The First Encounter...

They all drove separately that late summer afternoon on the 26th of July. We all met outside the parking lot at our workplace unaware that the evening would be the beginning of our journey.
I was the outsider of the group; they had all known each other through other friends. I had moved to Los Angeles not that long ago, introductions were made as we all got on my SUV and started driving towards our destination.

The Journey...

I noticed her, sitting at the second row on the passenger side of my SUV, poised as she looked out the window. My friend had burned music CD of Jazz songs as he sets the mood. Conversations started, the girls talked amongst them as they catch up on gossip. They would occasionally turn my way and ask questions as we slowly get acquainted. The sun had set as I remember driving down the interstate freeway. It has not hit me yet but the stars were shinning down on us that night.

At the Movies...

We had arrived as we walked towards the movie theater, two of the girls who rode with us met with their partners. She at the time was dating someone else. As we entered the movie theater, each couple sat separately. I on the other hand, sat with the couple whom invited me to the premiere.
We sat on the left side of the theater close to aisle. One couple sat a few rows in front and the other in the middle section of the theater. The movie had come and gone.
We left the theater, as we drove to dine at a restaurant. Two full hours had gone dreary; it would seem that fate was tempting us as it sets the stage for what’s to come next.

Attraction Was Undeniable...

We park at an adjacent structure of the restaurant as we sat inside the dining area. The table was rectangular in shape sitting across from each side. I sat on one end as she sat at the other end. We ordered our food and the evening went on...
As I turned to her to listen to her voice, something struck me that moment. Everyone else seems to have suddenly faded into the background, I turn to my right and there she was with her beautiful smile. She had this magnificent glow that night as if the room had dimmed down I could not help myself but gaze at her.
I kept fighting the urge not to stare, not to look too obvious to the group but the attraction was so strong that I found myself looking at her every chance I get. The night draw to a close, I drove everyone back to where we all met and said our goodbyes.

A Course Was Set...

That night set the course of our journey; there were heartaches and pain, anger and jealousy, distrust and doubt. I lost her once and faith brought us back together.
Two people took a chance and became strangers, friends, and lovers as we take voyage in this new endeavor.

Our wedding website: www.bettyandhansel.com

I chose this Rhianna Royale by Maggie Sottero in Diamond White.  I loved how special it made me feel w/ all the intricate flowers and beads, best of all the back was a corset so I didn't have to worry about it not fitting when I lost weight from the wedding stress. I love Maggie dresses...would highly recommend!!

I wore 2 different pairs of shoes. The white platform heels from Jessica Simpson were very comfy, my feel didn't  hurt at all. I wore the 2nd pair for the Chinese gown.

The crystal bracelet was a gift from FI by Swarovski and the earring were a gift from my elder sister by Givenchy. I opted for no necklace since the dress itself was already very intricate.

I booked my Hair & Makeup with Nicole Chen. I liked how my eyes popped. She did an excellent job!

the hand-made towel cake party favors made from FI's sister. Each one consists of a fortune hidden inside and will be wrapped in clear celephane. Aren't they soooo delicious?

I still have about 50 pcs left, all individally wrapped if anyone is interested to buy them for $1.50/pc.

Our custom card box with our wedding colors ordered from ebay.

Our 4 layer programs. Ivory metallic paper from paper source and card stock and ribbon from Micheals. The cherry blossoms stamped print on cover is very light and can be shown @ an angled light view.

I loved the way our tent menu's came out, it matched our cherry blossom theme so well. I ordered the menu cards online, added the brown tent card stock and the ribbon trims on the sides.

This is our actual wedding cake, i was pleased w/ the outcome. Very yummy too!

Our ceremony @ The Crystal Cathedral in Garden Grove. Super Hot day but very touching moment.

The Hyatt Regency in Orange County. This was one of the most reasonable priced hotel locations that allowed outside Chinese catering.

I got these beautiful BM dresses in downtown LA for under $70/each. We added the rhinestone pin for a sweetheart top and switched out the black sash to a deep fuschia color instead to match my wedding color theme.

one of may cake cutting dress option.

After numerous attemps to find the right MOB dress, finally found this blue color Tadashi dress for mom.

Ceremony Venue - Crystal Cathedral B+
Reception Venue - Hyatt Garden Grove A-
Caterer - Furiwa A
Hotel room reservations - Hyatt
Engagement Photos - Oscar Wedding Photography A
Wedding Rings
Hair & Makeup - Nicole Chen A-
DJ/MC & Lighting - The Music Man Productions B
Florist - Kim Chi Flowers A-
Centerpieces - Kim Chi Flowers A-
Chair Covers - Kim Chi Flowers A
Wishing Tree - Kim Chi Flowers A+
Reception Backdrop - Shop Wild Things
Photographer - Michael S. Kelley  A
Videographer - Oscar Wedding Photography B-
Wedding Dress - Maggie Sottero A+
Cake cutting dress - downtown LA  A
Qi-pao dress - VinShop  B+
Veil & Petticoat - David's Bridal A
BM dresses - downtown LA A
Flower Girl Dress - Pink Princess A-
MOB Dress - Tadashi
Groomsmen & Ring Bearer attire - Friar Tux B-
Cake - Cakery Bakery A+
Party Favors - DIY
Invitations - DIY
Menus - DIY
Money Box - ebay  A
Ring pillow - weddingdressdiscount.com
Cake Server Set - loveandvows.com
Silk Flower Petals - WPetals.com
Month of Coordinator - Carrie Goff @ Exquisite Events  A
Cards for wishing tree - DIY
Programs - DIY
Escort Cards - DIY

Ceremony:
Jesus Joy of Man's Desiring
Trumpet Voluntary
Canon in D Major
How Beautiful
The Wedding Bridal Chorus
This is the Day

Reception:
The Way I Am - Ingrid Michaelson
By Heart, By Soul - Avalon
Home - Michael Bublé
Everything - Michael Bublé
It's In The Way You Love Me - Shania Twain
From This Moment On - Shania Twain
When You Kiss Me - Shania Twain
Truly Madly Deeply - Savage Garden
Somewhere Over The Rainbow - Isreal Kamakawiwo'ole
Bubbly - Colbie Caillat
1234 - Feist
A Song for Mama - Boyz 2 Men
A Wink and a Smile - Harry Connick Jr.
A Recipe For Love - Harry Connick Jr
I'll Be - Edwin McCain
I Could Not Ask For More - Edwin McCain
More Than Words - Westlife
The Riddle - Five For Fighting
100 Years - Five For Fighting
Butterfly Kisses - Bob Carlise
The Gift - Jim Brickman & Martina McBride
Blessed - Christina Aguilara
Could Be Anything - The Eames Era
I Hope You Dance - Faith Hill
This Kiss - Faith Hill
You and Me - Lifehouse
I Do (Cherish You) - 98 Degrees
It's All Because of You - 98 Degrees
My Valentine - Martina McBride
I Love You - Martina McBride
Your My Inspiration - Chicago
You Were Always on My Mind - Elvis Presley
I Can't Help Falling In Love With You - Richard Marx
Love Me Tender - Nora Jones & Adam Levy
Don't Know Why - Nora Jones
You Raise Me Up - Josh Groban
When You Say Nothing At All - Ronan Keating
Pour Some Sugar On Me - Def Leopard
Whip It - Devo
Amazed - Lonestar
I Want to Grow Old with You - Westlife
I Promise You That - Westlife
With You - Chris Brown
On My Wedding Day - Don Henley
Making Memories of Us - Keith Urban

My MOH sister thew an awesome joint bachelorette party in Vegas along w/ my BF. What happpens in Vegas stays in Vegas! :P

Our are some of our pro pictures by Michael S. Kelley...awesome personality and great talent!

Some pics of our recent honeymoon to Greece in Athens, Myknonos and Santorini. We had a great time touring the city and taking lots of pictures in beautiful scenery!