The Lion and his Flower
Hands of the King and Queen
Harumi Tsumiyama
Maid of Honor
My maid of honor is not just my sister, but also my best friend and confidant. She has been there for me through thick and thin, offering unconditional love and support whenever I need it. Growing up, she was more than a sibling to me - she was a mom, a mentor, and a guiding light who always had my best interests at heart. She's been my rock during the tough times and my cheerleader during the good times. As my maid of honor, she has taken on an even bigger role in my life - helping me plan our dream wedding, calming my nerves, and making sure everything runs smoothly. She's my go-to person for advice, encouragement, and laughter, and I know I can always count on her to be there for me no matter what. To sum it up, my maid of honor - my sister - is not just a person in my life, but she is my person. I am beyond grateful to have her by my side as I embark on this new chapter of my life.
Naoya Tsumiyama
Bridesman
My bridesman is not only my brother, but also one of the funniest people I know. He has a gift for making me laugh even when I'm feeling stressed or overwhelmed, and his sense of humor has been a source of comfort and joy for me throughout my life. In addition to his humor, my bridesman has also been a huge help when it comes to my style. He has an impeccable sense of fashion and has always been there to offer his advice and expertise when I'm choosing what to wear. Thanks to his guidance, I know that I'll look and feel my best on my big day. Finally, I'm so grateful for the ways in which my bridesman has supported my maid of honor throughout the wedding planning process. Whether it's helping her with decorations, running errands, or just lending a listening ear, he has been an invaluable part of the team. I couldn't imagine getting married without him by my side, and I'm honored to have him as my bridesman.
Mike Mendoza
Best Man
Elijah is not someone who has many close friends. Think of that, what you will. lol. He only accommodates for people inside his inner circle that are genuinely unique and with strong character. And just the fact that you are reading this bio means that you have a special relationship of your own with either Elijah or Aika. Mike is a truly unique human being to Elijah, One of his Best Friends and Best Man (or the Brock Purdy) in our Wedding party. When we planned an international Wedding, Mike and his Wife, Tiffany were part of a small group that we knew without a doubt they would do whatever it took to be present. And that absolutely says a lot about a person, a friend or a Brother. Elijah and Mike have always shared a special bond that started in Fitness when they met as Personal Trainers at the same health club and transcended into their shared passion for Football and the San Francisco 49ers. You can be sure that when they are texting, they are likely talking about Football 95% of the time. Mike is genuinely authentic, lighthearted, funny, accountable, driven, caring and compassionate and many more qualities I won’t list. Mike is absolutely not someone who would try or be interested in trying horse meat . . . Especially not the special Icelandic horses. (Mike, I love you, Brother. You are a very special person to me and thank you for being you.)
Monique Salazar
Bridesmaid
I am so lucky to have my cousin as one of my bridesmaids. She is one of the most authentic people I know - she is real, down-to-earth, and always true to herself. I admire her honesty and integrity, and I'm grateful for the way she brings a sense of groundedness to my life. One of the things I love most about my bridesmaid is that she tells me what I need to hear, not just what I want to hear. She has my best interests at heart and is always willing to offer me tough love and constructive criticism when I need it. I know that I can trust her to give me honest feedback, even when it's hard to hear. Finally, I'm so grateful for the way my bridesmaid is always ready to listen to me vent. Whether I'm stressed about wedding planning, work, or just life in general, she is always there to lend an ear and offer her support. Her presence in my life has been a source of comfort and reassurance, and I know that I can count on her to be by my side on our reception day and beyond.