Old Poway Park

Wedding Day

Ceremony

Cocktail Hour

Reception

*Special shout out to our good friend Derek Estrella for helping us capture awesome engagement photos in Joshua Tree!

Our Wedding

“I’m tired and this is stupid” I thought to myself as I slumped down in a seat of the auditorium, my lack of enthusiasm for the upcoming lecture on research methods thinly veiled to those around me. The clock struck 8am and I had just ended an overnight shift in Labor and Delivery. Coffee was not an option, as I intended to slip out as soon as possible and head straight to bed. Yet what initially seemed like punishment turned into one of those momentous occasions in which life diverges in a new and unexpected direction, as the woman who would eventually become my future wife took the last available seat in the room. That seat happened to be next to me. She wore a white blouse and knee-length white skirt with a professional jacket and I wistfully thought to myself “She looks like an angel”. She would later tell me “You had dark circles around your eyes and looked so tired in your scrubs, and I wondered ‘Is this what I have to look forward to?!’” Her name was Phuong and she introduced herself as one of the new first-year medical students. I was a third-year, and a nerdy one at that. I eventually invited her to study EKGs with me, having exchanged phone numbers during that momentous occasion. After lectures one day soon thereafter, I stood in front of an anatomic representation of the heart I had proudly drawn (the first in what I had hoped would be a series of impressive feats) and pointed out different parts to her: “Atrial contractions are represented by the P wave and ventricular contractions are represented by the QRS complex—presuming a healthy cardiac cycle, of course…” I was very into it. “Wait, wait, did you think that was a date?” she asked me, years later. “Well, I uh… didn’t want to label it because uh… I didn’t want to put pressure on you” I responded, my characteristically male concerns about rejection barely concealed. While my sentiment provided the basis for a series of miscommunications, it did not stop Phuong from taking the initiative by asking me out on an official date. Needless to say, I was thrilled. Over popcorn chicken and in video arcades, food at Denny’s and Yardhouse, a tee shirt that we found at the mall featuring Jesus riding a dragon in outer space, one date turned into two and two into more. Winter turned into spring and she asked me “MedProm is coming up—would you like to be my date?” Of course I would, I happily replied, and we arranged to meet at her friends’ apartment for drinks beforehand. An Uber took us to the bright lights of downtown Riverside and the 150-year old Spanish revival-style Mission Inn. We found our way to the ballroom between old religious relics and up twisting staircases. We were greeted by smiling Attending physicians—our chaperones—and early 2000s Usher. Amidst the watered down punch and bad dancing of soon-to-be-doctors, I could tell that Phuong was enjoying herself. We found our way up to the rooftops and looked out over the city. I saw the lights reflected in her eyes that night and wondered what the future would bring.

"EKGs and Bad Dancing" by Ryan

“Subarus suck”&nbsp;were the first words my father spoke to Ryan upon meeting him. Ryan’s poor older Subaru was leaking transmission fluid as we struggled our way home from my first ever camping trip, in Joshua Tree. On top of that, I had snuck off with Ryan under the guise of this being a medical school friends’ trip (which was still true --Ryan was in medical school, after all). “Hey&nbsp;Dad, this is my friend, Ryan” I stated hesitantly. Without responding,&nbsp;my father&nbsp;proceeded to check Ryan’s car&nbsp;and&nbsp;identified that it was a transmission issue.&nbsp;He&nbsp;poured transmission fluid in and gave Ryan the rest of the bottle so he could make his way home safely. I had never identified as being particularly outdoorsy. I likened&nbsp;myself to an indoor cat. I truly don’t know what possessed me to accept Ryan’s invitation to go camping in Joshua Tree&nbsp;two&nbsp;months into dating. Boy, was I unprepared for restrooms without water or soap,&nbsp;the pain of&nbsp;walking uphill,&nbsp;or&nbsp;how&nbsp;an&nbsp;eight&nbsp;mile&nbsp;hike could turn my legs into noodles. But he was cute! That trip brought many firsts into&nbsp;my life. It was my first time climbing, with terrible rental shoes and no knowledge on how to properly “fall” onto a crash pad. It was my first time camping. It was our first time working together as a team.&nbsp;It was our first time pitching a tent together. It was our first meal-planning for the weekend. It was our first time joint-planning an adventure. A true test of spending 24/7 together for an entire weekend in the desert, without electricity or a shower. It was the first of many adventures to come. To my surprise, I loved all of the “outdoorsy” experiences.&nbsp; I still remember the groan of waking up at 2am, cozy in my sleeping bag, with the awareness that I needed to use the restroom in the dark. I dreaded the cold night air and woke up Ryan to show me the way. We stepped out into a cloudless night greeted by a million stars, an experience I had no words for except "Wow”.&nbsp;Nothing could have prepared me for the beauty of the Joshua Tree night sky. I felt so small, insignificant. No modern concern mattered to me in that moment. I was reminded that human existence&nbsp;was but another blip of history. When I turned to share the experience with Ryan, he was looking at me and my mind went quiet. Under the vast expanse of what felt like the twinkling universe with myriad possibilities, freezing my tush off, I realized that I could not fathom sharing my life with anyone else.

"Subarus and Twinkling Stars" by Phuong

Ryan and Phuong have overcome two big obstacles to building a strong relationship—long distance and pressures of medical school and residency. Early in their dating life, Phuong was traveling with her parents and Ryan was studying for a major exam. He had a tough time hearing about her adventures while he was stuck over his books. They talked it out (video calls are really helpful) and laid the groundwork for finding solutions together. One of the things they do very well—work as a team to find ways to support each other (and they LAUGH, a lot!). They continued that work together throughout many separations, including Ryan's 4 years of residency in Bakersfield while Phuong continued medical school and residency in Riverside. During those years, they made friends, together, in each other's world; in fact, Phuong appeared in the year-end video produced by Ryan's residency class upon completion of their program. With their love and strong respect for each other, they have grown a resilient partnership with shared values and interests—family, friends, rock climbing, hiking and camping, all things medical, current events, good movies, books and video games, escape rooms. . .and on. And somehow, they make time for all of these interests and still find time to plan their wedding!

"The Journey" by Linda

I was sitting on the couch in the living room. Ryan stood at the kitchen sink washing dishes from our dinner and Phuong walked into the kitchen. It was early in their relationship. Phuong lay her head against Ryan’s back. A gentle act. Connecting, but not interrupting. I was not able to pull my cellphone from my pocket fast enough to photograph the moment, but I will always remember it as the time I realized that the two of them had become one.

"Ryan and Phuong" by John

Our Story

Photos

Linh is a remarkable woman. From scoring in the top of her classes at a young age to teaching Vietnamese during the post-war era and eventually settling down in America with her childhood sweet heart, Linh's story of resilience as an immigrant surpasses even blockbuster movies. Into Phuong, she has instilled strong values of caring, patience, and an infinite reservoir of love for humanity. Linh is one of the kindest, most hardworking individuals one can hope to meet. She keeps Ryan and Phuong well fed, hearts and tummies full at all times.

Linh Vo

A truly self-made man, Richard  came to the united states with 20 cents in his pocket and an unmatched willpower. He put himself through engineering school and raised 5 children, 4 on his own until he rekindled with Phuong's mother, his childhood sweet heart. Richard is a remarkable man and a patriot. His daughter reflects his determination, resilience in the face of challenge, as well as his impeccable skill at napping in all places and times.

Richard Vo

The daughter of a WWII Air Force Lt. and the first preschool teacher in her Illinois hometown, Susan grew up with strong Midwestern values including service to others and the value of higher education. Susan’s first job after graduating from the University of Michigan with a Master’s degree in nursing, was at the San Diego VA Hospital. Susan’s nursing career spanned 40 years with the last 15 years working as a nurse practitioner serving the underserved.  Susan’s career strongly influenced Ryan’s decision to pursue healthcare.  Susan is particularly impressed hearing about the complexity of Ryan’s patients.   Susan thrives being in nature and spends time with husband, John on Kauai.

Susan Weeks

A self-made man similar to Richard, Scott
grew up with his four younger siblings through cold New Jersey winters. He ultimately put himself through school to earn a graduate degree in engineering and moved to California. Ryan owes his sense of patience and compassion to his father, and describes him as one of his best friends. Now retired, Scott enjoys reading, Ham radio, and current events. He dedicates much of his time to political activism through encouraging others to vote.

Scott Roleson

Linda entered Ryan's life during the high school years and has been a source of calm and support since. Raised in Michigan, Linda attended university in the Upper Peninsula to study technical writing and subsequently sought the sunny Southern California climate. Ryan frequently sought Linda's guidance in writing numerous papers during the course of his own college years. The two share an interest in Harry Potter movies and current events, the latter being the subject of many dinner table conversations. In her spare time, Linda enjoys yoga, a good book, and jigsaw puzzles.

Linda Roleson

Mystery novel writer, former teacher, and former wildlands firefighter, John has worn many hats during his life. Born in Minnesota, raised partly in Chicago and partly in Los Angeles, John frequently returns to Palos Verdes to visit his 101-year old mother. Ryan attributes his ongoing love of Star Wars to John and credits him with helping introduce the series to Phuong early in their relationship. John is currently working on his fourth novel, the second in a series featuring a one-legged female marshal in the Old West. As does Susan, John adores the natural beauty of Kauai, where the two hike and snorkel.

John Mullen

Kelly and Ryan first met in Boy Scouts. They stayed in touch during the college years and rekindled their friendship when Ryan moved back home after school. Between campfires and bowling at the Poway Fun Bowl, playing video games and silly TV shows, Kelly and Ryan became brothers once again. Kelly ultimately found his calling as an Episcopalian minister and currently resides in Hood River, OR. He delivers passionate sermons, entreating his congregation to live their best, kindest lives. He enjoys cooking and spending time with his significant other.

Kelly Mahon

Originally Ryan's friend, Ryan foreshadowed serendipity, declaring "you both are the same person!". And he was right. Sireena and Phuong first connected in medical school and their friendship strengthened while they were house-mates during their psychiatry residency (Sireena being 2 years Phuong's senior, professionally). Their friendship embodies wholesomeness, between sharing cat memes to having deep conversations about work, life, and identity. Sireena has volunteered to elope with Phuong should alternative win conditions develop (Sorry Travis and Ryan).

Sireena Sy

Crystal has been a friend and practically Phuong's younger sister for over a decade. They first met in high school under a club called HOSA and became closer in college when they became roommates for 3 years. Crystal has always been a fan of Phuong's cooking and endless puns. Crystal enjoys roller skating, painting, reading, petting cats and baking. Her current favorite reads are "Parable of the Sower", "Piranesi", and "Station Eleven."

Crystal Lee

Michelle and Phuong trauma bonded during medical school's tough hours, curriculum and board exam preparation. Along with Ryan, Michelle introduced Phuong to climbing, a past time they still enjoy together whenever Michelle is back in town from residency in Missouri. Michelle and Phuong continue to be penpals. Michelle enjoys hiking, snow-shoeing, kayaking among other things. Despite her small frame, she's a brilliantly strong family physician who can't be messed with. She beat her male colleagues at a "100 push up challenge" during residency, as just one example!

Michelle Smith

Ryan first met Steve in Mrs. Tanner's second grade class during elementary school. Despite going to different schools ever since, the two have maintained an active friendship. Over Boy Scout campfires and band competitions, Carl's Jr Western Bacon cheeseburgers and video games, bowling and New Years' Eve cabins, the two have stayed connected for decades. Some of their most fond memories together come from backpacking the 210-mile John Muir trail as teenagers. Steve works in environmental engineering and serves as Mayor Pro Tem of District 3 in Littleton, CO, where he lives with his wife Heather and daughter Kayleigh.

Steve Barr

World traveler, fellow wilderness explorer, and current Fish and Wildlife Officer, Pat represents a special kind of person. Having met in middle school, Pat and Ryan actively maintained their friendship through shared school experiences and various outdoor adventures. Whether over strong coffee and conversations about topics in Dr. Seech's philosophy classes or driving through the mud in Pat's Jeep Wrangler, the two have shared many experiences together. One of Ryan's most fond memories features sharing a beer with Pat at the summit of Mt. Whitney, the tallest point in the continental U.S. Ryan attributes his own spirit of adventure to Pat, a constant source of inspiration to live boldly. Pat lives in Washington with his family. 

Wedding Party

Q + A

Please let us know as soon as possible if you'd like to book with Sonesta, as we may be able to obtain a 10% discount. We need at least ten interested parties, and then we will be able to send you a "booking link" to obtain the discount.

Sonesta ES Suites San Diego - Rancho Bernardo

Hampton Inn & Suites San Diego-Poway

Rancho Bernardo Inn

Travel

Things to Do

Registry

Special thanks to our performers on wedding day! Bow&nbsp;Tie&nbsp;Tunes&nbsp;is a live&nbsp;music&nbsp;trio that specializes in bringing elegance and energy to elevate&nbsp;special events such as weddings, parties and more. Their diverse repertoire, spanning from classical masterpieces to modern pop favorites, blends sophistication with entertainment, delivering an unforgettable experience through the rich sounds of violin, cello and piano.&nbsp; Feel free to reach out to any of us if you need live music for any upcoming events and their email is as follows:bowtietunes@gmail.com

Ryan & Phuong

Ryan & Phuong

Travel

Sonesta ES Suites San Diego - Rancho Bernardo

Hampton Inn & Suites San Diego-Poway

Rancho Bernardo Inn