Our Story
How we met
Mark and I met in about June of 2006 - a funny story that I'd never imagined I'll meet my other half at Starbucks downtown.
We started officially 'dating' in about September of the same year, and what both of us thought would never last has brought us here today!
The Bride - Maria Siena S. Banaag
Siena is the only daughter of Enrique and Lilia Banaag. Born and raised in the Philippines, she graduated from Rizal Technological University with a degree in Business Administration. After working for 3 different companies in the Philippines and getting an offer from her former employer for a job in the US and realizing that she wanted to explore the other side of the world, she moved on a whim to Houston, TX where she's living for almost a year before meeting Mark.
Siena is currently working for an oil and gas company.
Favorite Memory with Mark: Every day is a memorable one but the best one was the day he approached me while I was waiting for my coffee at starbucks!!!
The Groom - Mark Anthony Matula
Mark is the 4th child of Henry and Rosalie Matula. He has two sisters and two brothers. Born and raised in Dickinson, Texas. Mark graduated from University of Houston with a degree in Information Systems Technology, which led him to becoming a certified geek and Software Analyst.
Mark is currently working as a Software Analyst for an oil and gas company downtown.
Favorite Memory with Siena: It happened during the trip I had planned a while back with my friend, Darin and brother, Hank. We're in Miami to see U of H team and it was the same time that Siena and I started dating. She was also in Miami that same weekend to see her friend - what a coincidence! I really didn't like the idea of not spending enough time with my brother and friend, when we all planned the trip but since Siena was there, it was different. I had to hang out with her and we had such a great time.
The Proposal
When It Happened - Oct. 4, 2007
Mark proposed to me on the night of our first year anniversary.
We were looking for a ring in July of 2007 so he brought me to Robbins Brothers one day while on our way to Memorial Park for our weekly jog. I was surprised he took me at the ring store with him. So, I've tried on different ones, shop around so he will have an idea what style I like. I was so excited but after we left the store he told me that he will look at another store and that he will buy the ring when I least expected it. I said, fair enough.
On October 4, 2007, I asked him what he wanted for our anniversary and he told me not to get him anything so I told him - me either and we agreed to that. On his way home from work, he called and told me to get dress because he made a dinner reservation and to my curiosity, I asked him where and he said, it's a surprise. Ok... ok....then when we're driving along Westheimer I asked him again but he wouldn't tell me so I thought maybe at Pappas but we've already passed that place. I stopped asking and I thought maybe the Brazilian restaurant because he knew I've never been to that restaurant and I was right! So we got to Fogo de Chao, we got our seats, ordered drink and when Mark was about to get his salad, the place started getting real packed. Mark didn't like it because it was loud and really crowded.We left anyway and move to another restaurant called The Palm which was quiet and just perfect. We got seated and while I was sipping my champagne, Mark paused for a minute - shaking, nervous and said, I couldn't wait to give this to you so I said what? He put the ring box on the table, I grabbed it and opened it..hahaha I know I am a killer! We’re both laughing like crazy because I opened the ring box before he even popped the question "Will you be my wife?" We were already married through the court, but he wanted to do the traditional proposal, if we were going to have a church wedding. I was staring at my beautiful ring and told him...come on put the ring on my finger. hahaha!
