The idea for an all-Asian vendor team in honor of AAPI Heritage Month grew from Arly Nguyen of Honest Event Rentals’ deepening connection to Boston’s local wedding industry and a desire to celebrate culture, visibility, and artistry within the Western-dominated wedding space. The 1970s theme was a tribute to the Asian civil rights movement and the era in which Arly’s parents arrived in America, when many were forced to navigate the tension between holding onto their roots and embracing something new. “Every detail of this shoot was a love letter to that legacy,” Arly explains.
The shoot took place at the Shirley-Eustis House in Roxbury, a historic 1700s estate that carries the weight of stories of the enslaved. It was chosen intentionally to honor the many shared histories of cultural resistance and solidarity. Rather than leaning on red, a color often associated with Asian weddings, Arly chose green to symbolize prosperity, renewal, and rootedness. This palette expanded into soft shades of peach, yellow, and pink, redefining the standard of Asian beauty. The menu featured a traditional eight-course Vietnamese wedding meal, with each place setting anchored by bamboo flatware, symbolizing the resilience to bend but never break.
A Vietnamese watercolor artist hand-painted abstract umbrellas for the linens, which served as both art and metaphor: umbrellas shield, tear easily, and require the same tenderness and care as relationships and marriage. Florals included bitter melon vines and trailing green beans — culinary staples and bold visual elements meant to be seen, unapologetically.
Concept & Rentals: Honest Event Rentals /
Photography & Videography: Nicole Chan Photo & Video /
Photography & Videography: Sarah Yu /
Florals: Forevermark Flowers /
Stationery: Carisse Design Studio /
Calligraphy: w.inks Modern Calligraphy + Design /
Cake & Desserts: Silver Whisk Bake Shop /
Handpainted Linen: Vivian Nguyen /
Event Assistant: Lemon Drop Team /
Hair & Makeup: Fei Xu /
Traditional Garments: Jinza Oriental /
Bridal Gown: Nordeen Bridal /
Jewelry: Vale Jewelry /
Models: @steph_instalife @kenyotsukura @maggieagency @mahhsmith @alicia_lin56 @i_killed_mufasa_
