Tabitha Knowlton - Matron of Honor
I've known Tabi for almost a decade now! We met in Walla Walla University during our undergrad days and got closer through our shared responsibilities in APIC (asian-pacific islander club) and Health Science classes. We graduated together in 2018...but we ended up crossing paths again in Loma Linda soon after! Through our shared love of food, beach, and navigating our way around SoCal --- I knew that near or far, our friendship is a forever thing. Tabi is the type of person who lights up the room with her presence (literally a walking sunshine), a loyal friend who always listens first, and someone who's down for an adventure (both food and outdoors lol).
Rico Perez - Best Man
(Wow she really wrote a dissertation for each girl lol)
Anyways this is rico...he's cool i guess. He can take all the jokes I throw at him and dish it back ( I guess thats how he stole this bestman spot.)
Cindy Wen-Speyer - Bridesmaid
Cindy and I were both in the same nursing cohort in LLU. We both initially thought that we met through classes, but our first interaction was our part-time work orientation in LLU. On our way back to the dorm after orientation, I remember tripping over something and my toe started bleeding... and Cindy was there to the rescue! As a nursing student, she had a first aid kit ready with a bandaid to help me. Even back then, she was already looking out for me --- a natural clumsy girl who had no sense of direction (almost always). Cindy is the mother hen of the group, always looking out for her loved ones even before herself. She has a big heart and cares for others 110%. She loves food as much as I do and she's always down to hang out whenever and wherever. With our shared affinity for quality time - -- you can catch us yapping at a cafe or strolling around Costco all afternoon.
Hayden Wideman - Best Man
another best man?!?! Why not! This is Hayden, mah brotha, and overall cool guy (and yes ladies...He's single ;)
Kana Ozeki - Bridesmaid
Kana and I met through nursing school and have been inseparable since then. In our trio (Kana, Cindy, and I), Kana has always been the middle person -- trying to balance out the craziness of the group. While initially quiet, Kana makes her presence known through her natural affinity towards acts of service. During nursing school, Kana and her reliable Mochi the Toyota Sienna would rescue me lol --- be it through DMV appointments or driving all the way to LAX and picking me up after the holidays. Our shared feeling of FOMO has made us spend time with each other spontaneously throughout the years -- be it at the beach, park, or at a random Taco Bell in Diamond Bar. Kana is a caring person and will go out of her way for the people she cares about near or far.
Reid Wideman - Groomsman
Let's throw in another brother! This is Reid and he's probably the coolest one here.
Trisha Cease - Bridesmaid
Trish and I have known each other since nursing school. She was one of the first people I became friends with #filipinomafia along with our good friend Danilo (JR). We were both blessed to work in the same hospital AND unit after nursing school. She's my work wife and forever friend! Trish is smart but VERY humble about it; calm and collected so she balances out my emotional tendencies; and loyal towards her loved ones. Need help for a last minute setup for a party? She got you. Knows that after a long hard shift all you want is chicken and rice? She got you.
Jimmy Key - Groomsman
Ahh yes, Henry Cavill! This one's cool for sure! He got me a sword for my birthday...need I say more
Jessica Kim - Bridesmaid
Jessica Faith -- truly a God-given friend just based on how we met -- through a random search for a roommate via Facebook. When we first started talking, I knew that we both have the same preferences (ideal for a roommate). I was like, yeah I think we will work out! Thankfully we moved past the roommate phase and became friends. Jess has become a sister in Christ and was truly pivotal in helping me in my faith journey with God. She was there for me when I was going through the hills and valleys of life and was always there to point me back to Christ. Even if we're states apart now, when we meet/talk to each other, it feels like we're just right across the hallway in our house in Loma Linda.
Ty Loomis - Groomsman
Man of few words...but he doesn't need to speak when he's just that cool.
Caryn Coleman - Bridesmaid
I first knew Dr Caryn Coleman as Ms Caryn Ausenhus -- the super friendly new housemate that is also Jess's med school classmate. Her bright personality shined through even with our first interaction. She made our Loma Linda house feel like home with her presence and DIY decorations. Caryn is the best hype woman, baker of scones, best way to get yourself become a Swiftie, and overall the best of friend. We both went through our "catch rona not feelings" phase and also our "simp for the Pasa bois" phase. Caryn makes you feel known and cared for -- even being my personal doctor and chef when I got all my wisdom teeth pulled out despite her busy baby MD schedule. Caryn loves God deeply and she also has helped me to stay rooted in Christ. When I was going through something difficult, she took the time to write out memory verses -- many of which I kept in my car so I can look at them as I drive off to work!
Johnny Bolinger - Groomsman
Jbizzle, roomate in the SUPERIOR EAST BEDROOM at the Mondo. Coolness personified!
Danielle Rivera - Bridesmaid
Dandee and I first met at a potluck party in Walla Walla in 2015. What got my attention is that she's a Filipino that could SPEAK Tagalog. We both spoke in Tagalog and the rest was history! My favorite memories involve us going around downtown Walla Walla to study at the Patisserie and the library of Whitman College and catching grignon by the beaches of San Diego. Although we graduated in WWU during different years, we crossed paths again in Loma Linda when she became one of my housemates in 2021. We've been together since then. Dandee is creative but lowkey about it; you'd think she's quiet but when you get to know her, she's loud like me LOL; and we both share a love for good hojicha, food spots particularly KBBQ, and understands my love for Pokemon. As a trained counselor (double masters!), Dandee understands the nuances of relationships and is able to lovingly give me advice -- but not as a counselor but as a friend. She lets you open up when you're ready, and she's there to listen to you fully when you're ready.
Steve Martin - Groomsman
Roommate number #2. This guy helped me find my phone when I lost it in Iceland...Definitely cool.
Thomas Martin - Groomsman
LOL he ended up on Christine's side because I have too many groomsmen, and this website has to balance it out. (does that mean I have to write a novel about him?...Nah)
Roommate number #3. He wins the award for most "Up for whatever" and I think he's cool for that. Oh and he too is also single ladies! Get him while he's hot(....seriously, he's not getting any hotter)
Chris Kirby - Groomsman
This guy is a walking Lord of the Rings Encyclopedia! Also he's my coolest cousin! (sorry Kirby sisters...)