10 Years in the Making
Wedding Party
Christine
Bridesmaid
The Childhood Bestie Middle school began and they immediately bonded over fanfiction, graphic tees, and a love for experimenting in the kitchen. Their main dishes included fried mac-and-cheese balls, hearty soups, and chicken cajun pasta. Christine has a passion for recipe substitutions and quadrupling the seasonings that can't be stopped. Christine and Elaria have seen each other through so many phases of life that it's hard to keep track of all their shenanigans. They continue to grow into newer, better people each year.
Robbie
Groomsman
Mr. Umami Will See You Now Robbie and Javier met one fateful college morning when Javier stumbled into class, late and disheveled. Robbie said "Hey cool shirt, I like that band," and they've been buds ever since: jamming together, cramming for philosophy exams, and exploring the many delicious ramen bowls of actual Japan! Javier is the self-appointed “biggest fan" of Robbie's punk band Leecher, and Robbie's been Javier's artistic confidant and consistent pillar of support throughout the years. Since then, they've climbed Salvation Mountain, binged anime, and cha-brah'd their way through each other's lives. Someday Javier will be a guest DJ in Robbie's Michelin starred vegan restaurant.
Liz
Bridesmaid
The College Bestie Their friendship began early into their first semester of CSULB, and they've been inseparable ever since. Liz was willing to sleep over on Elaria's one-bedroom apartment floor, and Elaria got to experience the farm life of Liz's hometown, fresh goat's milk and all. Liz is the friend Elaria can always count on for drunken, international adventures or rotting on the couch with horror movies for 2 days straight. Together they lovingly prioritize fun, relaxation, and great food.
Eric
Groomsman
Yes, Chef. Sometimes you gotta pop out and become international friends. Eric and Javier hit it off after Liz introduced them when Eric was visiting from Brazil. A mutual love of cooking, coffee, and keeping it real kept them closely aligned over the years. Now that Eric is local, he and Javier are ready to take their friendship to the next level: starting a premium homemade granola business to sell at farmer's markets across south county. Their granola, just like their friendship, is too fresh and just as expensive.
Linda
Bridesmaid
The Covid Bestie Linda and Elaria met in the dull, humourless, confining walls of the Providence Offices during covid. They both did not want to be out there in the trenches, and instead spent almost a year doing "office work", which was mostly figuring out what restaurant to check out for lunch. They enjoyed HiroNori, Duck Donuts, and El Yaqui Tacos to name a few. Detrimental to Elaria's wallet and stomach. Linda will always deny it, but she is the life of ideas and parties, and Elaria owes a LOT to her. Together they have plans to continue their foodie lifestyle.
Monit
Groomsman
Sauce No. 8 - Da Bomb Sometimes two people are just on the same wavelength, and this spectrum is one of indulgence. Javier and Monit bonded around the time of Monit and his wife Linda's Bachelor/Bachelorette weekend, where Javier would later say "wow that was the most drunk I've ever been...". Javier would later say of Monit and Linda's wedding "wow that was the most full I've ever been...". Javier has many more "mosts" to come as him, Monit, and their crew of hungry homies explore Orange County's most bountiful buffets, hot pots, and bbq's.
Shawdi
Bridesmaid
The Nursing Bestie Elaria and Shawdi bonded over the trauma known as Nursing School. They spent 2 long years side by side during every lecture, and after they were free of the stress, their friendship was able to blossom and flourish. Shawdi learned to navigate the "open door" policy of the Wong's, and Elaria learned the ways of Taarof - finally, she would say yes to the delicious snacks offered. They bonded over their mutual love for art, books, and sushi. Some of Elaria's greatest memories include wonderful conversation during long walks around beautiful Shawdi's neighborhood.
Victor
Groomsman
A Portrait of Friendship Javier saw Victor in a shared college class and knew he wanted to be friends on vibe alone. The feeling must have been mutual, because Victor was the first to break the ice, pretending to slam the classroom door in his face. Javier thought it was hilarious and they'll both continue to share this story whether the public likes it or not. Together, they learned the painful lesson of why it's necessary to actually plan your shoot before the day of filming. After college, Victor learned to play bass guitar (Javier's favorite kind of guitar), and the two started jamming something fierce. Someday, Javier will produce a hypnotic jazz-house score to accompany Victor's groundbreaking photography exhibition. It will be shut down after 2 nights for being "too punk for civilized society."
Logan
Bridesmaid
The High School Bestie They have a Skins-esque history, iykyk. Elaria and Logan have seen the worst and best of each other over the years, but they've manage to maintain a genuine friendship and connection throughout. Logan is always the most down homie, and together they have lots of future plans that all seem to involve some variations of being turnt - but in a more cool and adult way. Elaria is always grateful for the honesty and perspective Logan offers. They're always ready to have a fun and adventurous time navigating the world.
Addison
Groomsman
"7 Charizards got me feeling like a Targaryen" Some 15 years ago, Addison was one of the first of Elaria's family to meet Javier. They've road tripped to Colorado, got blitzed in Universal Studios, and went to Vegas to do nothing out of the ordinary. Their friendship is embodied by the time they showed up 4 hours early to see Guardians of the Galaxy in theaters, and had so much fun pre-gaming that they ended up being late to the showing and had to watch the entire movie from the front row looking straight upwards. Five years ago, Addison told Javier that he's already a part of the Wong family, something Javier still thinks about to this day.