My parent's wedding day... The union that changed the course of my life for the better. Much better... (They actually had a great photographer! hehe)
I was born in South Korea and grew up there until I was eight years old. Even as a child, I was fascinated with foreigners. It was rare that I saw an American person, but when I did, I thought it was the coolest thing. Through my dad (step-dad who was the only father I have ever known and called, "Dad") who was stationed in South Korea, I got to see so many Americans at the military base. He was half white and half American Indian in love with my mom who was completely Korean. They didn't even speak each other's language, but somehow miraculously fell in love... He proudly showed me around the base, and I felt like I was literally in another country and LOVED it. After my mom and he got married, they told me that we were moving to America... I couldn't contain the excitement! I told all of my friends at school and couldn't wait to move. Everyone told me that America is the best place to live and that my life would get so much better, so I was so ready to leave poverty and have a good life. I remember watching "Little House on the Prairie" dubbed in Korean and imagined myself living like the girl in the show. I really thought that "America" was like the way western movies and shows were and thought I would get to wear fluffy western dresses and hats. :) I quickly learned that that wasn't the case. At the age of eight after the longest flight ever (I flew by myself!), I finally landed on American soil in 1987 in Atlanta, Georgia. My parents picked me up and drove me back to South Carolina where we lived at the time. I knew nothing about this country. Nothing... I didn't speak English AT ALL! I only knew how to count to ten, say "hello", "good-bye" and that was about it. My mom translated everything between me and my dad for us. I came during the summer, so they tried to teach me as much as they could in the two months I had before I had to go to school. I clearly remember my dad teaching me how to count money, how to speak practical, short sentences like, "Where is the restroom?" and whatnot all in the deepest Southern accent. Being young, I learned very fast and wanted to learn anything I could. My dad was Southern as Southern could get. He didn't just teach me English, but how to eat butter beans, fat back (some of you may have to google that one), black eye peas, okra, fried cat fish and collard greens. No matter what though, he couldn't get me to drink sweet tea, and I still can't! :)
(Wasn’t he handsome?) Without this man, I would have never had an opportunity to come to America. Him falling in love with my mom was the best thing that ever happened to me. I always saw him as someone who rescued me from my life in South Korea... Things were not good for my mom and I there, and he really brought us to a better place and gave us a better life. Dad, thank you for taking me in as your own... so wish that you could see the impact you have made in my life now. I know that you'd be so proud of Craig and I. You have done so much more than you'll ever know... We miss you terribly, but knowing that you're in the arms of Jesus is peaceful and comforting to know. I'm sure heaven has the best internet service, so I hope you can read this blog. ;)
Clockwise - Pic 1 - The day I left South Korea. I don't look happy in the pic, but I was. ;) Pic 2 - When I was a baby looking like a hot mess.. Pic 3 - The day after my first night in America at my grandparent's house in my Korean PJ's. :)
September came around and my courageous parents put me on a school bus (a handicap bus I later found out) and waved goodbye. Looking back, I can't believe they did that to me! When I got there, it was an all African-American school. That was the only school that offered ESL (English as Second Language) classes for me which was pretty far away and hence the handicap bus was the only one that could pick me up. As soon as I stepped out of that bus, the teasing began. I was an Asian going to an all African-American school and on top of that, I arrived in a handicap bus. Wow I don't even know how, but I somehow found my class.... one teacher was hispanic and the other was Vietnamese. Even at that age, I couldn't gather how I was going to learn English from two teachers who couldn't speak Korean to me. Well, with a lot of body language and sign language, I learned everything fluently within one year and caught up academically with all of my peers. Numbers are the same for everyone in the world (which I thought was so neat back then), so I had no problem in math. My mom woke me up early every morning to watch Sesame Street and everything just came together and I quickly learned how to read. My teachers and parents were AMAZING!
My first vacation in America... we went on a cruise to the Bahamas. Looking back, I wonder why we didn't go somewhere in the US when I waited so long to finally come here, we went out of the country on vacation... the irony.
Those were the good things. But, not everything was so easy... I was the only Asian kid in that school. Can you imagine...? When I walked in the hallways, all I heard was, "YOU CHINESE!" And, I always replied back with, "No, I'm Korean." :) The teasing was typical… Many did the whole slanting their eyes up at me and other "typical" things people do to make fun of Asian folks like making kung-fu noise at you and all that. I did have a couple of friends who were very nice to me though- thank God! So, I tried to stay as close to them and my teachers as possible. One day after Art class, the teacher told us to line up behind the door, and I was the first one there. But, this girl who was THE most popular girl in school (but, was mean) told me to get back of the line. Something inside of me just turned and I said, "No." She insisted that I moved, but I kept saying no. She then shouted, "You're a butt!" Keep in mind... my English was limited and all I could think of was, "And, you're a butt hole!" LOL! Everyone gasped and guess what? The teacher of course only heard me say what I said. She grabbed me by the arm and told me to go to the principal's office. I said, "I will only if she comes with me." The teacher insisted that I go by myself. I said no. By now, the teacher is dragging me, but I kept resisting. I told her that I'll go only if the other girl comes with me because that’s what’s fair. That’s what was just. But, the teacher couldn’t because she had no evidence of the other girl saying anything and no one else stood up for me. The teacher gave up and took both of us back to the classroom and sent the rest of the class out for recess. She sat in front of us and asked what happened. I told her my side of the story and then the girl started sobbing. I started crying too and we both apologized to one another. We hugged and from that moment on, we became best friends. Remember that I said she was the most popular girl in school? Yup, and being her best friend made me pretty cool too and no one messed with me ever since. I even got to make a speech at our 5th grade graduation and shared this very story. Looking back, I can’t thank that teacher enough. She was African-American too, but after things settled down, she realized that she needed to look at this situation objectively. In an un-biased way. With no assumption. With no prejudice against me. She gave me the opportunity to share my side of the story and well as the other girl. I wanted justice. It may have been a petty case especially as a child, but for me, it was everything. This “case” was what was going to determine the rest of my future at that school and for any other minority that came to my class after that. Even for a kid, this was important and that teacher gave it to both of us. She was so wise. The result was reconciliation, and I’m truly grateful. The moral of the story? Yes! We need justice.
All the ESL students had to hold up a sign of where they came from. I hated doing this… I was like, “really?” It was so embarrassing and I felt that it only gave others more of a reason to pick on us. I was trying so hard to fit in, yet ‘they’ were trying so hard to make me stand out in a way I didn’t want to be.
We then moved to Augusta, GA, after my dad retired from the Army after serving for almost 28 years! Wow... I was and still am so proud of him although he did pass nine years ago. I started middle school in this neighborhood and again, my parents didn't really tell me much about the school. They just put me on a school bus, and this time, it was an all white school. I again was the only Asian along with maybe 2-3 other students whom I didn't know and they were boys. Had to adjust again... Culture shock again... But, I adapted. High school was the same and I survived all the cliques by just minding my own business and focusing on school work to the best of my ability. I didn’t get picked on much at all here, but I did feel inferior (which is not anyone’s fault because that’s just the way I felt) and everyone was pretty much nice, but I felt it wasn’t genuine. But again, I can’t judge that… I just kept myself very busy with lots of after school activities, clubs and sports to avoid awkwardness. And now, I was older and hopefully wiser. I was just known to be a “good Asian girl”. During these teenage years, it was "white world" during the weekdays and then "Korean world" on the weekends where I went to church. Weekends were with my Korean friends since the church we attended was all Korean. I never got into trouble because all I did was study or go to church.
Then in 1997, I left as what we called "Disgusta Augusta" to the city called Atlanta! To me, it was like going to New York City! I got into the college of my dreams, GA Tech, and I was ready to conquer the world only to find out that in this school, I was the dumbest kid. But, I tried and tried and after countless miserable nights of studying and crying, I somehow graduated and earned my degree in Computer Science - a department where it was 90% guys and 10% girls. Again, I was a minority even in the gender aspect. That was a culture shock too! If I learned one thing from that school, I learned endurance and anyone who went to GA Tech knows what I'm talking about.
With my bestie that I met during my college years... She is one of the biggest reasons how I survived college and college life (even though we went to different school. She went to Emory and I went to Tech)! Without her friendship, I don't know where I would be...
As soon as my parents dropped me off at the campus, I began to mingle with Koreans and ONLY Asian students. It wasn't my intention, but it happened. I got connected with a Korean church in Atlanta and those were the only friends I mostly hung out with. I didn’t have to put much effort into “fitting in” because I was like everyone else, so it was naturally comfortable. However, after five years at that church, God stirred something in me. I just knew that there was something 'more' to life than this. During those years, all I wanted to do was sing and worship Jesus! I wanted to get better with my singing voice, but being a poor college student, I couldn't afford voice lessons. I had two and after that, I just couldn't make the money happen. But, one day when I was driving to worship practice to church, an ad came on the radio station. (Some of you might ask what a radio station is!) They were advertising a Christian music seminar by Babbie Mason, and my naive self thought that this would be the opportunity of a life time! So, with a friend, I signed up! Not knowing what to expect, I just went for it. The seminar was few days long and they began each session with a worship service. For the first service, I went by myself. I sat down and waited for it to begin. When the worship leader began, we all stood up and got our 'worship on'. :) Keep in mind that this was a music seminar, so just about everyone that attended knew how to sing... well! Very well! As soon as the first note hit, it was as if the entire congregation broke out into an eight part harmony. That's what it sounded like anyways. I was astounded. I couldn't sing at all... my entire being was shocked by the beauty of this sound... It was the most angelic, holy sound I've ever heard. It that moment, I know God spoke to me and that moment was a turning point in my life. God said to me, "Look around.... who is like you?" I said, "No one...." I was the only Asian person there. He then said, "Heaven has all of my children... all of them." I ‘got’ what He was saying and knew He was calling me to make a change in my life.
Love our friends and neighbors...
Amazed at how God works when you obey... Truly humbled and grateful for the people God brings into our lives and yes, that is Montell Jordan and Kristin Jordan, baby! :)
I will never be able to repay for what these friends have done for me during the most difficult and joyful times of our lives...
Our friends who live just 5 minutes away... sharing so much laughter with these two and just being real and genuine with one another lifts us up! Ashley is in the wedding industry as well, and if you're a wedding vendor in Georgia, you need to join the Event Pod!
On the left - Natasha is one of our loyal second shooters... Such a sweet and dependable lady! On the right, we are with Manisha who supports our business so much. She referred us to her sister who got married a few years ago. She continues to refer us and show us so much love and she is an amazing photographer herself! Thank you, Manisha!
Gosh, I learned so much about music, worship music, singing and all the things that make my heart beat at that seminar, but through all that, God was showing me something I didn’t even go there for. After it ended, I immediately phoned a friend who was very resourceful and asked her if she knew of any multicultural churches around the area. She gave me the name and the number of the person I should contact. I called Eunice who was attending a multicultural church, and she gave me all the info. That Sunday, I went by myself. I clearly remember walking into Victory World Church.... I was so surprised at how big the building was... I've never heard or even seen a multicultural church, and the last thing I expected it was to be was so big. As soon as I stepped my right foot into the lobby, God spoke to me again, and He said, "This is your new home.". I felt this instant peace and felt welcomed and even though it was my first time, I felt comfortable. Worship began and the leader that came forth was the SAME one that was at the seminar! That was just another confirmation for me that I was in the right place. I looked around and I saw every color.... every skin color that is. It was one beautiful sight... Again, I didn't know a church like that especially in the South could exist. I mean, it's not just a few cultures, it's over 100 nations! But, there I was and the joy that I felt was indescribable. It was heavenly.... I quickly got involved with the young adults ministry there by auditioning for their band and a small group. After a year, I applied for a job there as the youth ministry's administrative assistant and met Craig on my first day of job. You may know our love story, but one of the things I loved and still love about Craig is that he really loves everyone. The fact that he was attending this church showed me that being multi-cultural is important to him also. If you know him, he talks to ANYONE! I've never seen him treat anyone differently because of what they looked like. He definitely didn't do that with me and actually really showed so much interest in my culture and background and put a lot of effort into learning about Korea. He even bought a little Korean-English dictionary to learn a few basic Korean words. The first time he asked me out on a date, he asked in Korean. LOL! :)
With one of our best friends... We adore these two! So does our kids.... love that our kids call them Uncle Brendan and Chae emo (auntie in Korean). They came to us for accountability years ago before they got married, but here we are how many years later and we are actually the ones seeking wisdom from them. They are the real deal!
Every time we went out with our friends, our group was unique in that we were very 'mixed'. There was always someone who was white, black, asian and hispanic. ALWAYS! Almost every couple we hung out with were inter-racial couples just like Craig and I. Yes, we got many stares... we still do! But, we don't judge those stares because we know that it's still not considered "normal", so that's ok. Our calling is to be "abnormal" and not stereotypical so sometimes we enjoy the weird stares. :) To us, living in America, being intentional with culture and race is very important. But, what's more important to us is not just talking about it, but really doing it. So yes, when we have a birthday party or any gathering in our home, we make sure that every culture is there. But don't get me wrong... we don't just pick out different races just to fit our "friendship demographic". We genuinely love our friends for WHO they are, not WHAT they are, but we put ourselves in places where we can meet and become friends with every race. If you don't intentionally put yourself in those situations, it won't happen. When you're not with your "own kind", it can get uncomfortable, but just like anything else, we practiced it and got better at it. So much better that when we are in a place of just one race, THAT now makes us feel uncomfortable. I've always seen our church as a precious gift... without the teachings from this church who stands for racial reconciliation as one of their four pillars of core beliefs, our lives would not be the way it is now. For the last few years, we have been attending Cross Church and they have the same values. I believe that racial reconciliation has to begin with the church, so not attending a one race church is important to us. I love that our children have seen every race, every culture in our home and at church. I love that they see that as "normal". They know that what we look like on the outside is nothing but a physical description. We are ALL made in God’s image and He loves us all equally. Jesus died on the cross for us ALL and if we understand and truly believe that, our hearts will change and our minds will be renewed and racism will fade.
Craig with our pastors who have taught us so much! I can write an entire blog series on what they have taught us. :) Through them, we have awakened to see that action is needed for racial reconciliation.
Now, what does this have anything to do with our business? One day, after about a year of being very active on Instagram for our business, I just happened to look at our Instagram grid, and it dawned on me that our clients were very multicultural. We had black couples, white couples, Asian couples, hispanic couples, and many combinations of 'mixed' couples. I showed Craig and said, "Look! Look at how multicultural our clientele is!" I believe that happened because our circle of friends are multicultural, our clientele became that way also and we are so blessed by that! In fact, we've had many inter-racial couples say that because we have an inter-racial marriage, they could relate to us and felt that we "get" them. Black couples, Asian couples, hispanic couples, Indian couples, Nigerian couples, Jewish couples, etc.... all have noticed the variety of our clientele and the assortment of our portfolio with every race and loved that we have experience in weddings of their culture. We love answering, "YES!" when any couple asks if we have shot their culture's wedding. And our portfolio speaks for itself, so they feel welcomed when they see it. We enjoy and have fun learning about new cultures and their wedding traditions! The conviction God gave us has been a gift and a blessing in our lives.
Our Instagram feed - We love how “colorful” it is and that will never change. Would love for you to check out our Instagram for more! @craigobrist
With our pastors of Cross Church whom we can also call friends. The MOST authentic individuals we have ever met… We are so thankful that they take this topic very seriously.
We are so thankful for our lovely couples...
Thankful for the change that came...
At one of the most memorable weddings ever! This was in West Virginia! Love them…. They have the most beautiful hearts…
We became best friends after shooting their wedding and our mutual friends. We can’t live without them now… Our kids adore them too and they call them Uncle Eric and Jewel emo…
Ya’ll… we have way too much fun at our weddings!
Here are a few of our fav groomsmen. This is such a beautiful photo to me. Racial reconciliation is priceless. Let’s learn to honor and respect one another.
This blog isn't to brag about our clientele or to boast to you about "Look at what we've done!" No... it's to just simply share our history, our story and the testimony of how God is unfolding every cultural experience in our lives and to recognize what HE has done, and I'm truly thankful for each and every difficult and wonderful experiences. I praise Him for it all! I believe that everything that happens is for a divine reason... It is so neat to look back and see how He has given me a season with the African-Americans, Caucasians, Hispanics and the Asians, and now all of the cultures together where we now only see ONE culture which is Jesus's culture. Our goal is to live out His culture and not focus on my earthly culture and the needs that I have; rather, focus on what His culture looks like, serve the needs of others and to live that out. We believe that living in America, we have a very unique opportunity that you can't find anywhere else in the world. We are all of God's children and that is one thing that we all have in common and the only thing that matters. Now, does this mean that we think if you're not in an inter-racial marriage or going to a one race church that you're sinning? No, not at all! We do believe however that if there's a conviction in your heart for racial reconciliation that it begins with you. Striving to create an environment and an atmosphere that welcomes all is an effort that we need to make. Make the initiative... send the invitation to invite someone into your home that isn't like you. Have true friendships with people who are not your own race. Go on vacation with people that do not look like you. Next time you have a gathering or a party in your home, think about who you invite by default. Make that default list look different if it needs to be, but remember, it must be genuine and authentic! God gives us His real love, not a fake one. What a simple invitation can do to someone is powerful! It can literally change people's lives because invitations express love. It expresses acceptance. It's easy to be stuck in my own little world, but I have found that although it takes work, discovering the big world outside of your own race is fascinating. As individuals, if we each begin to seek out, have interest in knowing and learning and understanding other cultures and race, I have hope that change can and will come.
With much Love,
Craig + Unchong
To see our multicultural clientele, always visit our Instagram and Facebook.