Their cross-border wedding became an online sensation, but their journey to love was anything but easy.
Videos of an Indian groom dressed in a traditional red áo dài, carrying trays of betel and wedding gifts for his Vietnamese bride, have taken social media by storm. The scenes - from the couple’s ancestral ceremony to the emotional gift exchange between families - have garnered nearly two million views and close to 30,000 “hearts.”
A love that weathered the storm
Nguyen Nhu Y (born 1994, originally from Hau Giang, now living in Can Tho) and Abhishek Khandelwal (born 1995, from Bangalore, India) recently shared unforgettable moments at their wedding, held at the bride’s family home.
Their path to marriage was not without turbulence.
Both worked in the seafood industry - Y in Can Tho, Abhishek in India. They first met in March 2024 at an international seafood expo in Ca Mau during Abhishek’s business trip to Vietnam. What started as a polite acquaintance soon deepened into frequent chats and spiritual connection after he returned home.
Their relationship took a turn when Y traveled to India as a tourist, and Abhishek acted as her guide. Spending time together strengthened their bond, and Abhishek realized Y was the one he wanted to marry.
“His family still strongly believes in arranged marriages. When they found out about us, they were furious. His parents even flew out to confront him in person,” Y shared. “He kept many things from me so I wouldn’t worry.”
The couple poses for wedding photos in traditional áo dài. Photo: NVCC
Despite the backlash, Abhishek remained unwavering in his commitment. He slowly won his parents over - through persistence, heartfelt conversations, and video calls that helped them get to know Y.
“I don't know everything he did to convince them, only that he was determined,” Y recalled. “By April 2025, when I visited his family for the first time, they greeted me with open arms. His parents came to the airport, and his mother embraced me. At that moment, I knew I had been accepted.”
A wedding with millions of views
A scene from the groom’s arrival with betel trays.
The couple’s wedding took place on November 9 at the bride’s home, following traditional Vietnamese customs with a deep Mekong Delta flavor. From the dragon-phoenix gate made of woven coconut leaves to the vibrant red theme - symbolizing happiness - every detail enchanted viewers.
Videos of Abhishek dressed in a red áo dài, respectfully carrying wedding trays and betel leaves, performing the family rituals, and exchanging blessings with both families drew nearly two million views and tens of thousands of likes.
The couple celebrates their Vietnamese-style wedding at the bride’s home. Photo: NVCC
Beyond the congratulations, viewers praised Abhishek and his family for their respect for Vietnamese culture.
Y explained that she was the creative force behind the wedding, hoping for a ceremony filled with traditional meaning. Abhishek enthusiastically supported her vision.
The couple spent two to three months planning every detail. Abhishek took charge of explaining Vietnamese wedding customs to his family, including their significance.
“On the wedding day, the groom and his party traveled from their hotel to my house. He took care of everything - from the ceremonial trays to attire - by researching Vietnamese traditions himself,” said Y.
Both families offer their blessings to the couple.The wedding ceremony of the couple in India. Photos: Courtesy of the couple
“My family and friends were curious about Abhishek and the idea of a Vietnam-India wedding. But everyone was joyful and embraced the experience,” she added.
Abhishek’s family was especially fascinated by local customs.
“They were amazed by the dragon-phoenix gate made of coconut leaves. They kept asking, ‘How did they make this?’ and praised the craftsmanship,” Y shared.
A sacred bond sealed by fire
At their reception in Ho Chi Minh City, the couple honored Indian tradition by performing the sacred ritual of walking around a fire seven times. Each circle represented a vow - to support, cherish, and stay devoted through all joys and sorrows in life.
“Doing that ritual helped me feel the spiritual bond between us,” Y said.
Soon after, they held a second wedding ceremony in India, where Y got to experience Abhishek’s culture and its symbolic wedding practices.
“For me, the most beautiful part of our wedding was having both families witness and bless our love,” Y reflected. “From my parents’ tearful farewell to the warmth and respect I received from my in-laws, every moment moved me deeply.”
Vietnamnet.vn
Podcast
.svg){kind=icon}
