We're getting married!!
Wedding Party
Tammie Hatanaka
Matron of Honor
Blood sister through thick and thin. We have endured many silent treatments, slammed doors, embarrassing moments (ripped corduroy pants), musical nights, Friends marathons, and sleepovers with the cousins. Each experience has led us to this day where we have grown closer than any time before and I'm thankful for her grace and for the ways she, as a sister in Christ, has continued to challenge me to be more like Him. She has a godly heart of forgiveness that I often lack and wish I had. Tam has loved me in my darkest moments and I don't know how I am so blessed to have a sister like her. She has made me one of most grateful aunts to four boys! I love her and her family! And I'm so happy to celebrate this day with my sister.
Kari Chin
Bridesmaid
Kari's family grew up behind mine. And although our fathers are brothers, we were more than cousins, spending the night at each others' houses, many babysitting memories, learning to cook/bake together(mostly unsuccessful, but always memorable, and one of my favorites was accompanying her on her vision trip to East Asia, where she would serve as a missionary. Kari has grown into a woman of discipleship, creativity, leadership, and always caring for those around her. Not many people get to grow up across the street from their cousins and are entrusted to care for them as a teen. It was the day in and day out moments that we shared that are the foundation of our deep friendship. I couldn't imagine not having her by my side today.
Keilyn Chin
Bridesmaid
Keilyn is also a younger cousin. We spent many hours singing theater numbers and looking up videos of Broadway musicals. She has had to endure many years of torturing from her older cousins, who burned cookies together, ruined mac n cheese, and made her eat dog food. After she graduated high school, we got to explore Chicago together, one of my favorite vacations. She got her clumsiness from me and I apologize immensely for that. Her quirkiness and confidence to be who God has so uniquely made her to be is what makes me enjoy being in her presence. She is unapologetically loving and compassionate toward others and wears her heart on her sleeve. I am so glad we've gotten the chance to walk through life together and even more thankful to have her by my side today.
Travis Soles
Bridesman
Travis Soles has been one of my longest friends. He has never wavered in his love for me as his friend. We spent much of college and young adult life together. For +20 yrs, he has been a constant in my life, challenging me in my own identity and walk with the Lord. We have had amazing opportunities to share two mission trips together, many of other friends' weddings, a couple life groups, hot chocolate nights at Denny's, serving in youth group and even vacationed with our significant others together. He and his wife were the reason I jumped onto Coffee Meets Bagel, where Mike and I met. It was my dream that whoever God brought into my life, would love Travis and Diana. We look forward to many more memories and vacations with their family.
Wes Fujiyama
Best Man
Shortly after coming out to California, I met Wes at a church I was visiting because of our mutual work in the video game industry. We, then, ended up spending time together through a singles ministry, with him being a married member. Through grabbing regular lunches, he was encouraging me to seek after God first and to trust in His timing. Though we no longer attend that church, we still get together at times to talk about life and the challenges and blessings it brings. He is a man of conviction and faith that I'm very grateful for his example.
Troy Lakey
Groomsman
Troy is my brother in law and a man I've seen grow and continue to seek after God. We have had some rough spots, especially with Harry Potter early on. But I've been seeing how he has raised his family and been an encourager and leader for my sister. I can see how much he has grown in his faith. He is a man that I trust and I know I can talk to him to get solid, bible-based advice.
Diana Soles
Groomsmaid
Diana and Travis have become some of my closer friends in the almost two years that I've known them, and have only grown closer, as of late. Getting to spend time and travel with them has been such fun and I look forward to many more trips together! Diana and I share similar senses of humor and I'm glad that there is someone else around that is actually able to laugh at all of my strange references. She's a wonderful friend that I look forward to getting to know much better through our little community group.
Val Chisholm
Groomsman
Val is a friend from my college days. Back in those days we initially connected through a Dungeons and Dragons game that a mutual friend ran. After a couple of sessions, we started talking more and found several common nerdy interests such as games and anime. The next year couple of years we roomed together and continued to hang out. It's those common interests that have helped us stay in contact over the years, even as we both moved around the country and across oceans. He is a man that if you can earn his trust, he will be fiercely loyal and a highly dependable friend.