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Mai Tran
Matt Costales
Mai Tran
Matt Costales
June 2, 2024
How We Met
Scripps Research, Florida. Summer 2016. In the confines of the Disney Lab at Scripps Research, Matt, a researcher nursing a fresh heartache, found himself ensconced in a world of radioactive wonders. Enter Mai, a wide-eyed first-year grad student whose curiosity matched the idiosyncrasies of the lab. Their conversations, veering from the profound to the absurd, painted the walls of the lab with an air of whimsy and warmth. Matt, burdened by his recent breakup, found solace in Mai's presence. A peculiar incident unfolded as Matt discovered a stack of printed comics about love on his desk one morning, accompanied by a comforting message. Though Mai denied involvement, the gesture lingered in the air like an unsolved puzzle. October 2016. As Hurricane Matthew loomed over the Florida coast, Matt and Mai, propelled by an unexpected twist of fate, found themselves evacuating to the Gulf shores. The Blueberry Patch in Tampa, a haven for eccentrics and wanderers, served as the backdrop for their reunion. Amidst the communal "Ohm" sessions and the idiosyncratic rituals of the patch, Matt and Mai shared a dance under the flickering glow of candlelight. The night stretched on, filled with laughter and exploration, leading to a silent understanding between the two. A Halloween party at the infamous Squirt Palace brought forth a moment of clarity as Matt, emboldened by the whimsy of the night, confessed his admiration for Mai. Their kiss, like a scene from a surrealist painting, marked the beginning of a new chapter in their quirky tale. Juno Beach. Their first date unfolded against the backdrop of crashing waves and the gleeful melody of Matt's violin. As the strains of music mingled with the salty breeze, Mai found herself captivated by the enigmatic allure of Matt's serenade. Since that enchanting night, their journey has been a tapestry woven with threads of science, dance, and music, bound together by the whimsy of life's unfolding narrative.
Schedule
Sunday, June 2, 2024
Le Vu Quy: Our Traditional Vietnamese Ceremony
7:00 am - 9:00 am
62 Hoang Van Thu St, Da Nang, Vietnam
Semi-Formal: Tuxes and gowns are welcome, and so are suits and cocktail dresses.
Held at the bride's house, Le Vu Quy is when the groom and his family come to the bride's house on the wedding day to ask for her hand in marriage. The couple will proceed to pray at the bride's family altar and serve tea to each other's family elders as a sign of respect. The parents from both sides will give marriage advice and present their gifts to the couple. There will be a few light bites (tea and cake) in addition to speeches from both sides.
Our Filipino-American Ceremony / Le Thanh Hon
10:30 am - 12:30 pm
TBD, Da Nang, Vietnam
Semi-Formal: Tuxes and gowns are welcome, and so are suits and cocktail dresses.
Following Le Vu Quy, the wedding party will proceed to a lovely Da Nang beachside resort. Upon a processional arrival and exchanging vows, an officiant will then join the couple in holy matrimony. Light lunch and cocktails will be provided afterwards.
Tiec Cuoi: Wedding Reception
5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Đường 2 Tháng 9, Hòa Cường, Đà Nẵng 550000, Vietnam
Semi-Formal: Tuxes and gowns are welcome, and so are suits and cocktail dresses.
Let's get ready to party! Multi-course meals and adult beverages with entertainment (including a first dance) will be provided at a venue with open seating. Be prepared to bring your appetite!
Travel
Travel Note
Visa for Vietnam
The majority of visitors to Vietnam must apply for an e-visa prior to arriving. Matt likes to obtain his Vietnamese visa via this third-party service: https://govietnamvisa.com After submission, it only takes a few days to get the visa approved. No interview or passport mail-in is required. Please contact Mai at mhtran145@gmail.com for assistance.
Flight
Da Nang International Airport (DAD)
Mai and Matt like to fly Korean Airlines to get to Da Nang. Japan Airlines, Cathay Pacific Airlines, and American Airlines are also good options. A one-way US-Da Nang trip takes from 21 to 30 hours, depending on your layover. Flights with overnight layovers (8-12 hours) are often cheaper, and you can book a transit hotel room ($104/night or $52/6-hour day stay) for your layover. Da Nang Int'l Airport is around a 15-minute drive from the city center, Mai's home, and the reception venue.
Travel Note
Transportation Options
Transportation will be provided on the day of the wedding from Mai's residence to the beach resort where the American ceremony will be held. Getting around the city is easy with the wide availability of Grab (Vietnam's Uber) and taxis. Each trip costs on average $5 without tip. We do not recommend public transportation or getting a rental car, as it is very difficult to navigate and drive the streets of Vietnam.
Travel Note
Local Attractions
Beaches: Da Nang is home to several beautiful beaches, such as My Khe Beach and Non Nuoc Beach, where you can enjoy activities like swimming, sunbathing, and water sports. Marble Mountains: A cluster of five limestone and marble hills with stunning caves, sacred pagodas, and panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and coastline. You will also find artisan workshops in the area where skilled craftsmen shape this exquisite marble into beautiful sculptures and handicrafts. Bridges Across the Han River: There are 10 bridges crossing the river, each with a unique design, such as the Dragon Bridge, known for its dragon-shaped design and spectacular fire-breathing shows on weekends. Hoi An: Nestled along the Thu Bon River, Hoi An boasts a rich tapestry of history, culture, and charm. Its UNESCO World Heritage-listed Ancient Town is a captivating blend of architectural influences, including Chinese, Japanese, and European styles. You can wander through narrow streets adorned with lanterns, explore historic buildings, and savor the city's renowned, unique cuisine. Local Cuisine: There are a variety of popular local dishes and eateries in Da Nang, such as banh mi (Vietnamese sandwich), mi quang (turmeric-infused noodle dish), banh xeo (turmeric-infused fried rice cake), and seafood restaurants along the coast. You can enjoy some really good pho in Da Nang as well. Golf Courses: If you have a golfing itch, it can surely be satisfied at several world-class locations nearby Da Nang, including BRG Da Nang Golf Resort, Montgomerie Links Vietnam, Ba Na Hills Golf Club, Vinpearl Golf Nam Hoi An, and Laguna Golf Lang Co.
Hotel
TBD
We are currently negotiating lodging expenses for guests traveling from outside Vietnam. Stay tuned for more information!
Registry
Gallery
FAQs
Question
I cannot make it to the wedding in Vietnam! What can I do now?
Answer
We realize that a wedding in Vietnam in June can be difficult to attend for various reasons. Worry not, as we plan to have a more local event held within the coming year or two! For now, make sure to leave a note in your RSVP and visit the gift registry if you wish!
Question
For my Vietnam Visa application, what address and phone number should I use?
Answer
For all Vietnam Visa-related questions, please text, call, or email Mai - (561) 679-7790 / mhtran145@gmail.com
Question
What is the weather typically like in Da Nang in June?
Answer
Da Nang, Vietnam typically experiences warm and humid weather. The average temperature ranges from around 25°C to 35°C (77°F to 95°F). It's generally quite sunny with occasional rainfall, as June falls within the rainy season in central Vietnam. Expect high humidity levels, especially closer to the coast. It's advisable to prepare for sudden rain showers and to pack light, breathable clothing if you plan to visit Da Nang in June.
Question
What is the Dress Code for each event? What colors can I wear?
Answer
Semi-formal attire will be appropriate for each event. Remember it will be quite warm and humid! Our wedding theme colors are Winnie the Pooh Yellow and Forest Green, but you can bring on any of your favorite colors. Still, please refrain from wearing red and white. Please see the attached colorway for suggestions: https://ibb.co/F0zWWMr
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