Sonja & Akikuni
Wedding Party
Peter Kwon
Groomsman
An old high school friend who Aki got to live together in his last year of medical school back in 2018-19. Witty, athletic, and a loving husband to his wife, Haemi, he has brought Aki back into faith and shared what its like to be in a loving Christian relationship with his spouse.
Ryan Lemence
Groomsman
A dear friend from college, who Aki has shared many special moments together as they went to the same classes and lived in the same dorm together. A sunny and caring person who has stayed in touch even during tough times after graduation.
Jesse Rusin
Groomsman
Brother-in-law, a husband to Aki's sister Kayo, has been part of Aki's family since 2015. Jesse never ceases to amaze Aki how he supports Kayo and the 3 babies in the house. Would often spend evening hours on a Saturday night playing board games online after putting the babies to sleep. Aki is thankful for Jesse always being a welcoming host when he and Sonja come to visit to see Kayo, him, and the babies!
Ana Mostafavi
Bridesmaid
Ana was Sonja's TA during her first semester at Pton. Even after Ana graduated and moved across the country, Ana and Sonja have remained great friends. Ana is an exercise buddy, book clubber, podcast sharer, spelling bee hinter, LEGO builder, fellow teacher, dog lover, thought thinker, and an amazing friend. They both agree that they have the same brand of Dad.
Sarah Giampietro
Bridesmaid
Sonja is so glad Sarah invited her for tea after church so many years ago. Sonja and Sarah love chatting about books, religion, food, family and our guys (we love you!). Sarah was also the first of Sonja's friends to meet Aki IRL. Sonja loves that Sarah is sweet, smart, and sassy and enjoys pumpkin spice as much as she does.
Damali Cox
Bridesmaid
Sonja met Damali in high school but got to know her more in college. Damali is the kind of friend who is great at masterminding new adventures that result in many fun memories and moments. Sonja loves her honesty, thoughtfulness, style, bravery, humor, and her welcoming nature and can't wait for where in the world they can discover next.
Christina Gonzalez-Nguyen
Bridesmaid
Sonja met Christina in grad school in Canada (brrr) but their friendship grew a lot after Sonja graduated and they kept in touch via snapchat and hangouts and even a trip to Hawai'i through the years (thanks PacifiChem). They enjoy chatting about science, music, celebrities, makeup, dogs and tv. Sonja admires Christie for her thoughtfulness, creativity, and resourcefulness.
Ana-Michelle Carrington
Bridesmaid
Sonja met Ana in high school. They created ice cream sandwich Mondays, enjoyed sleeping through bio class (or was that just Sonja?), and co-wrote a secret blog. Sonja has always looked up to Ana for her strong faith and wisdom and loves that every conversation with her is fun, honest, and meaningful.