Julie and Michael’s love story began way back during their sophomore year in high school, in their fourth period World History class. Julie knew it was more than just puppy love shortly thereafter. “One day I missed my ride from school. It was before we had cell phones, so I decided to walk the hour and a half home,” Julie remembers. Apparently, Michael was quite worried about her walking all that way by herself. “He borrowed his friend’s car and drove back and forth from school to my house looking for me. He didn’t even have his license yet! But there was Michael, pulling into my driveway looking so worried and frantic—that’s when I knew he was ‘the one,’” she says.

Nearly eight years later, Michael decided to make things official. “It was my birthday, December 15, 2007,” he explains. “We rented a cabin in Tahoe for 30 family [members] and friends. Julie thought I was crazy for planning such an event, not knowing what would happen that weekend away.” The guests at the cabin played along with Michael’s surprise and told Julie to stall him outside while they decorated the place for what she thought was his birthday surprise.

“Someone gave Julie the sign to bring me in. Everything was perfect: our song was playing, there were rose petals sprinkled all around,” he says. Julie had expected a loud surprise, only to find the mood quiet and romantic. “The look on her face was perfect,” Michael remembers with pride. “I got on one knee, took out the ring and asked her to be my wife. Her exact words, through smiles and tears, were, ‘It’s about damn time!’” he laughs.

Leading up to their big day, Michael had an equal part in the planning process. “Working on the wedding together with all the ups and downs of budgeting definitely made us grow closer,” Michael says. Most helpful in their wedding planning was their photographer, Huy Phan. “From the day we interviewed him, he blew us away with the intricate details of his work. When we gave him the idea for our engagement photos, he made it come true—reflecting Michael’s parents’ photos when they first met in Vietnam,” Julie says.

Five hundred people shared in what the Buis call their “semi-traditional” wedding, beginning with the tea ceremony, a custom where the groom’s side of the family comes to greet the bride’s side to formally ask for her hand. Following the tea ceremony and a photo shoot in Old Sacramento, the couple exchanged vows at the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament. The party then moved to Majestic Restaurant for the reception, where guests dined on a selection of lobster, fried quail, chicken and striped bass, then danced all night long.

Looking back, Michael says, “I remember Julie walking down the aisle at the church, the organ playing the “Wedding March,” everyone standing, cameras flashing, smiles ear to ear. It was a moment I will never forget.”

Ceremony Site: Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament
Officiant: Friar Vincent
Ceremony Music: Classic wedding songs on the organ provided by the church
Photographer: Huy Phan Photography   Phone: 916-335-5024
Videographer: 4th Wall Productions
Reception Site: Majestic Restaurant
Hair: Lily, a friend who works at Regis Salon
Make-up: Macy's Benefit Counter Manager
Bridal Attire: Group USA (Dress), Mark Fisher (Shoes)
Bridesmaid Attire: David's Bridal
Flowergirl Attire: Burlington Coat Factory
Groom's Attire: Tuxedo Warehouse
Groomsmen Attire: Tuxedo Warehouse
Ringbearer Attire: Burlington Coat Factory
Bride's Jeweler: Geoffrey's Diamonds and Goldsmith
Groom's Jeweler: Geoffrey's Diamonds and Goldsmith
Invitations: Wedding Paper Divas (English), DCP Center (Vietnamese)
Thank You Cards: Vistaprint.com (also did the Save the Date magnets)
Flowers: The Wedding Shoppe
Cake: Sweet Escape by Betty
DJ/Entertainment: Indamix Productions
Carriage: Top Hand Ranch
Favors: Lottery Scratchers & Chinese Take-out Boxes filled with green sour candy made by the Bride & Groom
Table Linens: Majestic Restaurant
Table Decorations: DIY by the Bride & Groom
Chair Covers: Majestic Restaurant
Lighting: Indamix Productions
Honeymoon Location: Cabo San Lucas
First Dance Song: You Are by Lionel Ritchie
Cake Cutting Song: I Wanna Grow Old With You by Adam Sandler
Bouquet Toss Song: Single Ladies by Beyonce
Garter Toss Song: Stand Up by Ludacris

Any tips you'd give to brides and grooms planning their wedding:

Michael - Do it together, don't let her have all the fun. Planning a wedding is a huge event; if you can do this together and make it through intact and not still wanting to rip each others' heads off, you are made for one another and can accomplish anything together.

Julie - Let the groom participate. It's his wedding too. Let your bridal party know what's going on and let them help. It might be the first wedding they're in.

Details about this couples cake:
White cake with raspberry filling, fondant.
Details about this couples flowers:
Peonies, calla lilies, and everything else that was pink/purple.

Anything else about your wedding?

Huy Phan was great! He was so easy to work with. When we gave hime the idea for our Engagement Session, he made it come true. Our photos reflected Michael's parents when they first met in Vietnam.

My brother walked me down the aisle, and right before we entered the church he said "Don't think this is weird okay but I'm going to hug you at the end." I don't come from a hugging family so by him telling me this it gave me tears.

What would you have done differently if you had the chance?
I would change the location of the reception. Not because I didn't like the place, but because I always dreamed of having my wedding at a Vineyard. But with respect for the elders and the amount of guests, a vineyard wedding was not do-able.