Wedding Party
Mirae Choi
Bride
Sarah Mirae was born in Texas to Korean immigrant parents & raised in rural Georgia for most of her life, along with her older brother and three little sisters. She started life as a “seminary kid” and has been a “pastor’s kid” in Korean language Southern Baptist churches since she was four. For as long as she can remember, she has been held firmly in God’s hands. This May, Sarah/Mirae will be graduating from Princeton University, where she studied neuroscience, ecology, and evolutionary biology with a focus on infectious disease dynamics. Ask her about her thoughts on Christianity and evolutionary biology (she still believes God created all creatures great and small!) She loves spending time with smallish kids, weeding english ivy, and chatting over coffee.
Ryan McDowell
Groom
Ryan was born in Seattle, WA and grew up in Annapolis, MD. He will be graduating from Princeton (Lordwilling!) shortly before the wedding with a degree in Computer Science. At Princeton, he is very grateful to be a member of the Princeton Christian Fellowship and Hope Presbyterian Church. In his spare time, he enjoys hanging out with Mirae, running, and playing board games that are too long for their own good.
Amy Yoone
Maid of Honor
Hi I’m Amy! I’m from Macon, Georgia, but I go to school in Atlanta at Georgia Tech. I’m currently pre-dental while majoring in biomedical engineering. I spend most of my time leading a club, Global Medical Missions Alliance, where we promote living Christ-centered missional lives to aspiring pre-health students. In my free time, I enjoy reading fiction books (I’m a sucker for mysteries), doing puzzles, drinking fancy coffee beverages, and trying new restaurants. ~~~ I’ve known Mirae since I was 5, and we initially hated each other haha. But now I love her dearly and couldn’t have imagined growing up or learning how to navigate life with anyone else. She’s been such a pivotal person in my life and spiritual journey, so I’m incredibly honored to be a part of this special day in her life.
Joy Choi
Bridesmaid
Helloo~ My name is Joy. I will be 16 years old as of April of 2024 :) I currently attend Collins Hill High school and in my free time, I love to bake and spend time with cats. 🐈 🐈🐈⬛🐱 I recall it as if it happened just a moment ago – April 4th, 2008, the night where Mirae gained a very very very very kind younger sister :) Please write any concerns about arachnid allergies before the wedding thank youuu ~ 🥰
Noelle McDowell
Bridesmaid
Hello! I’m Noelle, Ryan’s younger sister and therefore Mirae’s future sister-in-law 👀😎🤗. I’m originally from Annapolis, MD and am currently a sophomore studying Philosophy at Princeton. I love to sing, go on runs with friends, and plan fun social events! Some more niche hobbies include social dancing and organizing beautiful candy buffets :). ~~~ I am so very blessed to have Mirae as a friend and am very excited to have her as a sister. I am constantly amazed by her thoughtfulness and true desire to seek what is right and true before God. She’s inspired me to be more patient and also more intentional and perceptive about how other people are acting/feeling/thinking.
Katie Baldwin
Bridesmaid
hi everyone! I’m Katie, a senior at Princeton. I’m studying computer science with a certificate in linguistics, and I also grew up in Princeton. If I’m not working on a computer science assignment, you can probably find me doing some sort of music — playing cello in orchestra, singing in our Christian a capella group, or planning worship for our Christian fellowship meetings. ~~~ I’ve known Mirae since the summer before freshman year, and began to get to know her and Ryan that fall through hanging out for many hours after our Zoom Christian fellowship meetings. Since that time there have been countless meals, study sessions, and conversations, as well as various COS classes I’ve taken with Ryan. Mirae has been such a blessing to me over the past few years through her sincerity, kindness and thoughtfulness, and conversations from the deep/consequential to the most random topics. Honored and excited for the chance to be a part of this wedding!
Cynthia Makachi
Bridesmaid
Hi everyone, my name is Cynthia :)! I am from New Jersey and am currently a senior at Princeton University majoring in International and Public Affairs with a minor in French language and culture. If you were to spend just a few hours with me, you’d learn that I love Jesus, worship, laughing with friends and family, spontaneous outings, and good food! ~~~ I have been extremely privileged to know Mirae since the beginning of our freshman year of college. From the minute we met during our zoom semester, I knew that we were meant to be friends for life (though it took Mirae some convincing as she forgot to respond the first time I messaged her!) as I was drawn to Mirae’s warm personality, infectious laugh, and sincere heart for others. As we went from hallmates to roommates and now to bride and bridesmaid, I thank God for blessing me with such a loyal and loving sister in Christ like Mirae as there are many moments we went through during college that I couldn’t imagine navigating and praying through with any other person. My love and appreciation for Mirae is truly more than words can express and I am so so excited to be celebrating her and Ryan on their special day!
Emily Yue
Bridesmaid
Greetings! I'm Emily! I grew up in Richmond, Virginia, went to undergrad in Princeton, New Jersey (where I met the radiant bride), and currently live and work in New York City. Some of my favorite things include catching up with my best friends, cozy nights in, dancing to music, and being in and taking pictures of nature. ~~~ I met this dear lady in my junior year of college, when she was a freshman, and I remember being drawn to her energetic yet thoughtful personality the first time I met her over ~video call~ in her freshman fall semester through Christian fellowships. Even though we had a big sis/lil sis relationship at the beginning, I can now safely say that she has been a rock in my life, a prayer warrior on my behalf, and someone I can confide in. I love you so much Mirae and may God bless you and guide you and Ryan in your marriage.
Jessica Kelly
Bridesmaid
Hi! My name is Jessica (you can call me Jess, Jessi etc). I’m from a small town called Byron, GA and I’m currently studying at Mercer University in Macon, GA to become a PA. I love Jesus, reading, music, embroidery, dogs, watching a good tv show and Im always in the mood to eat something sweet :D. ~~~I have known Sarah since 6th grade. I walked up to her and just started talking, and since then we’ve become besties. Even though we’re so far apart she is still one of my most favorite people on the planet & will always be considered one of my best friends. She’s been such a vital part in my spiritual, academic, and self discovery journey. From watching Kdramas, ranting about school sitting on the floor (or underneath tables), to figuring out our beloved fps booklets and being roomies every year, me and Sarah have been side by side through it all. I’m so excited to meet everyone else and be a part of Sarah & Ryan’s big day!
Stella Choi
Bridesmaid
Hi, my name is Stella! I’m a senior at Princeton studying molecular biology with a minor in American studies. I was born and raised in Suwannee/Duluth/Buford, Ga for the other Ga bridesmaids :D I love to spend time with friends, cook, read, kick balls around, and lie down starting at the sky :) ~~~ I first met Mirae through discord, lol, freshman year. Her bio said Georgia, Korean, and I saw she was looking into christian fellowships, so of course I had to say hi 😏 Since then it’s been such a wild ride talking about life and relating to things pre-Princeton. She inspired me to be more consistent about being part of Christian fellowship and also to actively serve. Mirae has such a gentle and loving heart for her family, friends, and just people generally. Through the highs and lows, she’s sought so much to be obedient to God. Truly through her I see this verse come to life: “Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.” 1 Peter 3:3-4 NIV Mirae is so beautiful, but the most beautiful part about her has been her gentle and quiet spirit. I’m so excited to meet everyone in person and am honored to be a part of this special day.
Sarah Kuo
Bridesmaid
Hello! My name is Sarah, and I’m a senior at Princeton studying physics with certificates in engineering biology and quantitative and computational biology. Aside from doing biophysics research (which I love!), I enjoy spending time outdoors and with friends, playing music, and baking. ~~~ I have been blessed to get to know Ryan and Mirae through our Christian fellowship at Princeton, spending hours with them on Zoom, on walks, and over meals, navigating changing COVID protocols to worship together as a community, and shepherding a Christian fellowship together. My deep appreciation for and admiration of the two of them has grown, and Mirae’s friendship to me throughout our time at college has been such a gift and has taught me so much. Her kind smile and sweet laugh, her grace and generosity, her authenticity and genuine love for those around her are inspiring, and I’m so excited and honored to be a part of her and Ryan’s big day!
Faith Choi
Junior Bridesmaid
Hello, my name is Faith choi, second youngest sister of the bride. A few things to know about me is that I love cats, read good books, and my friends and family. I remember a special birthday when I was mad at grace and wouldn’t even talk to her, so Joy went to Mirae in a call, to somehow make us feel better. She made me and grace sit down, and said,”will you be my junior bridesmaid” showing us her ring. and at that moment me and grace started crying together in worry of losing our sister to a person we barely knew. But after looking at it, I’m extremely grateful to god for giving us ryan to love our sister… and making me their junior bridesmaid.
Grace Choi
Junior Bridesmaid
Hallo! My name is Grace and I am the youngest sister of the bride along with my twin sister Faith. I love cats and I think cats are superior. I also love crocheting and baking, though I suck at it. I remember the day when my father approved Ryan to date my sister, me and Faith were only 9. I then found out about my sister’s engagement on my 11th birthday. This will be my first time going to a wedding and being part of a wedding. I wish best luck to my sister and Ryan.😁
Amelia McDowell
Junior Bridesmaid
My name is Amelia McDowell. I am the youngest in the McDowell family, and the sister of Ryan and Noelle. I am a freshman in high school at Rockbridge Academy. I love running on the cross country and track and field teams, and I also enjoy playing piano and drawing. It’s been so fun to get to know Mirae, and I have really enjoyed going out to boba🧋I am so excited to have Mirae as a sister, and I can’t wait for the wedding!
Nathan Daly
Best Man
Nathan Daly grew up in Columbia, Maryland, where he had the opportunity to attend the same high school as Ryan. He is fond of cryptographic math, chocolate ice cream, board games, mountains, and the local church. He currently lives in Blacksburg, Virginia, enjoying all five.
Isaac Choi
Groomsman
Elliott Crane
Groomsman
Elliott was born and raised in Annapolis, Maryland, where he attended Annapolis EP church and Rockbridge Academy until he graduated in 2019. He graduated from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in 2023 and was commissioned into the US Navy. He is currently in flight training to become a Naval Aviator in Pensacola, Florida. In his spare time he enjoys playing strategy games, brazilian jiu jitsu, and skimboarding. Elliott and Ryan became friends through sports in middle and high school and backpacking trips through church. Some of Elliott’s favorite memories with Ryan include hiking the Maryland Appalachian trail together, running cross country races together, and many, many hours of boardgames.
Joel Pasquarelli
Groomsman
Growing up in Annapolis, Joel remembers doing magic tricks with Ryan in the seventh grade and putting on a magic show with him at a youth retreat later that year. Over the years the magic tricks turned into board games mingled with theological discussions and encouraging conversations, but the friendship stayed the same. Joel is currently working on his masters in art and art history at Clemson University in South Carolina and is more than willing to talk anyone’s ear off about the sculpture of the Italian baroque.
Christian Hernandez
Groomsman
Hello, my name is Christian Hernandez, a Princeton alum of the Class of 2022 with a B.A. in molecular biology. I am currently working as a teacher for reading and science and preparing for a master’s in environmental microbiology. I currently live in Florida, spending my time serving in Native American ministry and young adults ministry at my local church, and also hiking. I was an early friend of Ryan and Mirae, meeting them at our Christian campus fellowship in 2021. Ryan first came to my dorm for Josh and Frosh, a ministry my two friends named Josh did where we invited freshmen over for hoagies every other week. Since that time, I have enjoyed Saturday morning brunch with Ryan and our friends, talking about theology on Saturdays, and watching high-quality movies like the live-action Dora. Ryan has also continued to host me at his place when I have come to visit since graduating. I am inspired by Ryan for his patience, dedication to friendships, and his heart for serving Christ. I'm so glad the Lord brought them together, and excited to see everyone in Annapolis this summer to celebrate.
Justice Banken
Groomsman
I'm from Anthem, Arizona and a recent graduate from Princeton's School of Public and International Affairs. Ryan and I were snuggle buddies (roommates) during sophomore year, as well as fellow members of Princeton Christian Fellowship (PCF). My favorite pastime is raising Sea Monkeys with my co-parent, Ryan.
Kevin Kim
Groomsman
My name is Kevin Kim, and I am from Warrington, Pennsylvania. I used to visit Maryland every now and then as a kid; I think I’ve been to the National Aquarium three times (I went once last year). Like Ryan, I am studying computer science at Princeton University, and I plan to become a math teacher after I complete graduate school. A fun fact about me: I lived in Nowon-gu (노원구) in Seoul until I was seven years old. Ryan and Mirae have been extremely meaningful to my life. I recall when I committed my life to Christ during my freshman year of college, they were instrumental (over Zoom!) in my baby steps of faith. I was an emotional teen seeking peace, and through their patient stewardship, I grew in my yearning to know Christ. Ryan and Mirae witnessed my testimony during my baptism, and I’ve been blessed to grow as a Christian and young adult in the life-changing Christian community they dedicated themselves to. Last year, I was blessed with the opportunity to serve our campus ministry, PCF, with Ryan as another officer, and I will always look up to his servant-minded leadership and love for God. In addition, I will always be inspired by Mirae’s bright spirit, as I seek to reflect it in my profession and daily life.
Calvin Hunt
Groomsman
My name is Calvin Hunt, and I'm a Class of 2024 hailing from Green Bay Wisconsin! At Princeton I studied Public & International Affairs, and in my free time enjoyed membership in Princeton Christian Fellowship, Club Tennis, various policy groups, and Kindred Spirit acapella with Ryan's sister, Noelle. I've been blessed to call Ryan a dear friend for my four years at Princeton. Ryan was a big reason that PCF became such a strong home for me, and he's been a constant source of insight and encouragement for my faith. We've enjoyed countless memories and deep discussions, whether over 'Men's Brunch,' 'Cookies & Christian Conversations', or our morning jogs together. He's always been an organized fella, and one of my favorite memories was when he planned a Valentine's Day shopping trip for a group of us dating/engaged men to buy flowers and chocolates for our ladies :) I'm excited and honored to serve as a groomsman for Ryan and Mirae's wedding, and I trust that God's hand will be upon them in this next step of marriage. To God be the glory!
Brian Kook
Groomsman
Hello! My name is Brian Kook and I am a junior at Princeton studying history. I grew up in Providence, RI, and my family currently lives in Korea. At Princeton, I am part of Manna Christian Fellowship and am a member of Hope Presbyterian Church. I met Ryan on zoom before coming to Princeton, and we’ve had fun times getting meals with each other, worshipping together, and even going Christmas-gift shopping together (he graciously drove me to Barnes and Nobles and saw me wring my hands over what to get for my girlfriend). I hope Ryan and Mirae have happy years together and prosper in their marriage!