Wedding Day

Ceremony

Bash Events & Catering

Reception

Summer

While we love your little ones, this will be a child-free event. Please no children under twelve years old. We hope you enjoy a night off to celebrate with us!

Our Wedding

Lougan had long given up on dating, simply looking for a coffee recipe when fate decided to intervene. On the other side of the equation was Ngoc, someone who had resigned herself to a life of solitude, even proclaiming she was "forever alone." So, when she unexpectedly asked Lougan to meet after barely exchanging words on a dating site, his shock and nervousness were overwhelming.Their first date was simple—tea and a walk. It was a humid, sticky late June evening, the kind where the air clung to the skin. But none of that mattered. The conversation between them was effortless, deep, and strangely familiar, the kind of exchange that made the heat and discomfort fade into the background.They spoke candidly about their worst dating experiences—the awkward encounters, the strange characters, the lessons learned along the way. Somewhere amidst the laughter and shared frustrations, their conversation turned toward hopes and dreams, the futures they had once envisioned for themselves. And, perhaps without realizing it, they both admitted how much they had longed to share those dreams with someone.They had expected nothing from that evening. She hadn't planned for romance, hadn't dared to hope for anything beyond a polite greeting and a quiet, inevitable goodbye. In truth, he assumed Ngoc would decide that dating simply wasn’t worth the effort, and they would part ways just as quickly as they had come together.As the night unfolded, something undeniable took root. He wouldn’t have admitted it then—not even to himself—but he was smitten. That warm summer evening marked the beginning of something unexpected, something life-changing. And as time passed, he often found himself thinking back to that first night, that walk, that conversation with the woman he didn’t yet know he would share his life with.

Our Story

Des Lux Hotel

Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton

Surety Hotel

Travel

Pappajohn Sculpture Park

Spare Time Des Moines

Farmers Market

National Balloon Classic

Things to Do

Q + A

Photos

Brandon has been a close friend for years. Anytime we're together you can find us on the local go kart track trying to beat the best lap times, finding new barcades and/ or seeking the best attractions. One thing that has kept us close is that we're always cheering each other on - no matter how competitive we may become -  supporting for each other in life. I'm honored to have Brandon as a part of our wedding party! 

Brandon Ngo

I first met Blake over dinner and I think every time we hang out there's food in the room! We started off as just following around the 'spouses council'. Over time, Blake and I have become close friends. He's one that is always there when you need and always has a helpful cooking or gardening tip! You'll usually find us on vacation with our other halves eating something while our spouses browse lol. Not having Blake in our wedding party would feel like something was missing, I'm excited to have him a part of it!

Blake Akamine

John and I's friendship was a surprising one, we've not known each other the longest but John and I have a knack for understanding one another on a level of kinship. He's been there for me through some challenging moments in life and can always be counted on in a tough spot. I couldn't imagine getting married without John standing up there with me. 

John Bruton

Anh Luong

Ambrea Settle

Brandon Akamine

Wedding Party

Registry

We are so grateful to celebrate this special moment with you. Your presence is the greatest gift we could ask for. We kindly ask for no gifts, if you feel inspired to give, contributions to our adventure fund are appreciated as we start our life together.

Wedding Registry

eight2twenty5.com

Ngoc & Lougan

Ngoc & Lougan

Travel

Des Lux Hotel

Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton

Surety Hotel