A series of photos and videos capturing joyful moments from a “bride-less wedding” in Vinh Long has recently drawn strong attention on social media.

Behind those images is a love story, marked by a willingness to overcome obstacles and walk side by side, of a Vietnamese–American couple: Le Thanh Nhan Tran (often called Nathan Tran, born 1990, from Vinh Long, currently living and working in the US) and Ken Hamill (born 1983, American).

Nathan Tran shared that since high school, he had realized he had special feelings for people of the same gender. However, academic pressure pushed those feelings aside.

“Only when I moved to the US to study and work did I truly understand who I am and what I want.

“I once told my mother about this. She simply said, ‘You can love anyone you want, as long as you are happy.’ I asked ‘What if people find out your son likes someone of the same gender and start gossiping?’ She replied, ‘Let them say whatever they want. I do not care.’ At that moment, I knew how lucky I was,” he said.

Nathan Tran had dated a few people before, but it was only after meeting Ken, a talented and intelligent man, that his love truly became deep.

They met at a gym in 2018. At first, they just exchanged casual greetings like newly acquainted friends.

Some time later, fate brought them together again. It was then that Nathan Tran learned about Ken’s outstanding academic and professional achievements. In his late 30s, Ken already held a PhD and had a flourishing career in medicine.

Ken was also drawn to Nathan Tran’s talent and drive. The more they interacted, the more he realized that the Vietnamese man was someone with clear goals who never gave up once he committed to something. Admiring each other’s abilities and determination, their special bond gradually formed.

“When COVID-19 broke out, we had much more time together. Many people said that during the pandemic, couples who stayed too close for too long ended up in conflict and broke up, but we were the opposite. The more time we spent together, the more we understood and loved each other,” Nathan Tran said.

In 2022, the couple bought an apartment and moved in together. In the summer of 2024, their relationship took a major step forward after Ken’s unexpected and romantic proposal.

“At that time, I was on a business trip in France, and Ken was working in South Korea. As soon as he finished his work, Ken flew to France to surprise me. When we visited the Eiffel Tower, Ken knelt down and proposed. That was when we officially committed to a long-term future together,” Nathan Tran said.

An emotional wedding

The couple held their wedding with the full support and blessings of both families. In October 2025, a wedding was organized in the US with 150 guests in attendance. Nathan Tran’s parents also traveled there to witness their son’s happiness.

In February 2026, another wedding was held in Vietnam, complete with traditional rituals. 

“I wanted Ken and his family to experience a traditional Vietnamese wedding, so everything was prepared very carefully.

“The ceremony included all the rituals such as the wedding gift procession, the ancestral altar ceremony, and toasting both parents. Beforehand, I introduced and explained the meaning of each ritual to Ken’s family. Everyone was very excited to see Vietnamese wedding culture,” Nathan Tran recalled.

During the ceremony, the excitement and joy were clearly visible on the faces of Ken and his family. Ken was delighted to wear a traditional ao dai wedding outfit. His parents also chose elegant and appropriate attire to bless the couple.

“We received many wedding gifts, but the one that moved me the most was the presence of parents. Their sincere blessings gave us more confidence and helped us cherish our happiness even more.

“You never know how many times you will get to witness moments when family and friends gather together. That is why every moment of our wedding deeply moved both Ken and me,” Nathan Tran said.

Nathan Tran is currently a business development director for a maritime transport company, while Ken is a vice president of clinical research for a healthcare company. Together, they are building a happy home in a vibrant city in the US.

Thanh Minh