In the last ten years marriage has become big business in Vietnam. Las Vegas style wedding palaces have sprung up on the edge of most cities – there were at least four on the main road heading south from Da Nang airport towards Hoi An. These venues which are simply huge, specialize in big glitzy weddings and are quite capable of accommodating  hundreds of guests in multiple venues, all under one roof, at any one time.

The potential for confusing ones nearest and dearest friends and loved ones is considerable. However, a simple and effective solution thought of half a dozen years ago by a sharp minded bride or groom has now spawned a whole new industry – the pre – wedding photo. This is an image that the happy couple will enlarge to nearly life size and have hung outside the relevant reception venue so that not even the most myopic of guests will crash the wrong wedding.

Hoi An with its fusion of Asian and European influences has quickly proved to be very popular with young Vietnamese couples living in the Central region. The ‘shoots’ take place up to three months before the wedding day itself and many choose to pose in the actual outfits that they will wear for the real ceremony. Lasting up to several hours, the happy couple are escorted around the pretty streets of the old quarter pausing wherever the photographer and his assistant thinks they can get a good shot. Tourists add to the sense of fun and occasion by crowding round taking snaps of their own.

For some couples, it all seemed to last just a little bit too long. Excited, extremely youthful, photographers encouraging just one more tired smile from their clients as the sun began to set. Oh well, not long before they have to go though it all over again in front of their real friends and relatives.