Wedding Party
Zion Perez
Best Man
Michael and Zion have been friends since they were high school freshmen, but they only starting become truly close friends in their junior year when they did paddling together. They've done a ton of stupid, fun, memorable things together of the years. Back in college, he went to USC and Michael went to Pepperdine. They went on a number of road trips in my old Pontiac Grand Am from LA to SF and it always felt like two brothers talking about anything and everything. He’s intelligent, crafty, and persistent, and the only person Michael knows that is actually actively trying to make the world a better place.
Kimberly Su
Maid of Honor
Kimi and Giz had an instant connection when Gizela moved in next door to her college apartment. In the beginning, Giz always thought Kimi was too cool for her, like, how are we even friends. But now Giz know that some people are just soul mates and that’s how friendship works. Kimi always knows what’s cool and happening and keeps Giz up to date on the latest trends. She’s headstrong, opinionated, and fiercely loyal. Giz can always depend on her in any situation to have Giz's back and come through. This is a friendship that has withstood time and distance, and of course just like fine wine, it will only get better with time.
Victor Solidum
Best Man
Michael has known Vic since high school, but it wouldn't be until 2013 when they started hanging out regularly. Vic is an enabler, outgoing, and a man of his word. It's hard to pinpoint one "best" memory since, well, a lot of it is literally a blur. You never know what type of night it's going to be hanging out with Vic and that's part of what makes our friendship so great. Michael's favorite recent memory was actually back in December 2018. Michael, Giz, and Michael's siblings (Darren and Shanelle) drove up to Stockton to celebrate Vic's dad's bday. While all of them we're in the garage singing karaoke, Michael sneaked out to call Giz's parents to ask their permission to marry Giz. When Michael went back in, somehow Vic and Giz got completely plastered and Vic spilled a drink on Darren.
Meghan Kamat
Maid of Honor
Gizela met Meghan through Kimi when she moved in and was deemed cool enough to befriend. In the days, when Giz had nowhere to go for holidays, she invited Giz to family gatherings and Thanksgivings. Now Meghan's family is Giz's family and as the saying goes, home is where the heart is. Meghan is the most thoughtful and kind-hearted human being Giz has ever met. Humble, giving, and always trying to better herself. Even though she’s younger, she inspires Giz every day.
Darren Miguel
Groomsman/Brother
Darren is my baby brother - the youngest of the Miguel family. He's had to deal with a lot growing up with me, including a full two years with me as a high school teacher at Academy while he was at Father Duenas. I taught the exact same grade level that he was in, which of course meant that many of my students were his friends. It was never really awkward to us though. In hindsight, it was a time when I really got to know him for the man he is. He's always down for anything, fun, and clever. He's carving his own path and doing things his own way and I'm proud of everything he is doing.
Jessica Ching
Bridesmaid
Once upon a time, Gizela and Jessica were sixth grade best friends that were inseparable. They were torn apart when Jessica’s family relocated to Hong Kong. Fast forward to 2015 when Gizela moved to Hong Kong for two short years (2015-2017), their friendship grew stronger than it ever was. This only happened thanks to the Facebook gods who allowed them to reconnect. It was as if not a single beat was missed. Jessica is a world traveler and an incredibly talented designer. She’s always on top of current fashion trends and she keeps Giz up to date on the latest skincare routines so that they can both stay young forever.
Suong Lee
Groomsman
Michael and Suong have been friends since freshman year high school. Suong was the link between FD and Harvest and to all of the closest friends that Michael has today. He's opinionated, driven, and a softy at his core. The funniest memory Michael has was when he visited SF in 2017 for Michael's bday. At the end of the night, Suong had enough and decided it was time to head home. "Call the uber" he said. Michael did, and for about 2 minutes they rode in that uber. They hit a red light and Suong promptly leaves the uber. "Where are you going??!!" Michael shouted. Soung replied, "I NEED TO GO HOME, WE'RE GETTING AN UBER!". "...this is the uber!!" Michael yelled back. They ended getting another uber.
Ruby Chan
Bridesmaid
Two words - Diaper Buddies. Gizela has known Ruby since as far back as she can remember. Ruby was forced to basically be Gizela’s sister since, well, Giz only had Kelvin. Gizela’s best memory is when she accidentally locked Ruby in the bathroom when they were children and Ruby started freaking out when she couldn’t figure out how to unlock the door. Big animal lover (humans included) and extremely family-oriented, she’s at every engagement, wedding, birthday—all the important moments. In fact, she was the only family member present at the engagement and it triggered the worst ugly-cry moment in the history of engagements.
Eric Lee
Groomsman
Michael met Eric in 2015 through Giz. In reality, Eric was one of Giz's best friends and he was there when Giz and I reconnected. Eric is the most low key, dependable, and consistent person we know. You can always catch him in a hoody, or coming from a volleyball game, or a half-day gaming sesh at his house. Regardless, he always shows up when you need him. Funniest memory Michael has is probably the first weekend we met. We were sharing a room in Vegas and at some point in the middle of the night, Eric's just raised his arms almost as if he was raving in his sleep. For the longest time, I thought he was awake, but he held it there for a solid 10-15 min. He woke up to no recollection of it.
Wynna Wong
Bridesmaid
Wynna Wong is sassy, vulgar, and ultra-cool. She's been on TV you know. Gizela and Wynna met in Hong Kong through mutual friends and in an instant, they became like family to each other. From closing down karma, to junk trips, to random excursions to Taiwan and Japan, they've had quite the adventure together in such a short period of time. Wynna's even visited SF twice now since moving to NYC 2 years ago or so and each time, hilarity ensues. She's so open, aware, and well-spoken and she loves to hate on Eric Lee as much as I do.
Wesley Lee
Groomsman
Michael and Wes were law school classmates. Wes was the first to truly introduce Michael to SF living - we hit up all the local spots, restaurants, bars-all while grinding as hard as we could throughout law school. Wes is constantly learning, dabbling, and improving every aspect about himself. Good enough is never good enough, it was always about getting the best out of yourself and your potential. Almost every weekend during that first year of law school you could catch us at the Corner Spot, catching up, blowing off some steam, and plotting out or next moves.
Regina Fong
Bridesmaid
Regina and Gizela became best friends in high school when Gizela befriended the “new girl” sophomore year. They quickly found that they had a ton in common--they were two independent-women who enjoyed hating on the boys. From Harvest polos to pencil skirts, they’ve been through a lot together. Regina is so smart and driven. She’s perpetually continuing her education and Giz is glad that she'll still be one of her best friends when Reg eventually takes over the world.
Leif Andres
Groomsman
Michael and Leif became close friends after college when Michael's came back to Guam to teach. Leif's personality is electric, outrageous, and thoughtful. They were gym buddies and you could catch them playing pool at Buddies most nights from 2011-2013. He's never on time, but always shows up. My favorite memory was when Leif was trying to do more cardio and so he and Keith decided to join me for a 5k race one weekend. That was the last time Leif did a 5k. Also - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lZqItImVC_8. You're welcome.
Amanda Huynh
Bridesmaid
Amanda and Giz were in the same clinic initiation class at UC Davis. It was a classic story of the nice girl befriending the mean girl (obviously Gizela was the mean girl). Giz was always challenging Amanda to drink more than she could, which always ended in some of her worst but also best and most memorable (or no memory at all) nights in college. Amanda is that hardworking and responsible friend that will always make me feel like I’m behind in adulting because she is always two steps ahead.
Johnny Lee
Officiant/Groomsman/Bridesmaid
Johnny is one of the wittiest, smartest dumb person we know. He's always the life of the party and his laugh is infectious. He's real and he has been known to go down the rabbit hole and have some really deep conversations. In 2015 when we (Giz and Mike) first started "talking to each other", Giz met up with Johnny at his place. Giz told Johnny that she had started to see someone and that it was someone that Johnny knew. Johnny guessed and guessed but never came up with the right answer. When Giz said it was Michael Miguel, Johnny's response was "oh...yeah that makes sense." He was literally the first person from our friend group who knew we were a perfect match. Five years later and it makes total sense that he will be officiating our wedding.