Sarah & Kelvin
A Few People We Love
Sarah Monroe
Maid of Honor
Sarah and I met in middle school and liked each other so much that we lived together for three years! She is my second mom, an amazing actual mom to her son Oscar, and a wonderful partner for her fiancee Steve. One of the things I love most about Sarah is that she knows how to make anyone immediately feel like they are her best friend. She does not hesitate to smile and is eager to get to know the people around her, even if she is just having a passing interaction at the cash register or at the park. Sarah is an expert sims house builder and a lego master.
Tien Huynh
Best Man
Tien and I met at GMU and being his roommate has prepared me for marriage with Sarah! He is a consistently faithful and loyal friend. I am always impressed by his thoughtfulness and the time he takes to care for those who are usually not cared for. I can always count on him to be there for me, whether it is to check on how I am doing or to offer a quick word of encouragement. In turn, I am always there to remind him that he is kind, wise, and important. Our friendship was formed over a bond of life, ladies, and laughter.
Andrea Thomson
Maid of Honor
Andrea and I also met in middle school and bonded in college over our shared love of fitness. We joke that Andrea takes my hobbies and elevates them to a higher level, which is pretty true for almost everything in Andrea's life. Her optimism, love for life, and tenacity are infectious and show up clearly in her relationships, her work, and even her hobbies. She also happens to be a wonderful cook and a top-notch cross-fitter.
Scott Pierce
Groomsman
Scott and I met at Cru while we were at GMU. He is one of the friends who brings out the best in me, even when I can't see it myself. He is funny, kind, loyal, and always ready exactly when I need him. He is fantastic with kids and has a cute son of his own. Although Scott is amazing at many things, such as android development, he is a terrible ios developer. We created a strong bond over our shared love of Theology, coding, and random silly things.
Elaine Jimenez
Bridesmaid
Elaine is the final middle school friend to be a bridesmaid! She writes super eloquently and does not waste her words, either written or spoken. My favorite thing about Elaine is that she uses her wide vocabulary to encourage those around her. In the fifteen years I have known her, I cannot think of one time that she spoke ill of someone or put anyone down. Elaine is the world's best baker and an expert on all things England.
Kevin Kiang
Groomsman
Kevin and I met at a ministry group at my previous church. We became friends quickly because Kevin is like me, but without the "l." He is one of a small amount of people who always makes me feel as though I am home, no matter where we are. He has been a constantly faithful bro in the Lord and never fails to point me back to the Truth of who I am in Christ. We both love board games, Rita’s, and bad food.
Heather Furman
Bridesmaid
Heather and I met at church when we were freshmen in college. We have traveled together, conducted our own local frozen yogurt sampling tour, and hiked all over Maryland. Everywhere we go, Heather never fails to point out the beauty in the simple things. Even when beauty seems to be far away and difficult to seek out, Heather always seems to be able to find the pinprick of light in the darkness. She is one of the most hopeful people I have ever met and helps me keep my own hope alive. Heather is an excellent artist and a world class pizza connoisseur.
Ted Yokoyama
Groomsman
Ted and I also met at our previous church and connected instantly because we are both magicians who later repented. Ted is one of the most brilliant people I know, but is more impressive because of his humility and generosity. He is always faithful and seeks to grow through his challenges and difficulties instead of avoiding them. Anyone who knows Ted immediately feels welcomed and cared for and I am grateful to have him as a friend.
Christina Fairchild
Bridesmaid
Christina and I met at a church conference in college and quickly bonded although our interests differ greatly. Christina's perspective has greatly broadened my own as she taught me how to like musicals, love swing dancing, and to care for people well. Christina is one of the best examples of what it looks like to speak the truth in love and I am so grateful that she has done this in my life multiple times. Christina is a number one disney fan and loves the color purple (the actual color, not the book/movie).
Elbert Cheong
Groomsman
Elbert and I met at the Epic ministry at GMU. He has always been a little bro to me, but still manages to teach me and encourage me through his thoughtful and kind words. When Elbert speaks, I always want to lean in and listen. We lived together for a few years and quickly bonded over Daft Punk and head bobbing.
Matt Ballard
Groomsman
Matt and I met at Cru while at GMU. We "lived" together for a short while, which really means that he slept on my couch and brought food. Throughout our friendship, Matt has been a faithful friend and continues to call me and reach out. We bonded over our ability to speak “fluent” Japanese, and our love of anime and parkour.
Rachel and Mario Lagman
Parents of the Bride
My mom and dad are some of my favorite people on the planet. From a very young age, they instilled in me a strong knowledge of the love of God and are constantly showing me the true meaning of Grace. All of the best parts of who I am come from them and I will never really be able to express the depth of my gratitude towards them. They are world- travelers, dog lovers, and fantastic party hosts.
Josh Lagman
Brother of the Bride
Josh is my younger brother and he's happy in that picture, I promise! Josh is an incredibly talented artist, but is an even better brother and human being. He can make anyone laugh, but also knows exactly to be there when laughter is difficult. He possesses an inner strength that shows clearly in his work, relationships, and education. He is also an expert at ridiculous license plate games, pop culture references, and unheard of creatures from the animal kingdom.
Debra Parris
Mother of the Groom
This is my beautiful mom! She has raised me well through all types of situations. Her tenacity and fierce lover for her family are values she has strongly instilled in me. I also love her cooking, which has contributed to me becoming a hunky chunky man. =) I love her dearly, and we have enjoyed many fun mom and son dates together! I owe 97% of my goofiness to her.
Tony DeSilva
Brother of the Groom
Tony is my big brother at home and my little brother at the gym! He taught me how to be a man and I respect the way he loves his wife and three kids. He is one of the men I most respect and I still look up to him. On top of being a wonderful man, Tony is also a fantastic cook! Although I am able to beat him at most things, I know that I cannot compete with him in the realm of cooking, so I recently learned how to bake instead.
Nicole Jewell
Twin of the Groom
Nicole, or "Coey," is my twin and first best friend. We know each other inside and out and still feel connected through a mental link. Coe is funny and a big goofball, though she'll cut you. Sarah was the first woman to pass the test! She is a wonderful mother to her three kids and I am amazed, but not surprised, by the way they have grown up. There is almost nothing I wouldn't do for her, with the exception of giving her my share of my fast food.
Natasha DeSilva-Patrick
Sister of the Groom
Tasha is my beautiful big sister! She taught me how to be a little brother and helped me to become the man I am now. She took care of me as a kid and I am so proud to watch the way she now cares for her family. Tasha's laugh can fill the room; she is kind and lighthearted! She is a wonderful mother to her five kids and I owe my left leg to free food from her. (Love you, Tashy!)