Natasha & Christopher
Wedding Party
Evelyn Bauman
Maid of Honor
Evie is one of my best friends that's been around just about my entire life. We went to our small, Catholic school together for elementary and middle school filled with plenty memories of sleepovers, birthday parties, and awkward middle school dances. We went to the same high school and stayed in touch throughout, but we really solidified our lifelong friendship during senior year. Even though we went to different colleges, have lived in different countries, and now live very different lives in very different cities, we never skip a beat when we talk. We've helped coach each other through life, and I don't know where I'd be without her. To know her is to love her.
Ryan Nguyen
Best Man
Ryan is my little brother and my best man. Everyone that knows Ryan knows how fun-loving and charismatic he is. His energy is just so infectious. I would try to live vicariously through him, but my social battery wouldn’t be able to keep up. Growing up, my parents ran the local nail salon and trusted me to take care of Ryan. I would take him everywhere with me. My friends became his friends. Parties, sleepovers, and even dates, you name it, he was there, and I always loved having him around. Somewhere between the late-night gaming seshes, brutal summer workouts at the SRSC, showing each other hidden gem’s on Soundcloud, and traveling Asia together, I realized that my little brother just so happened to also be my best friend. I have so much love for you and couldn’t imagine life without you, bubs.
Megan Kelly
Bridesmaid
Megan is the type of friend you can go to about anything. Full of fun and wisdom, she is one of the most welcoming, nonjudgemental, and genuine people you will ever meet. Megan came into my life in high school. We had classes together, but most importantly we were the *stars* of the BHSS girls' tennis team for four years. Some would even say she played an essential role to Chris and I's relationship, as she was my roommate who started inviting Chris to our parties. We have had endless memories together, and I couldn't imagine not having her by my side.
Nelson Mai
Groomsman
Nelson is my cousin and one of the kindest, most thoughtful people you will ever meet. He is exceptionally driven and when he’s not running his own business or bench pressing 400lbs, he works in the army as an infantryman team leader. Nelson has always led by example and is a core member of our family’s dynamic. He doesn’t know this, at least I think, but even as the younger cousin he’s always pushes me to be the best version of myself. His dedication to those he loves is truly admirable and I know that he’s got my back no matter the situation.
Rebecca Collins
Bridesmaid
Becca will never fail to bring a smile to your face. She radiates positivity and good vibes in a way you just can't explain. Becca also came into my life during high school with vivid memories of playing Tiny Wings on our iPod Touches in Finite. She is the best person to geek out about stuff with, and I love how she sees the beauty in everything. She is a warm light in everyone's life she is a part of, and her beautiful energy is so infectious. She is the type of person to always build you up when you need it the most.
Boaz Shachaf
Groomsman
My best friend since childhood and pretty much my brother from another mother. Boaz and I have so many shared experiences from our childhood. We both grew up in the same neighborhood, sharing the same bus stop, have distinctly ethnic mothers that raised us, and even dated the same girl in 6th grade (fun fact, Boaz also dated Natasha for a brief period in elementary school). These factors helped us cultivate our lifelong friendship. To this day, if you were to ask me what I’d rather be doing at any given moment, other than hang out with my wife, my answer would be simple, “shoot some hoops with Boaz”.
Andrea Nguyen
Bridesmaid
Andrea is my cousin who was born just a few months after me, making us twins in our family for the rest of our lives. Every year at Christmas we would receive the exact same gifts from everyone in our families, just in different colors. Andrea is a headstrong woman who fights for those she loves. She is dependable and always there to listen. She is such a pillar in our family and quickly becoming one of the best cooks in the Nguyen family, which is a pretty big deal. Her dedication to her athleticism is admirable between soccer, flag football, and now olympic weightlifting, not even two ACL tears can stop her. I am so fortunate to have had this cousin twin built into my life.
Cory Wellman
Groomsman
Cory has the innate skill of always knowing the right things to say to make you laugh. He is a vibrant mix of light and joy. We first met our freshman year of high school and instantly wanted nothing to do with each other. I vividly recall our first interaction was a heated dispute over the Lakers and Nuggets rivalry in the middle of our school’s cafeteria which ended in some choice words in front of a raucous sea of students. It wasn’t the easiest but fortunately we were able to put our differences to the side and soon discovered that we both were into anime, Lil Wayne, and all things sports. From that point forward we’ve been inseparable and I’m so fortunate to have you as a friend.
Rachel Nguyen
Bridesmaid
Rachel is another one of my cousins who was born into this world a few years after me. Growing up she would annoy me because she would copy everything I did. My mom would always give her my hand-me-downs as well. Now that we've grown up...she still copies me and moved to Asia after I did. I'd like to think I've played a big role into shaping her into the woman she is today, but ultimately I can't take credit for how incredible she has truly become. She has grown into such a beautiful soul that is so easy to talk to. She makes everyone feel like they are her best friend (or her favorite cousin, in my case). I have truly enjoyed watching her grow up, and I can't wait to have her by my side.
Arvin Wells
Groomsman
Arvin is one of the realest people and he’s the kind of friend you can count on for anything. He’s truly selfless. I can go to him with anything, and he wouldn’t hesitate to lend a hand or offer advice. Arvin deeply cares about his community and we both love mentoring kids on and off the basketball court. Arvin’s been in my life for a long, long time but our friendship didn’t truly take off until we both simultaneously moved back to Bloomington, IN in 2020. Since then, it’s been nothing but positivity, encouragement, and true brotherhood between us and I can’t wait to keep this friendship rolling for a lifetime.
Amelia Nguyen
Flower Girl
The youngest and spunkiest member of the bride's Nguyen family. We are so excited to have her be a part of our big day!
Bryton Mai
Ring Bearer
The youngest and sassiest member of the groom's Mai family. We have loved watching Bryton grow up and getting to be a part of his life.