Our Story

The story of Ricky and Elaine as two potential lovebirds began in 2004. Ricky grew up in Northern Virginia and was returning back to his roots after finishing up graduate work on the West Coast. He decided Hollywood did not need another Jackie Chan or Will Smith (more on that later). He came to Baltimore for a research fellowship. While settling into the new surroundings, he explored around town checking out the local fauna and discovering why every park bench said “The World’s Greatest City.” He was predestined to arrive at the Chinese Christian Church of Baltimore where soon he was welcomed and introduced to many people including Ms. Elaine Lew.

Elaine originally was from the lone-star state (the republic of Texas for those who are not familiar with the territory), which she fondly reminds all her friends every so often. She came to Baltimore over seven years ago to work at a “federal” agency (at an undisclosed location, Ricky has never been inside). She had been out-of-town for several weeks and when she had returned, she had heard about some new guy named "Ricky." She fancied to go meet the new guy on the block, and Ricky was also trying to familiarize himself with all the new asian people, and this Texan young lady. Hence, the paths of Elaine and Ricky converged, and would gradually blossom much like watching mustard seeds grow.

Eyes were twinkling, hearts were fluttering, and hands were sweating, but in the end all the suspense led to more relaxed, unassuming moments of just chilling out together. Over the next few years, our friendship grew, as we hung out with our friends, competed against one another in multiple Iron Chef competitions, played sports on Sunday afternoons after church, and entertained ourselves with many board, video, and card games.

The times were good and the relationship grew to a point where we started dating three years after we first met. Upon reflecting our moments together we realized watching Will Smith movies was an integral part of our dates. We feel we have to give special mention to his incidental efforts in making our times enjoyable even though some of the movies were not so fascinating. Rather, we became our own romantic comedy.

The majority of our courtship has been spent miles apart, since Ricky moved to Cambridge, Massachusetts to work for an engineering firm. Nevertheless, the distance apart proved to be a testament of our commitment to one another. This leads to the theme of our wedding—“Love abounds.” It triumphs over any circumstances.

And that is how it came to be when Ricky met Elaine.

The Engagement

In December 2007. Ricky came with Elaine to San Antonio to meet her “gi-normous” family. On Christmas Eve, we visited the San Antonio Botanical Gardens (his idea, not hers). He took her to the gazebo of the gardens which has a scenic overlook. When we got there, we sat down and he pulled out a large wrapped package from his backpack with a card on it.

"I want to give you your Christmas present."

Elaine opened the card and inside, it said, "Do you hear the ring?"

"Hm," she thought. She opened the package and it was a Bluetooth headset, which she had been requesting from Ricky for a few months.

"Thanks…finally," she said.

"It's what you wanted, right?"

"Yeah…thanks," she smiled at him.

After a few moments of silence, he said, "I have something else for you."

Our Favorite Past-time

We love to cook together. Here is a sample recipe that captivates why it is so much fun for us. Sorry this will not be served at the wedding but you are welcome to try it out!

Ricky’s Orange Molasses Glazed Chicken

Servings:4, Prep Time:15min, Total time:1hr 10min

Urban legend has it that long, long time ago….Chef Ricky had an eye on empress Elaine. Chef Ricky knew that the empress loved orange juice so he sacrificed his precious orange tree and devised a delicious recipe to win the heart of his beloved woman.

The dish was mysteriously delivered to the empress’s door. The empress approved and gave many accolades that resounded through all of China. But sadly the identity of the creator of this masterpiece remained a mystery because a love between an empress (though single) and a chef was forbidden initially and considered taboo. Regardless, the empress set out through all of China to find the chef and announced whoever created this dish would win her heart and become the next emperor.

There were many imposters…out of them the most famous was General Tso and Mr. Orange Beef/Chicken, which are now staple dishes in Chinese Restaurants around the world. But none realized that the secret ingredients were a lot of luvin’….and molasses. Eventually it was discovered that Chef Ricky was the creator of this dish and so Emperor Ricky and Empress Elaine hooked up, and lived happily ever after. The End.

Oh and the Chinese invented molasses. (Note: The veracity of this story has not been proven.)

Ingredients

3 cups fresh orange juice (5 to 6 oranges)
1/2 cup red-wine vinegar
1/4 cup molasses
4 bone-in skinless chicken breast halves (8 ounces each)
Coarse salt and ground pepper

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 400°. In a large skillet, combine juice, vinegar, and molasses. Boil over high heat, skimming foam occasionally, until mixture is reduced to 1/2 cup, 10 to 15 minutes. Reserve half the glaze for serving.
2. Place chicken breasts on a rimmed baking sheet lined with aluminum foil. Season generously with salt and pepper, and brush with glaze.
3. Bake chicken, brush with glaze twice, until juices run clear when pierced, 35 to 40 minutes. Serve hot with reserved glaze.