The idea was proposed by Gia Nghi's uncle and aunt about a month before the wedding. The bride's family wanted the groom's family to enjoy the Mekong Delta's specialties after traveling nearly 1,000 km from the coastal province of Quang Ngai to Tien Giang to ask for her hand in marriage.

"My family wanted to create a special highlight, showcasing the Mekong Delta people's hospitality," the bride shared about her wedding on 13/6.

A small portion of the 600 kg of fruit displayed on the buffet at the bride's home in Tien Giang, on 13/6. Photo: Provided by the bride

A small portion of the 600 kg of fruit displayed on the buffet at the bride's home in Tien Giang, on 13/6. Photo: Provided by the bride

To create this fruit haven, the bride's family gathered fruits from their orchards in three provinces: Tien Giang, Dong Thap, and Tra Vinh. Nearly 20 types of fruit, mostly jackfruit, dau coconut, durian, guava, and pineapple, were harvested at their peak ripeness. Fruits from further away were transported two days in advance, while those from the family's orchard in Tien Giang were picked by the bride's grandfather the day before.

Many neighbors also contributed fruits from their gardens to join in the celebration.

The day before the wedding, more than 10 family members spent five hours decorating the wedding gate and arranging the fruit buffet. An estimated 600 kg of fresh fruit was prepared for the guests.

"This was the most surprising and meaningful gift that my family gave to my husband, me, and the guests from both sides," Gia Nghi said.

Guests taking photos with the fruit display at the wedding in Tien Giang, on 13/6. Photo: Provided by the bride

Guests taking photos with the fruit display at the wedding in Tien Giang, on 13/6. Photo: Provided by the bride

On the day of the wedding, the groom's family and 300 guests were surprised by the colorful fruit display. Many guests lined up to take photos before enjoying the buffet.

Throughout the reception, the fruit platters were constantly replenished. Whole fruits, arranged in baskets, were carefully packed as gifts for guests to take home.

After the reception, the bride's family also invited everyone to visit their orchard, pick fruits themselves, and enjoy them on the spot.

One guest joked, "When I looked back at the wedding photos, I realized there were more pictures with the fruit than with the bride and groom. It was the first time I attended a wedding where I ate my fill of fruit and even got to take some home."

Bride Gia Nghi and groom Trong Vi. Photo: Provided by the bride

Bride Gia Nghi and groom Trong Vi. Photo: Provided by the bride

Gia Nghi and her husband, Nguyen Trong Vi, also 28, met seven years ago. The bride said her husband always surprised her throughout their relationship. "So, on our big day, I wanted to do the opposite for him and his family, creating a beautiful memory with my hometown's specialties," she said.

The couple has now returned to their business in Ho Chi Minh City and are planning a trip to Quang Ngai to visit the groom's family, combined with a family vacation.

Some of the over 600 kg of 20 different kinds of fruit displayed at the wedding entrance for guests, on 13/6. Source: Nguyen Tai Thien

Quynh Nguyen