Wedding Party

Allyssa

Bride

Shin

Groom

Alora

Maid of Honor

My beautiful sister. This day could never feel complete without her. We used to do everything together, joking we were basically twins. We slowly transitioned from spending all day in the pool, backyard tent campouts, and scary movie sleepovers with steaming mugs of hot tea to building separate lives in different cities and eventually ending up across the state from each other. While the distance is hard sometimes, I’m so thankful it hasn’t touched that ‘sister bond.’ We used to dream of our wedding days as little girls— neither of us imagining how much joy and sorrow it would take to get to where we are now. I couldn’t be happier she’ll be by my side while I take this step ❤️

Andy

Best Man

Shin met Andy through a mutual friend almost a decade ago in Northern California and they became fast friends. Even though their personalities are almost opposite, they share a similar sense of humor and have always been there for one another. One of the first things Shin did after proposing was asking Andy to be his best man. Shin is excited to start a family and would love for our kids to grow up with Andy & Kim’s. 😊

AnaLisa

Bridesmaid

AnaLisa and I met in 7th grade. We must have been destined to be close because our class schedules were almost identical and it was just so easy to be friends with her. Even when schedules changed and lives went in different directions, we found a way to keep in touch, whether it was through passing elaborately illustrated notes, long poetic emails, or swapping Harry Potter memes. She’s so funny and fun and a joy to spend time with. I was honored to stand with her for her wedding and am so honored she’ll stand with me for mine (even if I forgot to officially ask her.) ❤️

HeeGyum

Groomsman

When Shin moved to Orange County in 2020, HeeGyum became one of his first tennis students in the area. Their friendship developed over their shared love of tennis and “hanging out/doing guy stuff.” Shin thinks of HeeGyum as a little brother and is always happy to watch him succeed. HeeGyum is the kind of friend that you can call anytime and ask any favor and he’ll be there. Shin’s grateful and happy to have him as a groomsman.

Courtney

Bridesmaid

Courtney and I met in 2020 when the pandemic was peaking and we both needed new places to live. We ended up settling into the same giant house (with three other strangers) determined to make the best of the situation. Despite our almost 10 year age gap we had a lot in common and bonded quickly over late night backyard chats, salmon dinners, tv marathons, mini dance parties, and shared roommate trauma (lol). Sometimes roommates are nightmares, sometimes they’re just roommates, and sometimes, if you’re lucky, they’re friends for life. I’m one of the lucky ones ❤️

Makoto

Groomsman

Shin met Makoto when he moved to Southern California through tennis. Aside from both speaking Japanese, they bonded over their shared love of anime, tennis, and drinking I.P.A’s. They’ve seen each other through heart ache and happiness and have always shown up for the other when needed. Makoto has been a good friend to Shin, myself, and especially Calliope. Shin is happy to have him as a groomsman.