The story dates back to college. When Mary and Xiaolong were classmates, in College of Biological Sciences in China Agricultural University, we spent the first two years attending almost exactly the same classes. One of them is Advanced English, and one day the instructor assigned an unusual homework, asking students to perform a short stage play in groups. Together with 4 other classmates, we prepared an adaptation of Season 1 Episode 18 of the sitcom Friends -- our favorite show! Xiaolong played Ross, and Mary played Phoebe. (Now, if you've seen the show 100+ times like we did and are thinking what I'm thinking, go see Season 3 Episode 6. Alright, here is the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KKqilCMc6lA) In the sophomore year, Mary was promoted to coordinate the University volunteer group. Conveniently, she recruited Xiaolong as a volunteer to teach English at a local underprivileged primary school, and lured him with cheap signup freebies into opening a credit card, whose commission went to the volunteer fund. Little by little, without realizing it, they were already in each other’s life.

We were both admitted to graduate schools in the United States in 2009. Xiaolong came to St. Louis University for his PhD, and Mary went to Ohio for her Master's. In 2011, Mary completed her first Master's program and pursued her second Master's in Washington University in St. Louis. We got together two months later and have been together ever since!

After graduation, Xiaolong moved to Philadelphia to pursue a career as a research scientist, while Mary stayed in St. Louis to continue to work and be with her family. Xiaolong proposed 3 months later, on Christmas eve. Long distance relationship sucks - mostly money-wise. And the share price of Southwest Airline has increased 165% in the meantime (Data Source: Google). But hey - we are finally going to tie the knots! It's going to be great! It's going to be a small, thrifty wedding, and since half of the guests are going to be Chinese, Chinese food seems most appropriate for the reception! By the end of the day, you will either believe in love again, or at least fell in love with authentic Kung Pao Chicken. Either way - we will be honored if you can be there with us, and be our witness to the most embarrassing yet the happiest thing we'll ever do!