Bridesmaids

Unlike many little girls when they thought about their perfect wedding day, I would think about how cool it was that Coco was going to one day have the title “my maid of honor.”  The concept is perfect: my best friend who I trust my life and my happiest day with.  You see, Coco has been my everything longer than I can remember and I couldn’t imagine this day and process without her.  There are not enough words to describe what Coco means to me, so I won’t try.  What’s important is that she is amazing and awesome and I love her not only as my sister but my best friend.

Diana and I have known each other since I stepped foot in my first dance studio in second grade.  We then went on to go to middle and high school together and have been friends ever since.  Some of my fondest childhood memories involve Diana and I am blessed that we still hang out and can reminisce about them all.  Now time for my shameless plug:  she is now attending Marshall MBA school at USC!!!! Ok, but beyond that I love this girl and would do anything for her.

Sheila and I have been friends since high school. You can never miss her; she will be the life of the party who lives life to the fullest. There really isn’t a dull moment with her which I absolutely love. But beyond “letting life lead us,” Sheila is one of the most thoughtful people I have ever known. She will be the one who remembers your birthdays, comes to random events that you planned and no one else will probably be at, fronts you money if you happen to have forgotten your wallet, and just be there when you need someone most. Yes, she is a great friend and she is my friend.

Bina and I met in the offices of RBZ, LLP and immediately hit it off.  Not only was she an accountant like me, but she was fun!  You’ll have to remember that accountants do not have a good rep when it comes to social standards, however, I think Bina and I defied all stereotypes (thank god).  I love Bina’s energy and sense of humor, but even more importantly, I love that she values friendships as much as I do.  She is a beautiful person and I am so glad and lucky that she decided to be an accountant!

Shari and I met on the USC Trojan Dance Force.  Our love for dance was evident and we were instantly friends.  Not only is she super smart (graduated a year early from college), a great dancer, an incredible singer, and very driven, she also has the biggest heart.  Shari has devoted her career for the past few years to aiding in the well-being of autistic children and their families.  It is that huge heart of hers that makes her a very loyal and dedicated friend that I have been so fortunate to have in my life.

Amber has been one of Paul’s best friends since high school, and when I first met her I knew exactly why they were such great friends.  Amber is one of the sweetest people I know.  She always has a genuine smile on her face and can make you feel loved and special in a heartbeat.  I love Amber, not only because she’s been a great friend to Paul over the years, but also because she has become one of my great friends.

Tricia is Paul’s older sister.  More importantly, however, she has become one of my mentors.  Now when you hear the word mentor, you think of an old teacher you had back in school, but that’s not what I mean here.  Tricia is a very independent, resourceful, intelligent, determined and strong individual who is only a couple (if that) life stages ahead of me and I aspire to be like her.  She has always been a huge fan of Paul and me and I am very excited to have her as my sister-in-law/friend-for-life.