Anna is my wonderful "Baby Sister". I spent many evenings praying for a little sister, and while it took a few years I finally got one. I had planned on us being best friends and sharing clothes, which was a challenge since she was much smaller than me until I was 20. Now I talk to her more than any other friend and I turn to her as a guide and sounding board. She is a passionate, fierce person who loves her family and stands firm her in beliefs. I love who she has become and all she aspires to accomplish. I'm also grateful for her husband Will and their two pups!

James is my big brother. I idolized my brother growing up. He had to stand in for my father as my primary male role model. He's a caring brother, loving human, and dedicated father. We've lived half a world apart for over half of our lives and whether or not our perspectives agree, I still look up to him for guidance and support. Despite not being able to be standing next to me, I know he's always by my side. James has taught me so much about love and affection.

Brian and I met in the second grade when his family moved from Illinois to Walnut Creek, CA. We have the same last name spent every afternoon hanging out with each other so everyone assumed we were brothers. The first time our family went to Brian's house, he showed us how to play the game of Life. Even now he continues to be a broad source of knowledge and a trusted advisor for me and his family and friends. I've learned so much about tenacity and patience from Brian.

Katie and I met in front of our Sunday School class when we were four years old. I still remember her white dress and the "angel kiss" birthmark under her eye. When we were teens we'd make beaded necklaces. She never stopped and now crafts detailed, beaded jewelry. She has lovely family with Chris and two remarkable, creative, funny little girls who light her up with love.

Mark and I met in French class in the sixth grade stayed friends through high school and eventually roommates at Cal. We explored the universe together without ever leaving the apartment, debating all the mysteries behind how the world works and what our role was in it. Mark is an ideal steward of his friends and family and of the community and for the future. From Mark, I've learned so much about responsibility and generosity.

In middle school, Ashley and I had lockers next to each other, and one day I thought my planner was in her locker because we have similar cursive script. After that we both joined the rowing club and she was either my boat partner who rowed in tandem with me or our bow seat who kept the boat balanced. We stayed close through college and first jobs though our lives went in different directions. When we visit her, Drew, and the dogs we always explore some new local foodie spot with nom cocktails and talk for hours.

Cora and I met through the amazing Carolyn Leach shortly after I moved to San Francisco. We spent months exploring new coffee or dessert shop every week. Cora has ushered me through some incredibly fun life experiences like riding a tricycle through the desert at dusk and playing with a pig at New Years in Tahoe. I'm continually grateful for her, her husband Grant and the community they foster among friends.

I met Victor in the dorms. He was older, from LA, had his own car, and showed up a week after everyone else. He had the ability to turn the most mundane task into an adventure and he always seemed to know all the best places to go. He's taken me up and down the state, across the country, and around the world. He continues to expand my understanding of the world and what's possible in it. I've learned so much about courage and hospitality from Victor.

When I started dating Jerry I got this package deal of previous roommates with Zoey and Harris (who you'll read about in the groomsmen section). Harris was Jerry's current roommate and Zoey's previous roommate and we pretty much immediately became "the Bears". Zoe-Bear has celebrated holidays and birthdays with us since we started. She's one of my go-tos when I need listening ear or a good laugh.

Evan and I met on the first day of college. He was the kind of guy that was not only easy to get along with but also highly inventive. We seemed to be able to talk each other into all sorts of ideas and adventures. Evan lives to learn and not only does he live what he learns he shares it with those he loves. I loved learning how to live life with Evan. And from him, I've learned so much about leadership and friendship.

I also met Anthony on the first day of college. Anthony and I both found joy in riding bikes and listening to music while daring each other to explore deeply. We brought each other into our respective worlds and gave each other permission to experience life from diverse perspectives. Our conversations continue to expand our experience of the world. Seeing him create a family and continuing to creating community has brought me so much happiness. I learned so much about loyalty and transformation.

Karla and her family are more previous roommates so I've gotten to watch her kiddos grow up. In the four years I've known her Karla has flourished! She recently completed her MA of school counseling and shares her newfound knowledge by facilitating discussions with our friends. I can always count on Karla for some honest conversation no matter the topic. She and Erik are also two of our game night crew.

I first met Harris when he was the tutor for my computer science class at East Bay. At the end of the year, I saw him at a campus event and we went to get beers afterwards. Ever since then we we've great friends. Harris was my roommate when I first met Meghan and helped us build the love we're able to share with you all today. Harris continues be a model human being. From Harris, I've learned so much about integrity and compassion.

Gao and I met at paint night in the Sunset where we sipped on wine and painted a treeline at dusk. She lived in the same complex as us for over a year and her pup Snowball is Winnie-Bear's best friend. Talk about a woman who will tell it like it is and listen to any advice with grace. I've had the honor of being part of Gao's friend group as she has emerged from her chrysalis this year. Life threw her lemons and she is making lemon creme pie! Her openness to transformation truly inspires me.

I met Karrisa and Calvin at their housewarming party a few months after Jer and I started dating. We have had numerous cookouts and game nights and a few weekend trips exploring the Bay Area. Karrisa has walked a journey of expanding vulnerability and communication and I've gotten to be a sounding board and friend through the process. Her reflections have offered me insight into ways that I can expand in those areas as well.

Calvin and I met because we were both crazy enough to let people talk us into doing crazy things. Naturally, we became the best of friends. He inspires me just by being the person he chooses to be day-in and day-out. I love his commitment to people and creating opportunities for shared experiences. From Calvin, I've learn so much about positivity and dedication.

One evening I early in our dating life, Jerry invited Michelle and the Pinlacs over. Michelle made this amazing coconut-based Laotian soup that I still get a hankering for. She has fostered connections with new friends, supported me in challenging conversations, and is one of the few people who can counter Jer's sass. She brings both fun and reflective conversations whenever we catch up.

Michelle and I met because we both wanted to make life better for the people in our lives. She is always watching and listening for how she can take action to support those in her care. She has the courage to lead through vulnerability and the strength to persevere through adversity. Michelle's taught me much about acceptance and nurturing.