Wedding Party

Trang Ngoc Phuong Nguyen

Bride

Michael Preston Huttar

Groom

Hao Nguyen

Father of the Bride

No words can truly capture how much my father means to me. After my mother passed away, Ba became my everything—the one who raised me, cared for me, and stood by me through every season of life. He isn’t a man of many words or outward displays of affection, but I’ve always felt the depth of his love in everything he does. His quiet strength, sacrifices, and unwavering support shaped me into who I am today. I am forever grateful, and I love my father with all my heart.

Christina Meadors

Mother of the Groom

Two of my mother's defining characteristics are her creativity and artistic talent. Since I was a child, she's helped foster a sense of beauty, creativity, and self-expression in my own life. Some of my favorite memories are of us working on some random project. From these, I learned a strong sense of self-efficacy and passion for creative expression. These have become two of my own strongest-held values. Through home schooling us, working on projects, or encouraging us to speak our minds, she's helped my siblings and I become strong and independent. I'm glad she is here with Trang and I on our wedding day, to share in the beauty of this moment.

Mai Ngo

Mother of the Bride

Though my mother left this world far too soon, when I was only 12, her presence has never left me. I carry her memory with me in every step of my journey. Not a day goes by that I don’t think of her. She shaped the person I am today, teaching me the most beautiful lessons about life and love. Her words and guidance continue to inspire me to be better each day. She has always been, and will always be, my role model. I miss you so much, Mẹ, and I know you’ll be with me on my big day. I am forever grateful to be your daughter—and if there is a next life, I would choose to be your daughter all over again.

Bo Meadors

Step-Father of the Groom

Bo joined the family later in my life, but has been an absolutely welcome addition. As I got to know him through the years, I really have come to respect Bo massively. He is probably one of the hardest working and generous people I've ever met. I'm proud to call you my step-father, and to have you as part of my family. While we aren't blood, you've always made me feel like one of your kids. Thank you for being a part of my wedding day, it means more than you know.

Loan Nguyen

Maid of Honor

Loan has been by my side for as long as I can remember. We were born just four days apart and grew up together like sisters. She is so much more than a cousin; she’s my confidant, my partner in crime, and my forever best friend. Even during the years we lived far apart, our bond never wavered, and it always feels like no time has passed when we’re together. We’ve shared countless memories, laughter, and moments that I’ll treasure forever. Having Loan as my maid of honor was never even a question. I can’t imagine walking down the aisle without her by my side.

Jonathan Thompson

Best Man

Jonathan is one of my closest friends in the world. We originally met in graduate school, in North Dakota. While we began as simply cohort members, Jonathan became the brother I never had. He and I have experienced a lot of hardship and tough times together, and have come out swinging each time, by leaning on one another. There are very few people who know who I am as deeply as he does. He's always been there as a source of support, even when he was struggling himself. It's been nothing short of a blessing, having you in my life. I can't imagine having gone through all the things we did, alone. I'm so glad to have him beside me as my best man.

Maricruz Rodriguez

Bridesmaid

Maricruz and I first met at work, but she quickly became one of the most important people in my life. From the very beginning, I felt a special connection that only grew stronger with time. She has one of the kindest souls I’ve ever known, and through countless conversations, laughter, and shared memories, she has touched my heart in ways I’ll never forget. I love how we can talk for hours without noticing the time, simply enjoying each other’s company. Mari is the person I can share anything with, knowing she’ll understand and always offer the wisest advice. She holds such a beautiful, irreplaceable place in my heart, and having her by my side on this day is a reminder of how lucky I am to call her my friend.

Kat Salo

Groomswoman

Kat is one of my oldest friends. Originally, we met in undergrad and over the years, we've bonded over our love for all things nerdy. Kat and her husband, Jimmy, have been there for me through many hard times, and vice verses. I consider her like my sister. Fun fact, I even attended her wedding as a bridesmaid. I can't imagine not having her beside me for my own wedding day as a groomsman. I feel like there is so much I want to say, but don't have the space to say it. Kat has been my best friend for so many years, and it's hard to distill down how much her friendship has meant to me, into a single paragraph. Thank you for always being around when I've needed an ear. You and Jimmy have been amazing friends.

Lourdes Orellana

Bridesmaid

Lou holds such a special place in my heart. Our friendship started so simply. She noticed me watching BTS before our STAT class and said, ‘Hey, I like them too!’ From that moment, she became my best friend and confidant. Just seven months later, we were studying abroad together, sharing stories, dreams, and the kind of conversations that make you feel truly seen. I’ll never forget Lou telling me, during one of her hardest times, that destiny brought me to her for a reason. The truth is, destiny brought her to me too. She is one of the most extraordinary souls I know, and having her by my side as I walk into this next chapter is one of my greatest honors.

Jimmy Salo

Groomsman

Just like with Kat, Jimmy and I share a love of nerdy, geeky things, which we've congregated around together for many years now. Since we met we've shared many good conversations, musings, and support, as well as sharing an uncanny ability to annoy and embarrass Kat when we get in the same room together. Good times... I have massive respect for his determination and wit. He's overcome so much, with a strength that I truly admire. I am beyond happy he is able to share today with Trang and I, as well. You two have been like family over the years. I look forward to many, many more years of friendship-and annoying Kat.

Megan Ferris

Bridesmaid

Megan and I first met at work, but what started as a 9–5 connection quickly grew into a real and lasting friendship. From sharing books and skating adventures to trying out new places to eat, we’ve created so many fun memories together. I love her positive energy and the stories and laughter she always brings into my life. I’m so grateful that our friendship has become so much more than coworkers, and I can’t wait to have her by my side as I walk down the aisle.

Jon Ramirez

Groomsman

I met Jon during my PhD internship year. His wife, Annita was one of my cohort members. I remember since very early on, he and I really hit it off, with a shared love of pop culture, technology, and strong sense of faith. Like many of the other people on this list, he and his wife have become like family. You've both been beyond generous in your support and friendship. I am so happy that you are able to share our wedding day with us. It wouldn't be complete without the whole family.

Jennifer Nguyen

Bridesmaid

Jennifer is not only my cousin but also someone who has surprised me with how much our bond has grown over the years. We even had the chance to work at the same place, sharing lunches and conversations that turned into memories I’ll always hold onto. Having her as my bridesmaid is so special, and I’m grateful for the good times we’ve shared and the family connection that makes this day even more meaningful.

Patrick Carnahan

Groomsman

It's hard to believe we met almost ten years ago now. We had interacted peripherally in classes, but really got to know one another on our trip to Japan in 2016. Some of my best memories from undergrad were evenings spent philosophizing together or hanging out watching Battlestar Galactica. I feel like we have both grown up a lot since then, but I can always count on you to be the same kindhearted, hard working guy that I met ten years ago. It's truly been a blessing having you as a friend.

Jackie Hernandez

Bridesmaid

I’ll never forget the day Jackie and I started our jobs together. I was so nervous, but she turned what could have been a scary beginning into one filled with laughter and comfort. From that moment, she became more than just a coworker. She became one of my closest friends. I’ve always admired her positivity and optimism, the way she can make any situation feel lighter. Even though we’re now on different paths career-wise, our friendship has remained a constant blessing in my life. Having Jackie by my side on my wedding day means the world to me.

Michael Hendricks

Groomsman

There are few figures in my life as important as my uncle. Michael has been there since I was born, as a friend, uncle, and father figure. I owe so many good memories to him. The time that we've spent together has been so full of learning and laughter. I owe him a lot of credit for helping me become the man I am now. Thank you for everything through the years, Michael. And thank you, for being beside Trang and I for our big day!

My Tran

Bridesmaid

It’s still amazing to me that My and I were only in the same class for one hour, and yet that was the beginning of a friendship that has lasted nearly ten years. Through every stage of my life, she has been like a sister to me. Whenever I’ve faced hardships, I’ve turned to My, because she has a way of teaching me resilience, positivity, and faith in life just by being who she is. Michael and I will always cherish the memory of her helping translate his letter to my dad, asking for permission to marry me, and walking with us through such a meaningful moment. My has been there for me in ways both big and small, and I can’t imagine this day without her by my side.

Marc Gutierrez

Groomsman

Marc has been a somewhat recent addition to my close friend group, but a very welcome one. I met Marc in 2023, when his wife started as an intern at UHCL. When she later was hired on, I got the opportunity to hang out with them both more often, and quickly, a deep friendship began to grow. For about a year now, we've bonded over games of D&D, work stresses, and a love of nerdy things. It's been wonderful to get to know Marc, and the support from him and his wife has been incredible. I am forever grateful to you guys for lending your ears, emotions, and talents to every interaction. I am so appreciative to have gotten to know Marc over this year, and include him in my sphere of chosen family.