's calligraphy corner

Red calligraphy scrolls with Vietnamese blessings hanging among green foliage in the garden

Two guests smiling with a red Vietnamese calligraphy scroll as a wedding keepsake

Later in the evening, the lion dance returned, this time accompanied by Italian music, creating an unexpected yet delightful connection to the morning ceremony. Amid the rhythmic drumbeats and the cheerful encouragement of guests, Roxy and Massimo stepped onto the stage with their families to officially begin the celebration. Rather than following a strict program, the couple chose to guide the evening themselves through stories they had thoughtfully prepared. They shared memories of cultural experiences, how they first met, and the years they spent exploring the world together. Piece by piece, these stories revealed the deeper values behind their journey: love, family and companionship.

Lion dancer weaving between dinner tables as guests wave napkins at the reception at Chloe Gallery

Couple between two red lion dancers on a stage with lanterns, disco balls and a painted lotus and lemon floor

Couple dancing among guests at the outdoor evening party at Chloe Gallery

Black and white photo of both families on stage under lanterns, mirror balls and hanging florals

Newlyweds kissing at their sweetheart table with a hand-painted tablecloth, candles and red flowers

The evening continued with a heartfelt piano performance by Na, Roxy’s sister, filling the room with gentle melodies. Soon after, guests joined in a relaxed and joyful atmosphere of karaoke, laughter, and spontaneous dancing, where any language barrier seemed to disappear through music.

Couple in a group embrace with the bride's sisters on stage after the piano performance

Multicultural friends pointing to the sky under fairy lights at the end of the night

International friends singing arm in arm on stage under lanterns and disco balls

The night unfolded through simple yet genuine moments, reminding everyone that a celebration becomes truly complete when every guest feels a sense of belonging. As the lights slowly dimmed, it also marked the beginning of a new chapter for Roxy and Massimo, where their love for food, cultural stories, and family connections will continue to guide them toward new experiences in the life ahead.

Groom dancing with a guest in a brown satin dress among glowing lanterns

Black and white father-daughter dance under lanterns and disco balls with soft fog

Guest in a burgundy velvet blazer striking a playful pose on the dance floor

Bride's mother in a red velvet áo dài dancing with arms raised beside the bride

Guests dancing in pairs under glowing Vietnamese lanterns, in motion blur

Black and white photo of the bride dancing with a flower girl as guests cheer

Couple dancing on stage with family and children under colorful lanterns

Black and white photo of the couple dancing freely under lanterns and disco balls

Guests dancing with a heart sign overhead under colorful lanterns, in motion blur

OUR TRUSTED PARTNERS

Wedding planner & Coordinator: The Story Packer

Wedding venue: Chloe Gallery Living - Dining - Event

Flowers & Decoration: Home Garden Wedding Decor
Photographer: SBCC.Shoot by Can Comic
Videographer: About Time Wedding Films
MUA: Trần Quốc Thắng
Áo dài: XÉO XỌ
Bridal attires: Aje, Laher, a.b. Ellie, Bared Footwear, Kat the Label
Groom’s suit & accessories: Suitsupply, Cartier
Stationery: AAD ATELIER
Band: The Papers
DJ: WildDragonz