As is exceedingly common these days, we met on a dating app. Both of us generally exhausted from a strange year but still with that cautious optimism that maybe something in life could still be positive- pleasant even! Oh how right we were. Initially drawn to each other by cute pictures (hello, Halloween Cat Ears and Cheshire grin) we quickly found that not only were we individually adorable but also interested in compatibly nerdy subjects and activities. In each other we found test subjects for our recipes, adventure partners, grocery shopping companionship, and someone who was mutually willing to receive love as well as give it back ten-fold. As those still in the gerbil-wheel of dating know, it is a rarity to find someone you truly click with on multiple levels, and I was not about to let that slip away- to the point that I dragged poor Glorya to meet my WHOLE FAMILY at Christmas. Fortunately that did not scare her off. In January, we made plans for a weekend getaway in Asheville, NC because I wanted to take her to the Biltmore Estate, which is, arguably, one of my favorite places- topped only by being wherever Glorya is. While wandering the grounds on a beautifully sunny day, we decided that it would be an excellent idea to get married. ASAP. We proposed to each other sitting on a bench by the pond. (Glorya would like it known that she proposed first) ((Maddie would like it known that her offer to make impromptu rings out of the dead grass at our feet was completely shut down.)) We came back to DC and promptly started planning. Included in that plan was a civil ceremony, to be conducted pronto- via zoom of all things; as well as plans for a party 'When Covid Is Over' to celebrate with all of our friends and family. So stay tuned folks, this is a two-part show (and the second will hopefully involve a great deal of wine!)

I would first like to say that Glorya and I are not too into the idea of big weddings and to-dos. Too much pageantry and expense and planning! And neither of us loves the spotlight...ok maybe I actually do. But only a little bit! Secondly, if we had given our families more than the scant notice we did before throwing this together it would have been a next level event. LOL. However, as it happened, it was just enough hoopla for the family and still small and intimate enough for the two of us. We did cave a little bit and actually had flowers, courtesy of She Loves Me Florist in Washington, DC as well as Trader Joe’s floral department. My stepmother inspired some last minute decorating ideas resulting in the lovely drapery and greenery festooned arch (via Amazon- ask me about this, I’d love to tell you all about it) built by my brother, Charles, and cousin, Nicholas. And my mother inspired the frantic search on Etsy for wedding cake toppers that were neither too generic nor too kitschy that would also arrive in time. Hallelujah for the I Do l, Me Too cats! Glorya’s mother stipulated that she must have a tropical flower in her hair to pay homage to her island roots; and, as we could find neither plumeria or hibiscus in Washington DC in February, we selected a lovely orchid (thanks again, TJs!) to accent Glorya’s beauty. Glorya’s family in Guam stayed up until or woke up at 3 am in order to take part in and watch our ceremony live! My closest family (minus Tori- yes, I’m calling you out 😜) drove up a whole day early to avoid the threat of winter weather so that they could be with us. And my extra family- The Lins, who I’ve known for almost a decade- made time to attend and celebrate with us on a busy Friday. Almost everyone present, in person and virtually!, took a pictures or screenshots to help us commemorate our special day. (PS- if you have any you want to share send them our way and we’ll put them up on the site!)

Glorya selected our wedding date based on work considerations and the need to ask for leave. But as soon as she suggested the date, I was thrilled. It was far enough in advance to share the day with friends and family but, more importantly?? (Skewed priorities, I know), the date was also a Special Date ™️ since 2+19=21. Arguably, it was the best date in February (besides 2.1.21, which was sadly unavailable by the time wedding scheduling came around). Anyway! That’s how we chose our special day!