This Boston Pair Hosted American, Vietnamese, and Cambodian Wedding Ceremonies

Photo by Shannon Grant

THE STORY

When neurologist Connie Tang met cardiologist Rady Ho during their residencies in Philadelphia, it wasn’t a romantic meeting of the head and the heart. “Everyone dreamt about it being a Grey’s Anatomy–type meeting,” laughs Connie. But as her senior resident, Rady initially appeared “super militaristic” through her eyes as an intern. Something shifted when Rady offered to walk her home after her phone and wallet were stolen at a mutual friend’s party. “We kept talking the night away,” Connie recalls. “I got to know him as a sarcastic, humorous, empathic, and curious person.”

After moving to Boston in June 2020 for work, the couple was tasked with finding vendors for their multicultural nuptials in an unfamiliar city during a pandemic—a challenge that provided a great introduction to their new home. “We couldn’t go out and do the normal things, so we got to know more about the community through small businesses,” Connie says.

The pair chose Waltham’s Lyman Estate as the idyllic setting for their June 2021 three-part wedding—composed of an American-style ceremony, a Vietnamese tea ceremony (a long-running tradition in Connie’s family), and a Cambodian knot-tying ceremony as a tribute to Rady’s background. “It’s not often people have three separate ceremonies,” Rady notes. “But everyone did a good job making our vision happen.”

THE DETAILS

Photo by Shannon Grant

Connie and Rady’s first look took place in front of one of the estate’s many greenhouses—which are among the oldest in the country.

Photo by Shannon Grant

There were smiles all around during their lighthearted American-style ceremony, officiated by one of Rady’s “goofball” best friends.

Photo by Shannon Grant

The bouquets and centerpieces featured orchids (Connie’s favorite flower), as well as other tropical flora inspired by one of the couple’s favorite trips to Singapore and Bali.

Photo by Shannon Grant

Connie showcased her artistic skills by hand-painting the welcome signs and designing the stationery. “I especially wanted to feature both Vietnamese and Khmer, so I designed our invitations and table cards to include both languages,” she says.

Photo by Shannon Grant

Photo by Shannon Grant

Photo by Shannon Grant

Photo by Shannon Grant

After paying respects to ancestors, the bride and groom served tea to their families. The couple, dressed in áo dài custom-made in Vietnam, then received gifts and advice from their family members.

Photo by Shannon Grant

Photo by Shannon Grant

Photo by Shannon Grant

Photo by Shannon Grant

Both Connie and Rady cited the Cambodian knot-tying ceremony as one of their favorite parts of the wedding. “To be able to showcase where I’m from in front of family and friends, I think it was very important,” Rady says.

Photo by Shannon Grant

The couple opted for modern Asian-fusion cuisine that took cues
from tradition. The dishes included banana-leaf-steamed whole black bass and stir-fried lobster with garlic noodles, which symbolize prosperity and longevity, respectively.

Photo by Shannon Grant

Connie flexed her calligraphy skills to create the escort cards.

Photo by Shannon Grant

A tented reception, one of Rady’s must-haves, set the scene for thoughtful toasts to the newlyweds and lots of dancing with the couple’s 40 wedding guests.

Photo by Shannon Grant

Silver Whisk Bake Shop whipped up the chocolate cake with matcha-flavored buttercream frosting. “It was delicious,” Connie says.

Photo by Shannon Grant

Photo by Shannon Grant

THE FILE

Alterations Dao Tailor and Custom Design
Bride’s Dress White One by Pronovias, Flair Boston
Cake Silver Whisk Bake Shop
Caterer Capers Catering
DJ DJ T-Rex
Flowers/Planner 33 Munroe
Groom’s Suit 9Tailors
Hair/Makeup Min-Ah Campos
Khmer Bride and Groom Outfits Samangka Reachany by Korry Voeun
Rentals My Xuyen Corporation; Party Rental; Peak Event Services
Transportation Black Tie Limousine

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