Archive for 2013

Tuesday, August 13, 2013

something new, something old

08.13.2013


























I love weddings, especially those where I actually know the bride and groom. This was only the second wedding on my mom's side, so the entire family still had that wedding excitement. The day started at 4:30 AM! On any normal Saturday morning, I might've still been awake from the day before, but at 4:30 AM, it took me a large cup of joe to even open my eyes. However, the prepping process was fun since all the girls were in the bride's room getting our hair and makeup done. I loved how the bride, my cousin, was just caring for everyone else when she was the one getting married. Chau is so considerate like that, and I love her for it. 

The first half of the day included both Vietnamese and American wedding ceremonies. Close family met at Chau's sister's (my other cousin) house to have a tea ceremony where members from each side are formally introduced and gifts are given to the bride. I appreciate how my family still upholds the traditional practices like this. There is a sense of honor and appreciation in recognizing one another's ancestry. Plus, the Vietnamese ao dai are beautiful. Then, was the ceremony in a Catholic church. The part that got me was when Chau got up and thanked her parents. It brought us to tears. After that, we went to the groom's cousin's house to have the second half of the tea ceremony. 

One hour and some touch ups later, we ended up at the reception. It's crazy how packed the day was! Chau, and my new cousin, Steven are an adorable couple who love to share their love for God, life, and each other with other people. When you see them together, you can't help but saying "Awww." To introduce the new bride and groom, the entire bridal party did a dance, ending with Chau and Steven dancing to "Just the Way You Are." I mean, how cute is that? Then, Steven surprised Chau by doing a Michael Jackson dance and having family and friends join in for "Jump On It." 

The day was amazing. I am so happy for Chau and Steven. They are inspirations who have taught me that true love for each other and faith in God can overcome anything from simple disagreements to life-threatening situations. Congratulations to the new happy couple!! 

xoxo,
Ashley Do

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vietnam

08.13.2013











Follow me on Instagram! I made a few collages of photos I took on my phone. 

@nhientendo


Food I ate! Yum! I love Vietnamese food. 

I love babies! They are all mostly my baby cousins. 

My family <3

In the middle of July, my dad called me in the morning and asked me if I wanted to go to Vietnam. I was hesitant at first, but decided to be adventurous and go that following night! It was pretty insane packing last minute and traveling across the world for just one week.

We only spent about 2 days in the capital, Saigon or Ho Chi Minh City, where my sister and I just shopped and walked around a little. The majority of our trip was spent in Pleiku, a small town my dad grew up in. The main purpose was to visit my sick grandfather. Upon first seeing him, in that weak and debilitated state, I started to tear up.  It brought me back to when I was 7 years old, lying on my other grandfather's death bed, hearing his heart go out. Seeing my other grandfather brought back all those emotions.

However, our trip back home to my family was not all sad. Little did we know, our cousin was getting married while we were there! A lovely, unexpected surprise that gave me the chance to reconnect with relatives I haven't seen since I was in 3rd grade.

On a more fashion note, I definitely did some awesome shopping! Surprise, surprise! I am  pretty good at bargaining! For those of you who do not know, shopping is pretty cheap in Vietnam since it's about 21, 000 dong for 1 dollar. I stocked up on false lashes, bought a few purses, and got a bunch of unique dresses. The only bad part was in Vietnam, the dresses are one size, sooo that was a little hard to try on clothes with my bloated stomach hehe.

Happy travels!

xoxo,
Ashley Do

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Thursday, July 11, 2013

jewels in july

07.11.2013







Photography by Angela Constantino 

H&M white tee, Forever21 pleated midi skirt, Forever21 heels, BP Nordstrom statement necklace, Tory Burch purse, vintage Casio watch

Although it is summer, I can't resist bringing out rich, jewel-toned autumn colors. The rich blue of the midi skirt is given a more breezy feel with this white tee. And then to make sure the look isn't completely plain, I added a turquoise statement necklace that accompanies the skirt. 

Angela and I started our first day of picture taking together. We shot in Japantown in Downtown San Jose, which at 10 AM, had a surprising amount of people. Since it has been a long time since I've been shot in front of a camera, my posing mindset was not ready, but I just kept on saying "How would Jenny Ong/Jenn Im pose?" 

xoxo,
Ashley Do

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Tuesday, July 2, 2013

into the wild

04.02.2014






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Saturday, May 25, 2013

hiatus

Hello nonexistent viewers!

 I'm leaving to South Africa tonight for an immersion trip with my school. Because we are not allowed to bring any electronic devices except for a camera, there will be nothing up on the blog for another month. whoops! But not to worry, a lovely photo diary will be posted when I get back. Be excited. 

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Monday, May 6, 2013

walking with God

05.06.2013







H&M dress, Forever21 necklace, Steve Madden shoes

Last Thursday, I celebrated my Confirmation. For all you non-Catholics out there, Confirmation is the last sacrament of Initiation that brings one closer to God. The service was perfect, held at my old elementary and middle school, and accompanied with music by our awesome liturgical rock band.

This outfit is probably one of my favorites. There's just something about white with its crispness and pureness. In the Catholic church, white is supposed to symbolize a fresh start--that's why it's worn at Baptism, Eucharist, weddings, etc. Call me sentimental, but that's what I feel sometimes when I am wearing a predominantly white outfit (that is, right before I spill something). Paired with a romantic color scheme of a light pink statement necklace, blush bow heels, and a rose colored Louis Vuitton bag,  I look my Sunday-best. 

 My aunt and mom didn't look so bad themselves, outfitted by me of course ;) My aunt is wearing a printed Banana Republic dress with silver Enzo Angolini heels while my mom dons a fashionable approach to the ever-so classic suit. Akris pants with an Armani top and jacket complement each other perfectly with the contrast of a bold color and no color at all. 

After the ceremony, my family and I celebrated at The Grill at the Fairmont Hotel where my scrumptious meal started with raw oysters and Lobster Bisque, then a medium rare Filet Oscar, finished with Vanilla Grand Marnier Souffle. I'm a sucker for food! We also surprised my uncle with a birthday celebration, one day late. I'm obsessed with his hair. Who knew that white-grey Elvis/Clinton hair could look so fashionable!!

God bless,
Ashley Do

 P.S: excuse the bad lighting in these photos 

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