Since we got married, our lives have changed SOooo much. More specifically, we have met and became friends with so many new people who weren’t there on our wedding day. So below is a little background of our past as well as our bridal party (this was essentially our wedding website)…lets travel back to November 12, 2011…

The beginning…

This love story began 17 years ago, when these two love birds were only young freshmen at Mt Carmel High School. Cathy was a new student and was introduced to me by our mutual friends, Leah Buencamino and Jeff Domingo. I had a HUGE crush on Cathy and would hold her Hello Kitty swim bag around school to impress her. Well I definitely won her over, because Cathy actually made the first move and asked me to be her boyfriend! We were inseparable throughout high school and have great memories of going to dances together, watching Cathy’s soccer matches and my basketball games, and hanging out by the movie theaters with our friends. Sadly, Cathy went to UC Irvine and I went to UC Riverside and we were unsure of what hurdles were to come. But, of course, LOVE conquers all and our relationship only grew stronger despite the long distance.

At the time we got married, I was an accountant/auditor working for Ernst and Young (now working as a Systems Analyst for ViaSat) and Cathy was a registered nurse caring for neonates at Rady Children’s Hospital (now working for Kaiser Permanente). Our favorite things to do together are spending time with our friends and families, traveling to new places, trying different foods, and watching movies and munching on the couch. After building a solid foundation together (11 years prior to our wedding date), Cathy and I were more than ready to make a commitment to one another and embark on the adventure of marriage.

From Cathy…

I’m so lucky I picked the right guy on the first try! Ton truly is my bestfriend and we have gone through so much together. He is my favorite person to be with in the whole world. Throughout the years, I find myself falling more and more in love with him. He is my biggest fan and is always encouraging me to be my best self. I know its cheesey, but after all these years he still give me butterflys. He’s my perfect “lobster” and I cannot wait to finally marry this guy! – Cathy

From Anthony…

I really can’t ask more from anyone, Cathy has stuck by my side through thick and thin. She has shown her love in so many ways that it’s pretty unexplainable. I love everything about her: her smile, her toes, and her laughter. At times she can be pretty weird and awkward, especially after she’s had too much to eat…but its those little things that make me smile and love her with all my heart. She’s the cutest, she’s the funniest, and she’s soon to be the best wifey in the whole wide world! – Ton

The Proposal

It was December of 2009 when I realized that I wanted to spend the rest of my life with Cathy. It was the holidays and I remember watching Cathy play with my nephew and niece and how everyone had the biggest smile on their face. I had a good feeling inside that I never felt before. It was from that point that I started my big surprise to ask Cathy for her hand in marriage. I brought up the thought of proposing to Cathy to my best friend and my sisters. They all gave me words of encouragement and reminded me how special mine and Cathy’s relationship is.

The first step was looking for an engagement ring. I went with my sister Jaymie and my best friend Jeff to many different jewelers to search for that perfect ring. After 5 different grueling shopping trips and learning everything about the four C’s, I found THE ONE! I cannot describe exactly how I knew, but after seeing the ring I just felt that it was beautiful and special enough for Cathy.

On July 17, 2010, I had my 24th birthday party with all of our family and friends. I was really nervous and excited all day! I was about to propose! We gathered everyone together for me to open a special birthday gift. I started my speech by thanking everyone for coming and then began to talk about Cathy. I thanked her for everything she has done for me and expressed how much I care about her. She was so embarrassed she kept telling me to “hurry up and open the gift”. As we opened the gift and I pulled out the box, I said “I love you so much and after 10 years together, I’ve realized that I want to take care of you for the rest of my life!” I got down on one knee as she started crying and said “yes”, I placed the ring on her finger. There were cheers and hugs from all our friends and family. I felt relieved, elated, and so proud that she was completely surprised and said YES!

We’re engaged

When Ton proposed, I was totally surprised! I was so impressed that he planned the proposal and kept it a secret from me. I was especially happy that the people we loved were able to share this special moment with us. I felt like I was on a cloud the whole day and could not stop smiling! The morning after, I woke up and had to looked at my hand to make sure it wasn’t all a dream! – Cathy

Our Parents

Of course, none of this would even be possible without Cathy and Anthony’s amazing parents. The couple is so thankful for all the love, support, wisdom their parents have given them over the years.

The Bridesmaids

Maid of Honor – Kimberly Lam

“Chi Kim” is more than an amazing big sister, she is also my best friend and dancing partner! Always there to give me advice and we are constantly laughing when we are together! She is my go-to-girl and I really look up to her!

Bridesmaid – Queena Lam

What would I do without Queena?! She is my MEGA FABULOUS big sister, making sure my hair, makeup, and clothes are always Hot Lava! I love her fun-loving view of life and her fresh, honest attitude.

Bridesmaid – Leslie Bayaca

Ate Les’s loves include her boyfriend Kobe Bryant, listening to old school hip hop, and making sure everything is squeaky clean! haha I really look up to her because she is soooo funny, always looking out for everyone, and super GORGEOUS! Chubby D?! haha

Bridesmaid – Jaymie Gomez

I remember meeting Ate Jay for the first time and thinking she was a model. She is my fashionista style icon! She’s always turning me onto the most delicious snacks and desserts. Our motto is ‘There’s always room for dessert’! haha She does so much for us and we love taking trips to LA to visit our sis.

Bridesmaid – Leah Buencamino

Leo has been my bestfriend since 3rd grade. We have matching voices and toes! haha She is always thinking exactly what I am thinking. We have been through so much together and she’s like my third sister. She’s Ton and I’s biggest fan. BFF!

Bridesmaid – Mae Goingco

The kindest, sweetest, easy-to-talk to girl you’ll ever meet. At any family get-together, you’ll find us side-by-side, next to the food, munching and giggling away! haha Mar is my Japanese girl! She’s way more like a sister than a cousin!

Bridesmaid – Marissa Tayaba

She’s my do-it-all girl, conquering every hobby you can imagine and down to take on any new experience! She’s not scared of mosh pits and can pretty much fall asleep in any position. I’ve known her since 3rd grade and remember walking 5 blocks to her house everyday after school. Thanks for always being there for me!

Bridesmaid – Paula Arcala Changsrivong

Once we met in nursing school, we were literally inseparable, life-long friends forever! She’s my partner in crime, making me laughing ALL THE TIME! Whether its going to vegas or hunting for the best food trucks, it’s always a fun adventure with Paula by my side! You never know what we’re up to next…hehe

Bridesmaid – Mellanie Guinaran

All throughout high school, people thought we were twins and got us confused! I can always count on Mellanie to say something outrageous and/or inappropriate to make everyone laugh! She’s a sweet little girl who could definitely beat someone up for you! haha I’ve also known her since 3rd grade, and we’ve done everything together from playing soccer to ditching class to watching Zena Warrior Princess.

Junior Bridesmaid – Sydney Bayaca

Sydney Rae is my beautiful, funny, talented, smart little niece! She makes the funniest home videos and we love to play Just Dance on the Wii. Even though I am Team Edward and she is Team Jacob, I still love her so much! haha

Flower girl – Kasey Bayaca

I did not know a little baby girl could have so much personality and sass! She is always cracking us up with her facial expressions and dance moves. Her little smile can definitely light up an entire room!

The Groomsmen

Best Man – Jeff Domingo

Wild, silly, crazy. Jeff and I have been friends since back in 6th grade and were neighbors at Casa Blanca apartments. We’ve shared many experiences together. Roommates through college, traveled to Europe, first pedicure and manicure, many womanly conversations, and many sleepovers. He is my number one go to for anything.

Groomsmen – Rolly Bayaca

Buff, Strong, or aka (The Rock). Rolly loves to workout and look good. I always tease him for being an old-timer or gramps, but truthfully, I’m just jealous that he’s old and looks like someone straight out of Men’s Health magazine. Besides his body, Rolly has been more than just a brother-in-law, he’s played a father figure role in my life and has taught me so much on how to live life and enjoy everything.

Groomsmen – Jimmy Gomez

Rapper, dancer, entrepreneur. Besides performing in front of thousands of fans on a regular, Jimmy always reminds me that he is one of my biggest fans that I have. He always provides words of encouragement and support. Even though he’s part of a mega international group, Jimmy’s one of the most humble and down to earth people you’ll ever meet! I definitely enjoy watching basketball games, boxing, and hanging out with my bro-in-law when he’s home.

Groomsmen – Lam Chittaphong

Wise, smart, dentist. Lam has been there every step of the way in teaching me the ropes to handling the Lam sisters. Lam’s one of the hardest working people I know. We’ve got to travel to many places (Maui/Costra Rica/SF) and he has always helped Cathy and I. I can’t wait for more of our family vacations in the future.

Groomsmen – Eric “Son” Cadiang

Funny, short, and 2nd best in basketball behind me. Son and I have always been close. I use to follow him all around the house and copy everything he did. Growing up with him made me tougher. We would wrestle, play one on one basketball, and try to cook when no one was home. All these childhood memories taught me how to compete with the best.

Groomsmen – Omar Senar

Popular, Prom King, Steve Urkel. Omar and I go back, like way back. We met through our older sisters and brothers when we were in kindergarten. He had the best Steve Urkel impressions and always found ways to make me laugh. I’ve found out why he has tons of friends and has been teased by our group as Mr. Popular. The reason is because Omar is probably the most caring, down to earth, happy-go-lucky guy.

Groomsmen – Klifton Semo

Jokes, Thrill Good, lagger. This guy is always late, but worth the wait! We DJ, play sports, and always have a good laugh together. He is a friend who always has my back and supports me.

Groomsmen – Derek Changsrivong

Smart, Thai, Thrill Good. After meeting Derek through Cathy, it was love at first sight. I remember how he complemented my glasses when we first met. Even though we have known each other for only a couple of years, he is one of my closest homies.

Groomsmen – Mike McDonald

Hard-working, music-loving, loves the sink, Japanese man. Everyone loves being around Mike because of his infectious laugh and crazy antics. Probably the easiest person to peer pressure to do anything. Love this guy.

Groomsmen – Jon Trapse

Professional boxer, JR, Spidey: Mr. Trapse has been there for me since grade school. Our first time hanging out consisted of playing Shaq-Fu on Sega Genesis and getting lectures from our dads to only pass to each other on our basketball team. Jon is now our group’s personal trainer and is also soon to be married to his beautiful fiance Leah (they are now married and have a son named LJ).

(No Photo) Junior Groomsmen – Tyler Lam

Witty, creative, gamer. When I hang out with Tyler, it brings me back to my own childhood days of playing video games. He’s like my little brother. We tease each other, play jokes on each other, but our favorite thing to do is mess with Cô Thi (Cathy).

Ring Bearer – Jimmy “Jalen” Gomez

Cute, B-boy, Buzz. At just one year of age, my God-son dances better than most adults! I love playing with him and I can’t wait to teach him how to play basketball one day. We have had some good times together…like changing his poopy diapers, watching Yo Gabba Gabba, and dancing to OMG.