The Wedding Party
Meet some of our favourite people we couldn’t imagine this day without
Maid of Honor
Lorraine Hopper
Calling Lorraine as a best friend is an understatement at this point. They may not be twins by blood but definitely sisters by bond. Lorraine and Princess go way back -- days of Kpop fangirling in High School, nerding over zodiac signs (FYI both proud Leos and born days apart!) playing Stardew Valley whenever time permits, and pondering the most random thoughts on the daily. Lorraine is creative, fiercely loyal, and is the one person Princess can always count on to just get her. Long distance friendship ain't got nothing on them.
Maid of Honor
Lalaine Padua
The lore goes deep with this friendship. It goes back to late nights in Manila, crying over thesis papers, sharing the most vivid dreams, being the inseparable duo in all the friend groups they've been in, and being each other's one call away person. There's much to admire about Lalaine. The lyric from Wicked the musical, "because I knew you, I have been changed for good," sums up their friendship perfectly! Soulmates aren't just for lovers, but for friends as well, and Lalaine is definitely Princess's.
Brother of the Bride
Prince Venzon
Yes, Princess's favorite brother (she has no choice in the matter). Much of who she is is influenced by him as they've been a chaotic dynamic duo since childhood.
Her most trusted confidant, her idea dump, the person she goes to when she craves the best homemade Sinigang, and her first call whenever she needs to rant about anything under the sun. Prince knows all the tea. He also doesn't have a choice in the matter.
Bridesmaid
Timmy Garcia
Get you a friend you can laugh through the tears with, or laugh with until there are tears in your eyes. Timmy is definitely that for Princess. From navigating life in Dubai-Abu Dhabi to quite literally going through a war together (yes, really!), Timmy has a way of keeping Princess calm and laughing through it all. Her energy is contagious, magnetic, and ever so sunny. She brings the party wherever she goes.
Bridesmaid
Ioana Ionescu
A shared love for art and museums, cozy stay-ins at home, board game nights where they play Monopoly and Scrabble until 3AM, and conversations about everything and anything. Warm, thoughtful, and effortlessly easy to be around, Ioana is one of Princess’s closest friends in Abu Dhabi, and definitely one of the few people her social battery never runs out with.
Bridesmaid
Iyra Field
The iconic very first friend date where both girls yapped until midnight, resulting in Princess losing her voice the very next day. That tends to happen when the connection is instant! Iyra was Princess’s very first friend from the Dubai girl gang, and has been a constant ever since. Wonderfully curious, adventurous, and did we mention great taste? She’s always down for the roller coaster, trying something new, and is definitely the person you can trust to pick the best thing on the menu!
Bridesmaid
Kim Villocero
Kimmy was Princess’s roommate back in her flying days, and of course, being roommates turned into a close friendship. One of the people Princess can talk to for hours, Kimmy is thoughtful and always looks after people around her, because when you come over to the Villocero household, you WILL be fed! Whether it’s bringing back little gifts from her travels or simply making sure everyone is comfortable, Kimmy has a way of showing her love in all the little things.
Bridesmaid
Camille Hannigan
Camille is one of those friends where the conversation just flows so easily and naturally. From ghost stories and travel to all things girlhood, there’s never a shortage of things to talk about. Sweet and naturally nurturing, Cams is always looking out for the people around her, has impeccable taste (especially when it comes to fashion), and makes THE BEST Korean spicy noodles ever.
Bridesmaid
Nina Manalastas
It's been years since that very first day of school when Nina decided to befriend a shy transfer student (which as she found out over the years, isn't that shy at all when she gets comfortable) Nina is Princess's first oldest friend, which means she’s had a front-row seat to almost every version of her growing up. From school days and teenage years to somehow finding themselves all grown up, theirs is a friendship that has grown right alongside them. Ever thoughtful and conscientious, never one to shy away from telling it like it is, remembering the little things, or showing up in all the ways that matter.
Bridesmaid
Joan Gotauco
From carefree Manila days in 2021 and navigating all of life’s changes, to visiting each other in Manila and Abu Dhabi whenever they could, Joan and Princess have always made time for each other no matter the distance. Years and several life eras later, the friendship remains just as easy, loving, and full of stories to tell.
Bridesmaid
Younjoo Choe
Kyra, or known as Younjoo by friends, is one of Princess' first friends in Abu Dhabi during her flying days. The two became close early on, navigating a completely new chapter of life together, traveling to Siargao, and bonding over shared experiences -- both at work and in their personal lives. Passionate about life and unapologetically herself, Younjoo's always down to have a good time.
Bridesmaid
Faiza Butt
Feisty and sweet, that’s Faizy! She’s someone who shows up for the people she cares about and isn’t afraid to speak her mind. From countless Dubai get-togethers, to all the laughs and conversations in between, Faiza always brings her own spark. She’s always ready for a good conversation, to hype you up, and of course, a glass of wine or two! Alexa, play “Party 4 U” by Charli XCX.
Best Man
Nikhil Kasarla
Nikhil is Thomas’ best friend. They met in their first year at the University of Rochester and quickly bonded over just about everything (most urgently: a shared determination to survive freshman Calculus). They have since shared countless adventures, milestones, and memories together. Thomas admires much about Nikhil, although would note that his Call of Duty Warzone and color coordination could use some improvement.
Ruben van der Straaten
Brother of the Groom & Groomsman
Where to begin? Innumerable shared affinities: Indonesian food, observing peculiar mannerisms, tennis, Dutch football, and science fiction. Brotherhood & friendship spanning many years, continents, and changing seasons of their lives. Thomas is excited to share the big day with his little bro (who is without a doubt & irrefutably one inch shorter than Thomas).
Groomsman
Albert Chen
Albert was the first friend Thomas made in college. He and his family hosted Thomas for his first American Thanksgiving. Had they met sooner in life, they undoubtedly would be routine Grand Slam Doubles Champions. Among his many talents, he is also quite possibly the best dancer that Thomas knows.
Groomsman
Patrick Fink
Pat is Thomas’ clear pick for a partner to shepherd him through a zombie apocalypse, being the only member of the group with tangible survival skills & instincts. He is the life of the party, always making sure everyone is having a good time. The two also share remarkably similar tastes in music and literature.
Groomsman
Sangcheon Lee
As fellow cat parents and being the most responsible ones of the friend group, Sang and Thomas are skilled at navigating challenges (often together). Sang is relentlessly thoughtful and always looking out for the people close to him.
Groomsman
Eddie Ham
Eddie could sleep through Armageddon. Generally, Thomas likes Pitbull’s music, although not “Fireball”, thanks to Eddie. It is the only song on Thomas’ permanent ban-list. Whatever the situation, you can always count on Eddie to have your back.
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Cat, Son of the Bride & Groom
Casper
Princess and Thomas adopted Casper from an animal shelter, and they have since become inseparable. Casper is a huge fan of cuddles, sleeping beside Thomas and Princess, his sister Lily, sunbathing, and stealing Jollibee Chickenjoy when you're not looking. He can often be found enjoying his cozy home sleeping with his belly up (but no touching!)
Cat, Daughter of the Bride & Groom
Lily
Lily was Princess and Thomas' first cat. She is sweet and spicy, insatiably curious, a social butterfly, and multi-talented. She likes cardboard boxes and bottlecaps, and enjoys keeping the home safe from unwanted insects. Lily can often be found ensuring that Princess, Thomas and Casper do not oversleep. The girl's got opinions, you see!