Our beautiful wedding on September 6, 2015

On September 6, 2015, I married an amazing man that I look up to every day. He encapsulates humility, positivity, leadership, and masculinity. He is my life's love, and I cannot imagine being with anyone else that is as silly, uniquely Hmong, ambitious, driven, sweet, giving, and as kind as him. He has all of my heart, and still makes me swoon, even on the hard days, lol. I am so proud to be married to this man.

It has been a year since we have been married. So, here are the long awaited photos to celebrate our one year anniversary. Before the photos, you can watch the video made by Alma Film Co. Please enjoy the memories, and thank you to all our family, friends, and loved ones that have supported us and continue to do so from the beginning. We love you all, and appreciate all that you have done. Thank you for blessing us!

All credits to our family, friends, wedding party, ushers, and vendors are listed at the bottom.

Danielle and Somong's Wedding Video 
by Alma Film Co

Somong & Danielle | Wedding Highlights from Alma Films & Photography on Vimeo.

Danielle and Somong's Wedding Photos 

by Hannah Schmitt Photography

Getting Ready:
Our brother Koua, sisters Kia and Pa Kou's home in Saint Paul, MN
Thank you to you three for letting us get ready in your home.

Earrings from Bride 2 Be Consignment.

Statement necklace from Bride 2 Be Consignment
Although this necklace was as big as my jeweled belt, I figured this was the only day that I will ever wear this much jewelry. It was worth it.

Rings from Rodgers and Holland's
Somong got me a princess cut in a kite setting, which I adored because this is a custom ring in the wedding world.
I got him a Tungsten ring with a row of diamonds inlaid into the metal.

Dress bought from Bride 2 Be Consignment
This dress is the most comfortable piece of clothing I have ever worn, which indicated how well-made it was. The outside is 100% silk. It was never worn, and retailed at $1200+. At the consignment shop, I paid $600.

Makeup by Sophia Thao
Bridemaids' makeup and groom's makeup by Sunshine Yang
A great makeup artist is worth all the money and tip.

Hair done by Plia Vang
She was so patient and kind with me, and did exactly what I asked with very little time. 

Our family furball, Lana. She was so tiny and small because we just got her a little before the wedding.

Reveal and Wedding Party:

House of God Church (Dayton Ave Presbyterian Church) in Saint Paul, MN 

I love this church because it is beautiful and is significant in our faith. 

Since Somong and I had a ceremony outside of a church, we wanted to capture photos here to reflect our faith. We both started our faith journey and created many precious memories in this church.

House of God Church parlor room in Saint Paul, MN

Photo inspired by the talented Corinna See Stansbury
Corrina has taken amazing photos of my friend Mydur and sister Kia. I wanted some of the action also! ;)

At House of God Church's sanctuary in Saint Paul, MN.

Screen capture from Alma Films. 

Our faith, our love, it all started because of God. He gets all the credit.

Outside of House of God Church in Saint Paul, MN

My life companion.

 Outside of House of God Church in Saint Paul, MN
Our wonderful wedding party. Although not pictured here, the show would not have happened without: Judy, Zee Lue, Neng, and several ushers and musicians.

Bridesmaids from left to right: Alice, Chrissy, Dora, Kia, me, Lolly, Pa Kou, Mai Nhia, Bao, Shannon.

From left to right: Gemeng, Chue, Tou, Somong, Koua, Fee, Leng, Tsuechy, Cuab, and Sombath. Formal wear by Saavi. 

Smith Ave High Bridge in Saint Paul, MN
The skyline is in the background. This location is one of our first dates together, and it's where we began to fall in love. It was important to have this city in our photos, to reflect the place where our love began. 

My husband's amazing heart on display. 

To our love and our beloved city, Saint Paul

Family Photos:

Courtyards of Andover in Andover, MN

Mama and papa Vang

Mama and papa Lor

Our parents

Vang brothers and sisters

Lor brothers and sister

Our big Vang and Lor family

The Ceremony:

Courtyards of Andover in Andover, MN

Officiant: Pastor Tchamong Hurh

Musicians: Christian Her and Kou Xiong

My bridesmaids looking angelic and beautiful.

Our brave ring bearer <3 .="" td="">

Pastor Tchamong Hurh from Life in Christ Church in Maplewood, MN

Mr. and Mrs.

Walking toward our new life as Mr. and Mrs. 

The Reception:

Courtyards of Andover in Andover, MN

MCs: Naokee Thao, Saline Nou Vang

Pastor: Changyen Thao

First dance musician: Nicholas Vang

Band: Pov Vaj and Band

DJ: Midwest Sound

Decor designed by Houa Soreya Lor
Curtain and table linens decor assembled by Mai Ko Lee
Engagement photos by Hannah Schmitt Photography

Centerpieces by Houa Soreya Lor
Chargers and vases by May Mua Hurh
Ceiling draping and chair sashes by Deckci Decor
China, cutlery, chair covers, linens by Courtyards of Andover

Programs and invites by Wendy from Little Pink Bow Designs on Etsy
(printed by University of Northwestern print shop)

Fruit table, fruit carvings, and swans by Maicua Wendy Lor from Fruit Carving Dedication
Flower arrangements by Houa Sorey Lor and Maicua Wendy Lor
Table linen decor by Mai Ko Lee

Fruit carvings by Maicus Wendy Lor from Fruit Carving Dedication

Cake by Yer Calista Lor from Cakes by Calista

Cake, table decor from by Yer Calista Lor from Cakes by Calista

Our Uncle Neeb

Our Uncle Fong

Mama and papa Vang

Mama and papa Lor

Pastor Changyen Thao from House of God Church in Saint Paul, MN

Bride and groom speeches

Maid/matron of honor speech

Best man speech

Toast with champagne provided by Courtyards of Andover

Musician Nicholas Vang singing our first dance together, Until You by Shayne Ward

Some of Somong's best friends and groomsmen.

Some of my beautiful sisters and bridesmaids.

Cake by Yer Calista Lor from Cakes by Calista

Supporters that love you unconditionally are so vital during life before and during marriage.
Thank you Uncle Ger and Auntie Mai Yer.

Grandma Vang

Grandma Lee

Grandma Lor

Love this photo of my beautiful mother. <3 and="" are="" been="" faith="" for="" giving="" have="" heart="" hero="" in="" inspires="" love.="" love="" me.="" my="" nothing="" spine="" strength="" super="" td="" thank="" the="" this="" time="" unconditional="" wedding.="" wedding="" were="" with="" would="" you.="" you="" your="">
She was the backbone and muscles in the wedding. It was so beautiful because of you, mom! You gave me my dream wedding. I love you. Thank you for inspiring me everyday with your unconditional love, kindness, and faith.

Our wedding coordinator and friend, Neng Her. She was also the spine in this wedding. We are so thankful for you and love you.

Until death do us part. ;)

Last shots of us during the reception:

Courtyards of Andover in Andover, MN

Husband and wife, best friends, life companions

A big, heartfelt, and grateful thank you to our vendors, friends, and family that made this wedding happen.

Thank you for also dealing with my madness. ;)

This wedding could not have happened without the following:

Our wonderful best friend and foundation, Christ! :)

Parents:

Mama and papa Lor

Mama and papa Vang

Grandmas:

Grandma Vang - paternal grandma of the groom

Grandma Lee - paternal grandma of the bride

Grandma Lor - maternal grandma of the bride

Pastors:

Pastor Tchamong Hurh - officiant

Pastor Changyen Thao

Unstoppable coordinators:

Mama Lor/Houa Soreya Lor - planner, decorator, floral arranger, set up and take down

Neng Her - friend and wedding coordinator

Judy - personal attendant

Zee Lue - personal attendant

Wedding Party:

Lolly - maid/matron of honor, sister of bride

Koua - best man, brother of groom

Bridesmaids:

Pa Kou - sister of groom

Bao - sister of groom

Kia - sister of groom

Shannon - friend of bride

Chrissy - friend of bride

Dora - friend of bride

Alice - friend of bride

Mai Nhia - friend of bride

Groomsmen:

Chue - brother of bride

Tsuechy - brother of bride

Tou - cousin of groom

Sombath - cousin of groom

Gemeng - friend of groom

Fee - friend of groom

Leng - friend of groom

Cuab - friend of groom

Sheng - Flower girl, niece of groom

Harmony - Flower girl, niece of groom

Noah - Ringbearer, nephew of groom

Ushers:

Mai Yer - aunt of the bride

Pao - brother in law of the bride

Yeng - brother of the groom

Hue - cousin of the groom

Sheyen - cousin of the bride

Ka Boa - cousin of the bride

Mae - cousin of the bride

Ka Bao - cousin of the bride

Sunshine - cousin of the bride

Hmong Zong - cousin of the bride

Chimeng - cousin of the bride

Isaac - cousin of the bride

Der - sister in law of the groom

Dou - sister in law of the groom

Lucky - brother in law of the groom

Joshua - friend of the groom

Chiseng - friend of the groom and bride

Family:

Uncle Neeb - Her clan and groom representative

Ntxoov Yias Vaj - Vang clan and groom representative

Uncle Fong - Lor clan and bride representative

Plai and BIL - sister and brother in law of the groom

Tong and BIL - sister and brother in law of the groom

Music, Entertainment, Sound:

Christian Her - ceremony musician, friend of the couple

Kou Xiong - ceremony musician, friend of the couple

Nicholas Vang - reception musician, friend of the couple

 Midwest Sound - DJ

Pov Vaj Band - live band and sound

Koua, Kia, PK - bags game, siblings of the groom

Choua - S'mores, cousin of the bride

Locations:

Home of Koua, Kia, Pa Kou - get ready photos, siblings of the groom

House of God Church - reveal and wedding party photos

Smith Ave High Bridge - wedding party photos

Courtyards of Andover - ceremony and reception

Photo and Video:

Hannah Schmitt Photography - wedding photos

Alma Films - videography

The Travelling Photo Booth - photo booth

Uncle Tub - family videography, uncle of the bride

Decor Vendors:

Courtyards of Andover - china/cutlery, table linens, ceremony chairs, reception chairs/table

Deckci Decor - ceiling draping, chair covers/sashes, ceremony chuppah

Midway Party Rental - dancefloor

Midwest Sound - uplighting

Mai Ko Lee - table linens and backdrop for foyer and head tables, linens for fruit table
May Mua Hurh - Gold chargers

Decor Crew:

Mama Lor/Houa Soreya Lor - set up, decor, take down
Ker Lacey Lee - Foyer

All my cousins and aunts on the Lor, Yang, and Lee side

Flower Vendors:

Maa Lor/ Houa Soreya Lor - centerpieces and large floral arrangements
May Mua Hurh - centerpiece tall glass vases

Maina Her - Bridal party bouquets

Food Vendors:

Peking Garden - caterer
Courtyards of Andover - bar and drinks

Fruit Carving Dedication - fruit table centerpiece and fruit carvings

Cakes by Calista - wedding cake

PK's Delights - desserts, pastries

Hair and Makeup:

Sophia Thao - bridal make up

Sunshine Yang - bridemaids and groom make up

Plia Vang - bridal hair

Invites and Programs:

Little Pink Bow Designs

Travel:

Total Transportation - limousine for wedding party

CheapCaribbean.com - Dominican Republic Honeymoon for the couple ;)

Engagement and Wedding Rings:

Rodgers and Holland

Formal Wear:

Bride to Be Consignment Shop - bride dress and jewelry

Saavi Formal Wear - groom and groomsmen tuxes

The Wedding Shoppe - bridesmaids dresses

Wonderfuldress.com - ring bearer and flower girls formal wear

Everyone that has blessed us with their lives:
All of our amazing family, friends, and guests that attended our wedding from near and far.
All those that blessed us with your support and gifts.
Our family and friends that could not make it to our wedding.
Anyone that may have been missed! Please know that we love and appreciate you, and we apologize if we missed you.