WEDDING WEBSITE FORMAT

Hien and Chris

June 3, 2023

Welcome

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To our friends and family: We're so excited to celebrate our wedding with you. Find all the details you need to know about our big day here. 

Events
Sat
Jun 3
2023

10:30 am

Christ Cathedral
13280 Chapman Ave
Garden Grove, CA 92840

CHRIST CATHEDRAL
UNPLUGGED CEREMONY

Christ Cathedral is a holy place of worship, and we want you to be able to enjoy our ceremony, feeling truly present and in the moment with us.  We're respectfully asking that everyone consider leaving all cameras and cell phones off during the ceremony.  Of course we will be happy to share our wedding photos and videos with you afterward! 

PLEASE MIND THE GAP

Please note that the ceremony and the reception are at two different locations. There will be a few hours gap between the ceremony and the reception. Click the on reception tab under events for more details.

If you would like some ideas about what to do and where to eat lunch during the gap, please visit the travel page of our website.

DRESS CODE

The dress code for our wedding is semi-formal. Women can wear a nice cocktail dress, day dress, or dressy separates/pantsuit. Men can wear a business suit or a dress shirt and slacks (a tie being optional). Those who own traditional Vietnamese Ao Dai are encouraged to wear one to the ceremony. 

Parking

There are nine parking areas on the Christ Cathedral campus. Handicap spaces are available at all parking areas.

Sat
Jun 3
2023

5:00 pm
TO 11:00 pm

Pasea Hotel and Spa
21080 Pacific Coast Highway
Huntington Beach, CA 92648
United States

PASEA HOTEL AND SPA
PARKING

Valet parking is on us! Please enjoy valet parking at Pasea Hotel and Spa courtesy of Hien and Chris. 

DRESS CODE

The dress code for our wedding is semi-formal. Women can wear a nice cocktail dress, day dress, or dressy separates/pantsuit. Men can wear a business suit or a dress shirt and slacks (a tie being optional).

Our reception will be part indoors and outdoors in the evening. Please bring a jacket or wrap since the weather will become cold at night.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

5 PM to 6 PM - Hors d'oeuvres and cocktails

6 PM to 11 PM - Seated dinner, music, and dancing

Stories
How they met
The first years
Long distance
The proposal
Where they are now
Key People
Bridesmaids
Yen Tran
Yen Tran
Maid of Honor
Yen met Hien in Vietnam in the early 1990s. Yen actually really wanted a little brother but her mom brought home Hien instead. But having a sister wasn't all that bad because she has someone to give all her old dolls, clothes and makeup to. Yen is currently a pharmacist working and studying in Phoenix, Arizona. If you see Yen at the wedding, you can ask this handy pharmacist for Pepcid if you have the Asian glow
Tran Le
Tran Le
Bridesmaid
Tran grew up in the same village with Hien in Vietnam. Since there wasn't much to do in this small town, she used to carry Hien on her bicycle as they would take joyrides around the village. It was supposed to be a team effort, but Tran was always the one pedaling on the bicycle. But all that pedaling finally paid off when Hien introduced Tran to her now husband 10 years ago. If you see Tran at the wedding, give this registered nurse, dedicated mother and unwitting bicyclist a high five!
Angela Nguyen
Angela Nguyen
Bridesmaid

Angela met Chris when a stork delivered her to his family. To her dismay, Chris would mix milk and orange juice in her baby bottle to see if she would notice. Angela got her brother back over the years, however, by chasing him down with her nerf gun. Angela is excited to welcome Hien into the family. If you see Angela at the wedding, please say hi!

Fatima Maqsood
Fatima Maqsood
Bridesmaid

Fatima met Hien when they both started medical school. They partnered up for their first-ever anatomy lab where Fatima was blown away by Hien’s smarts. They quickly became friends over post-exam ice cream runs and their search for the best burgers and sushi in Arizona. Fatima could not be happier to see Hien and Chris embark on this next chapter. If you see Fatima at the wedding, say hi!

Tran Nguyen
Tran Nguyen
Bridesmaid
Tran and Hien are god-sisters and close friends.  Fun fact! Their moms are also best friends.  Tran lives in Minnesota with her husband and two beautiful children.  Hien was Tran's bridesmaid at her wedding, and Tran is excited to be part of Hien's special day.
Chau Doan
Chau Doan
Bridesmaid
Chau and Hien are god-sisters, and they have known each other ever since their days in Vietnam.  Chau lives in San Jose with her husband and 3 handsome boys.  Hien and Chris were bridesmaids and groomsmen at Chau's wedding.  Chau is very excited for Hien and Chris to tie the knot!
Groomsmen
Lucas Nguyen
Lucas Nguyen
Bestman
As his younger brother of one year, Lucas quickly learned from Chris at an early age that in life, you must always bite back. Lucas was often a test subject for Chris's machinations like attaching airplane wings to his helmet to ride the bicycle faster. Fortunately for him, Lucas was able to fly - fly far away from Chris during college to pursue something not in healthcare like the rest of his family. If you are looking for juicy stories about Chris, Lucas has plenty ready to share.
Jonathan Mai
Jonathan Mai
Jonathan supposedly first met Chris in freshman year of high school but he honestly cannot remember life beforehand. Jonathan’s fondly remembers that time when Chris blew out his birthday candles with a paintball gun on the moon.
Frank Li
Frank Li
Frank has known Chris since freshman year of high school. Frank first impressed Chris by chasing Andrew in PE class so fast that Andrew threw up afterwards. The most sophisticated and attractive groomsmen at the bridal party, Frank also happens to be single and ready to mingle. Please feel free to introduce yourself to Frank especially if you are a young and single lady.
Derek Chan
Derek Chan
Derek has known Chris since high school. Derek first impressed Chris by watching Frank chase Andrew in PE class so fast that Andrew even threw up. The second most sophisticated and attractive groomsmen at the bridal party, Derek is not single nor ready to mingle. Please stay away especially if you are a young and single lady.
Andrew Yang
Andrew Yang
Andrew has also known Chris since high school and has fond memories selling pizza and boba together and not so fond memories of PE class. Andrew may run for president or mayor again once his kid gets older.
Hirav Ghandi
Hirav Ghandi
Hirav met Chris in high school, but they became lifelong friends after being roommates in college. When Hirav could pull Chris away from his books, they trolled the campus with their political signs and planned massive water balloon fights. Now married with two children, Hirav is excited to welcome Chris into the beauty of family life. If you see Hirav, please feel free to let him continue napping - because his kids won’t.
Parents of the bride
Minh Tran
Minh Tran
Bride's father
Tuyet Dinh
Tuyet Dinh
Bride's mother
Parents of the groom
Peter Dzung Nguyen
Peter Dzung Nguyen
Groom's father
Peter, the groom’s beloved father, passed away in 2014. His memory lives on in all of our family, and we know he will be celebrating with us in heaven.
Tina Nguyen
Tina Nguyen
Groom's mother
Travel
Travel
FLYING IN

If you are flying in, we would recommend flying into John Wayne Airport (SNA), which is the closest to the ceremony and reception, or Long Beach Airport (LGB).   Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is another option and is about a 90 minute drive from the events in Orange County.

ACCOMODATIONS

+ Pasea Hotel & Spa

Tripadviser

Pasea Hotel & Spa is our reception venue.  It is located on Pacific Cost Highway and has beautiful guest rooms facing the beach.

21080 Pacific Coast Hwy

Huntington Beach, CA 92648-5305

1 (844) 590-0663


From: $365/night

+ The Waterfront Beach Resort

Tripadviser

The Waterfront Beach Resort is located right down the street from our reception venue on Pacific Coast Highway.

21100 Pacific Coast Hwy,

Huntington Beach, CA 92648-5307


(855) 605-0316


From: $397/night

+ SpringHill Suites Huntington Beach Orange County

Tripadviser

SpringHill Suites Huntington Beach is located 15 minutes from our reception venue and has convenient access to the 405 freeway.

7872 Edinger Ave

Huntington Beach, CA 92647-3710


(844) 631-0595

From: $165/night



THINGS TO DO

+ Disneyland

The happiest place on earth requires no introduction! Disneyland is only a 10 minute drive away from the ceremony venue at Christ Cathedral.

+ Knott's Berry Farm

Explore Orange County’s agricultural heritage and enjoy the rides, shows, and attractions at Southern California's original theme park.

+ Huntington Beach

Also known as Surf City USA, Huntington Beach has miles of beach for you and your family to enjoy. You may consider driving up and down the Pacific Coast Highway for scenic views of Huntington, Newport, and Laguna Beach.


+ Laguna Beach

Did you know that Laguna Beach has 30 beautiful beaches to explore?  Laguna Beach is located a 30-minute drive south of our reception venue. Our favorites include Victoria Beach, Heisler Park, and Thousands Steps Beach.

+ Little Saigon

Orange County’s Little Saigon is the largest Vietnamese community outside of Vietnam, and is located within a 10 minute drive from Christ Cathedral.  Enjoy countless Vietnamese restaurants, coffee shops, and shopping malls, like the famous Asian Garden Mall (Phuoc Loc Tho).


+ Mission San Juan Capistrano

Nicknamed "Jewel of the Missions," this beautiful and historic Spanish mission is the birthplace of Orange County and the location where Chris proposed to Hien.  Come enjoy the beautiful scenery and learn about the rich history of the mission.

DINING

+ Brodard Restaurant

Yelp

Brodard is Hien's favorite place to get her fill of nem nuong (Vietnamese spring rolls).  We would definitely recommend exploring the expansive menu of this popular eatery!


+ Pho 79

Yelp

Did you know that pho is Chris's favorite food? He is happy to eat it for any meal of the day. Winner of a James Beard award, Pho 79 is Chris’s favorite place to get his fill of pho in the OC.



+ Garlic Chives

Yelp

Hien and Chris's favorite dishes at this restaurant include the turmeric fish, bun dau mam tom (noodles and tofu with shrimp sauce), and garlic noodles with shrimp.  Come here to enjoy some delicious Vietnamese cuisine!


+ Vox Kitchen

Yelp

This is a popular spot for Vietnamese fusion cuisine. Hien and Chris's favorite dishes include the ribeye steak, fries, and garlic noodles.

SHOPPING

+ Pacific City

Valet your car at our reception venue, the Pasea Hotel & Spa, and walk across the street to this popular beach-front shopping center.  You can enjoy shopping, entertainment, and dining during the few hour gap between the ceremony and the reception.


+ South Coast Plaza

South Coast Plaza is the largest shopping center on the West Coast of the United States and a global shopping destination with more than 250 boutiques and critically acclaimed restaurants.


Gifts
THANK YOU

Your presence at our wedding is the greatest gift of all! Should you wish to bless us with a gift, we will gratefully accept any contribution towards our honeymoon and home fund.   We will have a gift box at the reception table or checks can be mailed to: 127 Arden, Irvine, CA 92620

VENMO

@cnguye38

@heeintrain

ZELLE

Hien: (909) 539-5202

Chris: (949) 878-0501

Gallery
FAQs
FAQs
When is the RSVP deadline? Do I need to mail back my RSVP or can I do it online?

Please kindly RSVP by April 28th via one of the following ways: 

1. Under the RSVP tab on our website hienandchris.com

2. Email hienandchris@gmail.com 

3. Call or text Hien (909) 539-5202 or Chris (949) 878-0501

Is the wedding indoors or outdoors?

The wedding ceremony is indoors at Christ Cathedral.  The wedding reception will be part outdoors and part indoors at the Pasea Hotel & Spa.

What should I wear? Is there a dress code?

The dress code for our wedding is semi-formal. Women can wear a nice cocktail dress, day dress, or dressy separates/pantsuit. Men can wear a business suit or a dress shirt and slacks (a tie being optional).

For the ceremony, those who own traditional Vietnamese Ao Dai are encouraged to wear one to the ceremony.

Our reception will be part indoor and outdoor in the evening. Please bring a jacket or wrap since the weather will become cold at night.


Can I use my electronic devices during your ceremony?

We invite you to be fully present with us during our unplugged ceremony at Christ Cathedral. Please kindly turn off all cellphones and cameras and enjoy this moment with us.  During the reception at Pasea Hotel & Spa, you are more than welcome to use your electronic devices and take photos and video!

Can I use my electronic devices during your reception?

YES, we would love for you to take videos and photos and share them with us during the reception at Pasea Hotel & Spa! Please tag us on instagram @hien.and.chris Don't forget to use our hashtag #ChrisnguyensHien

During our unplugged ceremony at Christ Cathedral, we kindly ask that you turn off all cellphones and cameras 

What happens after the ceremony?

After the ceremony, guests can enjoy their free time until cocktail hour starting at 5pm where we will be serving hors d’oeuvres and beverages. 

For more suggestions of things to do,  please visit our travel page

What time should I arrive?

Please plan to arrive 15 minutes before the start of the ceremony to be seated. Please note that the ceremony will start promptly at the scheduled time.

For the exact time of our events, please visit the events page. 

Are kids welcome?

Unfortunately due to space limitations, the number of children we can accommodate is limited. The only children attending are those who are part of our immediate family only.  We hope you will understand this decision and enjoy your night off.
As the event gets closer, feel free to contact us to see if we have space for your little one or if you have any questions.

Where should I park?

For the ceremony, there are nine parking areas on the Christ Cathedral campus. Handicap spaces are available at all parking areas.

For the reception, valet parking at Pasea Hotel & Spa is on us!

Where are the ceremony and the reception taking place?

Our ceremony will be at Christ Cathedral and the reception will be at the Pasea Hotel and Spa. Please visit our events page for more information. 

What will the weather be like this time of year?

During June in Huntington beach, daily high temperatures range from 66°F to 81°F, and daily low temperatures range from 56°F to 66°F. 

What is your hashtag on social media

We would love to see your photos and videos of our big day. Please tag us on instagram @hien.and.chris Don't forget to use our hashtag #ChrisnguyensHien

Can I bring a date?

Due to space limitations, we cannot accommodate extra guests at this time. 

As the event gets closer, feel free to contact us to see if we have space for your guests or if you have any questions.

What if I have dietary restrictions?

During the reception, guests will have the option of a traditional 8-course Vietnamese style dinner or a vegetarian dinner.  Please specify which you would prefer when you RSVP.

Where do you recommend I stay?

Please visit our travel page for more information. 

What should I do if I can't make it?

You will be missed! If you can not make it to our wedding, please let us know as soon as possible and RSVP “no,” so we can plan accordingly.

I still have questions, what is the best way to contact you?

Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any further questions at hienandchristopher@gmail.com

We can also be reached by phone/text at 909-539-5202 (Hien) or 949-878-0501 (Chris)