| Bride & Groom: | Wedding Date: |
| Alice T. Wong & Frederick A. Cheung | July 24, 2004 |
| Engagement Story: | |
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Miracle on Rockefeller Center. To be in NY for Christmas is magical. But to be in front of the most famous Christmas tree in the world with Fred is extraordinary. Fred made reservations at Bocelli's, this Italian restaurant in NY. Apparently it has this amazing view of the Rockefeller Center's Christmas tree. Our reservations were set for 5:45 pm on Christmas night. Just the two of us on our very first Christmas together, not to mention we would be celebrating our seven-month anniversary. Like most experiences, I didn't like my dress that night. My hair was not cooperating. AND my panty hose was MIA. "I don't feel like going. Nothing is turning out the way I want. Look at my hair. I don't have anything to wear. Blah, blah, blah.blah, blah... "You look wonderful Alice." Fred said lovingly. So we drove to New York to celebrate our first Christmas together. He calms me while in the car and I begin to feel better about my dress, my hair, my make-up, and my nails. We entered the fabulous New York City; the city I used to call home. Tons of sparkling lights and people all over are enjoying the beautiful Christmas displays. The smell of chestnuts roasting on an open fire greets my nose. Christmas in NY is special. We make our way through the crowds and turn the corner on 50th Street to the enormous 79-foot tree all lit up in twinkling reds, blues, greens, and yellows. Amazing. We headed over to the lobby at Rockefeller Center and Fred asked for George. George? Who is this George? Fred told me that he was a friend of his colleague who arranged a private tour of the magnificent tree for us. He was also the one responsible for arranging for us the best table at Bocelli's. The wine that Fred so called bought for our dinner was then passed on to this friendly gentleman. "Thank you. You shouldn't have." All I could think about was George has our special bottle of cheer. Soon George led us through the multitude of New Yorkers who were on hand to admire this tree that night. Ooh, a private tour. Fred and I would bypass the crowd and enter the gates that would separate the New Yorkers and us almost 25 feet. I felt special. George told us a few interesting facts about the tree. The height and location. How many long hours, days, weeks, it takes to put it all together. How exceptionally full this tree was. We smiled and just stood here admiring its brilliance. Soon George shook our hands and said to take our time enjoying the tree. He left. I tried to stretch my neck as much as I could to see the highest point when Fred asked me to turn around. There he looked into my eyes and gingerly took out a white envelope. I watched intently wondering what was happening. He opened the sealed envelope and then proceeded to read the poem explaining the truth about that night. As he read the poem entitled, "Alice," I began to cry. How romantic and beautiful was this very moment. Tears the size of ornaments fell down my cheek and everything was silent. We were standing in front of the most famous tree and sharing our love with each other in the cold. But I didn't notice the cold. I felt warm inside as the tears kept flowing out. I listened to each loving word that came out of this handsome man. So beautiful. So special. "I love you. Te amo. Wo ay nee. Merry Christmas Alice T. Wong." at which point Fred got down on one knee and ended with "will you marry me? He then brought out this velvet blue box and opened it to reveal this stunning ring that shone so brightly. The hundreds of New Yorkers who stood behind the barricade cheered us on with delight. I was completely overwhelmed by what just happened and lost all senses for ten seconds. I looked at Fred with all my love and was in my own world. I finally snapped to and realized that Fred was still on his knee waiting for my answer. I said, "YesI will marry you to the roar of the crowd. Cheers and tears came from everywhere. I kissed this incredible man and held him with all of my love. The crowd grew restless and cheered for more. Fred whispered to me and said, "now let,s take a bow. We turned to the patient New Yorkers and bowed with such thankfulness and joy that they were a part of one of the happiest moments of our lives. Thank you New York! Fred and I left the well wishers and headed back to the car. The car? Aren't we having dinner in NY? Fred's only response was "Be patient. Everything will be explained as the evening unfolds." As we headed back to NJ I replayed what just happened to me - to us - and started to tear up all over again. As seven o'clock approached I asked Fred what kind of restaurant were we having dinner at. He looked at me warmly and said, "Just wait. It's a surprise." We finally arrived. What no Italian tonight? Bocelli's? We were at the Chinese restaurant we frequently visited for dim sum and dinners. Ok we were going to have a nice romantic Chinese dinner tonight. Well, that's fine. I can always eat Chinese. As I took Fred's arm I noticed a stout figure through the glass doors. He resembled my Uncle Johnny. "Why is my Uncle Johnny here?" We opened the large doors and my heart filled up one more time with incredible joy to see my entire family (extended too) and his family and friends all standing around with the most brilliant faces and complete happiness displayed in a room. Fred presented me with a dozen deep red roses and a loving card. Everyone offered their love and joy. You can imagine my face now. Completely drenched I tried to look graceful and elegant, but only had the ugliest face ever appeared as all my emotions decided to come out all at once. I was surprised once again and I felt the love. Fred's love. The love from all of our family and friends. Most importantly the love from God. We all entered this private room and enjoyed a delectable 12-course feast of shark fin soup, Chinese delicacies, chicken, steak, lobster, etc. I kept looking at Fred and told him with my eyes and lips that I love him. He had brought both of our families together to join us in this very special moment. I'm still thinking about the night. I'm still shocked. I'm still smiling and my eyes still well up. After all these years of patiently waiting for someone very special to share my life with, I've been blessed with one wonderful man. He is someone I've only known in my dreams and my heart. But now God has shared him with me and I am so humbled. Even when everyone had given up on me meeting someone so loving and special, God was there to comfort me and remind me how He will provide the desires of my heart if only I believe and trust Him. Thank you Lord God. Thank you. So I end and begin here with my miracle on 34th Street. Rather, my miracle on Rockefeller Center. |
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| Prize Awarded: | |
| White China Angel (15" high) for the couple's home from Reverend Joan Fericy | |
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