I Got Married to the Love of My Life at Chiswick House and Gardens

If you follow my writing, you’d know I had gone through lots of emotional ups and downs before I met my husband. I had really low self-esteem and intense anxiety.

I came to England 10 years ago with literally nothing but a suitcase. My family tried hard to give me the best education, but other than that, it was all on me: to get a degree, secure a job, to build a life, and to have a future.

I did many important things right, but it took me a long time to figure out many others, including who I was and what I wanted out of life.

When I finally hit rock bottom, I realised no one would save me except for me. I had to take matters into my own hands; otherwise, that would be it. That would be my life, and I couldn’t accept that.

I thought, “If I was really that smart, this couldn’t be it.” And that was the beginning of me thinking and getting myself out of that hell hole. Looking back, it was probably the best achievement of my life.

I embarked on a journey of becoming the person I’d wanted to be. I made many drastic changes that would’ve been impossible if I hadn’t been in so much pain. And I’m grateful for that.

Today, I’m proud to say I’m that person. Sure, there’s still room for self-improvement, but I’m very happy and comfortable. I have everything my younger self would’ve wanted me to have.

The most precious thing of them all is a family of my own.

I married the love of my life a few months ago. When I walked down the aisle and saw my husband standing there looking at me with so much light and love, I couldn’t help but have the biggest grin on my face. It was like a dream, but it was all real. It’s my life now.

I want to share with you some photos from one of the best days of my life (Long post alert!)

The morning day of

I got ready at Petersham hotel in Richmond, West London. I booked a suite with the most gorgeous view of the river Thames.

My mum and my three bridesmaids arrived at the hotel at around 9 am. I had another bridesmaid but she was also our wedding cake supplier (she owns a celebration cake business), so she would go straight to the venue later.

The ceremony was at 3.30 pm, so we had plenty of time, but it was flying by. Even with two make-up artists, we had to rush at the end.

I absolutely adored my wedding dress. I had to wait for over 8 months for it since it was made for my exact measurements. I felt very beautiful wearing it.

I had my first look with my bridesmaids around 2.30 pm.

My four bridesmaids are my long-term friends from school whom I met at different ages throughout my teens and early twenties. Being so far away from our birth countries, it took a lot to build and keep friendships, but we did it.

Before the ceremony

Our wedding venue is the glorious Chiswick House and Gardens in West London. I fell in love with it the first moment I saw it. It was also close to central London, which made it easy for our guests to get to.

We were very lucky with the weather. It was cool and sunny at the right time.

My husband went to the venue before me to help out and take photos with the groomsmen. They looked dashing in their suits with button holes.

The conservatory where the ceremony took place was breathtaking with the summer flowers. I was responsible for the flower design while my husband looked after entertainment and production.

I wanted the theme to be summer gardens with a soft tone, and it turned out better than I could’ve imagined.

The ceremony

The ceremony was my favourite part of the day. I felt like I was in a movie the whole time.

We had a string quartet inside the conservatory playing some of the loveliest songs. My bridesmaids walked down the aisle first to the classic tune of Canon in D.

I had my mother walk me down the aisle. Inside the conservatory, the string quartet was playing a modified version of Time by Hans Zimmer.

Having just watched Hans Zimmer play it live a few months ago, it was truly a dream-come-true moment.

The moment I started my walk, the sun came out. I’m not religious but I felt like I was being watched over. I felt very grateful.

To my side, my father-in-law was trying to take all the photos. My mum and I couldn’t help but smile.

Then when I looked straight ahead, I saw my husband standing there and I could hear Time playing. I wished I could freeze time.

I was a bit nervous at first, but when I could see clearly my husband’s face, I started to smile silly because that’s how he always makes me feel — like a giddy kid again.

I was so happy I could be with my best friend, sharing this moment.

We said our vows and exchanged rings.

One of my most pleased moments as a writer was when the room clapped after I finished saying my vow. It was written from the bottom of my heart to my dear husband. I loved his vow, too.

He said his biggest accomplishment in his life was and continues to be making me smile, and my heart melted.

The rest of the day

After the ceremony, we had our drink reception and group photos taken.

Afterward, my husband and I had our photoshoot. Then we joined everyone at the Pavillion Gardens (marquee) to have the wedding dinner.

The team at the venue did such a good job. We didn’t have to worry about anything for any second. It was smooth and efficient. Everything was well taken care of.

I let my bridesmaid surprise me with the wedding cake. She did a fantastic job. The cake was delicious. I literally had it for breakfast for the next two days — still good!

The doll next to the cake was made for me by my sister who brought it with her all the way from Vietnam as a gift. I felt very loved.

While I made my speech, I addressed a bit to my mum and spoke in Vietnamese to her. My mother, my sister, and I all cried a little. It was very emotional but deeply felt because we knew what we’d been through to be here together.

My husband and I had our first dance after the speeches and game. We danced to a song only two of us knew.

Then I changed to my second dress and enjoyed the rest of the night.

Our Wedding Video

Parting Words

The thing I love most about my wedding is that it was full of love and laughter. Every photo was beaming with happiness, and it was exactly how I felt on the day.

My husband and I had the best day that we’ll cherish forever. Every moment was very personal and special to us.

I couldn’t choose many things in my life, but I chose this reality and I made it happen. I’m with the man I love the most and who treats me like the best thing that has ever happened to him.

My advice? The most cliche of them all: Don’t give up on yourself. You’re worthy of love and happiness. Choose yourself every day.

Photography by Rebecca Goddard

Videography by Pittsop Films Wedding