Thu Thảo experienced a truly authentic wedding at Rơm BBQ restaurant, hosted by a couple of friends; it was unlike any other superficially extravagant weddings.
Hi everyone, I'm Thu Thảo, and I'm someone who isn't fond of attending weddings. Nowadays, weddings seem more about appearances than genuine celebration, causing unnecessary expenses. I prefer intimate weddings with few guests, where warmth and joy abound. A few months ago, I had the chance to attend such an intimate wedding at a rooftop restaurant in Thanh Thế Plaza.

A cozy, colorful intimate wedding of Kiều Thi and Đăng Đạt.
First time experiencing a true wedding celebration
In April 2016, Thảo was invited to attend a small wedding reception of her friend Kiều Thi and her groom, Đặng Đạt. It was truly a genuine wedding as all the closest friends and family of the bride and groom were present; there wasn't a single stranger that the hosts didn't know.

The two main figures of the wedding reception
Bride Kiều Thi wore a simple white and green dress instead of the usual extravagant wedding gown, while the groom opted for a shirt, trousers, and a matching green bow tie. The weather that day was exceptionally pleasant, with cool breeze and no rain.

All guests were close friends, making it a truly intimate wedding.
From the highest floor of Thanh Thế Plaza, Thảo could see the bustling city of Saigon as night fell, from the streetlights to the lights of towering skyscrapers. Never had she felt Saigon's beauty like this before.

A panoramic view of Saigon at night from Rơm BBQ restaurant, which also serves as an intimate wedding venue.
I arrived at the party in the afternoon to assist the bride, but everything had already been arranged by Rơm BBQ restaurant, just waiting for the guests to arrive to kick off. Each table will have 4 guests, hence there will be 4 glasses tied with white bows along with a small vase of daisies, 4 plates, and utensils.

Everything has been prepared and ready.
Above the planters, the wedding photos of the couple will be displayed along with balloons and flowers. LED lights and clusters of balloons are also installed on the staircase leading up. Everything is decorated simply yet warmly.

Look at the bridesmaids and groomsmen, aren't they stunning?

Decorations at the wedding of the couple.
Engage in the games at Rơm BBQ restaurant
Once all the guests arrived, it's time for some selfie fun! Everyone is excited and friendly since they're all close acquaintances. The young couple can't stop smiling. After the opening ceremony of this party, the most enjoyable part is when we all let loose and have fun together.

The staircase is decorated with LED lights and floating balloons.
The restaurant comes up with and prepares a variety of fun games for everyone to participate in, such as blindfolded yogurt feeding, seeing who can hold the most balloons after a playful struggle, or taking turns dancing to the music.

The bride is swaying with her friends to the rhythm of the music.
People seem to be having so much fun that they forget about everything else, including all the games and activities organized by Rơm BBQ restaurant.

Everyone is getting involved in the restaurant's created games.

The goat and the dog are playing blindfolded yogurt feeding, which is super hilarious.
Indulging in the BBQ feast
The games conclude with the bride and groom raising a toast to invite the guests to the table. Interestingly, the wedding feast is a BBQ party outdoors, not the usual dishes like roasted chicken and pork, fried shrimp, etc.

A panoramic view of the BBQ feast I'm enjoying.
Each table will have various plates of marinated meats along with some vegetables, 3 refreshing salad bowls, 1 large plate of mixed vegetable salad, and 2 small dipping bowls. Since we're sitting outdoors, there's no need for exhaust fans. Those who sit in the direction of the wind may end up with a smoky scent, so be prepared.

A closer look at the succulent meat dripping with sauce.
The sound of sizzling grilled meat is music to the ears, making it impossible not to salivate; the creamy cheese melts inside the tender, well-cooked beef.

Beef rolls with rich creamy cheese.
The beef and water spinach salad is refreshing and perfectly balanced in sweetness and sourness, paired with tender, flavorful beef. The crispy crackers are already crunchy, and the water spinach remains crispy, making this dish perfect with a cold beer.

Crispy, crunchy water spinach beef salad with a tangy flavor.
Most of the gentlemen that day really enjoyed the grilled intestines with minced satay sauce because the intestines were marinated in sauce, making them flavorful without needing additional seasoning. The intestines were crispy and textured, not too tough. Those who are not tolerant to spicy food or have stomach problems should avoid trying this dish.

Grilled intestines with satay sauce, looks spicy already.
The skewered salmon pieces are cut lengthwise and wrapped in basil leaves. The salmon has been well deodorized so it's not fishy at all, with firm and fragrant flesh.

Vibrant red salmon wrapped in basil leaves.
The colorful skewered beef is very visually appealing, so children are highly attracted to this dish. The kids eat everything clean, both the vegetables and the meat, including the bell peppers – every child's nemesis. The beef is marinated with a delightful fragrance and slightly sweet, quite tender.

Which kid wouldn't be enchanted by the colorful skewered beef?
If you're still not full, order an extra bowl of garlic fried rice to ensure satiety. The rice grains are firm and chewy, with a moist and fragrant texture. However, the grains of rice don't separate easily but stick together, so if you prefer fried rice with each grain distinct, you might not like this dish. Although it lacks wok hei flavor, it complements grilled dishes very well.

Garlic fried rice pairs perfectly with grilled meat.
For dessert, there's a variety of fruits such as oranges, pears, apples, and mangoes. I love oranges, so I finish a whole plateful. After enjoying ourselves and feeling full, it's time to bid farewell to the newlyweds, Kiều Thi and Đặng Đạt, who visit each table to express gratitude and say goodbye.

Fresh fruits prepared in advance for dessert.
The cozy wedding party comes to an end, leaving behind a lingering sense of happiness in everyone's hearts. Thảo is also very thankful to this couple for giving her the opportunity to attend such a genuine wedding.

The wedding party concludes with everyone's blessings.
Surely in the future, I'll also organize a memorable wedding like this, perhaps at a cozy and spacious venue like Rơm BBQ restaurant or even on the beach.
Currently, Rơm BBQ restaurant is offering a summer promotion for everyone, including couples looking for wedding venues. Hurry up and register now!
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Bridesmaid: Thu Thảo
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