Modern Vietnamese American Tea Ceremony & Wedding at Deity Brooklyn
Anna + Alan
Sunlight streamed through the large windows of Deity's bridal suite, casting a warm glow across exposed brick walls as Anna prepared for her wedding day. The antique bathtub and gilded mirror added vintage charm to this Brooklyn sanctuary while just outside the room, family gathered in anticipation of centuries-old traditions about to unfold. Anna's traditional Vietnamese red áo dài hung ready as excited whispers filled the kitchen.
Meanwhile, on Deity's rooftop, Alan and his groomsmen faced the legendary "door games"—a Vietnamese wedding tradition where the groom must prove his worthiness through challenges designed by the bridesmaids. Blindfolded riddles and good-natured tests unfolded against the Brooklyn skyline as came out and Anna stood laughing nearby, listening to Alan earn his right to their first look.
When Alan finally turned to see his bride in her vibrant red áo dài, the moment captured everything beautiful about cultural traditions in modern settings. Deity's rooftop, with Manhattan's skyline stretching beyond, provided the perfect backdrop for bridal party photos that balanced traditional attire with Brooklyn's urban edge. The tea ceremony followed, honoring both families as Anna and Alan offered tea to their elders and received blessings and gifts in return. This intimate exchange of respect and tradition took place in Deity's warm interior, the multi-level venue adapting perfectly to each phase of their celebration.
After the tea ceremony, Alan waited at Brooklyn Bridge Park's St. Ann’s Warehouse while Anna changed into her white Vietnamese wedding áo dài. Their second "first look" brought tears and tender moments as the brick facade and shady trees stood sentinel in the background. The iconic Brooklyn Bridge landmark became part of their story during portraits—a bridge not just between boroughs but between cultures, traditions, and their journey forward together.
Back at Deity, guests enjoyed the venue's versatile spaces as the celebration continued to unfold. The moody lower level hosted cocktail hour, where card games and flowing drinks created a playful atmosphere. Upstairs, an elegant dinner honored both Vietnamese and American wedding traditions before everyone descended to the brick-walled basement for the reception.
As Anna and Alan made their entrance to the dance floor beneath a flashing "Brooklyn Love" marquee sign, light sticks waved through the air while disco ball reflections danced across smiling faces. Their celebration embodied the best of both worlds—honoring deep cultural traditions while embracing the vibrant, modern energy of Brooklyn.
What made their wedding truly special wasn't just the thoughtful incorporation of Vietnamese customs or the stylish Deity venue with its multiple distinctive spaces. It was how Anna and Alan moved seamlessly between cultural touchstones and contemporary celebration, creating a day that honored their heritage while embracing their Brooklyn home. From rooftop door games to disco balls, from tea ceremonies to dance floor celebrations, their wedding day was a beautiful bridge between traditions—just like the iconic structure that stood in the background of their photos.
