Putting the Party in Wedding Party - The Ladies

What's a wedding without the wedding party? Well, I guess its still a wedding but definitely not as fun. Who else will I get to listen to my wedding planning woes and help plan the bachelorette party if not these fine females? So without further ado, introducing the lovely ladies of my bridal entourage:
Maid of Honor: Aimee "Sister" Buenviaje
Matron of Honor: Elaine "E" Chatterton
Bridesmaids:
• Cathy "Cat" Hoang
• Kathryn "Kat" Cabrieto
• Dale Lipata
• Erica Reyes

To some of you, these names are strangers. To others, they are my most logical choices. Either way, a list of names is incomplete without the stories of why I chose these six.

Aimee "Sister" Buenviaje
I think my sister would've disowned me if she was not maid of honor. I would do the same to her. Anyone that knows us, knows that we have a close relationship in our own unique, unusual way. We don't do the "heart-to-heart crying on each others shoulder" thing. It's more like the "oh my gosh I'm shopping and I don't know if I should buy this" thing. There are very few decisions I can make without my sister's input. In fact, I got mad at Jeng after he proposed because he didn't ask for my sisters approval after he asked my parents. Haha. Needless to say, she reluctantly approved of my choice and looks forward to calling Jeng her future brother-in-law. (Sometimes. It depends on her mood.)


Elaine "E" Chatterton, Cathy "Cat" Hoang & Kathryn "Kat" Cabrieto




I combine these three because I've known them the longest -- E and Cat since Kindergarten and Kat since 2nd grade. Combined, that is 73 years (25 for E, 25 for Cat and 23 for Kat)! There are very few friends who have lasted as long as we have. Any childhood memories I have include these three girls and of course, I couldn't have my wedding without them in it. E is my best friend, despite the fact that she currently lives in Colorado with her husband and their dog, Lola. Cat currently lives in LA where she collects degrees and accreditations to see how many initials can fit after DPT (Doctor of Physical Therapy). Kat is our steady constant, still in the Bay Area but always looking for adventurous travel opportunities. And she's single in case anyone's interested. Haha. ;)

Dale Lipata
Dale is a "newer" friend compared to the other three, but not by much. I've only known her for 19 years. She joined us in fifth grade and although we parted ways for high school and college, we managed to maintain our friendship throughout the years. Dale, E and I were the threesome you would always find playing sports together. Even though Dale and E totally kicked my butt, I held my own. Now Dale continues to be quite the b-baller, a champion in her league. I don't play with her anymore. Now, the only activity we compete in together is dancing and drinking. She still beats me in the drinking part but I'm okay with that.

Erica Reyes
Erica is Jeng's younger sister and my soon-to-be sister-in-law. We openly speak of my questionable taste in men and she continues to hunt for a more suitable partner for me. (Her deadline is approaching quickly with the wedding and all.) Erica and her brother have an amusing relationship. As the only daughter, Erica must deal with the loving but endless harassment from Jeng and his brother. When Jeng and I first got together, he didn't like the fact that I was becoming her friend. He feared that we would team up against him. We ignored him and now we're friends, united in the cause to dish out to Jeng what he dishes to us.