Saint Joseph the Worker Church

Wedding Day

Wedding

Porter Valley Country Club

Reception

Our Wedding

John and I met when I was transferred to his school site at Castlebay for their afterschool program. He said he first noticed me when I came to work on my 2nd day of work dressed as a Roller Derby girl for Halloween. I was convinced that if I didn't wear my skates no one would know what I was dressed as, so I wore them all day. I guess my skating maneuvers while wrangling the kids were impressive enough that he took special notice of me. He didn't let on to it for quite a while though. For the first 3 weeks I worked there, I couldn't really figure John out until one lucky day when we had a required meeting together. We figured out that we both were Catholic and involved in the Confirmation programs at our churches. We also found other common interests like music, shoes, and art in particular. It wasn't long til I was smitten with John and believed he was smitten, too.Some of our other co-workers weren't convinced knowing John's introversion towards social gatherings. But 3 short months later, spending an immense amount of time together, John and I were an item.

YMCA

The Proposal

The Odyssey

One special aspect of mine and John's relationship is that family means a great deal to both of us. Spending time with family, and making them a priority is something that has been vital to the strength of our relationship. As it happens, John and my Dad share the same birthday, so when John said we would be taking my family out to celebrate I didn't think anything of it. Going to the Odyssey? Not a big deal either, seeing as it was John's 30th birthday. But when we arrived, seeing Marc's car there ... and then arriving at the front desk and hearing John say we had reservations for 14, I knew something was up.We enjoyed a very social dinner, seeing close friends we hadn't in a while. We sat at seperate tables to make sure we could entertain all of our friends. After dinner, and a toast for birthdays, I went to the restroom with Sarah (she swears it wasn't a part of the plan but it worked out perfectly) and ran into Sam carrying a ton of balloons on the way. When we came back, my Mom had her video camera out and everyone was surrounding John. I took the seat next to him. Colton sat on John's lap and said he wanted to read a book, so John pulled out this small book and I began to read it to him."You and Me, we're in a club now."I turned the page and found this gorgeous ring tied. "Deawna Brooke Williams, will you marry me?" Clearly, I said yes! LOL, but I know this day was extra special because all of my immediate family and close friends being there.

Our Story

The Wedding Reception Menu

Making Your Selection

Due to the venues request, we are only allowed to have parties select EITHER Vietnamese OR American cuisine. Otherwise, you and your guest will be sitting at different tables! Please make your selection based on what would be best for all who will be attending with you. Sorry for the confusion! &lt;3

Vietnamese Cuisine

There will be a number of courses, as is customary with Vietnamese weddings. Here's what we have in store for the day of the wedding:Crab Meat &amp; Asparagus Soup*Shrimp &amp; Crab Ragoon*Roast DuckHouse Special LobsterSteamed or Fried Whole FishFrench Style BeefMushroom &amp; Tender Green SaladYang-Chow Fried Rice

American Cuisine

These dishes are sure to be tasty and filling on our special day. Mama Laura and Dad helped John and I pick out these dishes by attending the tasting with us. It was a great afternoon - the view on the green is beautiful!These dishes will be served buffet style.You'll have the choice of:Carved Top sirloin of Beef with demi-glaze and bordelaise sauce on the side Almond Chicken with Champagne sauceFresh grilled vegetables, Chef's choice Brown sugar glazed Green BeansGarlic Mashed Potatoes Penne Pasta Marinara360 Salad and Ceasar Salad Rolls and ButterFresh Fruit punch, Champagne punch and Coffee will be available all night!The first 4 hours will include and Open Bar of Draft Beer, Wine and Assorted Soft Drinks

Details

Mine and John's former boss from when we first started dating, Shannon and her family have been a huge part of our relationship from the beginning. When Shannon and I first met,  I will never forget that before John and I made our relationship official, she made it so clear that she didn't want me to get hurt , only wanted what was best for me and that I better know what I'm doing, lol. From small family dinners when Colton was teething, to early morning workouts using my treadmill and Christmas Eve parties, Shannon has been there for it all. A true friend to not only me, but John and our future children, I couldn't see anyone else in the role of Matron of Honor.

Shannon Sloan

Sam Dinh

Mardy Ronquillo 

New to the country and new to our circle of friends, Sharill recently made our good friend Marc the happiest man alive. I considered her family before she even landed in the United States, and she's lived up to all that and more. John and I were blessed to be present on her special day, and I'm happy she'll be my side on ours.

Sharill Ronquillo 

Jono Costales 

Lisa and I met after I posted on Facebook that I was looking for a running partner. Being friends with Jono for a couple of years, I knew who Lisa was and that she made Jono happy, but we never met in person until one fall morning when we went for a run. Since that day, Lisa has been the sweetest and kindest friend through all ups and downs. She's been tremendously supportive and understanding of everything we've been through, and my wedding day wouldn't be complete if she wasn't there.

Lisa Osmundson

Kathy and I met while teaching Confirmation together at St. Joseph the Worker. We balanced each other out in our volunteer program, by keeping me grounded from my lofty ideas, and helping Kathy dream bigger than just what was layed out in front of us. In good times and not so good times, she's been a great friend who's kept me grounded and away from my running mind. On the craziest of all crazy days, I know she'll help keep my head on straight. Love you, Kathy!

Kathy Nguyen 

Fernan Diamse 

Tim Tran 

This lovely young lady is my baby sister! Though 11 years my junior, she's been very supportive of our relationship for the past 6 years. Through thick and thin, she's been a rock. I couldn't see this special day spent with anyone other than my family by my side.

Daurah Williams

Tim Pham 

Another lovely Williams lady (who happens to be super-single, fellas) who asked me the minute after my engagement if she was a bridesmaid. Of course, I said yes! My sister Tess is the glue that holds us all together and I know on our wedding day she'll be the support I need.

Tessie Williams 

Gerald Wooten

 Our friendship sprouted from a meeting with a mutual friend, and ever since we've been each other's favorite ma'am. Funny and charming both on the mic and in person, Sarah has been an inspiration to keep going when the going gets tough. We've cried together, got drunk together, and everything in between. I'm so happy to have her stand up for me on this special day.

Sarah Oh 

Colton

My brother's darling daughter, my wonderful niece. She brings so much happiness and joy to my family and  my world.

Gianelle

Ryder

Cute as a button and the sweetest thing, my cousins daughter Amaya will be helping us on our special day.

Amaya

Wedding Party

Photos

Q + A

Registry

Howard Johnson Inn and Suites Reseda

This is where my bridesmaids and I will get ready the day of. It's also where John and I will be staying the night of our wedding!

Courtyard Los Angeles Woodland Hills

This is the hotel where the bride will be getting ready the morning of the Wedding. It's also the hotel where the Bride &amp; Groom will stay their wedding night!

Hilton Garden Inn Calabasas

Travel

Magical kingdoms and storybook fairy tales come to life before your eyes at Disneyland® Resort Theme Parks. Discover why Walt Disney's enchanting Disneyland® Park is the happiest place on earth and see your favorite Disney and Pixar stories leap into reality at Disney California Adventure® Park.
Disneyland® Park
Enter a magical kingdom where you can sail with pirates, explore exotic jungles, meet fairy-tale princesses, dive under the ocean, and rocket through the stars—all in the same day. Embrace world-famous classics like “it’s a small world,” the Matterhorn Bobsleds, and those beloved Disney Characters you’re never too old to hug. Then blast off into the Star Wars™ universe aboard Star Tours—The Adventures Continue. Disneyland® Park is a beloved Southern California destination where generations of families have made their Disney dreams come true.
Disney California Adventure® Park
Explore 7 exciting lands that bring to life Disney and Pixar stories and characters through amazing attractions, entertainment, and dining. Prepare to be floored at Cars Land, where the Disney•Pixar’s hit movie &quot;Cars&quot; comes to life. Then hop aboard a vintage red trolley—inspired by the historic 1920s Pacific Electric Railway street cars—at Buena Vista Street. Take the day—and night—to discover the awe-inspiring and unforgettable themed lands of Grizzly Peak, Paradise Pier, Pacific Wharf, &quot;a bug's land&quot;, and Hollywood Land.

Disneyland® Resort Tickets

Things to Do

Thursday

Disneyland

We'd love to have you join us at one of our favorite places (ok, one of Deawna's favorite places) to go - DISNEYLAND! As annual pass holders, we like to come to the Anaheim park often to relax, imagine and be a kid again. For more details, please contact either Deawna or John about this fun filled day.

Friday

Getting Ready

Part of the wedding prep will be Deawna and her bridesmaids getting their nails done at BCBC Nails in Calabasas - Deawna's favorite nail shop! All the lovely ladies will be heading over from their hotel around 2 PM.

Rehearsal & Rehearsal Dinner