Nguyen Thi Ly (born in 1986, from Hong Van commune, Hanoi) and Jan Bejsovec (born in 1975, currently living in Berlin, Germany) found each other through a special connection rooted in their parents’ past.

Forty-eight years ago, Nguyen Huu Nga, Ly’s father, was among 15 young Vietnamese sent to study as laboratory technicians at a vocational school in Freiberg, Germany.

Jan’s mother was one of two teachers in charge of the group. A close and warm bond developed between teacher and students during their time studying and working together.

In 1980, the training program ended, and the Vietnamese group returned home. From then on, they lost contact with their German teachers.

Still, Jan’s mother kept their records and a portrait photo of the 15 young men. More than four decades later, at the age of 78, she longed to reconnect with her former students. That wish was entrusted to her only son, Jan.

“During a business trip to Vietnam in 2023, he posted the photo and story on social media to find his mother’s former students. He also asked friends in Vietnam for help. Fortunately, all 15 students learned about it and reached out to him,” Ly recalled.

In Hanoi, Jan met the group of former students in an emotional reunion filled with memories. Together, they revisited stories from decades past.

However, one of them, Nguyen Huu Nga, Ly’s father, was absent due to serious illness. Jan then asked to visit him at home. It was there that he encountered what would become the turning point of his life.

A special connection

“Jan and the group visited my father at noon. Everyone talked happily. He noticed how I cared for my father and later asked for my contact to keep in touch,” Ly shared.

For his part, Jan admitted he was deeply impressed by Ly’s smile and the emotion on her face during the reunion between her father and the son of his former teacher.

“Although it was only a brief meeting, I clearly remember Ly and her father’s home. Something made me want to know more about her,” Jan said.

They began talking like ordinary friends. At a mature stage in life, both approached things thoughtfully and found mutual understanding and empathy.

Jan admired Ly’s liveliness and dedication. Ly, though touched by his sincerity, hesitated because of geographical distance and cultural differences. When he confessed his feelings, she initially declined.

“Even so, he kept texting and checking on me. He works as a craftsman in the textile industry, and I love embroidery. With that shared interest, we had so much to talk about,” Ly said.

In 2024, Jan returned to Vietnam and told Ly he wanted to visit and learn from a famous embroidery village near her home. Their reunion gave them more time to understand each other and express their feelings. His persistence and warmth eventually won her heart, and by the end of the year, they officially began dating.

Later, Ly learned that while Jan truly liked the embroidery village, his real reason for returning was to see her.

Their relationship received support from both families. Jan’s mother was delighted that her son had succeeded in reconnecting with her former students, and even more moved that this journey had led him to love.

The couple held their wedding in Vietnam on March 29. Representing the groom’s side were the former students of Jan’s mother.

The ceremony followed traditional Vietnamese customs, including engagement rituals and the wedding procession. Beforehand, Jan carefully studied Vietnamese wedding traditions to ensure everything was properly prepared.

Their special day was attended by relatives and close friends. During the ceremony, the German groom presented a video capturing moments of his mother and her 15 former students studying, working, and dedicating themselves together decades ago - a touching way to share the story behind their meeting.

“My father was too ill to attend the wedding. When Jan came to pick me up, he saw my father’s teary eyes, hugged him, and said, ‘Please don’t worry,’” Ly recalled emotionally.

Jan said he felt grateful to celebrate a well-prepared wedding with 400 guests in attendance.

“I am thankful for everyone’s presence and blessings. Reuniting with my mother’s former students from the days of East Germany, and standing beside the woman I love, I feel as if a circle of history has come to a beautiful and complete close.

It feels like a journey through time, crossing geographical distances to create something new. I am grateful to experience all of this with my wife,” he shared.