Wedding Speech to Rina

One of my besties, Rina, married the love of her life, Joon, on May 1. I was honored to stand by her side as co-matron of honor. This post is dedicated to Rina and Joon.

My name is Julia and I am Rina's co-matron of honor. I have known Rina since middle school. We attended the same middle school, high school and college. We've journeyed throughout life together. I could not be happier for Rina and Joon. They are a perfect match made in heaven.

When a man looks for a woman to call his wife, he looks for several qualities. He wants a woman who is smart, beautiful, fun, loving and caring. Rina is all those qualities. I've been trying to think of a story that exemplifies all these characteristics and though there are many stories I could tell, there's one that happened rather recently that sticks out in my mind.

Awhile back, we were chatting on the phone and I mentioned to Rina how I wish I had a workout buddy because working out would be so much easier. Her reply? I've an idea. How about I come up right now, sleep over and we'll workout in the morning. For those of you who don't know, I live in a faraway land called Bel Air. It's an hour and a half away. Not a short drive.

Rina came, slept over and sure enough, we worked out in the morning and she went home. She spent a total of 12 hours with me.

I know it's not a big story, but it exudes her best qualities.

Joon, please take care of Rina. If you don't, I know where you live. Oh, and my husband and I both know Taekwondo. I wish you too all the best.

Please raise a glass with me. Cheers! I love you both!

Friday the 13th

Friday the 13th has new meaning now. No longer is it a superstitious day where I cross my fingers and hope nothing bad happens. No longer will I think of Freddy Kreuger and Nightmare on Elm Street. Nope. Going forward, Friday the 13th will mean a day filled with LOVE.

CJ's cousin, Frank, and his beautiful bride, Jowanka, had a lovely, intimate courthouse wedding. CJ was a witness at the ceremony and had to go straight to work, but Christopher and I represented our family of three at the reception. The reception was one of my most favorite wedding receptions.

It was held in a private room at Pairings Bistro. Pairings is a gem of a restaurant in Bel Air. With extensive offerings of wine and beer, this restaurant does not disappoint. The food pairs perfectly too! (no pun intended). What made this reception stand out above all others was the wonderful simplicity and sincerity of it all. Sitting at a long rectangle table were 13 guests. Thirteen guests on Friday the 13th.

It was a scene from the Sex and the City movie where Carrie and Big get married at a courthouse and have a reception at a local diner where they fully enjoyed themselves. No need to greet hundreds of guests, no need to smile the same smile with different people, no dog and pony show. It was purely about Frank, Jowanka and their son, Kai.

Everyone got to talk to one another, catch up, and watch the kids as they were in their own little worlds. Glasses were filled with wine, conversations were meaningful, and memories were to be had. As cliche as it sounds, I really could smell the love in the air. 

The little details added the perfect touches and showed me that you do not have to spend a fortune for a wedding to be memorable. They say they will have a more formal ceremony and reception, but I don't know how this will be topped. This day, Friday the 13th, will forever be etched into my memory as a day of love and happiness.

Cheers to you both, Frank and Jowanka. I am truly, genuinely so happy for you. May God bless you with joy, laughter, fun and of course, babies.

#Jofrankai #congratulations #weloveyou