Song-My & Alex
Wedding Party
Bella Perez
Maid of Honor
Bella and Song-My's work relationship quickly grew into a womance*. They knew they were meant for each other when Song-My looked at Bella directly in the eyes and belched (Bella was chatting with their manager on the phone). They have a shared love for exciting food & drinks, as well as reenacting Twilight scenes (ie. running around like a hungry vampire). *Womance: think bromance, but for cool chicks
Robin Ji
Best Man
To the outside observer, Robin and Alex’s relationship would be best described as hostile. Most interactions between the two involve insulting each other. Despite Robin refusing to ever visit Alex in Pittsburgh, the two have had many shared experiences since childhood, including failed school projects and more recently, gluten-free food trips in NYC (Robin is weak and unable to digest gluten). When Alex asked Robin if he would be his best man, Robin said no, as it was too much work. However, after Alex assured Robin that he just needed to show up, he quickly agreed. What a friend.
James Hoang
Bridesman
Growing up as siblings, James was Song-My's partner in crime. They made folding laundry fun by using their dad's underwear for a flinging battle. James and Song-My's first collaboration was sharing a Runescape account, where they fished, mined, and chopped wood...all summer long - riveting childhood! Currently, they're still working together to create wacky food items (ie. Bulgogi Shepherd's Pie).
Andrew Layden
Groomsman
If it were not for the fact that Andrew is capable of growing more impressive facial hair than Alex, it would be difficult to tell the two brothers apart. The two siblings have shared a bond centered around childish humor and a common judgment of their family’s odd behaviors. Andrew spends his time traveling the world and teaching English to anyone who will let him. When asked to be a groomsman, Andrew shrugged and accepted on the condition that his hotel would be paid for. Brotherly love.
Matt Wu
Bridesman
Otherwise known as Fratty Wu, Matt was Song-My's moral compass (and vice versa) during undergrad. They immediately bonded after interviewing for different editor positions at the student newspaper because they were inspired by each other's stories. Despite a deep hatred for Song-My's bright purple backpack, Matt still spent time with her to ponder about the big questions in life, like the meaning of home, identity, and...shameful college hook up culture.
Eli Israel
Groomsman
Eli is an unlikely friend of Alex’s from college. Eli grew up in Boulder, Colorado, Alex’s least favorite city in America. Eli was also Alex’s dirtiest roommate, notorious for spilling Diet Coke all over their apartment. Proximity is sometimes the key to new friendships. Since graduation, Eli has become an elite Spikeball champion, beating competitors half his age and twice his weight. When asked to be a groomsman, Eli accepted and broke out into rap, an unfortunate habit of Eli's that will likely occur at the wedding.
Ethan Bassin
Bridesman
Ethan could potentially be related to Tiger King's Carole Baskin (likely changed his last name out of embarrassment). Ethan has always been the butt of Song-My's jokes in grad school. They had fun with arts & crafts, despite it not being Ethan's strong suit (ask him about his horrific paper turkey that looked like it had a severe skin disease). Ethan's a dependable guy - you can count on him to order a chicken breast sandwich with apricot jam.
John Dzialo
Groomsman
John could best be described as a hybrid between Bear Grylls and Isaac Newton (minus the hair). He is an esteemed engineer who chose to relocate to the rugged wilderness of Utica, New York. John and Alex initially met as competitors during a childhood soccer game, but thankfully, they did not hold that against each other. Today, John regularly barters his produce with Alex in exchange for news of the modern world. John will be making his first appearance in public since 2020 as one of Alex’s groomsmen, a true honor.
Sam Herron
Bridesman
Sam and Song-My were dedicated brunch buddies in grad school, so much so that they infiltrated a Mother's Day only brunch affair (they then realized they should text their mothers...) As a side musician, he spent his spare grad school time serenading lab mice and women - ask him which he had more success with! Sam's pretty down for anything, especially when Song-My tried to pitch him for a date on stage at a night club in Pittsburgh (apparently this rowdy club shut down recently...)
Paolo Vignali
Groomsman
Paolo first met Alex during their medical school interview when he offered to share his umbrella. Alex was wooed by Paolo’s southern charm, only to find out it was a ploy for Paolo to find a roommate. Paolo and Alex lived together for several years, often studying by candlelight late into the night. Ultimately, Paolo left Alex to marry another medical student. When Alex asked Paolo to be one of his groomsmen, Paolo questioned if he was asked only because Alex was in his wedding party. Maybe...
Keith Bailey
Bridesman
Who knew Song-My and Keith would've grown to be close friends from their initial encounter at work - Song-My misunderstood her first job out of school and showed up to perform lab work in a power suit and stilettos while Keith casually strolled in with his plaid shirt. Since then, Keith's taught Song-My to notice all the sneaky birds around her, as well as how to adopt their unique sounds. Fun fact: Did you know there's a bird that says CHEESEBURGER?
Helene Altmann
Groomswoman
In every group of friends, someone needs to be the voice of reason. For Alex, Helene is that friend (probably because she is a psychiatrist). In return for answering Alex’s life questions, Alex keeps Helene updated on all Banana Republic clothing deals. Helene and her husband, Justin, have been Song My and Alex’s go-to couple for dates, partly because they never have plans. When Alex asked Helene if she would be a groomswoman, she agreed on the condition that she did not have to wear a suit.