Our Wedding Party
The Best Women
JO (Gymnastic Princess #1, Joannette) SUH
How we met: According to Jo, we met once in 5th grade at A.E. Wright Middle School’s incoming 6th grade orientation. She ran into me with Tina, a mutual friend who Jo hadn’t seen in a few years, after Tina moved elementary schools to mine. Apparently, Jo came up to us to say hello to her old friend, but before they got a chance to catch up, I linked Tina’s arm away and said, “LET’S. GO. TINA.” Honestly, I have no recollection of this moment, but I was terrible at that age and it’s very likely it happened like this. But the official story is that we met in 6th grade. We sat in opposite corners of Ms. Eppink’s math class, and I remember thinking, “Why is this pretty little Korean girl with her lace-up espadrilles always swinging her legs and mad dogging me??” We basically didn’t like each other until the Valentines’ Day Hop, when we found ourselves grooving to our favorite 90s R&B jams (cuz it was the 90s). It was then that we realized, HEY, WE LIKE TO PARTY TOGETHER. And we’ve been best friends ever since. Nearly 20 years later, not much has changed. Especially the 90s R&B.
Why I love her: Because Jo is just… a ridiculously well-rounded person. I could list off a bunch of
superlatives (brilliant, giving, funny, an awesome drunk), but to save time, let’s just say she’s
pretty much everything you’d want your best friend to be. And more.
Because next to my mom, Jo has been my greatest female influence to me over the course of my
entire life.
Because our 20 year friendship is one of the things I am most proud of in my life. Even though
we only went the same school for one year in 6th grade (and liked each other for less than half),
attended colleges on opposite coasts, and spent half a decade of our young adult lives in different
cities, we remain best friends and sisters (and now again, roommates).
DI (Queen Di, Element: Fire, Tigress) WON
How we met: I had heard of Di (from Jo) for many years before we met, and heard she was AWESOME, but I don’t think I was really prepared for exactly how awesome my life would become because she is a part of it. Di and I officially met at a NYE party during my freshman year of college. We clicked immediately and soon, me and Jo became me, Jo, and Di. It was the most natural best friendship progression. Since then, we have laughed so hard and made so many ridiculous memories that I can’t even remember a time I didn’t have TWO best friends.
Why I love her: Because Di is hands down, the coolest person I know. And if YOU know her, she’s probably
the coolest person you know, too. When it comes to music, design, style, and viral videos, you
name it -- Di’s already seen it and she has a very strong (or not) opinion about it. And she
has impeccable taste.
Because we’re both bad cops and even though we’re very different, we share very similar views on
people and friendship and life.
Because I feel lucky to call her my best friend. She is fucking hilarious and witty and fabulous
and fiercely loyal. What’s not to love?
Bride's Ladies
SONICA (Son, Shaneiqua, Beautiful Rising Sun) SINGH
How we met: Freshman year of college. I don’t remember the EXACT situation I met Sonica in (maybe in her dorm room?) but like other relationships that proved “meant to be,” (see above, Jo Suh) Sonica and I initially disliked one other. She thought I was crazy (she was right), I thought she was high maintenance (I was right), and so we basically stayed out of each other’s way. That is, until we were TRAPPED on campus one weekend when all of our friends went home and we were forced to keep company. Then we got wasted. Turned out, we had a similarly wicked sense of humor and imagination, and ever since then, we’ve been soul sisters.
Why I love her: Because she kind of reminds me of my mom. Smart, stunning, always put together, and
a consummate lady.
Because in college, when I munched out too hard on late night Jack ‘N the Box, Sonica was the only
one real enough to tell me, “Enough. You do not need that box of chili cheese fries.” Good looking
out, girl. Good looking out ALL THE TIME.
Because f’enarios are forever.
LAUREN (El, Lolo, LP, Element: Water) PASTERNACK
How we met: Lauren and I went to four years of high school (and multiple classes) together, but never became friends until our freshman year at UCSC. My only high school memory of her is when I made a bowl of spicy cup ramen in ASB, she came over out of the blue and asked if she could have some. I should have known then that we were destined to be friends.
Why I love her:
Because Lauren often acts as the whimsical yin to my practical yang. For instance, when
posed with the question of “What would you do with a million dollars?”
§ Me: I dunno, pay my parents’ mortgage?
§ Lauren: (Without missing a beat) Buy a magic carpet.
Because her laughter to the point of tears is contagious.
Because some of my favorite memories from backpacking through Europe to driving up and down the
coast to spiritual awakenings in the wilderness have been with this girl. Most things I can’t
really write about in a public forum, but YOU KNOW WHAT IT IS, EL. YOU KNOW WHAT IT IS. Sigh… we
had fun.
CECILIA (CC, Cecilianous, Cec the Mess) SUH
How we met: Cecilia and I met in law school. We weren’t in the same section or year, but I knew of her through Peter who said that I would probably like Cecilia a lot. He was totally right. I had a friend crush on her for a while, but it didn’t evolve into a full-blown friendship until Cecilia and Charles (who were not friends at the time) decided to visit us in LA. That turned into an impromptu Vegas trip filled with booze, Bacchanal, and absurd people watching. We’ve been kindred spirits ever since.
Why I love her: Because she just GETS it. There really is an intangible chemistry in
our relationship, and she is clearly a member of my tribe.
Because we likes to get down at secret meat parties. Which is not at all as dirty as it sounds.
Because as a quiet person, she makes the BEST and most ASTUTE observations. She takes it allllll in
and tells it like she sees it. And it’s always totally unexpected, hilarious and spot-on.
JESS (I don’t think I have any nicknames for Jess, but that doesn’t mean I love her any less. That just rhymed.) YU
How we met: Jess is my brother’s girlfriend. When they first started dating, my brother first showed me her Facebook, I was like, “That photo looks like it was taken during passing period. Wait… how OLD is this girl??” Old enough to have Facebook in high school. ‘Nuff said. Fast-forward six years later and she is pretty much like a sister to me.
Why I love her: Because she is probably THE reason why my brother and I have gotten to be
so close over the years. Before Jess, my relationship with my brother was… complicated.
But Jess made the extra effort to hang out (although I admit I was initially confused at
the gesture…) and here we are today! Lots of trips to Chicago, sleepovers in LA, and
family fun days later… she’s now in my wedding.
Because she is sweet, an unendingly positive person and always sees the bright side in anything.
Unless she’s hangry. But girl, I understand.
Because she is cuckoo in the same ways (well, some) that my brother is, and it makes me happy that
these two weirdos found each other.
The Bestmen
Taiki "Yoshi" "Rafiki" "Turk" Yoshida
How we met: Hmm… Where do I start? Maybe 7th grade, during the first day of WLA Bulls basketball practice. I walked into the gym, not knowing anyone, saw a kid looking like Yoshi from Super Mario Brothers. The rest is history. Probably for the next 6 years or so, we pretty much hung out every single day.
Why I love this guy: The equilibrium in my life. Reliable. Consistent. Accountable. I can always count on Taiki to be the calm, collected, easy going, laid back dude in every situation. From playing basketball as kids, wrestling, playing video games, to sleep overs, I owe my childhood fun to Taiki. We could sit for hours not saying a word, doing our own things, and there is never a moment of awkwardness. Everyday Taiki forced me to finish my orange juice (not sure if that did anything for me), and he forced me to take action and pursue my goals. I know he always did. Somewhere up there, I know your mom is smiling at us.
Bryan "Ishi" "Bish" "Dingles" "Bad Info" "Big Fail" Ishigami
How we met: Same day as Taiki, first day of practice, kind of rough looking dude. Of course I go behind him and give him the credit card treatment (slide my hand between his butt like a credit card sliding down the card reader). Bryan later revealed to me that he wanted to beat me up at that moment.
Why I love this guy: Probably for having not beaten me up at this point. There probably isn’t a person out there that I am harsher to than Bryan. He definitely gets the worst of me. The most patient, understanding, genuine, and all around classic bro-dude guy I know. My road dog, my right hand man, my brother. As much as we argue, we never seem to get enough of each other. From being chemistry lab partners, to basketball teammates, to beer pong buddies, we love to do things our own ways but we somehow almost always end up being a team. It’s just meant to be.
The Groomsmen
Khang "2" "2 Sleepy" "H.A.N.K." Tran
How we met: Probably last day of school in 7th or 8th grade… I was walking off to go to the mall or something on the bus, and this kid just asks to join. Never met him before, but we go on a journey on the bus and never stop hanging out since. Oh wait… that was Khoa.
Why I love this guy: Just one of the funnest guys to be around. Humble. Caring. Loving. Giving. One of those guys I never get tired of hanging out with all day every day. Genuinely one of the most generous people I know. Always looking out for his homies. For that, I can never thank you enough. The only reason why my entire closet is full of Quiksilver clothes. Never afraid to share his bed with another guy. Never afraid to fall asleep or snore on the floor in the middle of a house party. Always thankful that I can call you my brother. That will never change.
Sean "Sean-tay" "Seanie" McGah
How we met: Didn’t meet him at school… Didn’t meet him at work… Didn’t meet him at a bar… Didn’t meet him playing sports… Pretty sure I met him drinking at some dude’s house. Yup. For sure. Haven’t stopped drinking together since.
Why I love this guy: The most sincere, kind, nice, fun-loving guy I know. Always down for any “bro” activity and a good time. I always try to exert just half of the kindness Sean exerts. Always inspires me to be a nicer and sincere person. On the other hand, boy does Sean like to have a good time… Whenever we’re together, we just seem to make more memories, and those memories are what I live for. My liver may hate you Sean, but “I love you man.”
Eric "Poop" "E" "Liver Oil" Yee
How we met: Probably first weekend in college I ended up chugging like more than half of a handle of Smirnoff vodka. Eric and I sat next to each other afterwards and just asked each other what our names were at least five times. Not sure what happened after that.
Why I love this guy: Probably a close second to Bryan, Eric definitely gets a lot of crap from me (partly not my fault, he does it to himself). But we know we always have the most epic times together. Countless nights partying together in college, and countless memories of nights not remembered. One of the most laid back, chill, nonchalant, good guys I know. I’m not sure if my liver hates you or Sean more. Always respected and enjoyed your down-to-do-anything attitude. Always there when I need you (except for that time you didn’t pick me up from the Oakland megabus station, never forget). I’ve always looked up to how you make life look so easy.
Charles "Chaz" "Joffrey" Park
How we met: First day of law school, instantly felt the “I’m the only Asian in this class” rivalry. After I heard him ask his first question in class, I quickly thought “damn this kid is annoying.” Annoying kid somehow ended up being a groomsman.
Why I love this guy: I think everyone would agree when I say Charles is the most giving, generous, caring, thoughtful person I know. You made Chicago like home to me. Whenever I needed something, whenever I needed a friend, whenever I wanted to do something, Charles was always there. Just a textbook good kid with a golden heart. I’m always amazed by your selflessness and generosity. It’s no wonder why the people around Charles love him so much. I’m thankful that we crossed paths, and that I can call you my brother.
