Sandy and Philip Final Proof

Sandy + Philip

FEBRUARY 23, 2020 ALLELY ESTATE, KUMEU

Sandy + Philip

To my future Mrs Kumar I knew from the moment I first saw you that I wanted you in my life (that’s a lie because I told you when I saw you, I was like god damn! She is nice!) I still remember that day when I was sitting in the car and decided to give up on life but out of nowhere you came and sat beside me and just said “I’m here for you.”

From that moment, I knew that I wanted to spend the rest of my life with you.

Your loyalty and love towards me made you irresistible to me. I loved all the long phone conversations, going to Mission Bay late hours of the night and just talking till the early hours of the morning before we both realised that we have work in a couple of hours. We’ve had good times and bad times but each day I look forward to the next day with you, our next kiss, our next cuddles and our next adventure in life. But mostly, I am just happy to be next to you, being able to stare into your beautiful eyes and kiss your soft lips and tell you how much I love you and how special you are to me. You are an amazing woman and I’m lucky to have you in my life. Sandy Phongsa, I promise to you that I will always love you, honor you and comfort you. I promise to always be your best friend that will always make you laugh, annoy you and provide a shoulder to rest on.

Babe, I will stay by your side always and forever no matter what life brings.

Thank you for loving me for who I am and treating me like a King. I just want you to take a deep breath and relax because when I see your beautiful face, walking down that aisle towards me, no one else or anything else will matter. It will just be you and me. At the end of today, you will be my wife – Mrs Sandy Kumar.

I love you with all that I am, always and forever.

Your future husband.

Philip’s Vows Today is the beginning of the rest of our lives. I choose to spend today and all of my tomorrow, with you. I wonder till this day what you see in me beside my shocking good looks, my dry jokes or is it my perfect credit rating? But you saw something in me and I’m glad you did. Even now you see something in me even no one, not even I can see it. You have pushed me above and beyond my potential. You have made me realise my worth, make me believe in things, helped me to be vocal and to be who I am. Baby, you are my yin to my yang or the yang to my yin - whichever is the black one, that’s you. I want to spend the rest of my life with you, raise our kids together, travel the world - taste all the different foods, even the nasty as one you love to eat. But most importantly, lying in bed laughing over nothing and kissing you goodnight.

You are the most smart, beautiful, caring, loving and the list carries on. You have given me everything and I did not think that I would ever deserve you or our beautiful daughter but for some reason God and this universe finds me worthy of all this. So, Sandy Phongsa this is my promise to you. I promise to respect, admire and appreciate you for who you are and always try to get the best out from you even though I’m annoying when I do that. I promise to persevere when times get tough, knowing that any challenge we might face, we will conquer it together. We got this Babe! I promise to grow with you and build with you a better life each day as we learn from each other. To be patient, kind, giving and always to cherish each day together. I promise to always love you more than I did yesterday. I promise to be a better husband to you than I was yesterday. I promise to be a better father than I was yesterday. And I promise that I will never stop being better until you get what you deserve - which is everything.

Sandy’s Vows I never knew what it was like to look at someone and smile for no reason until we met, and I never knew how much you would change my life. We both had no idea life would bring us together and now today, I am standing in front of you as your wife-to- be. You have gone from being just a work colleague, a friend I could count on with a shoulder to cry on to the only face I love to wake up to every morning and someone who I cannot imagine my life without. We have been through thick and thin in a short amount of time and you have always had my back. You are who I want to build a future, family and a home with. I love you not only for who you are, but for who I am when I am with you. You have made me a better person and have always believed in me, always encouraging me to be the best that I can be. I love you for all that you are, all that you have been and all that you are yet to be. Peter Philip Kumar, today in front of all the important people in our lives I take you as you are. I take you as my husband and my forever human from this day forward, to hold and to cherish in sickness and in health, for richer or for poorer. I will love you on your best days, worst days and the ordinary days in between. I can’t promise you I will be the perfect wife, but I promise to encourage you, support you, always have your back and protect you. I promise to help you and guide you into achieving your life goals.

I promise to patient with you and continue to love you for who you are, flaws and all for the rest of our lives. I promise to love your family as much as I love my own and always be there for them. I promise to laugh with you and cry with you, and to always comfort you. I promise to always be by your side, stand by you and never let you face a day alone. I promise to never take you or our love for granted. I promise to remain faithful, honest and true to you. I promise to be your biggest fan, best friend and life-time partner.

I promise to always put my freezing cold feet under your shirt for the rest of our life-time together. I promise to be interested when you want to watch sports and scream at the TV. I promise to tolerate your snoring, even when it gets too loud and I can’t hear my own thoughts. I promise to always find whatever item you are looking for when you’ve only done a man-look.

But lastly, I promise to fall in love with you repeatedly every day and I promise you will always have a home in my heart.

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.

1 Corinthians 13:4-7

Love yesterday, today and forever.

Jeremiah 31:3

Bridal Party SANDY KUMAR ALEENA KHONTHOTHONG JESSIE PHONGSA

PHILIP KUMAR ARNOLD KUMAR MUNITHESH RAO

JUNIOR BRIDESMAID LYRA KUMAR

FLOWER GIRLS ABIGAIL GRACE SIENNA STIRLING-PHONGSA

Loyal, caring, sincere, honest, a great man but that’s enough about me, I’m here to give a speech about Philip. A few months ago, I was talking to Philip and he said to me “I don’t really want you to speak at my wedding but you’re the only brother I have”. So yeah, here we are!

I guess I should introduce myself for those who don’t know me. My name is Arnold and I am Philip’s younger brother. The better looking one. His only brother. Blood. You’ve got no idea how much I’ve been looking forward to today. After all the time I’ve been with Philip, he has at long last admitted that I am in fact the best man. I’m very happy to preside over the only five minutes of the day Sandy and Philip didn’t plan. Sandy and Philip, it is an honour to stand up here today, I can’t be happier for you two. So glad we could celebrate this day with so many friends and family from not only around this area. I’ve been told that there’s people here from America, Australia, Fiji and South Auckland - Takanini and Papakura to be precise. It’s amazing how far some people will travel for a free meal. So, thank you everyone for showing up, even if you didn’t, I knew Philip would not let anything get in the way of marrying Sandy today and the fact that we’re Indian, everything had been paid for. In life there are people who procrastinate and leave things to the very last minute, like myself and this speech. Then there’s Philip, you can look no further than the planning that went on for today, Philip actually had his wedding website up and running before he even met Sandy. Sandy, you look amazing today.

Philip, you didn’t even shave! Sandy, ever since we met you, we knew you were a keeper. I have particularly liked you from the start because you always laugh at my jokes even though Philip would shake his head and call me an idiot. You are beautiful, inside and out (I’m still talking about Sandy here) you’re kind, compassionate, genuine, smart, caring, have more money than me and Philip combined. Most importantly, you make my brother happy in a way that I never could (that came out wrong, should have had that one proof read but oh well even then, good luck with that Sandy and thanks for taking one for the team). With all jokes aside (and I don’t mean the one sitting next to you), I couldn’t have asked for a better sister-in-law.

We all know that Sandy is a wonderful lady who deserves the perfect guy. Too bad you don’t always get what you deserve. Sandy and Philip, I wish you two all the best in your life together. I love you both, mum made me say that.

Some of you may know me - I’m Aleena, Maid of Honor and the best friend of Sandy’s.

I would like to thank everyone for joining us today to celebrate the marriage of Mr and Mrs Kumar and a special thank you to those who have travelled from near and far to be part of their special day. Sandy and I go way back! Back to when we were both in nappies! Thanks to our parents for being good family friends. We’ve got so many childhood memories, and of course we were always up to mischief! We also attended the same high school, so we were always hanging in A Block! I don’t know why but we went through phases of being little emo’s with long big fringes, heavy dark eye liner, majority of the time I just had panda eyes but let’s not go there.

During school, we would scope out our crushes at lunch times, giving them top secret code names only we would know, for example, “I saw Rick in the corridors today, in T block.” His name was definitely not Rick. Sandy would point out the unattractive boys and be like ‘hey look that’s your boyfriend’, and I can tell you, she still does it til’ this day. Oh, and how can I forget about the time she mocked me about a guy in my class saying he was my boyfriend and calling him Akon for obvious reasons. Well babe, looks you got your own Akon now!

In 2018, we went on a trip to Rarotonga, this was also Sandy’s idea! The girl does not like the sand, the sun nor the heat but had decided to ask me to go to Rarotonga! We got there it was great! We roamed, drank cocktails by the pool, went on a few attractions, snorkelling (that meant I snorkelled, and Sandy stayed on the boat taking photos for me). Good times!

Philip, I would like to thank you for coming into our lives. It has been a blessing for Sandy, Lyra and all of us. We are grateful for all that you do! You show so much love towards Sandy, Lyra and the family. My heart absolutely melts when you and Lyra bond and spend time together. You’ve helped her with her homework, rugby and sports. You are always there for her, ensuring her safety and making her priority. But most importantly, ensuring that she is loved. Sandy is a beautiful, loving, caring person who is also strong, intelligent and an incredible mother. She would always put others first and would be there for you in a heartbeat.

Lyra shares so many of Sandy’s traits and there is no doubt that she is definitely a mini version of Sandy. She is my precious and I absolutely love her. I cannot ask for a more perfect best friend and so thankful for all she does. I am thankful for the “Good morning message” every morning and the drop in messages to see if I’m doing okay. I am proud to call her my best friend and can always count on her to have my back. It is an honour to be your Maid of Honor for yours and Philip’s special day. I love you, babe. Hey Philip! She was my friend first! It makes my heart warm that the people I love are genuinely happy. So I would like everyone to please raise their glasses - I wish Sandy and Philip all the best in the near future, with love and happiness to Mr and Mrs Kumar!

Good evening everyone! Bula! Talofa! Sawadee Krup! Ladies and Gentlemen, you are about to witness a unique event in history. The very first and very last time that my newlywed wife is going to let me speak on behalf of us BOTH. It is a privilege and an honour to do so. I just hope that, so soon into our married life, I don’t let Sandy down. First of all – A big happy birthday to Chutima Boonpramote! I would like to start off with saying thank you to each and every one of you, those who have travelled from near and far to be a part of this special day, sharing our first meal as Mr & Mrs Kumar with us. Special thank you to our parents: Mom and Dad Kumar for raising me to be the man I am today and teaching me the values of life.

For being there for me through thick and thin and continuously being my backbone. We appreciate your continuous prayers and support; without that I wouldn’t be here marrying the love of my life. Special thank you to my wife’s parents: Mom and Dad Phongsa. Thank you for bringing my beautiful wife into this world, for accepting me into your family and loving me more. Lyra you are my daughter, precious and priceless. From the day I first saw you, I knew. I knew that holding your hand meant far more than just father and daughter. As my daughter I see you as a valuable treasure. Your value is not estimated by a stack of paper bills or coins, but by the wisdom and virtue that God has implanted in your soul. At each stage in your life, I will be there to give you all of my support with protection, security and strength.

As you take your steps in life, I will hold your hand, helping you to trust that you will never fall while Daddy is there. Reverend Glen and Pastor Cardena, thank you for your role as my biblical parents from the day I met you both in bible college. Thank you for your guidance throughout our family’s difficult and good times and for the continued support for all of us. A very big thank you to our bridal party – Arnold, my little brother. I love you; I know it sounds weird and I never say this to you, but I really love you, man. I really appreciate you for being there for me all these years even though I bully you. Aleena, My sister. The sister that I wish I always had. Sis, I love you. Thank you for always being there for my wife. You know exactly how much we both appreciate and love you. Honestly, thank you is a very small word compared to what you do for us. Just knowing that you are there for us always means the whole world. Ritesh, my brother from another mother. Thank you for coming all the way from Fiji in your canoe to stand by my side today. I honestly thought you weren’t going to making it, but this shows no matter what - we got each other’s back and you will be there whenever I need you. Jessie, the biggest headache of a sister. Sis - you challenge me, thank you for the healthy competition within the workplace and in our personal life. Thank you for accepting me into your family and as your brother. I promise to always look after your sister. You already know how much your sister loves you. Janny, During the last 6 months it has been a tough journey p.s she’s also our personal trainer. We look good today because of her! I hope to never hear that push it, push it real good song ever again. Thank you for pushing the both of us over our limits and reminding us that there is no challenge we cannot achieve together, consistent reminders of what our goals are and where we want to be. Suleman, she’s going to catch the bouquet tonight! Huge thank you to the ones who took on some extra responsibility and ensured today ran smoothly – Our MC Aja Wells and our usherettes Mimi and Namfron! Lastly, my beautiful wife – Mrs Sandy Kumar. You look absolutely stunning today and every other day. Whether you have on a dazzling dress and perfectly manicured nails or you just have a messy ponytail and t-shirt and gym tights on - you look beautiful, no matter what. Finally, I Kumar’d you lady… Sometimes it still has me in shock, just thinking about how lucky I am to be able to wake up knowing that I have you in my life. You already know that as much as I love you, I am not perfect. But I will do my best to do my share in our marriage and around the house.

I will try to remember to put my dirty dishes in the sink and I will do my best to separate the laundry correctly. But here is what I can promise you without a doubt, I will love you with all my heart and I will try to make you laugh and smile every day. Thank you for marrying me and for being my wife.

Our guests SANDY JESSIE

ALEENA

PHILIP ARNOLD

MUNITHESH

Four Five

One

Two

Three

SIP

GRANDMA KEN

CHRISTINE

DEBORAH

GRACE

BEAU

VIENGMALY

ISARA

MIKE

RAVIN

SIAMMONE

AARON

BABY LUTIA

ANDREW

GANGAIYA

NOPPAKHON

BOUNMY

NICK

VERONA

RADHA

KHANTALY

MUSAKEE

SENGKHAM

ASHNA

SURESH

EDDIE

SUNAN

NATALIE

SHAILLESHNI

IMMANUEL

MANICHANH

PHIMPHONE

JOYCE

JELISA

DANIEL

BIENG

CHANSY

ABIGAIL

TUANELLE

VISHANT

THONKHAN

UNKANEE

ISAIAH

RAJEENA

MINAL

KHAMHOUNG

JAMES

KATHY

SHAMAL

ATHENA

Six Seven Eight MICHELLE

PHEA

RICHARD

Nine KEO

ARNONG

BONTY

SHARON

RUJIPA

ADRIANNA

MALISA

NANI

PHAENGPHONE

APINYA

LUKE

REVEREND GLEN

GRANDMA AMNUAY

ARAINA

ALISA

PASTOR CARDENA

SUPHOT

JIN

KYLE

PASTOR HELLEN

LAM

NICKY

ELLIE

PASTOR ALAN

MINA

ROY

SIAM

MARLENE MANASE

PAYAO

BENJAMIN

MICHAEL

PASTOR LEVITIKO

HAMISH

SUPHAPAT

PASTOR LEONI

ORAVANH

Ten

Eleven Twelve Thirteen Kids RUBY

LYRA

PA NAREE

PA NAREE

COURTNEY

PAUL

PAUL

ALI

SEAN

VANESSA BRENDEN FRANKLIN

BUNCHUAY

BUNCHUAY

JASMIN

CARMEN

SARAYUT

SARAYUT

DAVID

JONO

PHO

PHO

ORAPHANH

OLIVER

PHET

SAMIAN

SAMIAN

TANIELU

ALEX

SIENNA LEON

SOMBOON

SOMBOON

JANNY

CRISTENA

TIPIEW MAGNOLIA

PHAKPHUM

PHAKPHUM

SULEMAN

ELLA

PRANEE

PRANEE

SINEAD

TABITHA

TEDDY

HAIDEN

TANYA

CYRUS AVA

Be completely humble and gentle; bearing with one another in love.

Ephesians 4:2

I have found the one whom my soul loves.

Songs of Solomon 3:4

Dad, when I first saw you - I already knew that you were the man who would always have my heart and it would be like that forever. You are a loving person. A fantastic Dad and you are the man who has always been in my heart. Every time I fell, you always picked me up. If I got confused in a project, you have always helped me. You taught me how to play Rugby, how to be strong, tough and how to defend myself.

Whenever I was nervous about something you always held my hand, kissed my forehead and said be brave, be strong, and never give up! When I get married, I can’t wait to walk down the aisle with my dad holding my hand. Every time you tell me you love me; I always have a love connection of me and my dad. Thank you for everything that you have taught me, showed me how to do and trained me to be that strong, brave girl. You have taught your daughter how to be a superstar in progress. For all the times that I forgot to thank you, for all the special little things you do, for all the words that sometimes go unspoken - I need to say, I love you, Dad‌ I do. I love you for the way you stop and listen and for your kind support throughout the years. For teaching me the meaning of compassion and sharing in my triumphs and my tears.

And, if at times, I may have seemed ungrateful. I want to say that nothing you have done has been forgotten and day by day, you just mean more to me. Dad, thank you for accepting me for who I am. You are a great father and you do great things for me.

You are truly the greatest. You are my superhero of all time!

Love always, Lyra

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