The Wedding Party
Bridesmaids
Alice Wang: Maid of Honor, sister of the bride
My big sib who's been there for me since I was a wee babe! She and I have shared crazy times: playing Barbie (oh that trailer!), getting me through physics, sitting together at string festival, traveling together, becoming Christian... She's been the beacon during those stormy years (ah hem). Jia jia, you know I love ya (and san jiao coo box rules!!). "Sista, you've been on my mind... ohhhh... sista, we're two of a kind..."
from Alice:
Sisters
Sisters
There were never such devoted sisters
Never had to have a chaperone "No, sir"
I'm there to keep my eye on her
Caring
Sharing
Every little thing that we are wearing
When a certain gentleman arrived from Rome
She wore the dress and I stayed home
All kinds of weather
We stick together
The same in the rain or sun
Two diff'rent faces
But in tight places
We think and we act as one
Those who've
Seen us
Know that not a thing could come between us
Many men have tried to split us up but no one can
Lord help the mister
Who comes between me and my sister
And Lord help the sister
Who comes between me and my man
Caroline Tuan: Matron of Honor
She's the crouching tiger and hidden dragon in one! Only got spoiled milk in the fridge? Call Caroline and she'll have a gourmet meal planned around it! We've known each other since Penn but really bonded when we lived together in Boston (she's the c^2 in e=mc^2). This petite frame is definitely the hostest with the mostest! The one thing I could never figure out is how she's always not just one but two steps ahead of me (one of the wisest!).
from Caroline: Because Caroline appreciates a good laugh, a good heart and a lot of quirkiness, sheÊwas drawn to Elaine and continues to appreciate her friendship and personality.ÊOver the years, at various times, she has been Elaine's housemate, guinea pig patient (during her physical therapy training), chef (forcing Elaine to be the guinea pig), apprentice (for scrapbooking and wreathmaking), 5K running partner, surprise party planner (much to Elaine's horror), and travel companion. Now that she lives in California, Caroline spends her time enjoying the warm weather, driving way too much, biking way too little, growing herbs, doing crafts, and scheming with May to make sure Elaine's wedding is as memorable as possible. To keep herself busy, she goes to business school and is in the process of figuring out what she wants to do when she grows up. Quoting Mike Mason, she is a strong believer that "marriage is living with glory. It is living with an embodied revelation, with a daily unveiling and unravelling of the mystery of love." She is so thrilled to be celebrating Elaine & Andy's wedding day with them.
Livia Foo Bridesmaid
One word best describes Livia is: FUNNN! She started out in my cartoon strip back at BBH that became a real life friend! She's the only person I know that is a walking Zagat's. Love that bright warm smile Livia, especially on those tough hiking trails when we're totally lost. She's my extreme buddy with hiking, WWR, camping, eating, and hopefully someday biking? You rock Livia!
from Livia: Livia met Elaine in the days of Brown Brothers Harriman in Boston, both of their first "real world" jobs post undergrad. Thankfully at the 1998 holiday party Elaine came over to talk to Livia since at work they may have been on the same floor, but Elaine was banished to work with the non-fun people. :) Ever since then Elaine is one of Livia's favorite people to eat Italian Cafe with for monster size sandwiches(although sadly it closed down - but never fear they have found plenty of other foods to enjoy), to go hiking with, and to go white water rafting with. Livia was first exposed to Elaine's amazing creativity through her cartooning of "Liv it Up" and continues to be impressed by Elaine. Currently Livia is suffering the horror of grad school pursuing her MBA. She is looking forward to graduating in June when she plans to move to New York City to work for GE in their Risk Management Leadership Program. She is very happy that she will be closer to Elaine and Andy and will be able to enjoy the yummy tofu house with them.
Swee-May Ngeow: Bridesmaid
Miss Congeniality. Five minutes talking to her and she'll pull you into a trance. Watch out for her killer moves on Dr. Mario or Tetris Attack or for any game for that matter. I sometimes call her Brit because one time she convinced me to dress up for a night out karaoking, and she was Britney Spears... She's also the m in e=mc^2, the third charmed one of our house in Boston.
Felicia Vinci: Bridesmaid
The super PT! We started out at NewYork Presby the same day and had an instant connection. I love the times we stayed late chatting, working out, going over techniques, sharing snacks, talking shop... Felicia can make a snickers bar disappear faster than you can snap your fingers. I can't wait until we work together again!
Alexandria Lee: Bridesmaid
We've grown up like sisters but I bet you couldn't guess that she's my little cousin (by three months!). A rocket scientist my trade but an imaginative freelancer by heart. I have to thank Alex for teaching me how to make American chop suey, it's always a winner every time!
from Alex: I think some of the things i remember most growing up with you is
- being penpals forever!!
- all the family reunions where we had to play recitals
- roller skating and Rye Beach Playland
- living together that one summer and talking while we were lying in bed in our rooms with our doors open. seems like we're able to talk about anything.
- your 80's neon yellow-green spandex. for some reason i remember that outfit
Jessica Lee: Bridesmaid
The collectively creative koolkat / analytical guru. Her voice will just melt your heart. If she doesn't "kill you softly" with her notes, she'll explain your Roth IRA like you've never seen it before. I've known her all my life and like a big sib, my cousin Jessie really took me under her wing back in our days at Penn. I think back and see how much we've grown up so much since then, and I can't believe it!
Groomsmen
Michael Nartker: Co-Best Man
Mike has been one of my closest friends since we were in 6th grade. We've seen a lot together and both ended up in Joisey. He's a pretty quiet guy, but when he has something to say it's usually pretty important... and more times than not, really funny. Over the years, I've managed to bring out Mike's geeky side, even though he's followed his more artistic side. If ever I've needed someone to be there for me, Mike was always the first on the scene.
Jeffrey Mockaitis: Co-Best Man
Jeff, "Cruiser" Mockaitis. One of the most dangerous men alive. We have known each other since 1st grade. We hated each other. Then, magically, in high school, I realized how cool he was. Of course, we both knew we were total dorks, but we decided that was a good thing. Over the years our friendship has developed in so many ways, and he's one of those rare friends who has no problem letting me know when I'm totally wrong.
Kevin Hwang: Groomsman
Kev? He's got the corny humor thing going on. He also has a tendency to go completely overboard. I can identify with that. For as long as I've known him, he's there with a sharp wit, and a keen observation, and always manages to have a bright outlook on the situation. He's also an outdoor nut, and we keep dreaming about doing an adventure race one day. His even keel and southwest sensibilities helps keep me balanced at times. One word... "Mittelschmertz". Another? "Capybara". Unfortunately, he married my nemesis, Flojo-jojo. Sadly, I'll have to crush them both one day :(
Daniel Lo: Groomsman
Dan is the quiet type... until you get to know him. He's just one of those guys you can't imagine not being friends with. He's the kind of guy that'd do anything to help a friend. I count myself as one of those fortunate enough to be on that list. Also, when you least expect it, he comes out of left field with some of the funniest stuff I've ever witnessed.
Gene Tsay: Groomsman
G-Money. This man is an eating machine. He be more stomach than man. Always with a smile on his face, and the king of sarcasm. He's the master planner of "the big ski trip" every year. A labor of love. We share a love of food, hanging out, cheesy action flicks, and bass guitar among other things. Ah, those halcyon nights filled with bad TV with G-money and "el presidente". We served together on the music team at church, where we decided we should have gangsta nicknames. Mad shoutz to "el presidente", V-dawg, Min-diesel, Sophy-soph, lo.dan, and anne-amatrix
- A-Mike out, yo.
Han Wang: Groomsman
No matter how I try, I can't take him by surprise. He has a 6th sense, and he knows all the pressure points that could make your heart explode in your chest. Because he's a ninja. He won't admit it, but he's got hidden traps and weapons stashes in his house. I met Han at my old job, and we had lots in common. A love of Anime, programming, and all things geeky. It was his invitation that brought me back to church and ultimately back into fellowship with God. He also showed me parts of chinatown that I never knew existed. Mmmmm... duck's blood.