It's been 4 years since we met. December 2003, the year he decided to move back to San Francisco from his 5 years of partying in San Diego. I was visiting my girlfriends in Long Beach for the winter, and we decided to drive down to San Diego to visit a friend. We had nothing to do for the night so we all decided to crash a party. No familiar faces except for the ones I arrived with, lots of people, and nowhere to sit. I was starting to think the night was a mistake. "Hey, dance with Melvin!" My friend pushes me up against some guy, which I found out later was the celebrant. I was greeted with a "You wanna dance?!?!" Okay?!?!?...I was clueless to who this loud, crazy, dancing boy was. We proceded to dance, in awkward movements, still clueless. "I think I'm going to sit down now....," was the only thing I could think of to get myself out of the situation. Everyone danced the night away, and that was that.

Until the next morning, I was at my girlfriend's apartment glued to the screen for Sunday afternoon football. The doorbell rings, and enters that "dancing boy" again. Another awkward moment! With no invitation he ploops down right next to me, practically sitting on my lap.

Him: "Hey Naroth!"
Me: "Um...Hey, Mel, I think!!!"

He knew my name?!?!? I couldn't remember within that brief moment, the night before, if I had ever mentioned my name. The day continued on, and everyone decided to go Christmas shopping. The "dancing boy" decided to join us! Four hours had passed, no gifts and they still wanted to shop. The final stopping place "The Gap"...as usual I searched the room for a place to rest my tushy, no more shopping for me. Found one!!! I galloped my way across the room, as the seat started to glow, waiting for my tushy. Ahhh, YES. I can relax for another 2 hours while they shop. Then here comes "the dancing boy" again.

Him: Hey Naroth! Aren't you going to shop?
Me: No, I'm done. Plus my feet hurts, and I'm all out of energy.
Him: Where are you from?....

We continued to converse and I realized that, that silly smile was actually starting to grow on me. He wasn't that crazy "dancing boy" anymore. The day ends. My girls and I returned back home and our lives returned back to normal. I left a week later for TN, back to my family. After my multiple tries to flee from him and my zero success, I wondered if this was it?!?!? I spoke (thought) too soon. A month later, I received a request to chat on AIM....and the rest is history. Our first kiss: March 7, 2004.

We're having 2 weddings!!!! A traditional Catholic wedding bc FI and I are both Catholic. And a traditional Buddhist wedding bc my parents are and they insist on having one (as long as they're paying :)..)

Thanksgiving dinner, Mel and I were the host. It was our first Thanksgiving in our first new home together. The day of Thanksgiving, we were all bundled up for the annual "Turkey Bowl 2007." It was the Hurricanes (my team) against the Earthquakes (Mel's team). The Hurricanes won: 2-1 = ). Lunch was to be served at one of the cousin's house, which was overpassed since Mel insisted we go back to San Ramon to set up. We arrived home, only to find out Ninang Fe and Ninang Imee had arrived before us. To our surprise our house was amazingly decorated, the table nicely set up, and the food scrumptously prepared. WE LOVE YOU GUYS!!!

Dinner promptly started at 6pm, we all know how Mel is!!!...haha. The family gathered around the table and we said a prayer. Then each one of us took turns to say a little thanks. I was the first to start and it ended with Melvin.

This was when it happened....

He said his thank-you's to his family for making it out to our house,he thanked his sisters for keeping him sane and he thanked his parents for being the biggest part of his accomplishments. Tita Eleth started to make silly faces (like mother, like son), which I contributed to by laughing. He continues among our interruption...."I wanted to thank Naroth, for always being there for me...."....after that I don't really remember what he said, I was still laughing at Tita Eleth. What seemed like only a few seconds...I heard, "There was a reason why your Mom called me this morning..." I already knew...everything was a blurr after that. I became mute to my surroundings and faces were cloudy from all the tears welling up. On one knee, before my very own eyes, he spoke the words I thought I would only dream of.

After 3 years of sharing our stories, partaking in all those moments, crying about all the nonsense, and planning our lives....the day had finally arrived.

And....I said "YES!"

Its a 2.03 princess cut. I love it!!! I want to put it in a different setting, but that will come later.

My cousin has been dying to take me to a bridal shop in Campbell, CA, called Trudy's Bridal. At first I was a little resistant bc I heard so many stories about the poor customer service, but I decided to make her happy. My cousin, MOH, and friend decided to make it a "Girl's Afternoon" out, while the boys stayed home to babysit :). I'm so glad I did go...I found "the" dress. Its an Alfred Sung design. And the customer service was GREAT. Our consultant was Jessica, she's a sweetheart and she was very pleasant to work with. I've called back a few times with questions, and I've always been greeted with a happy voice.

We wanted something simple, yet still elegant. The roses matches my dress...and I didn't do it on purpose.

Done:
Church - St Anne's Catholic Church
Reception - Stanford Court Hotel
Counseling - Marriage for Life
Photographer - Jennifer Skog
Cake - The Cakemaker
Save the dates - Magnetstreet Weddings
Bridal Shower Invites - DIY
Favors - DIY candy buffet

Not yet:
Dress -
Jewelry -
Veil -
Shoes -
Hair -
Make-up -
Chiavri Chairs - Classic Party Rental
Videographer - ?
Flowers - DIY
Invites - DIY
Lighting

Done:
Ceremony site - Uncle's house
Restaurant - New Paradise
Dresses + Wedd. Coordinator - Done
Flowers - DIY

Not yet:
Photographer -
Videographer -
Favors - DIY