1 month

In honor of my 1st month as a married woman. Here are some of my favorite wedding photos.

Photos taken by my pro photographer Neleh Sawsiengmongkol.
I color corrected and retouched the photos myself. I guess it pays to work in graphic desing & retouching.

Pre-Ceremony

My mom helping to make my bouquet.

My MOH, Cicely working her mojo with the flowers.

Getting my face done by make-up artist Samantha Nunez

Cicely's attempts at tying my double-french bustle

What am I doing? I'm tying my own bustle.

Not a typical getting reading picture. Then again, I got ready in a storage closet.

Peeking out to see if it's time to go.

Rob with his parasol getting his boutonniere pinned on by our Best Man, Lu

Our officiant waiting for the ceremony to begin.

Our guests waiting for the ceremony to begin.

Ceremony

I laugh when I'm nervous. My dad scowls when he's hot.

Dad missed rehearsal. He missed his cue about giving me away and forgot to let go of my arm. It made for a good laugh.

My parents sharing a parasol with my MOH's husband Gary. The rest of our guests roasting in the sun.

Ceremony begins. Whew! I'm so glad he gave up the darn parasol.

Exchanging vows

Exchanging Rings - First, my ring

Then, his ring

Our Junior Groomsman, Franky & Junior Bridesmaid, Bella read a modified version of "Oh the Places You'll Go" by Dr. Suess.

Sealed with a kiss

Off to the reception!

Reception

All the photos of our Grand Entrance came out blurry. We have this cute pic instead.

These are the goofy First Dance photos you get when the bride and groom pick
"Never, Never Gonna Give You Up" by Barry White as a First Dance Song.

No Dance Lessons required. We made it up as we went along.

Dad & Mom dancing. Everyone says I'm starting to look like my mom. Hmmm....

My Junior Groomsman and nephew, Franky dancing with his mom Cathee, my sister and bridesmaid

A quick spin around the dancefloor with Dad

Doing what we do best... EAT

Best Man's Speech by Lu.

Photos of our Maid of Honor's speech didn't turn out well. So, here's a photo of my Dad's rambling.
Like the expression on my face? I'm totally lost.

Cutting our cake with a knife twice the size of the cake!

BUSTED! Cicely and I being catty about one of my guests who was falling out of her dress.

Group photo with our family and honorary family

Details

My bouquet - made by Cicely & my mom.

Boutonnieres - made by Cicely & Neleh (my photographer)

Centerpiece, Menu & Favors

Guestbook table

Cake from Leda's Bakeshop. Caketopper from ebay.

Cheese display.

California Orange Chicken Skewers, Char Bao, and Fig Jam with Manchego Cheese on a baguette by Passionfruit Catering.

Wonton Cups w/ Grilled BBQ Beef Noodle Salad

Agua Fresca

Very Hungry Wedding Guest

We had an exorbitant amount of leftovers after the reception. We couldn't figure out why. At first, we thought our caterer hooked us up. Then she told us she made for exactly the number of people with a little extra. She certainly did not make extras of the quantity that was being packed up and taken home.

Our waitstaff clued us in. It turns out one of my aunts was grabbing the waitstaff as they walked out of the kitchen. They'd get no further than 3 feet from the door and then wham! She'd grab them and pratically clean off their serving trays. The best part is if she didn't like what they were carrying, she'd send them back to bring something else.

Our waitstaff finally stepped up to her towards the middle of the reception and told her that they need to finish their rounds on the far side of the room and that they would be back. I guess she hadn't eaten all day.

Profiling

Nothing says "it's going to be a great day" like having to keep your best man from going to jail. I'm not kidding. Here's the story.

A couple of days before the wedding, I traded cars with my best man. He drives a 2006 4x4 Nissan Xtrerra. I drive a 2006 Honda Civic Si. I needed his vehicle to pick up people and Wedding-related goods. We've traded cars in the past. No problemo.

My wedding day was a different story. He got pulled over right by my house. He wasn't speeding, but he got pulled over because the cops thought he was some filipino racer kid. Essentially, he got profiled. When they saw the registration was not in his name, they were getting ready to bring him in for possession of a stolen vehicle!

So, Rob had to talk to the officer and explain the situation. I was late getting my hair and make-up done because I had to wait and make sure all is well! Nothing is more fun that talking to the cops in a workout clothes and some slippers.

I'm Married:)

I can't believe it! We finally got married. After all the planning and the craziness, we are married and I am tired. I will post recaps soon. Here's a pic for now...

Impromptu Bridal Shower

Because most of the ladies in my family and close friends were coming in from out-of-town, I opted out of having a shower/bachelorette party. I felt that having everyone coming in from out-of-town was enough of a gift. Additionally, I'm not a big fan of the bachelorette (hire-a-stripper party) and I'm not girly enough to enjoy a traditional bridal shower.

A week ago my mom called me and said that we were having a mandatory family dinner at my Uncle's house in southern Orange County. She insisted that it was the only quiet time for all of us to be together before the wedding festivities. She told me that I was required to go.

I was so exhausted from driving around that I really tried to get out of it. Try as I might. My aunt and mother wouldn't let me off the hook. I should have known better.

The ladies in my family decided to throw me a suprise shower/lingerie party. It was a sweet thought and I was touched by the gesture. However, there is nothing more awkward than unwrapping a super deluxe vibrator in front of your mom and your very Catholic aunt. My aunt and cousin even had me read the info on the vibrator box aloud.

Apparently, they thought it would be a great idea get everyone to buy me all new lingerie from Frederick's of Hollywood. I love lingerie, but why Frederick's?! I guess they thought I needed to start a new career as a stripper to pay for my wedding. I have enough chintzy polyester and cheap lace lingerie to put trailer park hoes to shame. The only thing I'm missing are the clear heels.

My Maid of Honor took pictures of the whole thing. Sadly, here they are...

Sorting the gifts before the madness begins

I can't believe this is the first thing they made me openThe erection-killer. Can you guess who bought this nightgown?

Coming soon to a strip club near you...What purpose does a thong with a veil serve? Is this really considered sexy?!

At the end, I don't know who was worse off, me or my mom.