I s s ue N o.1
T HE MA RRI AG E C E L E B R ATI O N O F
THE
A A RO N McCARTY AND DO ROTHY HUY NH
S un day, s ep t em b er 2 5 t h, 2 0 1 6
McCartys E S T. 2 0 1 6
W H Y THIS N E WSPA PER EXISTS This is for our wedding guests. Welcome to our wedding, and thank you for taking the time to join us in celebration. Not only do we want you to know what to expect today, we want you to have something to hold and enjoy in your spare moments. This is for our family. Our wedding would not be happening without the tremendous love and support of all our family, and so we want to honor them and thank them here—not just for helping make this day happen, but for leading and encouraging us in our lives up to today. Family, we love you all so deeply.
This is for our friends. Support hasn’t come only from our family, but also from friends in different areas of our lives that have been extremely generous towards us with their time, resources, and gifts. We honor and thank our friends here as well; we wouldn’t be where we are today without them. Our hope is that this newspaper can connect many of our circles that would otherwise never cross, and that more friendships may be made tonight. This is for the young. There are plenty of youngsters that are important in our life. They are important enough to us that we realize weddings can be boring…until the desserts and dancing happens. Inside are some pictures to look at, and also some activities that hopefully can keep our young friends entertained.
This is for the adults. It’s not just all photos and games inside! There is plenty of reading to do—who we are, who our friends are, how our relationship formed, etc. We hope that this gives answers to questions before you have to ask them. This is for our God. Ultimately, this day is about Him. This newspaper exists because our wedding exists, and our wedding exists because of God’s love in our life. Because we love Him, we not only want to honor and worship Him with our ceremony, but also with all the details surrounding it. We want to celebrate Him with song, food, drink, and dancing; we also want to celebrate Him with design and aesthetic. We create to honor our Creator.
as a REMINDER
tonight’s schedule
415p
445p
6p
730p
8p
10p
CEREMONY
C O C K TA I L H O U R
DINNER
TOASTS
DANCING & B E YO N D
END
Please refrain from taking photos during the ceremony. We hired an incredible photographer to do just that and we would love to share those photos with you in the future.
Fr i e n ds & Fa m ily
T HE MA RRI AG E C E L E B R ATI O N O F
T H AN K YO U s
Ali Dull for video-ing our day with your iPhone skills. Brianna Lantz for being our day-of-coordinator. Carolyn and Yee Feng—this wedding literally would not be happening if not for these two. Thank you for letting Dorothy live with you this past year and many other things including music and the photobooth today. Carolyn and Yee celebrate 10 years of marriage this coming week! Happy anniversary you two. Chelsey Matley for your professional make-up work and making the ladies feel beautiful. Constellation & Co., Sara McNally for your wonderful work and letterpress skills on our wedding invitations. Dave and Joy Radford, Shen and Megan Spurgeon for loving and counseling us so well and throwing us the coolest brunch ever. Megan, for making our favors (grab a taco flag!) and our table number holders. Deandra Hamer for doing the ladies’ hair. Eleni Paper Co., Eleni Hannula for your beautiful floral illustrations—the perfect little detail in our wedding paper goods. Gina Norquist-Ogazi for your yummy cake and cupcakes. Ink Wellington, Ellen Mauro for making our guests’ names look incredible on the invitations and tiles. Jose Ochoa for Aaron’s perfect fade. Juliet & Lou, Elsa Walker and Hannah Ham for your hard work with decor and florals and for working tirelessly setting this day up. Kristen Marie Parker for traveling so far to make our engagement photos happen, for being so generous and for documenting our wedding day. Libby Tipton for calligraphing our seating chart. Nate Porter for marrying us, for believing in us and for being such a great brother to Aaron. Our wedding party, friends and family who traveled here and helped us with the little and logistical things that weren’t so fun. All of you, for being here with us.
Chances are, there are a lot of people here you don’t know. We want you to meet them and make a new friend! As the night progresses, find five different people who fit the description in these boxes. Get their signature in the box that describes them. The first two people who can get five in a row, find Desi (our MC) and claim a prize!
S un day, s ep t em b er 2 5 t h, 2 0 1 6
our PARENTS
We would like to sincerely thank the following people for making this day possible. Today would not be what it is without you all.
get to know our friends and family
A A RO N McCARTY AND DO ROTHY HUY NH
PAUL and NGỌC NỮ HUỲNH
TIM and STACY McCARTY
There are a few special people in our lives who couldn’t be here due to travel. We would like to honor them and their importance in our lives.
CHANH NGÔ grandmother olympia, wa
in LOVI NG MEMORY
ELIZABETH NIFONG grandmother elkhart, in JONATHAN and LEAH DAMON (+ OLIVER, ROWAN, SHILOH) close friends parkesburg, pa MARILYN McCARTY and DALE CRIM grandparents new paris, in
Daniel Ân Điển Bùi Hà cousin 1988-2014
ONE OF DOROTHY’S FAMILY MEMBERS
SOMEONE WHO HAS TRAVELED TO AT LEAST 3 DIFFERENT COUNTRIES
SOMEONE FROM RAINIER VALLEY CHURCH
ONE OF THE RADFORDS
SOMEONE WHO WORKS FOR A NON-PROFIT
SOMEONE UNDER THE AGE OF 18
ONE OF AARON’S PAST ROOMMATES
SOMEONE YOU’VE NEVER MET BEFORE
ONE OF DOROTHY’S CHILDHOOD FRIENDS
SOMEONE LEFT-HANDED
ONE OF AARON’S FAMILY MEMBERS
SOMEONE DOROTHY MET WHILE LIVING IN CALIFORNIA
WEDDING PARTY MEMBER
SOMEONE WHO HAS WORKED WITH DOROTHY
ONE OF THE FENGS
I had a dream about Daniel following his passing. He was at my wedding, hugging me and so overjoyed that I had found my person. I know Aaron would’ve loved him. Growing up, my cousins and I were always close but I had a special place in my heart for Dan. I distinctly remember making home videos with the cousins when we were in Boston visiting. Dan pretended he owned a psychic pizza shop, and said he could predict what type of pizza I would order- pepperoni or cheese. That’s all they offered. I don’t know why, but I remember laughing so hard at this. Dan was kind, accepting, and so gifted in everything he pursued. We love and miss you, Dan. Wish you were here.
Richard McCarty grandfather 1936-2013
Búp Thị Nguyễn grandmother A COUPLE WHO HAS BEEN MARRIED FOR UNDER 5 YEARS
SOMEONE OVER THE AGE OF 40
SOMEONE WHO OWNS A MOTORCYCLE
1930-2013
SOMEONE WITH A BEARD
Mừng Văn Bùi grandfather
Floyd Nifong grandfather 1922-2008
SOMEONE WHO CAME FROM OUT-OF-STATE
1923-2011
SOMEONE WHO DOES NOT HAVE AN iPHONE
SOMEONE WHO SPEAKS VIETNAMESE
SOMEONE WHO WENT TO SPU WITH DOROTHY
A COUPLE WHO HAS BEEN MARRIED FOR OVER 15 YEARS
SOMEONE WHO GREW UP WITH AARON
Don Huỳnh grandfather 1931-2000
T HE MA RRI AG E C E L E B R ATI O N O F
Th e G e n t l e m e n
A A RO N McCARTY AND DO ROTHY HUY NH
the GRO OM AARON McCARTY Aaron grew up in a small town in Indiana, with his parents and three siblings. He lived in the midwest until 2011 when God brought him out to Seattle. He didn’t know anyone personally and it was through the Church that he began to find his community. One of the things I admire most about him is how he has cared for my family. He was the first person that I found myself talking to after I had heard of my cousin Dan’s passing. Even while I was away in Uganda, he continued to pursue me by spending Valentines’ Day with my extended family at my cousin’s funeral. He has loved on all of my cousins and he has been a brother to all of my girlfriends by always asking about their hearts. Aaron is a rare type of person. If you know him already, I think you would agree. When we began dating, I couldn’t help but always be in wonder of how his mind operated. He cares about things in ways most people wouldn’t and in his terms, always curates ‘thought experiments’. He continually challenges and encourages me. Aaron is one of the hardest workers I know, if not the hardest. Manual labor is not anyone’s dream job it seems—especially living in a techdriven city, but Aaron does it well and cares about his work. Aaron’s work ethic inspires me, his patience overwhelms me, and his desire to become more like Jesus is what I love most about him. -D the GRO OMSMEN KY LE GWILT Kyle and I have lived in the same house together for the last 3 years or so. I have not met many guys in my life that are willing to open up and talk about life—the good things and the bad things. Kyle does it better than most, and this has made him my closest friend. It is often that I look at my friendship with Kyle and end up thanking God for His timeliness in putting us in the same city, church, and house. PHIL HERBRUCK Phil was literally my first best friend, and it’s been a friendship that has continued all the way until the present, as sparse as our conversations may be these days. I remember being new in first grade and being timid and alone and he was probably the only person that didn’t treat me like an outsider. Throughout the years of growing up, Phil has always been such a faithful friend to me. In every walk of life, he has always been an encouragement to me, cared about what I’m going through, willing and ready to hang out whenever, to chat about all the existential questions of life and whatever else happens to be on our minds. He’s the kind of friend I hope my future kids find someday in life. JASON MCCARTY Jason is my older brother. One thing that I respect about Jason is his generosity. He has never seemed to hold onto what he has with a tight fist, and has always been willing to help myself and others around him when they need it. Some of my favorite memories were living with Jason after we both were out of our parents’ home, where we learned to be friends and not just brothers. CALE B MCCARTY Caleb is my younger brother, and he has been married to his wife Brianna for 4 years now. At a younger age, I saw Caleb’s fiery personality and wondered where that would take him in life. I have been amazed and full of joy to see Caleb truly take steps to submit his life to the Lord and how his maturity has only grown and grown. SANG HUỲNH Sang is the older of Dorothy’s two younger brothers, and soon to be my newest older brother. Sang is a one of a kind dude. Most men his age that I see are busy chasing after things for their own pleasure, but Sang has been faithfully using his freedom to love and lead the people around him, and I admire that very much about him. KHIẾT HUỲNH Khiet is Dorothy’s youngest brother. He recently graduated high school and is finishing up his AA degree. Much like Sang, every time I spend time with Khiet, I look at him a little amazed, because he is so atypical compared to the average young adult. He is obedient, respectful, and helps out at home and church without complaining. I’m looking forward to seeing what God has in his future.
S un day, s ep t em b er 2 5 t h, 2 0 1 6
Goodness & love are as real as their terrible opposites, and, in truth, far more real, though i say this mindful of the enormous evils... But love is the final reality; and anyone who does not understand this, be he writer or sage, is a man flawed of wisdom. A Severe Mercy, Sheldon Vanauken
OCTOBER 19, 2014
NOV E M B E R 1 5 , 2 0 1 4
N OVE MBE R 2 8 , 2 0 1 4
I couldn’t believe Yee was asking if I wanted to meet this girl, and I couldn’t believe it when he brought her to church anyways, even after I told him—no, I didn’t want to meet her. But there she was, walking up the sidewalk to where I was and there was nowhere I could hide, no back door to run out of. Gulp and blush and hello. Twenty minutes and a super awkward photo from Yee later, we said our goodbyes. Glad that was over, and I don’t think I’ll probably ever see her again….
the night before, we counted down. sixteen point five. nine hours and eighteen minutes. four hours and ten minutes. one hour and forty. were we building it up, I wondered? it all seemed too good to be true... as soon as I saw him, I already wished for more time. I didn’t want it to start for fear that our time would inevitably come to an end. he took me to a place that I had long (secretly) wished for a boy to take me. I could feel the nerves jumping back and forth between us, but it was because we were both so relieved and excited that we were finally here, now. he bought brunch for me, and then coffee, and as we walked the streets, he photographed me on his film camera and I, on my disposable. later on, he told me he wanted to keep pursuing me even though he knew I would soon be leaving for two months. words and words, so many words later... the time had vanished. he was much, much more than I could have ever hoped for. it seemed that my dreams had been far too small.
he had asked if we could stop at Barnes and Noble to pick up a Christmas gift for a friend, so we drove up to Northgate. we parked and the engine shut off and we had the conversation. I didn’t need a label, but what were we? I didn’t want to rush him either, because it hadn’t been that long. but I really liked him.
spending the day together was much more optimal. I had her take Saturday off work, which I knew would tip her off to the idea that I would be asking that day. But, I also lied to her (whoops) and told her that I found out last minute I had to work Saturday morning. I was really sorry of course, but would be done in time to pick her up for brunch. “Oh! That’s fine! Carolyn asked if I could go jogging Saturday morning anyways.” Perfect. Now, of course she didn’t know that it was I that had asked Carolyn to already have brought this idea up with her. All part of the master plan, and she fell for it way too easily.
A couple deep breaths later and then they were right in front of me. Dorothy saw me….but she didn’t stop jogging. Instead, as she jogged past, she looked over her shoulder and yelled, “What are you doing here??” I asked her to come back, chuckling inside because I knew her surprise was genuine. I was quite pleased with myself that I had accomplished this feat, but still nervous as I put my blanket around her and read aloud the words I had written. Of course I cried, but I wouldn’t change a thing. She said yes and I put the ring I had made on her finger. We sat down to pray over the next part of our lives, and then headed off to spend the day together over brunch and a trip to Bainbridge. It really was a perfect day, and one we will surely to remember.
“I really like you, Dorothy.” I will always remember this moment—when he shifted his body so that he was facing me and he said those words quietly, but confidently. and so after more words were exchanged and the blur of not believing I would be his girlfriend, we bumped fists and that was that. it was official. and then hand-in-hand, we walked towards the bookstore.
JANUA RY 30, 2016
I was determined to make this proposal a surprise. After talking with some friends, I concluded that my goal was not necessarily to make the focus of the proposal to be its extravagance, but rather its memorability. Dorothy was expecting me to be asking soon; she had all her bases covered….so I had to be extra sneaky. I knew if she thought she could predict it, and I truly did surprise her, she wouldn’t forget that day. Our friend Megan had done some ninja conversation-work and helped me understand what Dorothy was expecting. She helped me come up with a spot and a plan: jogging. Yes...surprise her while she is jogging. The last thing I wanted was to have her wondering the whole day of our time together when I would ask. Getting it out of the way first, then
That Saturday morning, I dressed up nicely (and warmly), grabbed a blanket, a letter I had written, the ring, and headed off to the location. I was tracking Carolyn from my phone and saw them approaching.
Th e L adie s
T HE MA RRI AG E C E L E B R ATI O N O F
A A RO N McCARTY AND DO ROTHY HUY NH
S un day, s ep t em b er 2 5 t h, 2 0 1 6
the BRI DE DOROTHY HUỲNH Dorothy grew up in Tumwater, WA. Her closest community was formed there—first and most deeply with her family, but also with friends from church and school. Dorothy wouldn’t let “home” be defined by one place. Higher education and other travels took her to Santa Barbara to study at Brooks, up to Seattle to study at SPU, across Europe for international studies, and to Uganda for missions. Through each of these trips and experiences, Dorothy learned better who she was created to be, and expanded the circle of people whom she knows and loves. One of the main reasons the group of people gathered together here is so diverse is because of the time Dorothy has spent loving, pursuing, and encouraging others in so many different places and times. This is an example of the one of the things I respect most about her: she has a gift of empathizing and connecting with almost anyone, and isn’t afraid to do it. She never checks herself to see the potential cost involved in caring for people, nor is she quick to judge—she looks straight at their heart, finds who God created this person to be, and loves them according to that. Another piece of this woman that I earnestly adore is the joy that she exuberates. It’s rare to find a grumpy Dorothy, to find a moment where she is not smiling, laughing, joking with someone, or trying to cheer someone else up. I know that it is not purely through Dorothy’s efforts that she has become the woman that I have fallen in love with, but rather it is through the many people around her, and most importantly because of the Lord’s work in her life. -A the BRI DESMAI DS HUYE N XU One of my longest friends! Chi Huyen currently lives in Las Vegas and is the ultimate diva. She would openly admit this up until this last March, when she married and gave up her title. If you know Chi Huyen, you will know that family is extremely important to her. She brings people together and I can always count on her to make me laugh. SHALOM MURPHY Friends ever since the awkward middle school days, where we fumbled through volleyball (okay, let’s be honest, that was just me) and shared many band-nerd moments, which continued into high school. This girl is a determined one- watch her set a goal and work tirelessly until she gets there. Shalom recently celebrated a year of marriage with the love of her life, John. In short, this girl is a gym rat. Maybe she’ll lead us in a Zumba routine tonight ;) YVONNE TRAN-MACDONALD The first time I met Yvonne was in the parking lot at Pepperdine University. We spent the next four hours in traffic, talking the entire time. Boom. Forever friends. Since then, she has been one of my most faithful sisters, especially in regards to my faith. Yvonne lives in LA and works as a project manager for McBeard. Don’t let that fool you; this girl has many #sidehustles, including playing bass for a local band, making DIY party decorations, and also her dance moves make me green with envy. DESIREE MEIS Tonight’s MC! Desi and I decided to move in together after we hung out for the first time, so one could say we both knew it was meant to be. We were roommates/housemates for a year and a half at SPU. She is also one of my favorite running buddies. Des and her husband Chad have organized and led multiple ministries, and many prayer and worship gatherings, especially at the college level. These two love their community fiercely and it’s cool to see a pair who are on the exact same page. KATY ADKISON Katy and I lived together my Senior year at SPU. She came home from class one afternoon, popped her head in my room to say hi and immediately saw that I was upset about something. Katy laid down beside me on my bed and prayed for me while I cried. That’s the kind of friend she is. She is also one of the most intelligent people I have ever met and her love for learning is inspiring. Katy loves nutrition, health, and helping people. I have no doubt that she will—she already has.
E n t e rtain m e n t
T HE MA RRI AG E C E L E B R ATI O N O F
A A RO N McCARTY AND DO ROTHY HUY NH
S un day, s ep t em b er 2 5 t h, 2 0 1 6
WORD SE ARCH AARON COFFEE DAIRYLAND DANCEPARTY DATSUN DONUTS DOROTHY ICECREAM JESUS OLYMPIA SEATTLE TACOTRUCK TATTOO WA RSAW WEDDING
DON ’ T M I S S T H ESE T H I N G S !
A A RON ’ S DATS UN I S ON I T S LAS T LEG! H EL P HIM N AV I GAT E IT HO ME!
S O D O K US play bingo (pg.2), meet new people and maybe win a prize
get tatted with our temporary tattoos!
take photos at the photobooth! visit our website in the next week to view your photos :)
sign our guestbook, please!
make some s’mores later this evening!
A N D F O R E T E R N I T Y. C O M