Chau and Tam Engagement: Vietnamese STYLE

Last weekend, I had the privilege to take engagement ceremony photos for our friends Chau and Tam in Baton Rouge.  They chose to do a traditional engagement which involved a lot of their families, gifts, and food.  Nothing quite gets your attention like a whole roasted pig getting carried down the street.  In the past few years Chau and Tam have had a chance to work a lot with the youth at Vietnamese Hope Baptist Church in Baton Rouge and I couldn't help but come away encouraged with the type of support they have from their community. 

Entourage of gifts being carried down the street.

Patiently awaiting the arrival of Tam and his family.

 I love me some Vietnamese food, especially "shaking beef" (our third item in this 7 course meal).

 

As they begin their journey towards the big day, I'm reminded of a recent wedding I had the opportunity to attend.  Like many weddings, the few days before are hectic, characterized with last minute details and managing the various parts that make a wedding successful.  As important as these details were, one thing eventually stood out - we were constantly reminded to not be concerned with the aesthetics of the wedding but instead consider how glorifying the ceremony will be to God.  "Even though these two are in love, lets not forget the greater love story that is going on.  This is only a shadow of something greater.  God's love for us is demonstrated in his Son, Jesus Christ, who died for our sins."

Although this was only an engagement ceremony, I hope they'll enjoy the blessing that God has given them and not to forget the blesser Himself.  Can't wait to see you guys on your big day!