Hello, We're Jake and Kathy,

First of all, we want to say THANK YOU so much for considering coming to our wedding in Vietnam and sending all your love to us!!

Now, we will tell you our story :D

Our story began in June 2022 when Jake’s mom and step dad came to visit him in Singapore, where he was studying Chinese and working on his TESOL certification to teach English. His parents decided to take a short trip to Vietnam, where they met Kathy, who was their tour guide for two days in Saigon. We all immediately connected, and before Jake returned to the U.S., he also had plans to visit Vietnam —with Kathy as his guide.

Jake and Kathy spent eight amazing days together, traveling from Saigon to the Mekong Delta, Hue, Hoi An, and Hanoi. Through these travels, we quickly became friends and knew our connection was something special.

After Jake returned to the U.S., he originally planned to teach English in China, but he couldn’t stop thinking about Vietnam—and about Kathy. Before long, he found a teaching job in Saigon, and, by a lucky twist of fate, it was in the same district where Kathy lived.

In September 2022, Jake moved back to Saigon, and that’s when we truly started spending more time together. We spent time finding Jake an apartment and introducing him to Vietnamese culture. Kathy’s family welcomed him with open arms, and our friendship grew closer day by day.

Jake's family and friends came to visit for the New Year in 2023 and Tet "Lunar New Year" in 2023. We started to travel more and more together and even our family was starting to see that our relationship was growing. The more time we spent together, the more in love we were falling.

By February 2023, on Valentine’s Day, Jake gave Kathy some chocolates and a plush toy, though he was too shy to express his feelings directly. Kathy, sensing what he was trying to say, planned to return the gesture on White Valentine’s Day, a special day in Vietnam when girls give gifts to boys.

But before she could, Jake beat her to it! On March 5th, after watching a performance at the Saigon Opera House and sharing a lovely dinner, Jake confessed his feelings. He told Kathy he wanted to be more than friends, to which she immediately said YES! It was a special night, one we’ll never forget, as we both realized how much we cared for each other and were excited to build something lasting together.

Despite coming from different countries and cultures, we learned how to love, support, and understand one another. Jake’s thoughtfulness and care melted Kathy’s heart, and every day, we continued to grow closer.

In January 2024, Jake invited Kathy to Singapore, telling her it was for his friend Chad’s birthday celebration. What Kathy didn’t know was that Jake had been secretly planning a magical proposal. We stayed at the Marina Bay Sands hotel, and Jake mentioned a brunch in the afternoon followed by a party in the evening.

Instead, on January 27th, Jake led Kathy to the Observation Deck, where he had arranged for flowers, photos, and a beautiful view. With a ring in hand, he asked, “Kathy, will you marry me?”

Kathy again said “YESSSSSSSS!” without hesitation, and we couldn’t have been happier. It was a moment filled with joy, surprise, and love.

In February 2024, we celebrated our engagement with a traditional Vietnamese ceremony at Kathy’s family home in Ho Chi Minh City. All of Jake’s parents flew in from the U.S., along with his Papa and Gramma Nan, and it was a beautiful day, bringing together our families and cultures in celebration.

We’ve had so many amazing travels and experiences together as a couple already, and can’t wait to continue the journey!

We're planning to celebrate our big wedding in Saigon on August 15th, 2025.

We would be overjoyed if you would join us!

Thank you so much for all your love and wishes. We hope to see you at our wedding party in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Vietnam!