Wedding Info

A bit about us:

In the year of the fire dragon (hence our double fire dragon logo), we were born ten days apart at the same hospital in Oakland, California at Samuel Merritt. Kenny's grandmother lived in Oakland Chinatown near the "Dragon Park". During that same time, Sandra’s family also lived near the same "Dragon Park". Kenny remembers when he was about 5 years old, meeting this strange girl who challenged him to see who could swing higher on the swings, maybe that's when we first met.

We do know that we knew of each other in junior high while attending the same youth group at the Bay Area Chinese Bible Church. Through ministry and service projects, we became friends. Not to mention, being in the same class and having the same circle of friends "forced" us together. We dated in high school but that relationship lasted only a few months. Through the support and encouragement of friends (we had the same circle of friends, couldn’t help it, the "force" was with us and we often ended up hanging out with one another) -- our friendship continued. Over our college years, we kept in touch and we confided in each other with our challenges and relationship banters; so much so, once Sandra even vowed, she would want Kenny to be one of her bridesmaids when she got married. Now, we know God had bigger plans for him, to play an even greater role in her wedding (one without having to wear a dress).

Both of us had our share of relationships and stories. We often looked toward one another for that listening ear and at times, that silent company to sit with and just be. At the end of 2004, our relationship began to change and grow. By early 2005, we began courting. However, this time unlike high school, both of us weren’t so haste in this decision. No longer teenagers but adults, we both understood the commitment involved and just maybe, this could result in us “living happily ever after” or this could result in a strain in our greatly valued friendship we've developed over the years. Sandra's typical approach - let's think about it...and think about it...and think about it, for a couple more weeks. Kenny didn't give up and continued enjoying the company and having someone consistently there to talk to. Persistence and patiences pays off. We began dating February 26, 2005. After a lot of Star Wars lego building and searching for gen one Transformers, Sandra realized Kenny was more than meets the eye and there was a far greater force that brought us together. And here we are, at the beginning of a lifetime. "May the force be with you."

How we got engaged:

It was Black Friday, we planned to go window shopping on the peninsula. Sandra wanted French Toast (her work cafetaria style) for breakfast and Kenny enjoyed visiting where she works, not to mention the meal was reasonably priced. We ate and watched TV. We may have over eaten a bit and so we decided to take a walk at Leo Park in Foster City. Sandra had often talked about this park and how nice the amphitheatre was. This park is structured along the lagoon, still waters with blue skies, and green grass in one frame, and a place where she could imagine getting married at. We walked toward the stage and stopped at the amphitheatre, Sandra tried to point out the tree line behind the turf stepped seating and then noticed the outlet set into the concrete ground and was about to point it out, as she turned back to find Kenny twirling a little decorated box in his hands. He handed her the handmade wooden Japanese Puzzle Box and presented Sandra with the challenge of solving it. Sandra loves puzzles and solved it in no time (With some hints from Kenny). As Sandra was about to open the box, Kenny took the box back and smiled really big. Sandra wasn’t smiling, she wanted the box back. He showed her how the lid slid off and hidden inside the puzzle box was the ring. Sandra stared quietly with her hands over her mouth. Kenny smiled even bigger and proposed. Sandra’s response? She says nothing then gives Kenny a hug and says “What if I need two weeks to think about it?” Kenny grins then smiles and says "don't you want to try it on?" and begins to slip the ring on her finger. He comments how sparkly it is and takes pictures. They continue walking along the lagoon and he stops to ask, “So, what was your answer?” She responds with “Oh! heeheee…Yes!”



Our Party:

Maid of Honor

Stephanie Liu - We met through common friends just about a year ago. She opened my eyes to accepting my past and embracing the unknown of my future through her passion for serving all over the world and her huge heart for all people, different and alike. It was through her that I realized, my life is a speck compared to the world and that I am not here for me but to be, for all those I cross paths with. Her joyful spirit and encouraging words have graced and inspired me to truly "live" each day and to give thanks with every breath I'm given.



Bridesmaids

Denise Leung – We met in 8th grade at Chinese Christian Schools as aquaintances and became best of friends in college. It began through sharing a room during Cal State Hayward's Freshman Orientation and that was the start of our adventurous journey. Together and apart, she has been with me, understanding and always there ready to be apart of whatever crazy relationship or idea I’d want to try. My partner in crime and for secret deliveries, my friend that has roamed new places with me and have met strangers of all kinds, life on life. I look forward to sharing our future in the years to come, and hopefully raising our families together.

Samantha Chan – as I lovingly call her, Ming - my favorite sister...um...ok, my only sister. We began our journey at her birth. Need I say more? Of course, I do. She's the baby I never had (haha…something like that). She makes me laugh for no reason because she laughs for random to no reason as well. heehee. We are the same but very opposite all at the same time. The one person on this planet I cannot imagine my life without (Kenny may get jealous). I love you. Hahaha…just the thought of our stories…LOL…I’m so glad she can be by my side to share this very special day with me. I love you, Ming.

Best Man


William Ho – Kenny and Will were brought together through their participation in their high school marching band and they sat at the end of the bench together on the JV Basketball team. A fellow engineer to the core – Will shares a unique connection with Kenny. Kenny had the honor of introducing Will to church and watching how he grew in his relationship with God from stubborn agnostic to very faithful servant. We just get each other, a communication style that includes brief phrases and non verbal gestures (Sorry, Maggie). We keep in contact and have long gaps, yet we never run out of things to ponder over. Yeah. That's us.

Groomsman

Benny “Hoi Wah” Fong – From “bus kid” to roommate, Benny’s extreme patience, logic, and active listening skills made him a God given friend for Kenny these past 17+ yrs. Don't let his quiet demeanor fool you. A man of little words and many phrases - What the world?! He's one of my more talented friends. He can pick up any instrument and "learn" it; somehow playing the classics just like that. He's not afraid to do anything including leave his life here to serve in Asia the next two years) and yet he's able to think through the most complex math problems. A man of discipline, openness, and a huge heart. "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown (more like Linus)."

Lester Lim – Friends since middle school, Lester has served in many ministries with Kenny and they have experienced many blessings and trials together while serving the community and playing softball/sports. Funny and independent is how I would describe him. Opposite of Benny, he's a man of many words BUT he also is all ears. One of the very few people that would let me finish my stories (even Sandra zones me out at times). He understands me and let's me talk and talk and talk and talk. He also has a brother names Kenny and a brother names Steve (like me, except I am the Kenny). He's helped me out and vice versa -- with youth groups and driving, borrowing stuff. We've shared our lives in the midst of the "growing-up" of our circle of friends. Thanks, man.

Ceremony and Banquet:

The Great Court Gardens at the Oakland Museum and Legendary Palace

Gift Registries:

You are invited to browse three of Sandra and Kenny's favorite stores to help them stock up on basic items to start their family together.

MACY's http://www.macys.com/


Target http://www.target.com/


Bed Bath and Beyond http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/


Out of Town Guests:

Considering the time of year and the large number of guests, we were not able to block rooming. However, we do have a list of hotels that are located near our ceremony and banquet locations.

Executive Inn in Oakland
1755 Embarcadero,Oakland, CA 94606
(510) 536-6633
http://www.executiveinnoakland.com/


Waterfront Plaza Hotel
10 Washington St.,Oakland, CA 94610
(510) 836-3800
http://www.jdvhotels.com/hotels/waterfront


Oakland Marriott City Center
1001 Broadway,Oakland, CA 94607
(510) 451-4000
http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/oakdt-oakland-marriott-city-center/


Courtyard Oakland Downtown
988 Broadway,Oakland, CA 94607
(510) 625-8282
http://www.marriott.com/courtyard/travel.mi