Christopher Nguyen, who survived the devastating Oklahoma City bombing at the tender age of five, embarked on a new chapter of his life when he married Lauren Berlingeri on 28 March. As he crafted his wedding vows, the weight of his past became apparent, prompting him to reflect on his painful history and the lives lost during the tragic event.
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The bombing, which took place on 19 April 1995, outside the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building, left 168 people dead, including 19 children. Nguyen was among those children, attending daycare in the building at the time of the explosion. Although he has no direct memories of the event, the lingering trauma remains a significant part of his life story.
In preparing for his nuptials, Nguyen expressed thoughts of an alternate reality where he did not survive, a sentiment that added emotional depth to his vows. He wrote, “There may be an alternate universe where I didn’t survive the bombing,” emphasising his gratitude for the life he leads today. “But that’s not this reality, and because of that I don’t take a single moment of this life for granted,” he stated.
Despite the emotional intensity behind his initial vows, Nguyen eventually opted for a more light-hearted approach. He spoke about his shared joy of cooking with Berlingeri, charmingly noting his ability to chop onions without shedding a tear. His final vows reflected the essence of love as a “messy” and “vulnerable” experience, stating, “Love is also being vulnerable; love is also the truest manifestation of how you feel. And that’s why I love you.”
The couple’s wedding ceremony was set against the backdrop of The Baumberhof, a rustic yet grand venue designed to resemble a 400-year-old Bavarian barn located in Edmond, a suburb of Oklahoma City. Berlingeri, who first connected with Nguyen through the dating app Hinge, recalls being drawn to him not only for his energy but also for his willingness to be spontaneous during their initial encounters.
When discussing their first date, Berlingeri recollected how they both opened up about their anxieties, immediately establishing a sense of comfort. During dinner, Nguyen made a lasting impression by playfully applying purple foam from their drinks to his cheeks, showcasing his vibrant personality.
Interestingly, Berlingeri discovered Nguyen’s connection to the bombing through her mother’s research on Facebook. Initially, Nguyen chose to keep this part of his life private, only sharing the details with her months later as they approached the annual memorial observance of the tragic event.
As they visited the memorial together, Berlingeri noted his quiet reverence for the occasion. “He never wants attention drawn to himself, but rather directed toward honouring his late friends and giving the utmost respect to other families whose loved ones are no longer with us,” she remarked. Nguyen’s humility is rooted deeply in his awareness of survivor’s guilt; he has made peace with the fact that he lives a life where others could not.
Nguyen’s journey has been marked by immense personal growth. He openly acknowledges the struggles associated with his past but emphasises the importance of surrounding himself with supportive individuals who love him despite his scars. “There are times when I feel held back just because of the fact that other children didn’t survive,” he shared. “But I try to remember how lucky I am, because I’m surrounded by people who embrace me exactly for who I am.”
His mother, Phuong Nguyen, still recalls the harrowing day of the explosion vividly. At the time, she was anxiously watching her son play at daycare, only to experience the chaos that ensued when the bomb detonated. Fortunately, she was able to reunite with Christopher amidst the aftermath and has since focused on nurturing him to lead a fulfilling life.
As the couple began planning their future, Nguyen’s compassionate nature became evident in small gestures, from volunteering at animal shelters to ensuring stray cats were fed. His instinct to care for others illustrates his desire to honour the memories of those lost in the bombing by embodying kindness and compassion.
His proposal to Berlingeri, set on Flagstaff Mountain in Boulder, Colorado, was intricate and thoughtfully planned. Aiming to include her mother in the special moment, Nguyen devised a playful scheme to facilitate the proposal, showcasing his creativity and charm.
The wedding itself was a reflection of their shared love and experiences. Berlingeri chose a stunning dress adorned with feathers and pearls, symbolising bravery and resilience, while Nguyen donned a classic tuxedo with a modern twist. The couple embraced their adventurous spirit with decor that celebrated their travels and shared memories from across the globe.
As husband and wife, the couple plans to attend the memorial in Oklahoma City together, marking their commitment to cherish their lives while honouring the past. “I feel so safe and grounded and protected,” Berlingeri said of her relationship with Nguyen. The couple finds balance in life, navigating the complexities of their emotions while continually seeking joy together.
In his way, Nguyen teaches those around him not just to remember the past, but to celebrate each moment, embracing life and love with humour and courage.