During their college days, my cousin Norm moved down to Los Angeles, CA and became roommates with his best friend Jon.  They were living it up… went out, went to class,  and studied together.  Jon’s sister, Charlene, after finishing with undergrad studies at UC Riverside, began working in the lab at the University of Southern California.  To save money, Char moved in with Norm and Jon into their very small apartment.  Char and Norm became close friends fast.  I remember the night when Norm messaged me over the internet, telling me how much he likes this one girl named Charlene.

As the relationship between Char and Norm blossomed, Char’s long journey attending medschool was just beginning.  When college finished, Norm, and Jon moved back home to the Bay Area to begin work while Char stayed in Los Angeles.  Char and Norm faced many challenges, one of which was having their long distance relationship between the Bay Area and Los Angeles, until Char was accepted into school far away in Grenada.  With countless conversations over the internet, phone, webcam-ing, and how-ever-else they kept in touch, they enjoyed every moment with each other when together.

Being a close cousin to Norm, he shared countless updates and filled me in on his relationship with Charlene.  🙂  One conversation I clearly remember having with Norm was when he was ready to start looking for a ring and propose to Char.  Once she came home from all her schooling in Grenada, Norm took her driving around, and made a pit stop at the Legion of Honor in San Francisco.  That was the night he proposed – on 10.10.10 – and she said yes!

Since, Char moved to Buffalo, NY for more medschool, and Norm continued working here in San Francisco planning for their wedding.  With short visits to Buffalo, and Char coming home during several weekends and the holidays, time was counting down to their big day.

With their affinity with toys:  Totoro, Babu, Pucca, Sanrio, Batman, Spiderman, and many more – Char + Norm celebrated their big day.

The adventures of Spiderman + Mary Jane continue as they both traveled to and from Hong Kong for their honeymoon.  Norm just said his last goodbye to his wife, Char – he will soon be joining her in Buffalo, New York to continue their marriage united as one.

Char, I’m so happy to have you as my cousin, and I can’t wait to someday visit you both.  Norm, beyond words, thank you – I’m so happy for you!  REALLY BIG THANK YOU’s to my assistants Joo and Kenneth, you are both amazing.

Assistants:  Joo Pyo, Kenneth Chan

Reception (main photographer):  Joo Pyo

Videographers:  Visia Productions

MUA & Hair:  Jennifer Horn

Venues:  Hyatt House, Skyline United Church of Christ; Hong Kong East Ocean Seafood Restaurant

Char + Norm Artwork:   Ben Kwong

Invitations:  Oh So Chic Designs

Florist:  Laura Miller

Cake:  Carolyn Won

Photobooth:  Swag Bunch Photo Booth

See Norm and Char’s engagement sessions here:  Session 1:  San Francisco, CA  Session 2:  Bay Area, CA

(Yes, that’s me in the shot above!  Joo took these shots, along with many others!  Since all her bridesmaids and family left to the church, the cousin-to-be filled in!)

Right before this, Norm put on his jacket and thought the tailors had made a big mistake by making his jacket too small.  He was hesitating for a good minute or so until he realized he was wearing one of his groomsmen’s jackets.

So cute!  It’s Char + Norm cartoonized!  Drawn by Norm’s brother, Ben.

Street Fighter Hadouken!