Wedding day part 2: "Greet the guests"

Traditionally names were written top-to-bottom.

As we pulled up to the church,

we saw our photo and names were already in place. 

We knew we found the right church.

Waiting area outside of church

There was no time to linger around outside,

we were immediately ushered into Sungeun's waiting room.

But I wouldn't stay long.

A quick picture together,

and I was shoved outside to greet guests.

I didn't even have time to finish my coffee.

Outside with the Kim family

Guests coming to say hi

Many guests came through,

some said hi and shook my hand...

...others left me hanging.

Sungeun's dad was the VIP outside

Mark (L) and David (R)

A few of my friends were able to make it.

After meeting so many new people,

it was nice to see some friends.

Sungeun's parents getting a quick breather

With Sungeun's brother & sister-in-law

Sungeun's mom & dad were definitely the busiest greeting guests.

I snuck in a couple hello's,

then hung back with Duck-gil and Jina.

Meanwhile,

in the waiting room...

Childhood best friends

University friend

Work friends

Friends from Canada

More university friends

Seems Sungeun was having a great time.

Many friends stopped in to visit her.

But she couldn't hide out in there forever.

 Time for the fun to stop.

She has a grand entrance to make.

To be continued...

Wedding Day prep

Our day began bright and early.

We woke up at 5:30 am,

and took a taxi to the hair salon.

Hair & makeup first

Even men get makeup done for weddings in Korea.

I think I needed it after that early wakeup.

Here we snuck away from the shop for a coffee and muffin.

The hair is all hers.

My hair looked alright,

but it's all about the bride.

Her hair looked classy and dignified, don't you think?



Didn't take too long for me to get ready.

Adjust my watch, and I'm ready to walk down the aisle.

How's the bride-to-be doing?

Someone's feeling a bit bashful.

Now that she's ready, I've never seen her looking better.

Now that we're on the way to the church,

I'm starting to feel butterflies in my stomach.

At least the bride-to-be is looking happier.

Arriving at the church in style...Porsche.

Ready or not here we go!

Do you think we go through with it?

To be continued...

Birthday Dinner

My 31st birthday has come and gone.

Safe to say 31 will be a big year.

I told Sungeun not to plan anything special,

we have plenty of things to save for.

Terrace restaurant near our home

As usual, she didn't listen to me.

Near us is a very nice street,

with many fancy restaurants and shops.

Normally these places would be a little pricy for us,

but once or twice a year we can make an exception. 

Since it'll be awhile before we eat here again,

we made sure to take it all in.

Kicked things off with a bottle of red wine.

I'm not a big wine guy,

but I have started to enjoy it a little more as of late.

(If you see the video imbedded in the photo,

you can tell we both don't belong at this type of restaurant)

It's not a wine party without some cheese

We don't do things half ass.

If we're gonna drink some wine,

you can bet that we'll be having some fine cheeses to go with it.

Steak & salad

Vegetable fried rice

The main course didn't disappoint.

The steak and fried rice were both delicious. 

Bring on dessert!

We were both full after this meal;

but it's not a birthday without some cake.

CP3 Chris Paul shirt

Engagement photo book and Nike socks

Dinner was already enough for me on my birthday.

But as you can see, Sungeun surprised me with a few gifts.

An Air Jordan CP3 shirt that is super comfortable.

That was paired with some black, dry-fit, Nike socks.

As far as the photo book...

it may have been a gift for her,

but lets just say 'a gift for us.'

(You can see all the photos in the imbedded video)

I was quite happy with my 31st birthday.

Great food, great gifts,

and most importantly,

great company.

Myeongdong Church (wedding preview)

Yesterday Sungeun and I went to Myeongdong Church.

This is the location for our upcoming wedding. 

In fact we did a little wedding crashing.

Our back story:

We were a brother and sister from Vermont,

with an emerging maple syrup conglomerate.

Actually we just wanted a preview of a ceremony before our big day.

This way I can also show family and friends what our day will look like.

The red carpet isn't quite long enough to cover the entire aisle.

A view of the altar. 

Close up of the stain glass above the altar.

The church doesn't look as deep on the outside as it does on the inside.

The high ceiling and arches really give it a gothic cathederal feel.

Big double-doors at the back of the church.

Pipe organ above the back door.

I really like the back door and stain glass above it.

Although it remained closed, even after the ceremony.

Guests use the doors to either side of it.

The pope is coming to visit in August,

perhaps they'll open these doors for him.

Equally impressive was the pipe organ.

However, like the giant double-doors,

this also went unused on this day.

For the pipe organ at your wedding, you need to fork over another $100.

Perhaps the pope will also take his picture here.

Sungeun's photo after the wedding.

How Sungeun felt after the wedding.

This last picture is not too far.

We are now 90 days away from this being a reality.

A little scary and exciting at the same time.

(Scary in a good way Sungeun)