The actor couple held their wedding anniversary celebration at their home in TP HCM with their two sons at the end of July. Lam Vy Da said, "May our love remain strong forever."

The actor couple with their two children during their 16th wedding anniversary celebration. *Photo: Provided by the subjects*

They first met while studying at the College System of the Ho Chi Minh City University of Theater and Cinema. At that time, Lam Vy Da secretly admired the senior student for his romantic long hair and handsome appearance. Later, when they both worked at the Nu Cuoi Moi (New Smile) drama theater, she sought opportunities to interact with him and win his heart. However, Hua Minh Dat advised her to focus on her career as she was still young. Fate brought them back together when both were heartbroken, and the late artist Huu Loc actively played matchmaker. After one year of dating, the couple decided to move in together in 2010, when Lam Vy Da was just 21 years old. The actress shared that she married early because her mother passed away when she was young, and her sisters all lived abroad, so she always longed for a complete family home.

In the early days of their marriage, financial pressure weighed heavily on the couple. Lam Vy Da shared that at the time, neither of them was well-known, and performance opportunities were scarce, so they had to borrow money to pay the deposit for their wedding reception at a restaurant. After marriage, she stepped back from the spotlight, pausing her acting career to care for their family, with all economic burdens falling on Hua Minh Dat.

Becoming pregnant with their second child just one year after their first, Lam Vy Da said she and her husband were naturally anxious about the financial strain. They could only reassure and encourage each other with the proverb, "Heaven provides for every creature" (meaning, "every mouth God sends, He sends meat to feed it"). To earn money for the family, Hua Minh Dat took on any job, from being a cue master, a film crew assistant, participating in music videos, to acting in plays and movies. They "tightened their belts," spending nothing beyond basic necessities to prepare for times when their children might fall ill.

"Seeing my husband always strive and dedicate himself entirely to his wife and children, I appreciate him even more," Lam Vy Da said.

Once their two children were older and the family's finances were more stable, Hua Minh Dat encouraged his wife to return to the stage. Lam Vy Da was surprised that this comeback brought her significant success, with many producers and directors inviting her to collaborate. Hua Minh Dat was proud to see his wife shine. Whenever his wife went to film reality shows away from home, he took care of the children and managed household chores with support from relatives. Occasionally, they would leave the children with grandparents to have private dates, keeping the "flame" of their love alive.

In educating their two sons, Banh Mi, 15, and Xa Xi, 13, the artist couple adopted a complementary parenting approach. Lam Vy Da was strict, playing the "bad cop," while her husband was gentle, always listening and talking to them like friends. When their elder son entered adolescence, becoming more reserved and quiet, she patiently learned how to support him. The actress also reduced her workload, stating, "Before, I accepted many shows, but now I am more selective to dedicate time to the two boys."

They did not direct or force their children to pursue a career in the arts. They also limited Banh Mi and Xa Xi's exposure to social media to preserve their innocent childhoods and protect them from the pressures of their parents' fame.

Hua Minh Dat - Lam Vy Da couple took family photos in a wedding style late last year. *Photo: Provided by the subjects*

The artist couple maintains their happiness through harmony and understanding. Lam Vy Da admits she is outspoken and hot-tempered, while Hua Minh Dat is calm, gentle, and patient. Having lived together for 16 years, they inevitably faced disagreements. To maintain peace, they have an "unspoken agreement": whenever tension arises, one of them will try to change the subject. If an argument occurs, they restrain themselves to reflect on their own actions, and whoever feels they were out of line will proactively apologize first. No matter how angry they are with each other, the couple adheres to the principle of sleeping in the same bed and eating at the same table to avoid affecting their children's psyche.

They also agreed that all family members must hug and kiss each other before leaving or upon returning home to strengthen their bond. "When I'm angry with my husband, if Dat just places a kiss on my cheek, all my resentment vanishes," Lam Vy Da said.

Reflecting on their journey together, Lam Vy Da shared that the secret to her and her husband's enduring family happiness is simply knowing how to put themselves in the other's shoes and being tolerant of each other's flaws.

Hoang Dung