After decades of marriage, many Vietnamese seniors experience a full wedding ceremony for the very first time.
On the morning of December 6, a mass wedding ceremony featuring 80 couples took place in Hanoi as part of a special event themed “Together Forever – Love is Happiness.” Thousands of locals and tourists gathered to witness this rare and touching moment.
Yen and Dang beamed with happiness as they celebrated 45 years of marriage. Photo: Nguyen Huy
From as early as 5 AM, Do Thi Yen (70), a resident of Cua Nam Ward, Hanoi, was already preparing for the day. She carefully did her makeup, styled her hair, and joined her husband, Vu Nguyen Dang (77), as they made their way to Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square by Hoan Kiem Lake.
Slipping into a pristine white gown with elegant details, Yen was overwhelmed with emotion. Memories from their wedding 45 years ago came rushing back.
“This is the first time in my life I’ve worn a wedding dress. I’m so happy and nervous,” Yen shared, her voice trembling with joy. Her husband looked at her with admiration and added, “She still looks beautiful.”
Their daughter and grandchildren were present to celebrate this meaningful wedding. Photo: Nguyen Huy
The couple was originally married in Quang Ninh in 1980. Back then, during difficult times, weddings were simple. Yen wore a traditional ao dai and carried gladiolus flowers.
“Our wedding was humble, but it was warm and meaningful. And just like that, we’ve held hands through 45 years of life and raised two daughters together,” Yen reflected.
Like Yen, it was also the first time for La Thi Tuyet (73) to wear a wedding gown, complete with a veil and professional makeup. She and her husband, Tran Van Dau (74), were celebrating their diamond anniversary - 50 years of marriage. The couple was so excited for the big day, they could barely sleep the night before.
Dau held Tuyet’s hand tightly as they celebrated 50 years of marriage. Photo: Nguyen Huy
Yen and Tuyet were among the 80 couples who took part in the mass wedding, organized under the “Vietnam Happy Fest 2025 – Vietnam Happiness Festival.”
This special celebration was designed to symbolize 80 years of “Independence – Freedom – Happiness” in Vietnam. Among the participants were young couples just entering married life, as well as longtime spouses who had been together for 15, 30, 45, and even 50 years.
Their presence was a powerful reminder that happiness is not a miracle but the result of understanding and sharing - day after day, year after year.
The 80 couples symbolized 80 years of Independence – Freedom – Happiness. Photo: Nguyen Huy
Some couples shared their touching love stories on stage, including Nguyen Vu Hoi (63) and Vu Thi Trang (62) from Bac Giang. They married in 1985, with a modest ceremony at their military unit.
After the birth of their two sons, Hoi suffered a devastating accident that fractured his spine, leading to a deep depression.
Throughout those years, Trang was his anchor - working, raising their children, and caring for her husband.
“If it weren’t for my wife, I wouldn’t have the happiness I do today. She helped me overcome my darkest time and regain the strength to raise our sons,” Hoi shared.
After 40 years of highs and lows, the couple remains happy with two loving sons. Photo: Nguyen Huy
In a heartfelt and sacred atmosphere, all 80 couples participated in a collective wedding ceremony, cheered on by thousands of people in attendance.
“The happiness we celebrate today will spread love, unity, and hope - not just within families but across Vietnam and to friends around the world,” said Pham Anh Tuan, Director of the Department of Grassroots and External Information under the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.
The “Vietnam Happy Fest 2025 – Vietnam Happiness Festival” is taking place from December 5 to 7 at the Hoan Kiem pedestrian zone in Hanoi. The event features a rich and emotional series of activities.
Organizers expect between 200,000 and 300,000 attendees, along with millions of online interactions across social media platforms.
Vietnamnet.vn
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