As the parade marched down Tran Phu Street on the morning of 2/9, groom Phan Long, dressed in his police uniform, stood at attention and saluted. Beside him, bride Thanh Huyen, in her wedding gown, placed her hand over her heart, her eyes filled with pride.

Their photo shoot quickly drew the attention of onlookers and the marching soldiers. People moved aside, making way for the couple to get closer to the barricades and the parade. Some commanders used megaphones to offer their congratulations or even approached to shake their hands.

"Sharing our joyous day with the nation's celebration is an unparalleled happiness and honor," Huyen said.

Phan Long and his girlfriend Thanh Huyen stand at attention as the parade passes by on Tran Phu Street, Hanoi, on the morning of 2/9. Photo: *Mr Hanh Phuc Studio*

Long, who works at Hong Ca Prison in Lao Cai Province, and Huyen, who is from Hung Yen, came up with the idea just 4 days earlier, after Huyen saw photos of another couple taken during the rehearsal on 30/8. Determined, she declared, "I don't want to miss this once-in-40-years opportunity."

Long initially hesitated, concerned about the potential crowds and discomfort for Huyen. He was also hesitant to wear his uniform outside of duty. However, he agreed after Huyen's persuasion and recognizing the significance of the event.

Commanders approach to shake hands and congratulate Long and Huyen during the parade on the morning of 2/9. Photo: *Mr Hanh Phuc Studio*

Van Anh, a representative of the studio that photographed the couple on 30/8, explained that this shoot was much more challenging. "Large crowds gathered very early, and it rained heavily. Our team had to stay on-site at various locations for two nights to secure the best camera angles," she said.

Huyen arrived on Tran Phu Street at 7 a.m. on 1/9. Long, due to work commitments, arrived later that evening. They stayed up almost all night, worried that the heavy rain would disrupt their plans. Close to 4 a.m. on 2/9, they changed into their wedding attire and joined the waiting crowds.

Long and Huyen, both from the same hometown, have nurtured their relationship through brief meetings during holidays due to Long's work and the distance between them. Following the memorable photo shoot, they returned to their respective jobs, preparing for their wedding planned for later this year.

Quynh Nguyen