Frank & Sharon - Oct 27, 2007 - Wedding in Taiwan

Our wedding video - finally!

2007-12-08T17:03:00.000-08:00

Yay! The wedding video is here!

We're thankful that our videographer, Yves, was able to capture a lot of timeless moments. Unfortunately, not all of them. We looked at a lot of videographers' work in Taiwan, and his style is one of the best. For some reason, the outdoor shots doesn't look as good though, be sure to adjust your monitor settings, as it's easy to get "wash-out" if your monitor is set too bright. Hopefully, he can fix that when he's not as rushed. But we wanted our friends and family to see the event, especially those that weren't able to be there.

Did you notice the little cards attached to the flowers during the last part of the video where friends and family were handing them to Sharon? What especially added to this touching moment was that they have messages from Sharon's wonderful friends and relatives!

And we wanted to take this opportunity to give BIG thank you to Debra 楊美玲 (celebration.com.tw), who was in charge of the MC & wedding coordination. The card & flower idea wouldn't have happened without her input and help. She was a pleasure to work with, and did a superb job! Overall, she added a lot of value to our wedding making it a memorable event for everyone!

Our wedding pictures!

2007-11-21T01:21:00.000-08:00

So excited to get our pictures back! We have close to 800 pictures...enough to make your eyes go blurry. Don't worry, we try our best to trim it down and reduce to only 500 or so. And then we further separate them into 3 sections, so you can skip to the section that you're most interested in.

If you're interest in a particular photo, you can click on the "X" to stop the slideshow. And then find the pic, then click on "download picture" to get it in high resolution.

But the way, here's an interesting tidbit:

You know how they said you learn something new everyday? Well, Sharon has been teaching Frank various Chinese words throughout the years. Thinking back, there are words that are often used, and some that are rarely used. But you know, it wasn't until the wedding day that it dawn on Frank that there's ONE word which Sharon never taught him. So imagine....here's Frank on their wedding day, standing there kinda nervous not knowing exactly what people are saying... with a blank stare in his face...as Sharon whisper: KISS!

Lastly, have to give credit where credit is due. Our photographer, Stanley 順仔, has been GREAT! Highly recommended! He took the time to meet with us about a week before the wedding, and took note of what we like & our concerns. And the quality of his work, you can judge for yourself. Overall, can't say enough good things about him & his talent. Find more info about him in Link1 or www.wedding-scene.com.tw.

Wedding Slideshow

2007-10-29T19:16:00.000-07:00

Here's our growing up slideshow shown at our wedding. Sharon gets the credit for finding the absolute *perfect* song...It's from "Michael Learn to Rock" - "I'll be around". Frank gets the pleasure of putting together the rest of the video; thus, viewing it much more times than anybody else.

more Glamour Shots

2007-10-28T06:03:00.000-07:00

We finally tie the knot! The last couple of days have been so hectic that everything went by like a blur. We look forward to the photographers' & videoagraphers' result! In the meantime, here are the various glamour shots that were took.

Our Love Story

2007-10-24T17:38:00.000-07:00

Sharon and Frank have been friends since college. When they first met, neither of them actually made a strong impression on each other. The first memorable event was a dance held by the Chinese Student Association in college. Both of them went with separate dates, but they carpooled. Frank was the driver, but his car was being repaired after an accident, so they rode in Sharon car instead. And that night, they had their first dance together. As they both graduated from college and started working in Atlanta, they grow to be closer friends; but they still did not date at that time.

In 2000, Frank moved to Bay Area, and it was not until several months after that did they realize how much they miss each other. They kept in touch via ICQ, and found many excuses to visit each other. Before they knew it, a long distance relationship has developed. As many people know, long distance relationships can be difficult and many do not last. They consider themselves lucky; in that, the time apart taught them how to communicate better with each other, be more patience with each other, and treasure the time they have together. And while they might be thousands of miles apart, it doesn’t prevent their heart and spirit to be close together.

After several years, Sharon took the plunge and decided to move to the Bay Area also, so they were finally able to be closer. While they are together, they both enjoy hanging out with friends, hosting get-togethers, going out to eat, camping, and watching movies at home. They also like to go rollerblading and dancing, although they just because they like them do not necessarily imply that they are good at either of those activities. They also like to take trips and visit other places. Some of the memorable ones are trips to LA, and trips to Disney in Florida, to Vegas and Grand Canyon, to Hong Kong, and of course, Taiwan.

Since Sharon is from Taiwan, and her whole family is still there, she decided to move back around this time last year. Meanwhile, Frank has been “domesticated” after so long in US. Not being able to read nor write the language, and barely able to speak, it was a gut-wrenching decision for him. Nevertheless, he followed his heart (and maybe his stomach too), and decided to take the plunge. Within a month, he has also moved to Taiwan, and then really “taking the plunge” -- proposing another month later. They both feel blessed that they are able to afford to take this time away from work, and spent it with people that they love and care about the most – their family.

In the final stretch

2007-10-22T17:00:00.001-07:00

Well, it's the final week, and everything is going to be coming together one way or another. Sharon is super busy this week, with practically a cell phone strap to her ear. But we knew that was going to happen, so no big surprises so far.

Understandably so, a lot of our dear friends and relatives from US couldn't make it. (including Frank's "passport-less" brother) We plan to post the rest of the glamour shot photos as well as the growing up video the week after the wedding. The professional photos/video taken on that day won't probably be up until a month or so later.

30 more days to go...

2007-09-27T02:28:00.000-07:00

Wow... time goes by fast. Only 1 more month to go. As you might know, Frank has been in US for the last couple of months, while Sharon is in Taiwan. You know how they say... Absence makes the heart grows fonder!! Maybe there's some truth to that, don't you think so? It's actually not as bad as it sounds, as we still keep in touch constantly. Of course, it'll be so great to be together once again. Frank is flying out on the 1st, but not getting there till the 3rd...so only a couple more days away...yay! (On the other hand, packing the luggage...urgh... not looking forward to that!)

Displaying Chinese:
So we saw this blog on a friend's computer, and notice that there's little square characters instead of where the Chinese characters are. So in case you want to read the Chinese but weren't able to, follow the instructions here: Displaying Chinese on WinXP

Pictures:
We were able to see the proofs several months before, but we finally started to get some of the shots back. They're going to be shown in the wedding, so I don't want to ruin the "thrill" of seeing it for the first time by posting it here. ...at least not now, we'll post it afterwards along with other pics/videos.

Anyways, let's try something a little fun... Which background below looks better? Not that we are great with colors & design in the first place, but after looking at pictures of ourselves for so long, everything started to blur together.

Flight Multi-Search

2007-08-19T06:24:00.000-07:00

Here's an interesting site that we found... Enter your travel info once, and then search on all the big flights search engine. Of those, Kayak and Vayama seems to have decent prices on international flights.

http://www.bookingwiz.com

Got questions? comments? requests?

2007-07-25T15:36:00.000-07:00

If you don't know our e-mail, you can use this link to send us a message:

Link

invites are out

2007-07-25T15:19:00.000-07:00

Yay! Another milestone completed....well at least a portion of it, since this is only the US & Canada ones.
If you think you didn't get yours for some reason, just drop us an e-mail with your address, and we'll take care of it. Chances are that we have an old or incorrect address.

100 Days to Go

2007-07-19T19:07:00.000-07:00

Wow... just realized that there's only 100 more days to go before we tie the knot!

Kinda both nervous & exciting to see things coming together.

US Passports

2007-07-16T14:17:00.000-07:00

Sharon and I were just talking about how my passport expires next year. In case you haven't kept up, it looks like US passports now takes 10-12 weeks for the typical renew (not including the time in the mail). Of course, you can pay another $60 to have it expedited to 2-3 weeks instead. For me, since I'm staying in Taiwan for a couple of weeks, I'm going to see if I can get it renew while aboard -- where the "typical" processing time is 2 weeks.

Anyways, Don't procrastinate!

http://travel.state.gov/passport/get/first/first_831.html

TIP:
When traveling aboard, I usually make a (color) photocopy of my passport so I can carry that around instead. You're suppose to carry your passport with you at all times, but sometimes, it's not safe or practical to do so. A photocopy is better than nothing. Lastly, a photocopy will be helpful if the real thing is lost or stolen.

Taipei Hotels

2007-07-16T12:23:00.000-07:00

So Sharon has been looking around at the hotels in the background. Here are some of the ones that we suggest. We try to look for places that are clean, safe, & convenient. In particular, we look for places that are close to the MRT(easiest way to get around in Taipei), and try to make a note on the cancellation/refund policy.

The first 3 listed (TS, City Inn, & Agora), Sharon actually visited the rooms, so we have more to say about them. The rest, we learned via various online forums. There are others that we visited; unfortunately, if you don't have anything good to say, don't say it at all, right? =)

Note that the price listed here are ballpark figures only for 2 person room. Actual prices may vary based on the date & room availability.

If you know of other places which should be added/remove to this list. Please let us know!

TS Hotel -- (Hotel Info) (Review)

~$1680NT = $ HKD = $ USD

Pros -- only 2 min from MRT (in the same region of East Dragon & King Shi Hotel). Near 西門町. Got some night shopping to do.. but a lot clothes are for young people. Rooms are big (except superior suite). Price is reasonable. No credit card is needed to hold the room at existing price. Cancellation is easy! Police station is in the near by. Talked to the hotel people, they said a lot of people from Singapore tourists stayed there. They don't sign contracts w/ travel agents. But they do provide some contacts to the day-tour around Taipei. Private airport shuttle will stop at this hotel (tell the driver in advance) for NT$135/one way/each -- 90 min. They also can arrange van shuttle for 8 people for NT$1500.

Cons -- the website looks like those "love" motels, but it didn't really feel that way when I went & checked out 3 rooms. 3 rooms that I looked at it had only showers no tubs. Bathroom is relatively smaller consider the room size. Even though it's only 2 min walking distance to the MRT, the street is relatively smaller & darker comparing to the neighborhood (which is full of evening activities).

City Inn -- (Hotel Info) (Review)

~$1560NT = $ HKD = $ USD

Pros - very cheap. very close to Taipei Main Station exit. The Taipei main station is HUGE & has many exits (with lots of shopping available -- all of them are underground). This hotel is very close to the exit, but still have to walk a while to the other side of the exits to enter the MRT. at least, the walking along the way you can see some stores.. Rooms are recently renovated & in more modern style. It's also close to the public airport shuttle (NT$125/one way/each -- about 50 min). Currently you can book the room for 40% off. It's possible to discuss price with them to get 45% off (from my understanding). They do have one computer in their super tinny lobby for you to use -- Free of charge. Very economy hotel for the price/location.
Cons - rooms are so small!!! A place for you to just a clean room to sleep & nothing else! Elevator is also small (for 2 maybe!). Will not recommend you to travel w/ too big of luggages... ceiling is not very high. Windows are small as well.

Agora Garden -- (Hotel Info)

~$5000NT = $ HKD = $ USD
Rooms are not bad & it's right down street from Taipei 101. It is a very good location! The room is not that big (but it's still much bigger than City Inn). The MRT also had an exit for Agora Garden. Since it's next to the heart of the Taipei city, a lot of shopping malls are around there as well. For the location & higher rating hotel, the price is also reflected on that.
East Dragon -- (Hotel Info) (Review) (Review#2)

~$1800NT = $ HKD = $ USD
(Actual Photos)
not too far from MRT (only 5 min). Good reviews from others on forum.
NeiJiang Hotel -- (Hotel Info) (Review)
(Actual Photos#1) (Actual Photos#2)
close to MRT (~ 5 min). Good review from others on forum, especially on the 4 person rooms.
Seasons -- (Hotel Info) (Review)

~$2600NT = $ HKD = $ USD

(Actual Photos#1) (Actual Photos#2)
It's about 15 min walk from Taipei Main MRT according to their website. But online-reservation for a room will require credit cards. Cancellation policy is not very clear to me at this point. If you don't mind the distance, rooms looks pretty decent from photos, especially for the price.

Burgary Hotel -- (Hotel Info)

~$2268NT = $ HKD = $ USD

This is a brand new hotel. only 1 min away from MRT.

Currently, they are running a special promotion starting from $2168, $2268, $2368. (look at the original price starting from $4000+). I called and didn't get a hold of the manager... but it looks nice! size wise, I would think $2268 or $2368 would be better.. $2368 is double the size of $2168.

Other hotel reviews around 西門町: Link
Summary of Hotel ratings & pricing: www.taiwanhotel.hk

Friend's visit

2007-07-11T10:24:00.000-07:00

In April, Will & Kai, our friends from North Bay visited us in Taiwan -- as we travel around the island for more than 2 weeks. We hit all the major spots that we wanted to see around Taiwan.

They did an excellent job journaling their trip, especially on documenting the various dishes! Yummy! Check it out here:
Will & Kai Blog

Places to go, Things to see -- in Taiwan

2007-06-29T21:15:00.000-07:00

For those of you that never been to Taiwan before: Not sure where to go? what there is to see? or what the culture is like? The following websites have already done a great job, plus they are much easier to read!

Wikitravel - Taiwan (中文)
Wikitravel - Taipei (中文)
Lonely Planet - Taiwan
Trip Advisor - Taiwan
www.taipei.hk (中文)

And some of you might find that a travel guide will be helpful. You can check your local library, or find that there are many for sale online: Amazon

Lastly, if you still have any questions, please let us know. We'll try our best to find the answer...or at the very least, give you our two cents.

Saving Moola -- Part II

2007-06-29T19:56:00.000-07:00

Airfare

So both of us fly fairly often...not as often as those of you that needs to fly for work. But when we do fly, we are usually pretty aware of the cost, since it's coming out of our own pocket. Here's a couple of observations that we notice...traveling between US & Taiwan:

When comparing airfare and getting quotes, be sure to include tax & other fees. They can easily add up to a hundred or two.
We never get in on those super duper low-airfare deals. Usually, by the time, we find out about it, and get approval from work that we could go, all the seats are already sold-out. But if this is something that you want to try your luck at, check out Travelzoo.
Most of the online travel website (like travelocity, orbitz, etc) have problems finding a competitive price for international flights. Instead, check the airline website directly. Historically, we also get the best price from a travel agent, or rather from several travel agent. Note that this doesn't mean that you should skip directly to the travel agent, but rather in addition to checking the price online, check with a couple of travel agents.
Travel agent price may be negotiable, especially those found in Chinese newspaper. ;) We found that oftentimes, they are willing to cut into their commission to get your business, especially if you are buying multiple tickets.
Since you are considering traveling almost half way around the world....why not visit multiple countries instead of just one? Here's a trick that you might not know, using stopover.
Let's say you're traveling from SFO, and you want to visit HKG & TPE. Instead of booking a flight from SFO->TPE, and then TPE->HKG. Find a flight that goes from SFO->HKG with a stopover in TPE. A stopover generally could be any number of days (check w/ your flight rules). It may cost a little more for stopover, but overall, it is a LOT cheaper than two flight tickets.
We had friends that use Taiwan as a stopover to Singapore. And a lot of flights also stop by Japan on its way to Taiwan.
For those that really travel a lot and earn lots of miles. Don't overlook the airline miles partners. For example, Delta & China Airline are partners. Starting with 60k miles on Delta, you can redeem for a ticket to Asia from China Airline.
Last but not least: We found that the seats & services are better from Asian airline companies, as compared to US companies -- at least in economy class. And if you happen to be flying EVA, see if you can manage to fly on their Airbus 330 or Boeing 777 on the long international leg. You see, with those planes, you get your own personal TV/Entertainment display and slightly bigger seats... even in the economy class. Whereas on the Boeing 747, it's a toss-up whether you will end up on the older ones with the tiny monitor in the aisle that is shared by all. (Reference: Eva Wiki)

Well, hope that you find the above helpful. If you have any tips to share, please let us know!

Saving Moola -- Part I

2007-06-29T16:41:00.000-07:00

Transportation & Accommodation

Want to save some money while traveling? This is the first of the series on this topic. We'll have some information specifically for Taiwan, but hopefully, you'll find the information helpful in general when traveling overseas.

First, let's talk about transportation. If you're worry about how to get to/from the wedding place -- no worries. We have already arrange for a shuttle bus on the wedding day.

We found that while within Taipei city, the public transportation system is very good. We wouldn't recommend driving a car in Taipei, especially for a visitor. Even if you can manage to rent a car, and navigate the streets, you will have to compete with the locals for parking space. So as long as your hotel is within walking distance of MRT (Taipei's subway), 90% of the sightseeing places are easily reachable, and you can probably get around without even knowing any Chinese. The story is different once you're outside of Taipei. Most of the sightseeing places are scatter about, and you really need to drive to get around. And getting around might be challenging unless you know how to read/write/speak Chinese.

So as you can imagine, the hotels in Taipei are similar to other big cities like Hong Kong, San Francisco, or New York. The rooms are small, and relatively expensive. If they are good deals, there is usually a good reason for it. And of course, you can find small or expensive hotels anywhere, but there are generally more roomy & affordable options outside of Taipei. As a side note, one thing that we have seen in some of the hotels is that they will charge you MORE because you're a foreigner.

One way to save would be to join a 5 or 6 days tour traveling around Taiwan, and then spend the remainder of the time in Taipei sightseeing on your own. To give you a *rough* idea on the cost & typical activities available, here's some quotes that Sharon has gotten. Of course, as we have more people, we have more leverage on pricing & itinerary.

Tour Info Link #1
Tour Info Link #2

The toughest part is that everyone has a slightly different schedule; so you're planning to attend our wedding, there's a rare opportunity to join with others who are interested.

If joining a tour around Taiwan is something that interests you, let us know! Tell us the timeframe that you're planning / available to stay. Once we get a better feel for how many people is interested and when, we can help with working out a deal that would be suitable for the majority of people.

Glamour Shots

2007-05-02T10:09:00.000-07:00

We just took our "glamour shots" wedding photos yesterday. It was a really long day... starting from 8am till around 10:30pm; but despite the long hours, it was loads of fun and quite enjoyable. The photographers and the staff are a pleasure to work with. And they have a lot of patience, as many pictures have to be re-taken because Frank eye's blink just as the flash goes off. At any rate, we can't wait to see the photos when they're ready. In the meantime, here are a few pics that we took from our own camera.

Wedding Date & Location Confirmed

2007-04-28T18:03:00.000-07:00

Well, we're happy to say that the location & date for our wedding has been confirmed. It has been a pretty tiresome search in the past weeks seeking out a suitable location…that's still available. We have been to countless location, and even crash a few weddings itself as we snoop to see how they're run. In the end, it was a close call between Ta Shee Resort (鴻禧大溪別館) and Agora Garden Hotel (亞太會館), but I guess we just feel in love with Ta Shee since it was the first one that we visited. They have a very beautiful environment (I hear that Taiwan ex-president lives just down the street), and if the weather co-operates, an outdoor wedding there should be a memorable one indeed.