“We are friends for life. When we’re together the years fall away. Isn’t that what matters? To have someone who can remember with you? To have someone who remembers how far you’ve come?”
― Judy Blume
MAID OF HONOR - SHinae KIM
Clara and Shinae met each other at church during high school but their friendship grew deeper during college as they attended the same classes at UW, ate Than Bros pho on the Ave, and served in the children's ministry every week. During their Senior year at UW, Shinae invited Clara to join her in the study abroad program to London. As they spent three month as roommates...eating, sleeping, and exploring the city of London together, they realized that they were actually soul mates! From graduating college, to figuring out their career path, to running 2 half marathons, and later receiving their calling into ministry; there were many highs and lows, but God has kept their bond strong and steady. Shinae has been Clara's greatest supporter and now she will stand beside her (as she always has) as Clara begins a new chapter with Mark.
BRIDESMAID - JULIA CHO
Julia and Clara have been friends since Middle School. Clara was the new kid at church who was shy and super awkward. She had no friends, but Julia befriended her and the two ended up attending the same Middle School and High School. Clara always had the latest Kpop magazines and Korean Drama videos (as this was the time before the internet) and Julia would introduce her to hip hop music and cool gangster fashion--they kept each other in perfect balance. Julia also encouraged Clara to become more active in the church and even went with Clara on her first mission trip to Cambodia. Together they traveled to Thailand and Kenya later to serve God. Julia played a huge role in Clara finding her faith in Christ, and she continues to be her most honest and loyal friend who advises her in life's big decisions and of course fashion.
BRIDESMAID - LYLIAN KIM
Lylian is Clara's younger sister. People are always shocked that the two are siblings because Lylian is tall, thin, and very fashionable--and at first glance, the two seem very different. One of the earliest childhood memories that Clara has of Lylian was when she used to pick Lylian up from elementary school. Lylian would always pack her classroom snack/cupcake in a napkin and save it for her older sister. Clara would devour the treats as they walked home together after school. Lylian is thoughtful, caring, and always better at sharing than Clara. Lylian can seem quiet and reserved but she speaks truth into her older sister, especially when Clara makes poor outfit choices. For this reason, Clara always heeds her advice and it serves her well.
BRIDESMAID - Nancy KIM
Nancy is Clara's cousin. They were born a month and half apart so growing up, many people thought the two were twins. Whenever parents would buy toys, they would have to get two of the exact same thing or else it was trouble. They fought all the time but they were also inseparable. When Clara's family moved away from LA to settle in the Pacific Northwest, they feared the distance would strain their relationship. But through the years their friendship matured and they remained close. When Clara briefly moved back to LA to finish grad school, Nancy took care of Clara--stocked her fridge with food, bought her furniture when Clara slept on the floor, and made sure she wasn't a loner on the weekends. Nancy was always an older sister to Clara and a natural caretaker...and she will be with Clara as she walks down the aisle.
BRIDESMAID - rosanne Park
Rosanne is truly one-of-a-kind unique and everyone's best friend. Rosanne and Clara met when they were in college serving in the kids ministry together. They would attempt to study together or be productive, only to end up grabbing happy hour and talking for hours. Rosanne was probably the only friend who didn't mind driving deep into Mercer Island (where Clara lives) simply to watch TV and eat meat. Rosanne is compassionate, faithful, and wise. Even though she is younger, Clara leans on her for guidance and help whenever there is need. The two also have much in common. They both cry a lot (usually when one starts, the other follows), love wearing sweatpants, have matching tattoos (often mistaken as a sorority mark), and of course they both serve in ministry.
