being the father of the bride

lélé and i just finished our father-daughter dance. it was a wonderful, unforgettable experience.

at this very moment, i’m here outside the terminal city club in downtown vancouver where the wedding reception of allan and lélé is being held. i need this break from the joyful noise inside. they prepared a chinese-filipino banquet program. i’m savouring the fact that my beautiful daughter is now enjoying her dream wedding.

earlier today, i sent lélé a text message praying that god may bless this special day in my daughter’s life. joji and l’nielle joy spent the night with lélé at the terminal city hotel in downtown vancouver. the whole morning was spent double-checking the final details.

the wedding ceremony at the fairview baptist church went well. my brother, noel, officiated it with me. lélé prepared a unique wedding ceremony that reflects her journey with allan. my concluding remark was: “allan chan, you may now kiss my daughter.” the 250+ people joined our laughter.

during the wedding banquet, joji and i delivered the major speeches along with the maid of honor, and the best man. i chose to honor allan’s parents, recognizing their hard work as first-generation immigrants from china. joji honored allan’s sisters by recognizing their roles in raising up allan. allan and lélé thanked everybody for walking with them in this on-going love-journey.

i’m sooo happy for my daughter!

[more photos here]