This site is a journal of our lives and adventures. It may transform into something else in the future, though it will still be a place to share our experiences in one way or another. Here’s a little bit about us…

Lisa Vuong was born 30 years ago in Hong Kong. Her family moved to San Francisco when she was 2 years old. Lisa has 3 siblings (an older sister, Judy; a younger brother, Henry; and a younger sister, Mabel). Through the years attending Lafayette Elementary, Grattan Elementary, Francis Scott Key Elementary, A P Giannini Middle School, and Lincoln High School, Lisa met many friends with whom she remains close with to this day. Lisa picked up a volleyball in middle school and hasn’t really put it down since. Lisa began working at a mortgage company in San Mateo and joined Spinner Mortgage in 2003 where she works currently as a mortgage loan consultant.

Robert Lew was born 30 years ago in Santa Barbara, CA. Rob’s family moved to the San Francisco Bay Area (Fremont) when he was young. Rob (aka Robbie) has an older half-brother, Danny, who currently lives in Southern California. Rob and his mom moved a couple of times from Northern California (San Leandro, South San Francisco, San Bruno) and Southern California (Saugus), attending Hayward Christian School, Highlands Elementary, Monte Verde Elementary, Westborough Middle School, South San Francisco High School and James Logan High School. Rob picked up drumming in elementary school and was highly involved in music activities up through high school (jazz, concert bands, marching, Blue Devils drum corp). After graduating from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, Rob began working as an Oracle database administrator at Chevron in San Ramon and Concord, CA.

View more childhood photos in the gallery.

Lisa & Rob first met in 2003 at a farewell party in San Ramon for a mutual friend but didn’t really get to know each other until the Fall of 2004 at another friend’s farewell party in San Francisco. Our first date was a Vienna Teng concert at the Independent in SF, then a date at the movie theater (National Treasure) on Christmas day in San Mateo (now an annual tradition), and then the New Years Eve party at the Westin St. Francis. After a short time, they knew that they had something special.

Engagement

After 4 years of dating, Rob began planning a surprise proposal for Lisa’s hand in marriage. Being foodies who enjoy discovering new experiences in dining, Rob knew that The French Laundry would be an ideal setting for this momentous occasion. After purchasing the ring, and finally securing reservations at The French Laundry and accommodations in Yountville, Rob was fully prepared for the upcoming August 22nd weekend… Except that Lisa started planning activities during the same weekend! While hiking the Purisima Creek trail (near the San Mateo hills near highway 35), Rob attempted to convince Lisa not to plan anything during that weekend but ended up spilling the plans for the French Laundry and the overnight stay. Even though Rob still kept the proposal plans secret, Lisa had a hunch he was up to something.

Over the next couple of weeks, signs began to appear to Lisa: a mysterious hand-written card in the mail from a jewelry store and a suspicious phone call from Lisa’s mom revealing Rob’s visit to her shop. However, on the day of the lunch at the French Laundry, Lisa knew it was coming but just didn’t know when and how. Rob and Lisa arrived a little early for their reservation and the hostess suggested to take a walk outside the courtyard before the table was ready. As they walked slowly to smell the roses, Rob was nervously plotting the next move. As they approached a bench in the shade, Rob and Lisa took a seat and Rob took Lisa’s hand. Instantly, Lisa’s tears began to flow as Rob began to make his proposal. Rob got down on a knee and took out the red box from his jacket pocket to ask for Lisa’s hand in marriage. Lisa accepted, as a waiter appeared at their side with rosé champagne. The waiter then returned with napkins on a silver platter for Lisa’s tears of joy. Rob had obviously planned the proposal with the French Laundry in advance. Then they headed into the restaurant for the best meal of their lives… so far.

View engagement photos in the gallery.

Wedding

Lisa and Rob were married at the Palazzo Vecchio in Florence, Italy on Saturday, May 29th, 2010 at 12:30pm. Read more about their day. Following the wedding, two fun-filled receptions were held in San Francisco with their closest friends and family on June 25th and 26th. Read more about the fun-filled weekend.