What more can I say about these two “unneys” who have become very special and important people in my life. Their unity into one became official on Saturday, May 28, 2011 in San Ramon, California. Introducing my dear friends Hazel Arlan Aleman and Jose Aleman.
Photo taken by Augie Chang Photography
A FRIEND'S PERSPECTIVE: Looking through old photographs and film strips taken with my non-digital camera back then, it's easy to recollect as far as over a decade ago, when we all started to hang out as one big group of friends, who then became inseparable through the years. From the nights after work and school, driving 45 minutes away to kick it for a couple hours, and laughing at jokes until our stomach hurts, these are memories treasured for a lifetime.
Hazel's birthday 2004
As the years passed and we continued to make the most of our time together as friends by planning out our fun adventures, (as matron of honor Lileth mentioned in her speech) an undercover love blossomed in the midst of all this. And from then on, Jose and Hazel stayed in love, keeping each other company only to make it a permanent promise of forever and "Togetherness" before their family and friends on May 28, 2011.
It's hard to put it into words how much their different personalities compliment each other. It helps them realize another side of them undiscovered, and it's just simply beautiful. I can't be happier for these two and the steps they've made in their relationship and personal lives.
Happy Engagement June 2009
A WEDDING PLANNER'S PERSPECTIVE: When Hazel asked us to help coordinate this wedding, we couldn't be more ecstatic to help create their orange "togetherness" theme into something they've always dreamed about. I'll admit we were a little shocked of the estimated guest count (an army of over "300"). But we weren't reluctant at all, because we knew this could challenge us for the better, and we wanted that drive to help build our C&C portfolio. Courtney & I were honored that they asked us for assistance.
We started 5 months prior to the wedding date, and Hazel pretty much had everything in order. She had her vendors all lined up, and her vision mapped out in her head. She did a great job following timelines and in knowing what she wanted. We noticed that in the midst of all the planning, some minor details weren't thoroughly decided on and she surprised herself and was thankful that we were there to step in. Weeks and then months would pass, and so did hundreds of emails exchanged between us, the bride and groom and their vendors, changing, adding, and confirming anything leading to their big day.
It all came down to the wire a couple weeks before the wedding. Hazel's nerves were calm, and we did our best to help keep them that way. As they both continued to recite their moves for their special first dance in their heads, Courtney & I continued to dance around the production of this wedding, making the flow as fun as possible, and of course keeping things in tact and ready to go. For me, it was time for a double-duty role of a bridesmaid and maintaining my C&C stature. Minor "road blocks" (literally), and unusual Memorial holiday weekend weather played factors in the little challenges that we ran into. But overall, the pleasure of orchestrating this huge wedding turned out better than expected for our clients and their family and friends and especially for us. And the satisfaction and smiles on the faces of all in attendance is all we could ever ask for. It turned out to be a beautiful success.
Speaking of beautiful, Hazel was stunning in her Sophia Tolli bridal gown, which she purchased at Trudy's Brides in Campbell, CA. Her long black hair bunned to the side with two exotic orange/yellow cymbidium orchid flowers clipped to her hair. Her semi-cascade bouquet of orange callas exquisitely accented her beautiful gown - no doubt. It was just insanely gorgeous!
Photo taken by Augie Chang Photography
To match her color theme, her matron of honors wore a burnt orange colored poly chiffon Jasmine Belsoie one shoulder gown, while her bridesmaids showed off their one shoulder, iridescent chiffon Venus knee-length dresses in an orange burnt color as well. In hand, the ladies carried a bright colored bouquet of orange and red roses in full bloom to radiate any room.
Photo taken by Augie Chang Photography
Jose, the handsome groom, held it together wearing a sand/tan colored suit rented at Selix (which in return gave 10% back to their church). Jose suit was matched with a white collared shirt and white tie, accompanied with a simple orange calla boutonniere. The best men and groomsmen wore the same exact colored suit from Selix as well, but with a burnt orange tie. To make it enjoyable, all the guys, including the groom switched up their black dress shoes after the ceremony, to their Converse brown Chucks, a gift from Jose.
Photo taken by Augie Chang Photography
At the wedding reception, everyone enjoyed themselves from the moment they entered the Canyon View Dining Hall. Reunions, hugs and conversations of playing "catch-up" among family and friends were positioned at every corner of the room. The line to the cash bar extended its way toward the center of the room, and while hors d'oeuvres were passed around, people wasted no time to get a sample.
Photo taken by Abraham Arriola
The sign-in area was beautifully decorated with elegant orange cymbidium orchids and the couple's pictures in all sizes displayed on the sign-in table and on Canyon View's baby grand piano. As an added decor, Hazel was given 50 orange ribbon cranes as a wedding gift from her friend Theresa Kuo. She had them on bbq sticks so they stood upright in a vase. The ribbon cranes represented friendship, which was easily viewed as another theme throughout the room.
Photo taken by Abraham Arriola
Hazel had gotten her seating chart with guest names and table #'s printed at Kinko's. Guest tables #'s represented all the places Hazel & Jose traveled together for the past 7 years that they've been together. With 31 tables, we wanted to make it easy for their guests to know where in the room they were sitting. So Courtney creatively put together a map of the tables onto a poster board. From the seating chart, guests walked a couple steps to find out where their table was located in the banquet hall by using our table chart.
Photo taken by RichWayDidHeGo
Photo taken by RichWayDidHeGo
The night continued on until 11:30 pm. The wedding was filled with so much love, tears of happiness, groovy entertainment, touching speeches, delicious food and desserts, dances, and all that good stuff in between to commemorate the devotion and joy this couple brings to many people in their lives.
Photo taken by Augie Chang Photography
C&C couldn't have been more lucky to work with such a darling couple such as Hazel and Jose (we thank them from the bottom of our hearts). And now they embark the journey together, married hand-in-hand, in love with life, God, family, friends...which all equals their TOGETHERNESS theme for all the years to come.
Photo taken by Augie Chang Photography
** MANY THANKS to Courtney for running the day-of logistics and setting up the ceremony and reception. I know it wasn't easy work, but you made it happen so big-ups to you girl!
Photo taken by Abraham Arriola
Special shout outs to Lionel & Jay (C&C's better halves) in helping with the set-up of 334 name cards, programs, favors, etc...and making sure our blueprint was to a tee. Props to our friends who pulled through when asked for help in certain areas. You guys rock!
Shout out to the following vendors (whom we had the pleasure working with):
Officiant: Pastor Reuel Calica of Faith Bible Church, Vallejo, California
Photographers: Augie Chang and Chantel of Augie Chang Photography
Videographer: Jesse Garrison and team of Shakewell Productions
Photobooth and Uplighting: SF Photobooth/Denon & Doyle Event Entertainment
Music: Groovetek's DJ Curt Fong and Emcee Ervin Ramos
Linens: Hartmann Studios
Flowers/Centerpieces: Nicole Ha of Floral & Event Design
Stationery: Wenda of The Pulp Studio
Cake/Cupcakes: Dannielle Nogaliza
Photo Montage: Angelica Siador
Tuxedo Rentals: Selix
Dresses: Trudy's Brides
Hair: Kimberly Prado (kimberlygprado@yahoo.com)
Make-up: Tiffany Vu
Choreographer: Maricha Dagcuta
Entourage Shuttle Bus: Napa Valley Transportation
Ceremony/Reception site: Sabrina & staff at Canyon View Dining Hall
Accommodations: San Ramon Marriott
Photo taken by Augie Chang Photography
~ Happily Ever After ~
