I met Mason nearly seven years ago; he was one of the first teachers to approach me at Rowland and welcome me with open arms. Since then our friendship has grown. We experienced IB training together at the infamous Montezuma and went through the usual ups and downs of a typical friendship. I have seen him in several relationships, but there was never that right one…until he told me the story of Jen.
This is the story he told me. Mason was invited to a party and he was pretty close to not attending it. At the last minute, he changed his mind and decided to go after all. Similarly, Jen, too, was not going to attend that same party, but she also changed her mind. They met and Mason told me about how Jen was planning on becoming a teacher, and how there was a connection between the two of them. I could see it in his eyes and his face when he talked about her. There was something more about Jen – and that excitement and joy in Mason was something that I had not seen in a long time.
And so their relationship progressed and when I first met Jen at Ojiya for my birthday, I saw why Mason was head over heels for this girl. She had the energy to match his, she talked and socialized with everyone around her (which is key because Mason, too, is a social butterfly), and she showed a sense of humor, wit, and fun. Jen makes Mason laugh and smile, but she also brings balance in his life and that is why they are perfect for each other. Mason, too, is the one for Jen because he not only loves her unconditionally, but also shows that same love and devotion to her two kids. They look to him as a father and I have been so fortunate to hear about those “Daddy moments” from Mason.
In 2008, Mason told me about his plans to propose to Jen and showed me a picture of the ring on his camera phone. It was such a sweet idea – to do it at BJ’s Restaurant where they went on their first date. They agreed on a set budget to spend on gifts to each other – they were celebrating that night – but Mason surprised Jen with a ring! You could imagine how surprised she was and the overflow of emotion that occurred as she said yes.
It was fate that brought the two of you together, Mason and Jen. I loved hearing the story of how the two of you met, the proposal, and was glad to witness the relationship unfold and see the two of you vow to love and care for each other in front of friends, family, and God. Thank you for letting me share in your wedding and I wish the two of you many, many, many happy years together!
The ceremony was held at St. Margaret Mary’s Church in Chino. The facade of the building has beautifully carved stone. It was a beautiful, warm day to exchange vows and celebrate the marriage uniting Mason and Jen.
To make the ceremony much more personal, Linda, Jen’s aunt, read Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 while Larry, godfather of the bride, shared 1 John 4:8.
The lighting of the unity candle and the mixing of sand, signifying the union of Mason and Jen. I love that the kids were brought up and involved in the process!
There was a lot of nervousness during the ceremony and in order to make his bride-to-be feel better, Mason snuck in a kiss during the ceremony. It was simply adorable.
The reception was held at Layaleena, a Mediterranean restaurant, in Upland. Dishes consisting of hummus, baba ghanolijer, labne, warak enab, tabboule, fattoush, cheese borak, fried kibbeh, and falafel were served. That was just the beginning! Following afterwards were kabob skewers served over rice. The food was delicious, but there was definitely more room for the tasty pastries served and the strawberry cake.
All of the flowers were arranged by Jen’s grandmother. It follows the style of ikebana, “alive flowers,” which is a Japanese form of creative expression through the use of constructed elements – the flowers, leaves, and branches. The organic beauty of the centerpieces made them a delight to photograph. The style may be minimalistic – similar to a bonsai tree – but the construction of it requires following rules of form and really an eye for balance of color, shape, and lines.
Mason and Jen made a grand entrance, escorted by belly dancers, and the celebration and dancing began immediately. The couple were glowing as everyone watched them circle the dance floor. The dancers then provided a show for all the guests. I loved the intricate and beautiful costumes; the colors were so vibrant that I was snapping away as hips moved from side to side. I especially loved that Mason’s father joined them on the dance floor and showed them some of his moves!
The first dance as husband and wife:
Father and daughter dance. I love the smile that Jen gives to her father. Shortly after Mason danced with his mother to “Groovy Kind of Love” by Phil Collins. His mother looked so sweet, hugging him closely. Throughout the night, she just had this glow about her – definitely proud of her son and welcoming of her daughter-in-law!
The cake, cake cutting, and the attempt to smear a small dab on each other. I loved the emotions caught in both of their faces.
One of the few pictures that I am in, but only to share a dance with my good friend, Mason. It truly was a joy to celebrate his marriage. I am so happy for Mason and I know he is going to continue being an awesome father to Jen’s children, and Mason will be a wonderful husband, friend, partner, and life-long companion to Jen. Congratulations again, Mason and Jen!
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