Hello PW! I've been a member since my DH proposed on April 2007. We finally got married on August 20, 2011, and it was the happiest day of our lives so far. It took a lot of patients and DIYs projects but everything couldn't turn out more perfect! 

Our wedding wouldn't been possible if it wasn't for the PW community. Everyone here are extremely kind hearted and helpful. PW has been my #1 resource throughout our wedding planning process. I truly have grown to love and treasure this community and even develope long lasting friendships with some of the PW ladies on here. I hope in some small way I can give back to this community through my photos and thought process. So please contact me if you have any questions regarding any of my projects or inspiration images!

Happy Planning Ladies!

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PLEASE NOTE: ADD AS FRIENDS FOR MORE PLANNING DETAILS

We met on line at asianpeoplemeet.com. In my years of growing up, I would never have imagined that I will meet my soul mate on line. All is blamed on my curiosity and boredom one rainy night and... HIS SMILE <3<3 Like winning the lottery the first time buying a ticket, we were each others first and last contact. Before this incident, if you have come and told me that I will actually go meet a guy that I have only talked to on line.. I would tell you that you are crazy!!!

But what do I know.. sometimes life has its own plan for you and you don't even know it...

Instant chemistry from our first meeting lead to one year of Long Distance Relationship and after that to him joining me in the Second City (Chicago). Many challenges later, he still the only man who can see me for who I am and appreciates me for just being me. I have never been happier. This man can make me laugh like no one can. He can comfort me just by his touch alone. Best of all, he makes me feel safe, secure, and free to be completely myself, flaws and all..I don't think I can possibly love him more than I am now ... yet I find myself more and more in love with him each day we spend together.. Loving someone isn't always easy right? he makes it so easy... I am blessed.. just want to tell the world how lucky I am..

Sure we talked about getting married after 6 months of dating. We knew we have the potential to be great together but talking about it and doing it is definitely not the same. On a random day after our normal nightly conversation from two different States I casually said to him:  "you know if you are going to marry me, our parents have to meet if not my parents won't allow it." To that he replied just as casually: "do both of them have to be there?"

He had good reasons to ask that since both of his parents are living in Colombia and have never visit the States together. They usually take turn visiting. It was such a big deal so I never would have thought that in the next month after that he called me and said that both of his parents are coming and to tell my parents and arrange a meeting. Imagine my reaction then :O

I remember half mumbling nervously to my parents about his parents wanted to meet them and was relief that my parents didn't question much. I remember being so nervous that morning as I helped my mom cook all the food to be served later that day. Although we didn't speak the same language, his parents was more than I can hope for as future parents in law. His family was so pleasant and easy going and I felt instant bond with them. Our first meeting couldn't be better. I took his whole family to Niagara Falls to tour before dinner. I remember it was a lot fun and we took a lot of pictures..

At one point I was looking out at the falls when I heard his parents (speaking in Spanish) was hushing and pushing him to do something... as I turned around.. there he was sheepishly smiling at me while his family looked on also smiling.. He turned to me and open up a box.. there lay my E-ring beautiful and sparkling in the sun.. I immediately turned red because everyone (tourists) around me stopped and look at us.. (he would have getting on his knee, but he haven't recovered yet from a seri ous knee surgery) He ask me to marry him right then and there in front of his family and all of the strangers that day.. I was just so emotional and almost cried, but I held my composure and said YES!. People were clapping around us.. and his parents were chanting.. "kissing" in Spanish.. of course we seal the deal with a kiss.. I just couldn't stop looking at the ring and I couldn't stop thinking of how it couldn't be more perfect. Niagara Falls now is such a romantic place for us.. our first date.. and our engagement... I felt so lucky that his family (esp. both of his parents together at the same time which never had happened before)..were all there to share that day with us too..

I should conclude that both families got a long effortlessly though there were so much translations in between. With us being the translators *wink* things can't really go wrong now can they =)

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Here are our rings we have chosen: (Pro pictures)

COLORS: I finally made up my mind. Our new scheme below!

THEME: Clean lines, Contemporary, Asian 

COLOR INSPIRATION BOARD:  

I LOVE PEONIESSSS BEST<3<3 but I can never say I hate any flowers since all of them are beautiful in their own way. Due to my budget, I have to keep my flower craze in check and opt for whatever I can get budget wise. But here are some pictures that I really love, and would love to have if only there is no budget

the centerpieces inspirations ------>

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HERE THEY ARE IN THE ACTUAL WEDDING (ALL PROS)

AND YES WE DIY ALL FLOWERS INCLUDING THE BIG ONE FOR ALTER AND PHOTO AREA BELOW

For as long as I can remember, I always know that when I get marry I will wear Ao Dai in the reception. I love Ao Dai on Viet gals, something sweet about it. However, as much as I like them, I have never own one. So my wedding Ao Dai will be my first that will be made just for me. I am having it made in VN, but not anytime soon. Here are some I consider. (All are pink since my wedding color is pink)

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MY FIRST AO DAI FOR THE TEA CEREMONY
(It's actually something borrow from a old friend of mine) 

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MY SECOND AO DAI FOR TABLE GREETING
(It was made in Vietnam and was a gift from my aunt and uncle) 

Jeannie (Jigztar), Kathy (PKNguyen), Lizzie (Lizziethelittlebit), Kassi (Kassi_O), Manza (Ghana_Bride). The ring shot: (thanks Lizzie for the photos)

OUR INSPIRATION:

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OUR ACTUAL CAKE

INSPIRATION: BOY CARRING A TEDDY BEAR

True Story: we bought a bear for our 6 years old ring boy and he didn't want anything to do with it. Because he thinks he's a big boy now, and big boy just don't carry teddy bear! It was hilarious :) He walked down the aisle with his hands in his pocket! lol

Here is the bear in our GM's Julio care... lol

DESTINATION: HAWAII BIG ISLAND (We stayed at The Hilton Village)

RENTAL: JEEP (We drove all over the island with a jeep. It was so much fun)

EXCURSIONS: COST $$ (Snorkeling - Zip linning - Sunset Sail - Lu'au - Couple Spa/Massage) 

EXCUSRSIONS: FREE (Exclusive Beach Hopping - Exploring Scenic Routes - Local Tours and Farmers Market)

THE LADIES:

Dress: Bill Levkoff Style 583 in Euro Gray

Shoes: any gray or silver pump!

Flowers: blush pink peonie boquets

Hair: not sure yet