Wedding Party
Kellie Vera
Matron of Honor
Kellie is one of Melissa's oldest and best friends, having known each other for over 25 years! Kellie and Melissa met playing basketball when they were just 5 years old (SFL!). Their friendship continued and grew as they attended elementary, middle, and high school together. They were even awarded the "Attached at the Hip" award during their freshman basketball season. Kellie has been a constant in Melissa's life and has always been there for her, both the good and the not so good.
Adam Yonamine
Best Man
Justin met Adam in college and found someone who is the same kind of weird. Boardgames, video games, and comic books are some of the things that they have bonded over. If they want to get outside, they both struggle making it through a round of golf. They have a great time doing it though. Adam never fails to make Justin laugh, whether intentional or not.
Kristin Nakano
Bridesmaid
Kristin is another one of Melissa's oldest friends! Kristin and Melissa met playing basketball on the Saberettes Sparkles and did Odori together for many many years. Kristin has a fun sense of humor, tons of Friends references, and can do the best cat impersonations! They are always grabbing a bite to eat and getting boba after.
Brandon Carroll
Groomsman
Brandon is Justin's older brother. He leads when they are together, not always to the right place, but it is always a fun ride getting there. Brandon is always down to find some mischief when needed. Not afraid to push the limits and brings out the most of Justin's personality.
Lindsey Sugimoto
Bridesmaid
Melissa and Lindsey met when they were on the 2014 Nisei Week Court! They immediately connected and bonded during their year and plenty since then. Lindsey has always brought a fun and high energy and is the best hype woman! She is also one of the most caring and reliable friends, always checking in and always putting others before herself! You can always count on Lindsey!
Matthew Carroll
Groomsman
Matthew is the brother who will pull Justin away from his video games to go out. He is the social butterfly of the two. Matt makes sure that Justin doesn't go straight to sleep when he gets home, he makes sure that he stays engaged with life. He might be a little bit stronger than Justin, but he is still his little brother.
Ashley Arikawa
Bridesmaid
Ashley and Melissa also became friends during Nisei Week! Ashley is the sweetest, nicest, and most thoughtful person! Ashley is always thinking of others and was the best Tomo! She also has one of the funniest senses of humors (SMOKUDO) and is always finding ways to make everyone laugh while also being the one to take care of everyone around her!
Mitchell Kozono
Groomsman
Mitchell will become Justin's newest brother. They easily bonded over their love of Star Wars and golf. While they haven't known each other long, they are now stuck together as scramble partners. Whenever they are together, they are the ones who have to finish the leftover food at AYCE Korean BBQ. They will forever be over eating together.
Tiffany Oyama
Bridesmaid
Tiffany and Melissa met through Nisei Week and were mistaken for each other throughout the year since they were the "tall girls". Melissa and Tiffany have a mutual love and bond for all things dogs and houseplants. Tiffany is super caring, fun, and always baking yummy treats/desserts which Melissa is always happy to be a willing taste tester!
Mikey Cuellar
Groomsman
Mikey is Justin's friend who he would stay up late with playing video games or driving around town. Their love of emo and rap music brought them together, the video games kept them together. Hawthorne Heights to G-Unit, Taking Back Sunday to Nas, Set Your Goals to Slim Thug, they always had the music blasting driving from town to town.
Jasmin Jefferson
Bridesmaid
Jasmin is Melissa's one and only girl cousin. Although they don't see each other very often, when they are together, they immediately catch up and talk as if no time has passed. Jasmin is always there to keep it real and always making Melissa feel like a grandma even though she's just 5 years younger. A fun family memory is always celebrating Oshogatsu together at Auntie Joy's.
Richie Tolentino
Groomsman
Richie has been a staple in Justin's life since high school. He is the brother from another. Richie would run through a wall for Justin, just as Justin would for him. He is the support pillar in good and bad times. Richie has and will always be there for Justin.
Ayumi Sario
Flower Girl
Ayumi is the daughter of Pearl, Melissa's boss, mentor, and good friend. She is 6 years old and is definitely one of the funniest, sassiest, and sweetest little girls ever! She's so thoughtful and always drawing pictures and artwork to give to Auntie Melissa while giving the greatest one-liners. Auntie Melissa is so excited to have her Ayumi girl be a part of the big day!
Taiki Sario
Ring Bearer
Taiki is the youngest son of Pearl, Melissa's boss, mentor, and good friend.He was one of the first babies that Melissa really interacted with. By playing with him and his older brother Daisuke at the office, that really helped to spark Melissa's love for taking care of young children. Taiki has a bright light and energy around him. Auntie Melissa has also been helping him out with basketball every week too!