The Wedding Party
We have the honor and privilege to announce to ya'll our wedding party! In some big shape of form, these people have influenced our lives and made us who we are today. We are blessed to be able to spend July 17th, 2010 with these folks beside us every step of the way.
And who are these fine-looking faces you may ask? Well, read on:)
Miss Naomi Ngo
Maid Of Honor
Though separated by a 5-year age difference, Mel still considers Naomi Ngo (or Naimzo), her very own "baby sister," one of the most confident and smartest girls she has ever known. Mel admires Naomi for her generous spirit, untamed character, love for self and heart to serve others all the time. Naomi admits to feeling totally inadequate and unsure in her role as Maid of Honor, but Mel is certain that her (not-so-little-anymore) sister will totally pull it off and stun all of us:) Mel would like the world to know that she picked the best Maid of Honor out there; and along with taking on this role, Naomi will also be graduating from William Aberhart HS this year. Go Naimzo:)
Miss Sarah Suttles
Bridesmaid
Sarah and Mel (or Bara and Bel...whatever you prefer) have only been friends since September of 2009 when they were connected by a mutual friend, Matt Hux:) Their first encounter with each other took place over the summer of 2009 on Skype, and very soon after that did both women realize that God was going to bless them with an amazing, Him-connecting friendship with the other. Mel is beyond thankful for Sarah, whose seriousness to seek the Lord is obvious and incredibly contagious. Mel is grateful to God for this beautiful gift He brought into her life in China - Sarah:)
Miss Heather Elliott
Bridesmaid
Heather ("Beaser) has been one of the truest friends that Mel has ever had. From the get-go of their friendship in the fall of 2005 (when both ladies were "fresh" at Trinity Western University), Heather and Mel saw immediately the great array of personality differences between them; but never did this stop the Lord from building a deep friendship, and roommate-ship (for 2 years!). Heather and Mel do share some things in common; certain loves for: education, singing for the homeless on Thanksgiving Day, singing in general, Starfield, interior designing, knowing God more, and blasting music from the car whilst belting out the open window!
Miss Kristen McFarland
Bridesmaid
Mel and Kristen (k10) first met over a casual coffee conversation while on lunch break for a TWU Choir performance. Mel's first impressions of Kristen were all approving. Kristen possessed incredible listening skills, an amazing understanding of others, honesty, an open sense of humor:), and the gift of giving great advice. Little did Mel know then that very soon she and Kristen would share the joys of roommate-ship. For Mel's junior year at TWU, Kristen was one of her best God-sent companions during a hard but rewarding journey with God. Mel will always cherish her friendship with Kristen, who is not only a gifted, certified Elementary teacher (go figure!), but can also do the funniest Chinese accent!
Miss Katherine Gauthier
Bridesmaid
Katherine Gauthier is Mel's "Theatre BFF" and probably one of the most out-there and talented women she has ever known. Kat brings zest into Mel's life, making her want to work harder, fight harder, be more fearless in her relationship with God, take more risks, and use Theatre to speak truth to the world. Kat and Mel also happen to make a great team, working together as Vice President and President in their Theatre club at TWU, A7E, and performing side-by-side in the Theatre at TWU Spring 2009 show, "The Good Woman of Setzuan." Kat's bold encouragement has spurred Mel on to do great things. Kat's loyalty as a friend and cheerleader has made Mel a better woman.
Miss Jenni Fischer
Bridesmaid
Mel considers her very good friend Jenni Fischer as one of the sweetest but strongest women she knows. What Mel admires about Jenni is her genuine spirit, hardworking nature, honesty about everything, and unbreakable commitment to the ones she loves. Mel and Jenni also share two interests in common: Theatre and acting, and teaching English as a second language. Jenni Fischer has a gift of bringing Mel instant joy and keeping her in conversation for several good hours. Jenni also wins for being able to make Mel laugh. A lot. (To the point where it almost becomes ridiculous!).
Miss Josephine Yee
Bridesmaid
Miss Josephine Yee (or Jojo) has been a part of Mel's life since childhood, growing up in Calgary. Mel and Jojo share early memories of countless sleepovers, camping in the woods, making music videos to Michael Jackson, jamming on the guitar together, talking about boys, cooking meals together, and playing/singing duets for various occasions. Despite being separated by 13 hours (driving distance) during University, Mel is so glad that her and Jojo can always come back together after time and continue where they left off. Mel also highly enjoys her long talks with Jojo, who is not only an amazing listener, but is incredibly real at heart.
Miss Mackenzie Chu
Bridesmaid
Mackenzie Chu and Melodie Ngo were made to be friends. From the moment both women made the mutual decision to pursue friendship (you should ask either one of us the story!), it has only continued to blossom. That was 6 years ago. Mack possesses a beautiful energy that is completely contagious. It is easy for Mel to get along with Mack, who happens to love life, being creative, trying new things, having long, good talks at Starbucks, dancing, finding beauty in everything, and embracing herself as a woman of God. Sharing new life events or stories with Mack is always fun for Mel too, as Mack's expressions and reactions are always big and dramatic!
Michael Hux
best man
This guy has been part of my life for the past 21 years. He constantly amazes me through his maturity and willingness to let God lead. He is getting married 3 weeks after me (crazy, I know). Nonetheless, I love the fact that we are experiencing the same adventure together. There is no one else I'd rather have as my best man than my brother. Continue to speak truth in the lives of many youth. He will equip you for the task & bless your commitment to serve.
Proud of you (always) -Matt
Shea Nairn
groomsman
This guy has taught me so much over the past two years. He continues to go above & beyond in our friendship. He has truly set an example for living intentionally in serving others. Because of his active role in my life, I feel so much better prepared as a Godly man.
He has taught me to never settle in any relationship. That our goal should always be to glorify Him to the fullest. I am honored to have met him in China.
Thanks for being so supportive of Mel & I. -Matt
Wes Grinnell
groomsman
My favorite cousin. He used to babysit me & my brother. He took us to baseball card shops. He even supported my Kobe Bryant interest (even though others constantly teased me:))
He has been a consistent role model from the very beginning. I am deeply appreciative of his acceptance to attend my wedding.
Sidenote: I was a groomsmen at his wedding (hard to believe that was two years ago).
Wes, thanks for showing so much love over the past years. You have always been a bigger brother to me. -Matt
Ben Ayris
groomsman
Ben & I go way back. We went to the same church growing up. Also, we attended a few college football games together. Sometimes, this was a problem (a major disagreement on who is the best in the state of Florida:))
Ben has always been a reliable friend. He has watched me work on some embarrassing science fair projects, push through not making a basketball team, and find purpose overseas.
I cherish our friendship a lot. Ben, you are going to make an awesome groomsman. -Matt
David Wolfe
groomsman
David's humor makes him a pleasure to be around. His mere presence in a room sparks laughter and a natural calmness among others. He has been a part of my life since middle school.
A few favorite memories: Riding 4-wheelers, dating the same girl in 8th grade, & cheering on the Florida Gators in college football.
I have always enjoyed receiving random phone calls or text messages from him. He continues to remain a loyal friend. See you in Canada! -Matt
Jeremy Ngo
groomsman
My future brother-in-law. I met Jeremy in 2007, when he visited Florida with his family. The connection seemed rather easy. He is a respectful guy with great ambitions.
This past winter in Canada, he was a gracious host driving me around town. Also, I enjoyed sharing sushi with him and the siblings.
See you this summer, man. -Matt
P.S. I dig the dreads, and I hope he never gets rid of them.
Chris Chan
groomsman
Chris is part of the Ngo family which enables me to include him in the bridal party. Here's the cool thing. He is also our MC. Talking about double duty:))
I admire this man a lot. He is currently training for a bike ride which raises money for cancer research. He chooses to fight for something he believes in and that shows a lot about his character.
Chris, I look forward to becoming better friends and hearing about His direction for your life. -Matt
