Wedding Party
Essence Dennis
Bride
Tulip's mama. Happy that you made it. Check out our Wedding Party.
Chris Wang
Groom
Recently admitted that he LOVES weddings. This one will be his favorite one ever!
Celeste Youngblood Bodenbender
Maid of Honor
Celeste and Essence met their Freshmen year of college, 2011. They used to skate, party and play guitar with one another. Celeste was always there whether she was lending an ear, running errands or helping Essence with math by pulling all-nighters — Best Friends from the start. Funny Fact: Celeste used to have both a walker and a cane, inclusive of tennis balls on the feet of both and would use them in college.
Kanta Ito
Co-Best Man
Kanta and Chris have known each other for over fifteen years. The perpetual fitness aficionado, Kanta is always willing and ready to accompany Chris on runs and workouts during all hours of the day. Despite breaking Chris’ driver and clubs the first few times he went golfing (because he insisted on using a baseball swing to play golf) and being a fan of the Lakers and Angels, Chris and Kanta remain close friends because Kanta is genuinely one of the nicest people Chris has ever met. However, Chris hopes that the Kanta will one will day join the good side (Dodgers and Clippers).
Shaina Naibaho
Bridesmaid
From CSUSB dorm parties, to eating everything in Korea, to singing their hearts out at concerts and karaoke spots — Shaina has been a staple of a good time and a great Best Friend to Essence. They’ve known one another for 12 years (oh my god) and every time they link up it feels like no time has passed. Funny Fact: Shaina used to run to the dorm bathroom when everyone was asleep so she wouldn't have to meet others.
Jason Huang
Co-Best Man
Jason and Chris have known each other since they were in first grade and did not know how to speak English. During lunch one afternoon, Jason waved Chris over to a school lunch table to eat together. That fateful encounter resulted in countless hours of their childhood spent playing video games, backyard baseball, living room hockey, basketball, other real (and made-up) sports, and being a nuisance to anyone who was in charge of babysitting them. Now, as adults, Jason and Chris enjoy playing golf, eating kbbq, and buying Nike shoes and apparel on sale.
Chanel Underwood
Bridesmaid
Chanel and Essence have known one another all their lives -- because they're First Cousins. They've spent numerous childhood summers together in South Carolina, Maryland and Atlanta. Chanel has always been a sweet, smart and silly soul and that quality about her has never changed even into adulthood. Funny Fact: Chanel and Essence used to make up *professional* choreography at their Tutu's home. Specifically Ciara's One Two Step.
Thomas Chen
Officiant / Groomsmen
Tom and Chris met in 2017 during one of the most thrilling eras of their lives (the first year of law school). Despite transferring to NYU after his first year, Tom and Chris remain close friends because of his adventurous spirit, humorous demeanor, and uncanny ability to get in and out of sticky situations. Chris believes that Tom should audition to become the new face of Dos Equis (the most interesting man in the world).