Jennifer & Michael
Wedding Party
Jeannie Ong
Matron of Honor
Natalie was the one who first suggested that we should meet - and good thing she did! I remember our first "friend date" at Starbucks, drinking Passion Iced Tea. Since then, we've spent years spilling the tea with laughter, prayers, and deep conversations. Jeannie and her husband, Jeff, now call Arizona home, and they welcomed Mike and I like family when we visited in December. I had the honor of standing by Jeannie’s side on her big day years ago, and I am so grateful to have Jeannie by mine now.
Danny Jones
Best Man
Mike: Over 20 years of friendship, and still counting! Somehow, Danny hasn't gotten sick of me yet, so why not have him with me up at the altar? He's made sure I didn't get lost in Thailand, covered for me while I shenanned in Hilo, ran around with me as I shenanned-again in Orange County, and prayed with me along the way. He's seen me through more seasons of life than anyone I'm not bonded to by blood, and it is my honor to have him standing alongside me as I embark on my next adventure: marriage. Love you brotha.
Natalie Chu
Matron of Honor
There's not too many people who can say they've had the same best friend since second grade, but that's the case with us. I don't know what first bonded us together (Natalie probably remembers), but since then we've survived middle school, high school, college, and God even sent us to the Philippines together on missions. I had the honor of standing next to Natalie when she got married, and when it was all over, her husband, Edmund, invited me along for the honeymoon too! (I went - after all, it's nice to have a built in photographer!) That said, a trip like that is not without a cost - Natalie's also made it clear to Mike that it's our turn to return the favor!
Matthew Orias
Best Man
Mike: Few people have known me longer than my brother Matt. Fewer people still have my trust and loyalty the way my brother does. We've been through battles together, both on the same side and against each other, but at the end of the day, there's no one else I'd want to go into battle with than my brother. Through life's ups and downs, he's been right there to support and lift me up, so naturally there's no one else I'd want beside me as part of my groomsmen party than my brother, Matt. Love you, brother.
Staci Chan
Bridesmaid
Staci and I became friends when we were placed in the same high school accountability group at their church. Every quarter we met up with our mentor, and became close between sleepovers and sandwiches for the houseless. Staci has come to visit numerous times, and each time is a new adventure. She hikes new trails with each trip, making friends with every one of the thousands of steps she takes. Staci is one of the kindest, most empathetic people I've ever met, and this next trip will be an adventure too, even if these steps down the aisle have no incline!
Stephen Picardal
Groomsman
Mike: Steve-O, my guy! We've been bros since before we could (legally) drink, and you've been the dependable, reliable one making sure everyone gets home safely. I probably owe you my life more than once. You were there to weep with me at my lowest moments. When I'd withdraw to periods of trying to be the mysterious, hermit friend, you'd always be there to pull me out of the muck. We've been through a lot over the years, and there are few people I know I can count on to have my back on one of the biggest days of my life. Love you, bro-da.
Emiko Taniguchi-Dorios
Bridesmaid
Emiko and I also met through Natalie, when I visited her in college. After I moved here, we began meeting up I think we initially bonded over board game nights and our shared experiences in education, research, and science. Our friendship quickly skipped the small talk, moving into hours-long car-conversations talking about everything from dating to faith and the meaning of life. Emiko is so sweet, deeply thoughtful, intentional and reflective and I'm so grateful to have her by my side in life and on this day!
Fred Liberato Jr.
Groomsman
Mike: Fred has so often been that friend whom I could suddenly and out of nowhere say, "run!" and he'd sprint beside me (okay... more like sprint ahead of me before looking back to make sure I haven't tripped and fallen) and ask what the heck are we doing after we stop. We've both seen each other through some of the best of times and worst of times, and even when life gets between us and we lose touch for weeks or months at a time, it barely takes a moment of reuniting to be back to being a couple of goofy 40-something year old teenagers trying to impress the girls... though, these days, by "the girls," I mean our wives. Love you bro
Anjali Thakrar
Bridesmaid
Anjali and I have also been friends since second grade, sticking together through the awkwardness of middle school and all the way through high school. Our friendship was truly cemented during legendary, hours-long "car-talks" where we'd literally sit in the driveway talking about anything and everything until the stars came out. Even after I moved away, Anjali was one of those people that continued to make Chicago feel like home, and our friendship meant a lot when my mother was going through cancer. I'm so grateful to have such a soulful, sincere, and authentic woman by my side in life, and at the altar.
Jerod Picardal
Groomsman
Mike: My relationship with Jerod has been unique. We've gone through ups and downs, even "breaking up" for about a year, and yet here we are. We've gone through wars, both being on the same side and standing across the field at each other, but through it all, I think one key thing has remained the same: even when we opposed each other, we wanted the best for one another. That's maturity man, and I did a lot of good growing up with you covering my back man. We may be half-an-ocean apart, but you'll always be one of my boys. Love ya bruv.