OUR STORY
“I swear I couldn’t love you more than I do right now, and yet I know I will tomorrow.” – Leo Christopher
In 2006, a world before social media took over our lives, two college kids moved into the second floor of a dormitory called New-North at the University of Southern California. The two kids, as you may have guessed, are Ben and Isabel. On the surface, it was the typical all-American Freshman/Sophomore year for the two who had come from Hong Kong and Singapore. Lots of frat parties, beer pong, and attending classes when they remembered to. What no one realized was that their lives were about to change forever.
Ben and Isabel love to eat late and were often the only ones eating at the cafeteria. During those evenings, they got to know each other and discovered their mutual love for food and travel. So when Ben suggested that they go to Paris for spring break, Isabel said yes right away. One night, Ben suggested that they climb up the Eiffel tower and she agreed, even though she was terrified of heights. Truthfully, she thought that this was the moment when he would ask her out. In typical oblivious fashion, after a cursory walk around the top, Ben suggested that they go back down as there wasn’t much left to see. He never asked Isabel if she wanted to be his girlfriend, not at the top of the Eiffel (or ever).
In the last 15 years, Ben and Isabel have traveled the world together, loved and lost two amazing dogs Chaow and Pepper, adopted their new “fur-kid” Jayda, shared many mutual friends, and purchased their first home together. They love following off-the-beaten tracks, experiencing far-flung cultures, and have fallen in love with each city and each other more every time.
THE PROPOSAL
GÖREME, TURKEY
In May 2019, Ben and Isabel traveled to Turkey, and what started as an annual trip quickly became an unforgettable trip for them both. The hospitality of the people, the beauty of the country, and the delicious food went beyond all their expectations. At 5am on May 31, 2019, when the warm glow of the sun was just hitting the fairy-tale landscape of Göreme, amidst all the hot air balloons rising, Ben went down on one knee and asked Isabel if she would marry him.
ATTIRE
Black Tie
(For more information, please visit the FAQ section)
HOTEL BEL-AIR
Initially built in 1922 as office spaces and riding stables, the property was converted into a hotel by Texan entrepreneur Joseph Drown. Steeped in Hollywood history, Hotel Bel-Air has served as a favorite haunt of many notable guests and celebrities including Elizabeth Taylor, Judy Garland, Paul Newman, Audrey Hepburn and Grace Kelly, who frequented the hotel so regularly she had a suite named after her. Hotel Bel-Air was also the setting for Marilyn Monroe's last and final Vogue magazine shoot by Bert Stern.
ERLINA YEO TERWELP
MATRON OF HONOR
Erlina is Isabel’s older sister and her best friend since, well, birth. Erlina is the kind of big sister everyone dreams of - always has your back, fiercely loyal, and the first to beat up your bully. The two would be caught up in nonstop chatter whenever they get to meet, and their sisterly bond has only grown stronger over the last 34 years. Erlina is an amazing mother to her daughter Vera, and Isabel cannot wait for them to move to California!
JUSTIN CHOW
BEST MAN
Ben met Justin during his study abroad program in Shanghai and quickly bonded over drinks and drunchies. But even after the parties stopped, they remained close friends. Before Ben started Lavatools, Justin even made a valiant effort to help him get a job. Never the one to turn down an adventure, they have shared some hilarious moments over the years, from hair-razing driving demonstrations at EDC to spelling out cheeky words atop Machu Picchu.
THE GROOMSMEN
AUSTIN CHEN
GROOMSMAN
Growing up, Ben and Austin, along with his brother Albert, played computer games together, specifically Everquest. Over the years they've hung out across the world, and even gotten dust in curious places at Burning Man. Always down for new and exciting experiences, they never fail to meet up whenever they're together in the same city.
GEORGE MOXOM
GROOMSMAN
When Ben met George in Shanghai, he assumed George was just another Hapa kid there to learn Chinese. Little did he know George spoke fluently with a thick Beijing accent. Since Shanghai, they have gone on innumerable adventures together and share a penchant for films, random facts, and travel.
JORDAN HO
GROOMSMAN
The most accurate way to describe Ben and Jordan's relationship is that they're partners in crime. From hurling instant noodles into ceiling fans to running off with entire stoves from home ec class, they were the diabolical duo that haunted high their school administration. Now, they spend their energy wrecking havoc in Lan Kwai Fong whenever they are in Hong Kong together.
JULIAN LAM
GROOMSMAN
Ben and Julian have been friends for as long as either of them can remember. After primary school, Ben even petitioned to be assigned to the same secondary school as Julian's. And though Ben moved away for college, they still make an effort to catch up every time he returns to Hong Kong, often over a cigar and an icy cup of Ribena.
NIGEL KWOK
GROOMSMAN
Whether it's model jet fighters, Japanese cartoon mechas, or whatever N64 game they were playing at the moment, Ben and Nigel always wrangled over who had the coolest toys or played the better video game character. Being one of Ben's oldest friends, Nigel occupies a space in that special niche of people who always feel close no matter how long they may not have seen each other.
THE BRIDESMAIDS
CHARLENE GOH
BRIDESMAID
Charlene and Isabel have been "Ride or Dies" since they met a decade ago. Whether they are dancing at Coachella, dining at a hip new restaurant, or rescuing animals, one always has the other's back. Charlene’s kindness and commitment to being a vegetarian never fails to inspire Isabel.
JOJO WANG
BRIDESMAID
Jojo and Isabel are thick as thieves and living a mile apart means that you can always find one at the other's house. Their shared love of travel, food, and zoos first brought them close together, and they love to share a good laugh (especially at the expense of their husbands).
SUMMER EVANS
BRIDESMAID
Summer and Isabel met over a decade ago at work and their friendship blossomed from attending music festivals together. Both are part of a group called the "Festies Besties" and even their dogs are best friends! They have a shared love of rescued dogs, tequila, and '90s RnB music.
TIFFANY LUU
BRIDESMAID
Tiffany is Isabel’s best friend from USC. Living across the hall from each other freshman year, they would share grievances about their boyfriends who they ended up marrying more than a decade later. They share what seems like a lifetime of amazing memories together.
VANESSA GOH
BRIDESMAID
Vanessa and Isabel clicked right away when they met, and often share a private joke that no one else understands. Even though Vanessa now lives in London, the two try to visit each other often or meet halfway in Miami or Barbados. Every time they get to hang out, it is like time stands still and they pick up right where they left off.
ADDITIONAL ROLES
ADELINE YEO
OFFICIANT
Adeline is Isabel’s oldest sister and the most genuinely thoughtful and caring person. Whether a mother, a daughter, a sister, a wife, or a friend, she puts her utmost into every relationship and always makes you feel like the most important person in her life. Ben and Isabel are blessed to have her as a sister, and grateful that she will be marrying them.
MIRANDA LIM
FLOWER GIRL
Miranda is Adeline’s daughter and brings joy to everyone who meets her. Confident and outgoing, she fluctuates between role-playing Princess Elsa and Princess Sophia, and is always looking for participants in one of her fun made-up games. Miranda is so excited to walk down the aisle in a princess dress!
VERA TERWELP
FLOWER GIRL
Vera is Isabel's niece and almost 2.5 years old! Like her mom, she is smart, kind, sometimes feisty, and loves doggies. Vera squeals with delight whenever she sees Elmo, Baby Shark, Coco Lemon, or lions. She is so excited to dress up and be a big part of her aunt Izzy and uncle Ben's wedding!
JAYDA
DOG
Ben and Isabel started fostering a chow chow mix named Jayda in March 2019. Jayda’s favorite activities include going into the office every morning, terrorizing the neighborhood cats and squirrels, and protecting the house from the mailman. She is very shy with humans but is a wonderful big sister to all their new foster dogs.
COVID-19
For the safety and comfort of all our guests, and in compliance with the authorities in our area, we respectfully request all guests to be up-to-date on their vaccination status. Wedding ceremony and reception will also be held outdoors for your peace of mind.
TRAVEL DETAILS
TRANSPORTATION
If you are flying into Los Angeles, the main airport for the city is LAX. To get to the venue, we recommend using taxi or a rideshare service such as Uber or Lyft. If you wish to drive, car rentals are available at the airport and around the city.
ACCOMODATION
Airbnb and VRBO listings are readily avaliable in Los Angeles and they cover a wide range of price points. There are also plenty of unique hotels to choose from; here are some of our picks.
THINGS TO DO
CALIFORNIA DREAMING
Whether you’re talking about the limitless sprawl of suburbs or the jolting contrast between sun-baked hills and soft beaches, the high culture of its art institutions or the rip-roaring fun of its theme parks, Los Angeles is not an easy city to categorize. Here are some places we recommend checking out.
ABBOT KINNEY
Located close to Venice Beach and Santa Monica, this is a street worth exploring with great local stores and amazing restaurants.
GRIFFITH OBSERVATORY
The observatory boasts an incredible art deco architecture but most people come here for the panoramic views of LA. There is also a great hike up.
SANTA MONICA
Santa Monica offers great shopping on Third Street, an old-school boardwalk complete with ferris wheel, and a bike ride along the beach; all quintessentially LA.
RUNYON CANYON
The canyon is close to Hollywood and is the ultimate hike for seeing and being seen. Great views of the city and often a celebrity sighting.
THEME PARKS
Universal Studios, Disneyland, Six Flags, and Knottsberry Farm are well-known theme parks in the Southern California area.
BEYOND LA
For fun road trips within 4 hours of LA; Las Vegas, Santa Barbara, Joshua Tree, Palm Springs, and San Diego are just a few of the places worth visiting.
GIFTS
The biggest gift for us is your presence on our wedding day.