I remember crying in my car to my best friend, Michelle, about having to wait three years to marry Khang. Upset because we needed time to save up enough money to pay for a big wedding that our parents wanted. I’m not going to lie, there was bitterness in the beginning. But after much discussion, we accepted the sacrifices and agreed to our parents’ way…and it surprisingly ended up being the best way.
I wouldn’t trade our engagement/wedding experience for anything even that “Mountain Wedding” we thought we once wanted. Not only did Khang and I grow deeper in our relationship, we grew deeper in our faith. We started praying daily together and began to spiritually get ready for our wedding and more importantly our marriage. As always, God has a plan and it’s wonderful when I’m finally able to find out his blessings for me. For us. Maybe I’ll share more of that journey one day.
But for now, here’s our wedding story from my perspective. The highlights of course.
Okay, so you know that feeling you get when someone says “You’re so beautiful” and because of the way they say it and the look in their eyes you just know they mean it? You feel like the most beautiful creature in the whole world because it’s like that person sees all the beauty you hold at that very moment? You’re wonderfully caught off guard. Well this is how Khang always gets me when he does it. I cannot think of a moment where this happened and I was all doll’d up. It always unexpectedly happens when I’m bare-faced with messy hair.
This is why I decided to go almost make-up free with the exception of eyelash extensions (no mascara) and Burt Bees lip balm for our “first look”. I wanted Khang to see his idea of beautiful me. We woke up early in the morning before all the hustle and bustle at a secluded area in Gulf Island National Seashore Park in my hometown of Ocean Springs, MS.
After a little photo session, we headed back to our separate houses to get ready. My bridal squad included my best friend, Michelle, my two sisters Jill and Joy, and my sister-in-law Ngoc.
It was important to me to have these four lovely ladies by my side. I remember giving a little impromptu speech-something along these lines:
“I know today is about celebrating Khang and I, but I want y’all to know that I’m celebrating my relationship with each one of you too. People always praise how long Khang and I have been together… but if you think about it…I’ve known you… *pointing at Ngoc* just as long as I’ve known Khang…*pointing at Michelle* since babyhood…*pointing at Joy* your whole life…*pointing at Jill* my entire life… I want y’all to know Khang and I wouldn’t be here today about to get married without the love and support you’ve shown us throughout our relationship. Thank you so much. It means more than you’ll ever know.”
There were some teary eyes so I proceeded to do the chicken dance to lighten the mood because that hair and make-up took a lot of work!
Off we went to the place where it all started: Vietnamese St. Martyrs Catholic Church in Biloxi, MS.
? such a magical day and such fond memories! feels like it just happened!
I remember when you told me that in the car, and I remember wishing I could make it all better for you somehow. But we talked about how it would work out for the best, that God has His plans. And it did and you guys had a blessed day! I, too, have seen how your long engagement helped you both grow: emotionally and spiritually, stronger together. It was so evident when we talked and you got so excited about not (just) the wedding, but being married and what that meant. Forever grateful to know you both and have been apart of that day on yalls grand adventure! ❤️
Forever grateful to have had you right there by my side ? Love ya my dearest Yang!