Justine & Philip
Wedding Party
Jamie So
Maid of Honor
Jamie and I have been friends since middle school. We really did not like each other in the beginning but that quickly changed. We bonded over a shared love of food, Korean dramas and full belly laughs. She has walked every season of life with me, from awkward middle school years to deciding where to go to college and diligently visiting me even though I now live across the country from her. Despite the distance between us she has always been there to listen and has continued to cheer me on. She has all of the dirt on me but I know she would never give me away. Grateful that she will be by my side. I literally would not have survived months of planning had it not been for her, walking me through every step.
Benjamin Gauss
Best Man
Ben and I haven't been friends for that long but it feels as though he's known me forever. He is way laid-back and secretly very troll (see Justine if you are unclear about the meaning of this word or if you need to hear it in a sentence). Despite his mellow attitude, Ben cares deeply about his friends and family. He is patient and has been one my biggest supporters throughout college and after. He had a front row seat to my whole relationship with Justine, even before I knew I had feelings for her. Seems fitting that he have a front row seat at the wedding. He's been perfecting his speech for a while, make sure you pay close attention.
Chi Tran
Bridesmaid
Chi was one of the very first friends I made when I moved to California. She is incredibly patient, kind and just wonderful. I truly believe that she was monumental to why California has become my second home. She is also one of the few people who is not only a friend but has also been a coworker and knows exactly how to decipher my incoherent words and thoughts into eloquent messages. She actually got married in May, so in addition to shared work experience, we were also able to figure out wedding planning together. She has had a front row seat to the development of my relationship with Philip and was always so happy for both of us. I'm thrilled that she can stand beside me!
Samuel Shaw
Groomsman
Sam has been there for me since forever it seems. When I was going through tough times, I knew I could always count on him to come through. Not one to shy away from calling me out, he has continued to push me to be better. Sam has literally been there for every big life event. Yes, he had a feeling about Justine even before I told him. Thanks for not talking me out of that one. Sam and Justine actually met and became friends before Justine and I did. Glad they both liked the other. Given the magnitude of this big life event, it seems only fitting that he be here to talk me through it and make sure I don't make a fool of myself.
Desaly Gonzalez
Bridesmaid
Desaly is without a doubt one of the most fun people I have ever met. We met through Maddie (see below) and our lives have never been the same. She has a fiery personality and is so generous with her time and love. I know that if I ever need a good laugh or a really amazing dance party, Desaly is the one I call. And while I know she is down to have fun, Dee is also the one who has my back and supports me through every decision I make. When she met Philip, her only concern was about my happiness. She wanted to know whether or not I was happy, even before she gave her opinion on him. That is Dee in a nutshell. Her top priority is always making sure the people she loves are well-cared for.
Alexander Tat
Groomsman
Alex is my guy. We both grew up at ROLCC, but started working together during college. I appreciate his sense of humor and his work ethic. He's dependable, reliable and trustworthy. Need him to come to a milk tea shop at 10pm on short notice to avoid an awkward encounter? He's there. He is also a great photographer. Our engagement photos were taken by him, 10/10 would recommend. Justine considers him to be a literal mind-reader. To be honest, still unclear how he knows what exactly people need but that is truly him. He is helpful and observant, always willing to lend a hand. Justine and I are both very lucky and blessed to call him our friend and have him here with us.
Fiona Hu
Bridesmaid
Fiona has never not been a part of my life. Some of my first memories in life are from swimming at her house or sleepovers that we had in the summer. She is generous with her time and energy and she is one of the best cooks and bakers I have ever met. Seriously, she is so talented and she did all of the calligraphy for our wedding! She was recently diagnosed with cancer and I have been so amazed by her resilience, strength and attitude through everything. Despite the craziness of it all, she is constantly checking in to make sure I'm okay. She is one of the strongest people I know and I am so grateful to have her. Thankful for her everyday but especially today.
Joshua Liu
Groomsman
I met Josh through Alex (thanks man). We're both more on the quiet and reserved side which results in our conversations usually being very quiet and full of silence and pauses. But if someone so much as glances at me the wrong way, Josh will be there in a second to back me up. He's fiercely dedicated to his friends and although seems introverted has a MOUNTAIN of a personality. Although we have not known each other for that long, I consider him to be a brother and confidant. Someone who has witnessed the beginning of my relationship with Justine, who has continued to support and encourage us. He is someone who will always have my back and I am grateful to have him by my side.
Maddie Welsh
Bridesmaid
Maddie and I met in a freshmen dorm room. We hit it off instantly and realized how much we enjoyed each others company. I think what really cemented the friendship was sitting in Benson at WFU and demolishing a pint of Ben and Jerry's after a particularly challenging day. When you can share ice cream, you can share anything. Since then we have continued sharing lots of things; college horrors, relationship drama, holidays, our families. Maddie constantly amazes me with her spirit and optimism. I consider myself beyond lucky to have walked with her through college and eager to share all of the memories from this weekend with her too.
Jason Aldridge
Groomsman
Jason and I were roommates as freshmen in college. Our love of sports brought us together and the guy is always down to ball. He's seen me at my laziest as well as my grossest and yet we have remained friends. I will always remember those BOGO Krispy Kreme deals. The Slurpees. The Cinnabons. Jason is also the biggest aviation nerd I know. He could go on for hours talking about the Boeing 747. On our trip to Hawaii together, he made us get the 6am flight just so we could sit on the 777. When you need to hit up someone and chill, Jason is your man.
Elle Saffian
Bridesmaid
Elle and I met at a very interesting college party. We hit it off instantly, mainly because I kept telling her how beautiful she looked. She is one of the kindest and most loyal people that I have ever met. She never doubts her friends and is always down for an adventure. She is also the world's best hype woman. I am excited to share this day with her, mainly because I know she'll be cheering me on as I walk down the aisle hoping I don't trip. If you need to find her later, she'll be the one tearing it up on the dance floor. Try not to be too intimidated by her dance moves.
Sean Taylor
Groomsman
Sean is one of Justine's oldest friends, basically family. I do have him to thank as he is the one who persuaded Justine to give me a chance in the beginning. I believe his exact words were, "Justine, sometimes people just catch feelings. You need to give him a chance." Essentially, we all owe this wedding day to him and his logic. He is a fantastic dancer, hype man, and also one of the few people who has ever gotten me to go the gym. He keeps it real, is supportive and has continued to keep me laughing from day one. If you need a dance partner, find him later. He is a literal professional.
Hanna Kwan
Flower Girl
We have had the privilege of watching Hanna grow up for her entire life. Her parents are our cell group leaders and we have loved watching them navigate parenthood as much as we have loved watching Hanna's personality develop. We are excited to see her run down the aisle on the day of. She is sweet, spunky, sassy and super fun. When it comes to favorites, she definitely prefers Uncle Philip to Auntie Justine.