Vir has been my best friend since the beginning of times (kindergarten). =) I can remember our many summers spent at CCS while our moms worked. We would make up our own clubs, wash cars, baby sit and even pick berries. She even made business cards for our babysitting services. Vir is the sweetest person you will ever meet, she is always very thoughtful and encouraging. She has always been there for me with an open ear and has never failed to support me above and beyond. I laugh whenever I think about all the fun and silly things that we have done together. I am so grateful that God has put her in my life. I am also very honored that she will be standing by my side as my Matron of Honor.
"Ewu", as people call him, and I have known each other since practically the year I came to the States. From riding on the same church van, to riding on the same school bus, to playing 2-on-2 full court basketball back in the days, and to the who-can-forget-about-it h2o workchat, we share many similar experiences in life. Ewu is never afraid to make known his opinion. This quality makes one a good, quality friend. Because of this, we often go into lengthy chats on a variety of topics, ones as serious as our wealth management as well as ones as random as sound-proofing walls. Chances are, we have at one point in time discussed about you too!
And FTR, we do not owe you lobster. :)
Jennifer is my sister and my confidant. Despite fighting constantly throughout our lives, we love each other to no end. It is amazing to see her blossom into an intelligent and beautiful young lady. Grew from a tomboy into an obsessive eyebrow plucker who wants to learn every makeup technique, it is so funny that she still does not know how to curl her hair and will beg me for help. I love it when she calls back from school to ask for advice or to confide in me. Jenn, I love you and am proud to be your sister.
Dave is another longtime friend of mine. Although the sleepovers during our last year in high school are in the distant past, they are one of my most cherished memories. Not to rob God of His glorious work, getting Dave back to church and seeing him mature as a Christian leader gives me a sense of pride. Although he sometimes comes across as a loud, hot-headed person, when one stops to listen, what he says is actually true. Dave is a strongly convicted friend who lives his life and speaks what he believes is right.
Christine aka cman and I have also known each other forever. She was the girl that sat in the front and always wore pants to school when all the other girls wore jumpers or skirts. Whether it be her beliefs or likes she has always stayed strong and never swayed from what defines her. Friends like Cman are hard to come by and I especially value our relationship. I can always depend on her to keep a secret and to always share her honest opinion. She has my permission to take pictures anytime during our wedding.
Jess is a gaming fanatic. His DS is like his wallet - they never separate. He brings it to the restaurants, he brings it to parties, and he even brought it to his own wedding. With so much time invested in games, it amazes me how he manages to dedicate so much time to deepening his relationship with his friends. Outside of games, Jess is an avid sports fan. Already a diehard A's fan, his zeal for the Warriors is definitely not less than mine. He is also the husband of Jasmine's best friend Vir and they are easily one of our most favorite couples, as you can probably tell by our picture. :P Jess is one of the very few who is able to maintain a conversation with my usually reserved self over an extended period of time.
Maria is someone I would marry if she were a boy. We are so similar but we also complement each other in so many ways. We never have problems relating to each other--everything from our opinions to our taste buds are in sync. We started getting to know each other better over past couple of years, but it feels like we have known each other for a lifetime. She is always down for good Chinese food or a shopping spree. I am truly thankful that she is willing to be one of my bridesmaids even though she is already busy planning her own.
Matt is more than a friend to me; he is also my co-worker! Just when you think I have enough strongly opinionated groomsmen, here is yet another one in Matt. He is one who readily offers his help or speaks up with his view. Whether I agree with him or not, I highly respect Matt and I can always count on learning new things from our conversations. Many people talk the talk but he is among the scarce population who also walk the walk. He is a great friend and it is not a mystery why he is part of so many wedding parties.
Monica is like a little sister to me. She reminds me what it was like being a little girl. Whether it is watching her dance on the stage or watching Princess Diaries with her, she always makes me laugh and reminds me to have fun. It has been an awesome and rewarding experience to watch her grow up. Next thing I know, it will be her turn to get married.
Greg was one of my students back in the days when I taught CCS summer school. He is one of Jazz's favorite kids and he is like a brother to her. Although it has been years since I first met him, he has not detracted from his disciplined ways. Always humble and caring, he would be the ideal role model for kids.
"Cami" is one of Otto's favorite kids and she is also my little godsister. One criteria of an ideal guy for me is that the kids in my life must approve of him. It was a dream-comes-true for me how Cami and Otto just gravitated towards each other. Cami brings out the silliness in Otto and it is amazing how I can get her to do things for Otto that she would not have done otherwise. Memories like the day she asked me to curl her hair so that she could be "lang lang" for Otto will always be cherished.
Jayden is Jasmine's little godbrother. No matter how much he grows up and matures, we will always remember him as the adorable little kid. Jayden has the knack of putting smiles on people's face. Jayden is more than just another kid with a sociable nature, big eyes, and long eyelashes; he is like our very own little brother. He unfailingly challenges us with his intellectual questions and with his drive to learn.
"Sasa" no matter what everybody says I will take to my grave that I gave her that nickname. I was watching a Chinese soap opera at the time that had a character named "Sa Sa Gung Dzu" (Sa Sa Princess) and I started calling her that and it just started to stick. She will always be a princess in our hearts who never cease to get her way. We cannot wait to see the professional flower girl at work once again.
Dylan is the son of Jasmine's cousin. She has always been very close to her cousin's family and it was particularly important that Dylan be our ringbearer. Jasmine is always excited to go to NYC to spend time with this little boy. The stories and videos of him that she brought back would always make us laugh. We are delighted to have him and his family come all the way from New York to a part of our wedding.