Mother of the Bride
Very possibly one of the most passionate and inspiring people you'll ever get to meet, with the most contagious laugh and a way of eating that instantly makes people hungry. She's the one who taught me that anything is possible as long as you work hard for it, and she's proof of it, too. In the past five years, she taught herself how to become the most flexible 60-year old yogi I've ever seen, a runner, running 3-5 miles every morning, a nurse who views each patient as her child, and a true, dedicated, persevering mother in every sense of the word. Thank you, Umma.
Mother of the Groom
Here is my mother. The most selfless, compassionate mother. My name means "beloved" - something I truly felt from my mom who raised me. Umma, I believe the prayers of a mother for her sons cannot be matched. I am a product of someone who has untiringly, and unceasingly cared. Although I am not expressive at most times, I am truly grateful for my upbringing. I love you Umma.
Father of the Bride
The one I take after - creative, empathetic, and analytical. I'm forever thankful that my sister and I got to be raised by as thoughtful and caring of a person as our dad. It's kind of unbelievable that so much time has already passed from us dangling from his back, coming home to new pets he'd adopted, and picking books together at the bookstore... And now that I'm about to get married, I'm preparing my heart for the moment he walks me down the aisle to give me away. Oh man. :'(
Father of the Groom
My Appa. The one who took me to play tennis every day, who fed me balls when all I did was complain and cry. The one who pushed me to develop the skills and talents I have today. It's only recently that I've been able to connect more with you Appa - after I got a job. I'm glad we can now connect in both technical fields as well as athletics. Thank you for providing for Michael and I all these years. I will always strive to be like you as the priest of the household.
Maid of Honor
This year, I got to witness my sister turn into the most beautiful mother to Elia, the most beautiful baby in the world. It's hard to believe that I'm going to join her as a married woman, especially since our memories together are of getting our hair braided so tight our eyes got pulled back into our temples by our mom, struggling through violin lessons, and playing with our 21 cats (YUP, TWENTY-ONE CATS). But yes, sister, I'm joining you up there in wife life. Thank you for setting the example of what it means to be a noble wife and dedicated mother. More than anything else, thank you forever for praying for me when I didn't know God, and for asking me to pray with you even when I gave you so much attitude about it. I owe you so much. Also, I hope our babies are half as cute as yours.
Best Man
Relationship Status: Single Age: 22 Michael is a catch. You want a man that can cook and clean, this is your guy. A recent missionary to China, he is able to speak three languages! Three! English, Korean, and Chinese! He's an athletic guy with a passion for Christ. The application process is rigorous. May the odds be in your favor! Tips: He likes independent girls who can take care of themselves and have a passion for ministry. Try to win a few brownie points with the family at the wedding.
Bridesmaid
My beautiful little "sister," who goes by the names of Janey, Janeyboo, and Eep. She's the reason I get to pretend I have a lot of wise advice to offer. As soon as David and I got engaged, I knew she was crossing her fingers that I'd ask her to be my bridesmaid. Little did she know, I was already planning on asking her to be my bridesmaid, and she'd soon be doing so, so, so much for this wedding. Thank you Jane, for the hair and makeup that I would otherwise know nothing about, the long drives, the endless Pinning, your encouraging little squeals of excitement over every little detail, and for being a little sister and third wheel to both me and David. I owe you a thousand "thank yous" and at least five dinners on me.
Groomsman
Relationship Status: Single Age: 26 This man is a guitar legend. Ask him to play any genre of music, ANY, and he will mostly just play you jazz. He is currently getting his Masters in something-something music at USC. Noel has had many reformations in his life and is one of the godliest people I know. He is always striving for Christ and his mission and purpose on this earth. Prepare for an adventurous life with Noel! Tips: Noel does not have a specific taste in women. He is looking for women of character, a noble, Proverbs 31 woman.
Bridesmaid
We've known each other for the shortest time out of all the people on this list but Tui is my deep-down-at-heart Samoan sister. We first "fell in love" when we roomed together to work on building a weekend clinic in Maryland. You know when God brings people together at exactly the right time, to uplift and encourage and bring a little spark of positivity into your life? Tui was that person for me, and she has been ever since. Now, we get to share an office space together where we can turn up the heater, kick off our shoes, (she's an Islander, I was fresh out of humid Laos), and have chats that turn into worship. My Tui = My uso. Uso = sister in Samoan.
Groomsman
Relationship Status: Single Age: 26 Johnny is a guy with a body and a drive! Having had a six pack at birth, he is naturally inclined towards sports and exercise. Johnny is currently studying to be a Doctor (dermatologist) in Georgia. Johnny has also been deeply impacted by God's working in his life. After GYC last year, he has a vision to start a school similar to Rees Howell's bible college. If you want a life of leisure and luxury, this is not your man. If you want an adventure in the boonies while serving others and teaching, hollaa! Tips: Prepare to hear things like "you should do some leg lifts while you watch that" or "you can't be sleeping, we should take advantage of this family time"....
Bridesmaid
The Korean-American Adventist community is small, but for some reason, Dahjie and I connected in the unlikeliest of places: Laos. She arrived in Laos at the beginning of my third year in the country and because she's younger than me by 7 years, I fully expected to "unni" her as she transitioned to the third world context. Little did I know, she would become a bedrock of faith and friendship for ME, and that we'd be given the privilege to take part in the most beautiful and miraculous heart-changes amongst the Lao family we had there. For being my favorite travel partner (besides David) for being the wisest 21-year old I know, and for being such a beautiful, beautiful godly woman inside and out, I love you! (Also, she designed our #saranghaeyoo logo. Amazing, right?)
Groomsman
Relationship status: In a relationship Andrew Lee... Manm barely made the cut. Very lucky to be a groomsman. He definitely owes me. Sometimes you just feel sorry for the guy you know? Ok for real - Andrew has stuck by me since Andrews University freshman year. I don't know why, but he always tried to include me and push me to participate in church. What struck me was that he genuinely wanted to be my friend - not seeking any benefit from the relationship. We've been though a lot together and I'm thankful I can always rely on him. Yea he's a good guy... I'm honored that he's one of my groomsmen.
Bridesmaid
Where do I start? We go way back. The real memories begin when Julie was in second grade and I was her fifth grade "Study Buddy" and helped her cheat on her worksheet. Sorry about that. Since then, we've seen each other in our own ups-and-downs, we've had our fair share of difficult conversations, she was part of the prayer team that brought me back to God, and whether she realizes it or not, she's been a steady source of inspiration for me. Julie! For your little gifts that remind me that I'm loved, your hugs, your unparalleled sincerity, and for being an example of someone who never stops searching and loving. I love, love you!
Groomsman
Relationship Status: Single Age: 25 Eshban... With a name like that, who wouldn't find him irresistible? Just like the meaning of his name, fire of the sun, he can definitely be the fire in your heart. You want a guy with an established career, this pharmacist is single! Generally looking for more of a fobbish girl; however, Eshban really looks at the heart and sees the beauty inside. He's always been my childhood friend, always kept in touch, always been there for me during the important transitional periods of my life. I owe you a lot. Thanks man. Tip: He likes beautiful smiles :)
Bridesmaid
We met during missionary training in Michigan and sat next to each other for a full month being too intimidated to talk to each other because we both thought each other was too cool (LOL). Lo and behold, the next two years we spent in Laos together quickly shattered any and all of the walls we'd had and Bonnie became one of my best friends. Together, we've traveled by motorbike over the most ridiculously bumpy, dusty roads, I slept on her bedroom floor for 5 months straight when my room got too unbearably hot, we transported people from village to church on an oversized tuk-tuk, ate mixing bowl-sized portions of papaya salad together, sought and found answers to hard questions, and miraculously stayed in touch over the years (I'm notoriously bad at this). Wow, we've been through a lot.
Groomsman
Relationship status: In a relationship Matthew has definitely been in my life as long as I can remember. We've played band together, tennis, gotten pulled over together, Insanity, running, trips, we've been through a lot. He's the one that got me my first internship, definitely a career driven guy. He always gave me relationship advice, I guessed it worked, haha. He's an example of what a dedicated hard working individual can achieve straight out of college. Did I mention he already bought a house? What a guy... | | | | | | He wanted the longest bio. He said fillers are fine. Here you go, Matt.
Flower Girl
She's more like our "Flower Baby". She'll be walk-stumbling down the aisle with us, hopefully not eating any flowers, but definitely smiling at everyone 😍 and being the most charming little baby you've ever set your eyes on. She likes smiling, ping pong balls, animals, stairs, receipts, cups, long phone chargers, and her parents Grace and Josh Park. So far, she knows how to give high-fives, shake hands, growl, and how to give you something if you say "joo-sae-yo". She may steal the spotlight but we're okay with that. Prepare your hearts, people.
Ring Bearer
Relationship Status: Too young to be dating. Jonah is constantly learning new hobbies and buries himself in his latest interests. Everything from butterfly knife-flipping to drone-flying to computer-building, Jonah has done it all. Even at such a young age, you can see a man full of potential. He is musically inclined with many more years ahead of him. Tip: If Jonah likes you, you will have a better chance with the groomsmen.
Officiant
Entrepreneur, father, lay leader, role model, and David's uncle. As tech-savvy as they come, Danny is well known in the Silicon Valley industry for being a Christian entrepreneur. His company operates under the principle of "doing business with Christian principles." Actually back in 2012, his sermon at WCCM convicted Sarah to quit her job and serve as a missionary in Laos. He took me (David) under his wing when I was broken and lost. He believes in people. He empowers others. This is a mark of the character of Christ. There is no one else who is more appropriate to marry us than you, Uncle Danny. Thank you.