Alyssa & Eric
September 1, 2020
To be completely honest, they don't remember precisely when or how we met. They do know where though! Azusa Pacific University (APU), sometime in the fall semester of 2012 (when this photo was taken). This was the semester that Eric transferred over to APU from Citrus College and just before she ran off to India for a study abroad term. Two of Alyssa's best friends; Rachel (Boddenberg) and Rebekah McAuley were transfer leaders who Eric befriended at the beginning of the semester. Ironically, he had no idea that she was so close to these ladies until years after they began dating.
They were not very close in school and only have a few memories of hanging out with. To sum it up, their relationship then was very "surface level." After returning to home from South East Asia on a two-year missions' commitment, Alyssa decided to move back to LA, and posted on Instagram and Facebook asking friends if they knew anyone looking for a roommate in the San Gabriel Valley. When Eric saw this post on Instagram he commented, "when you get back, your friendship is necessary!" Meaning, that he'd like to hang out and catch up upon her return.
Initially Alyssa did not respond to Eric. It was not until after she moved to Covina for a few weeks and felt settled in, that she reached out and took Eric up on his offer to hang out. He invited her to a young adult event at his church, Epicentre; Alyssa began attending Epicentre regularly, joined his lifegroup, and they spent literally every Sunday after church hanging out around Pasadena and the greater Los Angeles area for a few months, before they both realized they had romantic feelings for one another.
After a few months of hanging out almost every Sunday, Eric finally mustered up the courage to ask Alyssa out on a date. He planned to surprise her with tickets to the Asian American Expo when she returned home from her Sister's wedding. Her sister Morgan and her (new at the time) husband Randal, set their honeymoon destination for Disneyland. Since they previously discussed the possibility of getting Disneyland passes together before dating, Alyssa saw this as the perfect opportunity to do so and for Eric to meet her sister.
Before making the decision to go to Disneyland that night, Eric had already asked Alyssa on a date. After spending a few hours together at the park, they had their first kiss during World of Color at California Adventure, just as the fire from the show burst into the air. I guess one can say that there was a passion ignited within Eric, since he pulled Alyssa close and went in for the kiss while the show’s fire ignited and exploded. It was pretty cool, magical, and unexpected.
That night was deemed as the unofficial first date, since they still attended the Asian American Expo the next day. That first trip to Disneyland was the beginning of an entire years worth of spontaneous Disneyland trips, where they made countless memories, including the first time they said "I love you" in front of the castle.
In July of 2018, Alyssa and Eric, went on their first international trip together to Alyssa's second home- Indonesia! She was beyond excited to show Eric the culture, watch him taste some of her favorite foods, and show off her language skills for the two weeks they were there. This trip would be a test on how they travel, handle difficult situations, serve each other in sickness, and most importantly do ministry together.
Each day they were there their team of nine was split into three groups of three; Alyssa was unexpectedly asked to serve as one of the teams translators, (which was an honor) but at the same time it meant Eric and Alyssa didn't get to see each other very much as they were put on different teams almost everyday.
Their wonderful team leaders allowed them to have date night on their Sabbath days, which were always a lot of fun. One night Alyssa even talked Eric into trying durian! For those of you who don't know; this fruit is nicknamed the stinkiest fruit in the world. Alyssa loves it, Eric on the other hand said it "tastes like a mix between banana, pear and trash!" What can I say, no one is perfect!
One day, while the teams were out in the city, again in different groups, Eric came across a small boutique that sold traditional Indonesian batik. Batik is usually worn to formal occasions. This particular store sold couple batik. Eric and Alyssa would describe themselves as the "matchy-matchy" couple so this store was a dream. He saw a set that he knew they both would like, but when he saw the size of the dress wouldn't fit me, he left it. A few hours later Alyssa's group went to the same store. She looked around and saw a set she knew they, and it turns out the one Alyssa bought was the exact set (picture above) that Eric turned away from! It's now their favorite "matchy-matchy" outfit!
On the last day of their time in the city, Eric and Alyssa were finally on the same team! They walked around and started talking to a young mother of two. Eric had a strong feeling that he should pray for her family. As he prayed and encouraged the woman Alyssa translated everything he said. Although it's difficult to explain, when Alyssa translated Eric's words it felt as if they were her own. At that moment, Alyssa had a strong sense that they were going to be able to do ministry together.
Although the heat and some of the food were not his favorite, Alyssa loved watching Eric get out of his comfort zone while in Indonesia. Hopefully one day after he's fully recovered from tasting durian, we'll be able to go back to Alyssa's beloved second home.
In August 2019, Alyssa and Eric took a very long road trip through the south and midwest to attend Eric's best friend Blake's wedding, in Indiana.
They began their journey in Chicago, spending a couple of days with Alyssa's childhood best friend Mikaela and her husband Charlie. The next stop was Indiana for the wedding. They spent a few days in Indianapolis celebrating Blake and Kristina and reconnecting with old friends from college. They then drove down to Clarksville, TN where Alyssa met Eric's aunts and cousins on his mother's side, for the very first time. Last, they visited Atlanta where Eric once lived, and spent time with a few of his close friends before driving all the way back up to Chicago to fly back home.
A memorable part of this trip for Eric was that he learned that Alyssa cannot be trusted to drive on long road trips. Which was odd because every time they drove to the Bay Area, Alyssa did most of the work. So, you can imagine Eric's surprise when Alyssa didn't make it even an hour on the road; It's actually an experience that they look back and laugh about often.
A highlight for Alyssa was visiting the Chick-fil-A Home Office. Eric has many friends who work there and was able to arrange a private backstage tour for them with one of Eric's former roommates, Bryant. Alyssa really enjoyed this part of the trip because as she moves up in the CFA organization, she's learned more about the history of the org. For them to be able to see and hear firsthand how CFA has made an impact on millions over the years and step foot into an atmosphere and culture rich with so much history, philanthropy, Jesus centered beliefs, and so much more, was almost as magical as Disneyland.
On this trip, Alyssa and Eric confirmed that they travel well together. This was wonderful because a culture that they would like to cultivate within the family they're building is that of exploration, adventure, and travel. They have both traveled the world individually, and want to continue to do so together and keep world exploration as a huge part of their lives together.
Eric planned a (fake) photoshoot “for a friend’s portfolio,” and Alyssa was down for it. Since they've been photographed for portfolios in the past, this was not out of the ordinary to Alyssa. Brandon's (the photographer) fiancé Ariel is a make up artist and offered to do Alyssa's make up for the shoot; and Alyssa's roommates facilitated a fake nail/spa day, so that her nails would be done as well. While they walked around the Claremont Colleges taking photos (eventually being kicked off the campus because...COVID-19), Eric's roommates, their fiancé’s, and two other friends set up a picnic at a nearby park.
Eric normally takes a bunch of photos and videos when he and Alyssa go out, so she didn’t think that him recording throughout the day was odd. This is how he got away with documenting the first half of their engagement video. They even borrowed Eric's mom’s car for something a little fancier to use in the photos.
Alyssa mentioned to her best friend Sarah a few days before the shoot that “Eric would be so dumb NOT to propose on Saturday. We will literally have a professional photographer, my make up and hair will be done. It just makes sense!” Sarah quickly responded in a way that lead Alyssa to believe that there was no way Eric would be proposing that weekend.
After being kicked off the campus, we went over to the Claremont Village, about two blocks away from the park. Eric suggested we do photos at the park after "looking at his map to find somewhere to go." Alyssa still had no idea what was going to happen, and we had been shooting for about an hour and a half at this point. Eric had no idea what the park looked like, or where his roommates were setting up, so he turned to Brandon and whispered, "I really hope that I see the set up before Alyssa does." He did see it before she did! Alyssa thought the set up was an ode to the frontline workers that have been popping up all over the place. It wasn’t until they got inside the park, and Eric grabbed her hand that she realized what was happening.
He sang a little bit of "Always and Forever" by Luther Vandross; told a little backstory about the ring, got down on one knee, and said, "Alyssa Kathleen Strickling, would you do me the esteemed honor of being my wife?" Alyssa said "Yes!" She was waiting for him to stop talking so that she could accept his proposal.
In middle school, I was in a small group, made up of other middle school girls called Excellence. During one of our Sunday meetings our group leader started to talk about praying for our future husbands. By middle school I was already pretty serious about my faith and had a desire to make God the center of my life so praying for my husband made sense. They also asked us to write down the characteristics we wanted our future husband to have.
A couple years ago I found this list and laughed. It had good things like "Love God" and "have a good sense of humor." It also had other things like, "taller than me" and "good looking." While I did get all of these things in Eric. These are not the reasons I've chosen to give my heart to him.
They say that you should date someone for at least a year before you consider marriage. After a year you will have seen each other in so many different seasons, good and bad. Eric and I have seen each other through some of the most difficult seasons of our lives. Some of these seasons could have torn us apart, but they didn't. Each season brought us closer, made us stronger, and developed a bond that cannot be easily broken. Even our short break in January 2019 is something we look back on as a necessary action to making us better for each other.
Eric also makes me want to be the best version of myself. He is always pushing me towards greatness and never lets me settle for any less than what I deserve. When I try to settle or make a decision that doesn't match who God has called me to be, he gives me a look, then asks if I've prayed about it. My response is usually an eye roll, "No," prayer, to which the answer is also "No" or sometimes "Yes" depending on the situation.
We also just have fun together. Whether its dance parties in the car, cooking together, watching a movie, or just walking around Old Town Pasadena, we just have fun! I remember a few months ago he was taking me home, and we were talking about our first dance song. He looked over at me and smiled and said I have the song. By this time we made it to my house, he parked the car and starts playing the song. He pulled me out of the car, and we start dancing in the middle of the street! I started laughing hysterically as he spun me around, and couldn't help but get excited that this spontaneously silly guy would be the person I spend forever with.
Of course these are just a few of the reasons I love him. To hear the rest you'll have to tune in to our wedding and listen to the vows!
When I was 18, I wrote a Facebook note (back when facebook notes were a thing), describing my perfect life partner. In short, because we all know how long winded I can sometimes be, these were the qualifications. Take note, that I in no way ever expected to meet someone and she be absolutely perfect.
1. Loves the Lord
2. Knows me inside and out.
3. Is chill. Can be satisfied with just sitting and talking all night long.
4. Appreciates chivalry; Sure, she’s an “independent woman who don’t need no man to do nothing for her,” but let’s me serve her.
5. Loves to cook as well as I do, and can cook well.
6. Loves children. I want a big family.
Obviously, over the years I’ve grown and matured as have my mindset, values, and desires. Though somehow these 6 desires have always been just the qualities I’ve hoped for. Alyssa meets all of these and more!
Many of my friends claim to have known that this was it for me from the first time they saw us together, which was at that young adult night at Epicentre back in 2017. Funny though, that was the first time I had seen her in person since 2014. Truth be told, and I’ll never admit this again because it would mean that Alyssa is right; when I saw her that night, I was smitten. That big beautiful smile, curly natural hair, her voice, the warm embrace, and conversation throughout the night got me.
As we begun hanging out for the next couple of months, I tried so hard to fight my feelings. I also was in the middle of a discipleship training school through Epicentre and had signed a covenant not to begin a new romantic relationship until after we had completed the course in January 2018. This was good though because it allowed for us to build a really solid friendship foundation. During our friendship, I spent a lot of time exposing Alyssa to films that were what I thought to be important for black people to have seen. One night, while watching “The Best Man,” at my apartment, I looked over at Alyssa who was sitting across the room on the other couch, and thought to myself, “ugh! I wish I could sit next to her and cuddle with her.” That was the moment it hit me; at least that I wanted to date her. We went on our first date the week I graduated the discipleship school.
As for marriage, the Lord told me about 3 weeks into dating. We were at the Antioch Movement’s annual mission’s conference, World Mandate West. It was the final session of the conference and the pastor who was talking about the calling to go said this: “If you know that you’re called to the nations, come down and stand here. If you don’t know or think that the Lord has called you, but you’re willing to go stand over there.” Alyssa asked me to go down with her and I said “no.” Mostly because I was ready to go home. He began to pray and intercede over these people who went down. He then instructed spouses of those down there to go find their partner and pray over and with them. Then the Lord spoke to me the most clear that He ever has. He said, “Eric, go find Alyssa and pray for her.” I was so confused. I said, “Lord, she’s not my wife. We’ve only been dating for three weeks!” He said again, “Eric go to Alyssa, and pray for your wife.” I left my seat, and found Alyssa deep in the crowd. I didn’t even have to search for her. It was like I magically gilded right to her. I touched her shoulder as she was deep in prayer, shaking, hot, and filled with Holy Spirit. I began to pray for my [future] wife.
One of the first things that attracted me to Alyssa was her worship, and her obvious deep relationship with God. I realized later that I was more attracted to the Lord through her. She prays without ceasing (1 Thess. 5:17). She is the most encouraging and supportive; She never judges; Is patient; I feel 100% comfortable with being my truest self around her. She is the first person I want to see in the morning, and the last person I want to see at night. I know that’s super cliché, but it’s the honest truth, especially being engaged and so close to marriage. She’s the first person I go to with good and bad news. Her smile literally lights up my world, and I still get that tingly butterfly feeling when I see her...and I still try to impress her with my swag as if we’ve been dating for a couple of weeks.
I’ve shared a lot, so I’ll wrap it up now. Ultimately, this woman is truly my best friend, the love of my life, and I am admitting that I most definitely fell for her first. But if anyone asks, it was her!
The ring belonged to Eric's mother, Michelle. Actually, Michelle found the ring over 30 years ago on a beach while searching for shells and pebbles in the sand with her friend. In June 2019, Eric visited his parents to share with them his plans to marry Alyssa. Eric always dreamt of having a family heirloom of sorts to pass to his future wife and/or children, that would continue to be passed for generations. When Eric asked his mother if she had anything that she had that was maybe handed down to her, or that she might want to pass down, she searched her jewelry boxes frantically in search of something. She found this ring, and gave it to him.
Eric worked with his jeweler friend Steven (shoutout to Catalyst Jewelry) to replace the main diamond and designed the perfect cut for Alyssa. The main diamond is a very classic princess cut. While there are four smaller stones on the outside creating a crown to signify Alyssa’s becoming his Queen.
Here are a few fun facts about the couple.
1. They love different snacks. On any given day, you can find Eric munching on hot Cheetos while Alyssa prefers popcorn or ice cream.
2. After an entire year of begging, in 2019 Alyssa finally agreed to playing a video game with Eric. But nothing violent or where she had to shoot people. He whipped out his old Nintendo 64, coached Alyssa on how to play Mario Kart, and she kicked his butt! While his pride was shot, his love for Alyssa grew even stronger knowing that she was at least open to one video game.
3. Their favorite song is “Won’t He Do It” by Koryn Hawthorne. One could argue that we “turn up” when it comes on our shuffle.
4. Alyssa LOVES The Lion King (Animated). She knows every line and every song by heart.
5. Eric LOVES The Prince of Egypt. You can often catch him singing any one of the songs or randomly speaking some of the lines.
6. Months before dating, Eric learned that Alyssa had not seen many “iconic” Black films of the 80s and 90s. He spent months showing Alyssa many films to get her black card reinstated. Two and a half years later, and we're still working on this!
7. On their very first trip to visit Alyssa’s family, Eric fell asleep not even an hour into the drive. He slept most of the drive actually. Alyssa was pretty upset (she never let’s him forget this moment), as she was excited to go deeper with him—being stuck in a car for five hours...Alyssa had the pleasure of returning the favor on their drive from Indianapolis to Clarksville last summer. And again from Atlanta back to Chicago.
8. They had plans to lead an outreach team to Paris this September, but COVID-19...They still hope to lead this and many other teams in the future. Ministry is a passion that they both share.
9. Eric grew up (before moving to Pasadena when he was nine) in a home in East Oakland that is actually in the same neighborhood as Alyssa’s maternal grandmother. Maybe they would have met earlier had the Bailey’s stayed in the Bay?
10. Their birthdays are a month a part. Eric is August 16 and Alyssa is September 15.
11. They love to cook for each other! Whether its a fancy steak and shrimp dinner, pancakes and eggs, or Hamburger Helper, food is definitely their love language.
12. Alyssa and Eric have a knack for learning new languages. In preparations to go to France, they both started learning French on Duolingo! Eric is the only one still learning.
13. Collectively, they have friends in every continent (except Antarctica)! This is great since they love to travel and even hope to live internationally one day.
14. Chick-fil-A is a big part of both of their lives. Eric worked at Chick-fil-A's nonprofit camp, Winshape, for two years. He has some of his most fond memories and dearest friends from this season. Alyssa is currently working for a local Chick-fil-A branch as a team trainer and hopes to continue to move up within the organization.
15. Eric runs hot and Alyssa runs cold! This combination is going to make for some interesting thermostat wars in the years to come!
16. They love to match! Sometimes before a date or event Alyssa or Eric, (usually Eric) will send a picture of what they plan to wear and the other will try to match.
Sep 1
2020
TO 6:00 pm
Alyssa and I have been best friends since the day I was born. She was always the one I looked up to because she was my protector, confidant, and the person I could laugh with about anything! I admire her accomplishments so much, and the ones that have stuck with me the most was her trips to India and Indonesia. She was so brave and determined to do what her heart desired! Even though she was across the world, she still had time to FaceTime me every day so that we could talk and laugh about it all.
My favorite memory of Alyssa, was when my son was just two months old and she surprised us by coming home from Indonesia for a surprise visit. The amount of love and tears we shared will always remind me just how special Alyssa is to me. To this day, Alyssa is someone I look up to and I know that will never change. Alyssa you deserve everything good in this world, and you deserve to be as happy as possible! My heart is happy because I know you’re happy! Congratulations to my big sissy on this special milestone in her life! I love you!
Hello!! Bekah here, wow I feel like there is so much that I can say about this girl and how much she means to me. The memories, the different seasons, the celebrations, and the tears. I feel like I’ve been through it all with this one.
A couple memories I want to highlight about our relationship was January of 2016 when I visited this girl in Indonesia while she was a missionary there. She thought I was joking when I said I would come (apparently many people said that), but I was one of the ones who actually did! And I loved it, I spent over 10 hours on a flight to spend about 48 hours with this girl only to have my flight canceled (because y’all small airports are janky in foreign countries) and almost panicking that I was going to be left in Indonesia for days. Mind you, I LOVED seeing Alyssa after a year of her being gone but I was not made for that missionary life. In two days, I took a shower with a bucket, found a roach right next to my bed, was sweating at all hours of the day, and had mosquito bite all over my body. Let’s just say it was not a pleasant experience. BUT it was worth it to see her and I still laugh at that hot mess of two days today.
Alyssa, I'd fly there again for two days just to see you, that’s how much I love you. So thankful for this woman, her consistency in friendship, and her servant heart. So glad to stand by your side babe
My name is Rachel. I go by Rae. I live in Northern California with my husband. I LOVE to create and empower people to live their best lives.
I met Alyssa while attending APU. I will never forget waiting in line for chapel doors to open and meeting this girl who was just talking about switching her major from theater to global studies. Memories are endless with this one and that’s why she really has become a sister to me. But one memory that I will never forget is when she stayed the night (this was usual) at my sister and I’s apartment. One night, before knocking out for the night, she asked me to wake her up before I left for class. When morning came, I got up, got dressed, and was about to leave, I tapped Alyssa on the shoulder, nothing, increased the pressure of the tap on her shoulder, nothing, shook her a few times, no response... well let’s just say I thought she was dead. I checked her pulse and everything.
After about 10 min of trying to wake her, she finally opened her eyes. I told her that I have been trying to wake up for so long and she said, “really? I didn’t feel or hear anything.” I was stunned at how deep this girl could sleep. Immovable and unable to disrupt to say the least.
My name is Jamira and I am a long time friend of Alyssa. I first met Alyssa in middle school, but it wasn’t until high school that our friendship grew closer; due to our mutual love for track and field. What I love about Alyssa is that she is loyal, dependable, trustworthy and has always been a supportive friend to me.
One of the moments that I will always cherish in our friendship, is when she traveled all the way from LA to Antioch to be there with me in the delivery room as I was in labor with my son. She was praying for me and my baby and constantly making sure that we were okay. It means a lot when you have a good friend that continuously supports you, prays for you and loves you and your child unconditionally. I consider Alyssa to be one of my best friends and also the godmother to my son, Kaiden. I am so honored to have been chosen to stand with her on the big day. I wish you, Alyssa and Eric, a life long of love and happiness. I love you so much. Cheers!
Hey hey! What up fam :) my name is Shalini Danielson. I’m 1/2 Mexican and 1/2 Indian I love to spend time with my husband, cook, sports, go on adventures, and sing to the heart of my maker. I met Alyssa in College at APU; and when I first met her, she had just come back from living oversees. She has an incredible heart, and from that day forward (for those who didn’t know her) I nicknamed her the “peace corps” because she was always somewhere around the world. Alyssa is literally the best listener and incredible helper. Love you beautiful soul!!!
Hello everyone! My name is Erica Lidia Bear. I teach music at a private middle school, I love leading worship, I work with my husband in youth ministry and more importantly… I have been friends with Alyssa for 7 years! ;] Alyssa and I first met while we were both attending Azusa Pacific University. Some of my favorite memories with Alyssa are when we went on a mission trip through Mexico Outreach together, when we ran an anti-human trafficking 5k in Azusa, and when we were bridesmaids in some of our best friends’ weddings together. I was also blessed to have Alyssa as a bridesmaid in my wedding 2 years ago, and I am overjoyed to be celebrating with her and Eric this year. Alyssa is loyal, beautiful, joyful, and a wonderful friend. She truly deserves an awesome man of God and someone who will love her well, and I thank God she has found that in Eric. Congratulations to the happy couple!
Hi! I’m Teresa Cho, an AlhamBAE engaged to one of the AlhamBROs (which is what EBJ’s roomies call themselves) and a lucky gal to be Alyssa’s good friend from Epicentre Church. I met Alyssa through EBJ actually, and while my fiancé Bruce and EBJ have had their bromance going on, my friendship with Alyssa has blossomed into our own sisterhood. I’m an Enneagram Type 9 (Peacemaker), who happens to get along really well with Alyssa’s personality Type 2 (Helper).
My favorite memories of us have to be our gym dates where she kicks my butt in every exercise and I try to keep up! Seriously, this woman is a B-E-A-S-T. Alyssa has been a friend who makes you feel cherished and loved right from the start and I’m so thankful for the honesty, vulnerability, encouragement, and championing we’ve shared. I’m so incredibly happy and honored to witness this union between my dear friends and standup couple!
Hey everybody! I’m Blake, I’m an emergency room nurse, but please don’t show me your rashes, I’m not working today.
Eric has had the honor of having me as a best friend for the past eight years, since we started at APU together. You’d be hard-pressed to find a more unlikely friendship, but since the beginning he’s been the pepper to my salt, and the chocolate to my vanilla! Through the years, Eric has shown me what a true friend looks like. He’s been by my side through good decisions, like the night I proposed to my wife; and poor decisions, like when we decided to try and both ride my mini skateboard, at the same time. We’ve had more laughs than I can count, maybe a tear or two, and a lot of singing (mostly solos by him, since he never lets me join in).
So in the lyrics of Stephen Sondheim, “Here’s to us! Who’s like us? Damn few!”
I’m a born and raised Portlander, though I spent 10 years away before moving back a few years ago. I went to Azusa Pacific University, where I met Eric in Men’s Chorale, in 2013, and studied Bible. After college I moved abroad to Bangkok, Thailand and did community development work for a couple years.
As I mentioned, Eric and I met during our time in Men’s Chorale (a.k.a. “Man Choir”) at APU. He was (and is) a warm and loving friend, bringing joy to everyone around him. One of my favorite memories with Eric was the summer of 2015, when he visited the Pacific Northwest for the first time. From my parents’ place in Eastern Washington, to Seattle, to Vancouver B.C., and finally, to Portland, we drove all over the region. Not an hour into our trip to Seattle we got a flat tire, but fortunately my stepdad was working nearby and helped us out. In Vancouver, we met new friends and had some of the best sushi we’ve ever had. Portland was a fantastic last stop, as we managed to see other friends of Eric’s and mutual ones. I’ll never forget how amazing that trip was!
Eric, I’m so proud of you and couldn’t be more happy to support you and Alyssa in this next step of your journey. You have all my love and support and I’m excited to be a part of your wedding day! I love you both!
I am a Brother who's crazy about God, and loves people. I was born in West Philadelphia and on the playground is where I spent most of my days. I was chilling and relaxing all cool, and out shooting some B-ball outside of the school. A couple of guys were up to no good, and started making trouble in his neighborhood. I got in one little fight and my mom got scared and said, “you’re moving with your auntie and uncle in Bel-Air.” This is how I ended up in Southern CA. You can finish the rest of this story.
Eric and I met briefly at Azusa Pacific University (APU). We later reconnected at Banana Republic over our love of fashion. Eric and I are both connoisseur’s of trendy cafés. Some of my funniest/fondest memories with Eric are when we'd meet up a trendy new coffee shop and enjoy quality community/fellowship together.
I'm Erik... but not the Eric you're here for. I was born in California but raised in Texas. I love Jesus, I have an awesome wife, I'm mac n' cheese's #1 fan, and about 1/4 of my time is spent googling obscure facts. Eric was my FIRST FRIEND when I moved back to LA. It can’t go unmentioned that he introduced me to Lucky Boy breakfast burritos—changed my life. After leaving behind friends in Texas, he became someone I always knew was there. Someone I knew I could depend on.
Last fall, I was lightly looking for a new car when EBJ told me his friend was selling an old sports car for cheap. I was spellbound by the allure of a two-seat sports car and heavily downplayed my inability to drive stick. EBJ came along for the test drive and folded himself into the basically-non-existent backseat. Everything was fine until I stalled out on a monstrous hill and took my walk of shame back into the passenger seat. He stood faithfully by my side as I gathered shreds of my pride from the floor. Last spring, EBJ did me the honor of standing beside me as my groomsman. Now I’m honored to finally get to do the same for him and Alyssa!
My name is Aaron and I'm a teacher, so Eric and I have that in common! Eric and I met at Epicentre Church. He came up and introduced himself since we were basically 2 of the only Black men at the church at that time. We started playing music together on the worship team and that slowly blossomed into a mentoring relationship, and then a friendship. While we've only known each other for almost 4 years, our friendship is deep and fun.
One of my favorite memories with Eric is going to a Liz Vice concert with him, Alyssa and a couple of other friends. He ended up singing on stage with Liz Vice! If anything describes Eric's personality, it's certainly that moment. It's such an honor to celebrate Eric and Alyssa's love!
Hey-o! I’m Bruce Kim, an honored-to-be AlhamBRO superbly honored to be engaged to one of the AlhamBAES (what us AlhamBROS call our wonderful ladies) who is super duper honored for EBJ to choose me as one of his groomsmen. But for real though, I am #verysuperhonored. "Wait...did you just use a hashtag in a wedding party bio, Bruce? And do you really feel that honored?" Yes. 100% yes. To both.
Rewind to August 2018, when EBJ and I had our first contact, I was DESperately looking for some housemates who went to church. Even if going to church was simply to keep up appearances, hey, that counted for something, right? EBJ, I was told, was Christian (and is still is) and apparently a cool guy so I was sold. At the time, I was like a shelter dog simply in search of a place to call home, so, It didn't matter if my housemates were great owners/guys. I just wanted a place where no one was going to steal my food and I could feel safe in bed at night. Like I said, I was just looking for "some housemates." I reached out to EBJ via FB Messenger and eagerly awaited his response.
Since he chose me to be a groomsman, you'd expect him to have responded glowingly and instantaneously, right? Well, the reality was that he ignored my message because I seemed like I was strange due to my online presence. I don't know what gave him that impression. Was it my strange FB photos, IG photos, or strange YouTube/Vimeo videos? Anyway, he admitted to this much later. Which, my fiancée (shoutout to my beloved Teresa!!!) also thought I was strange upon viewing my social media content (@thebrucekim if you're intrigued). Also, also, EBJ is basically responsible for me getting hitched so I have to give him credit for that.
The moral of the story? If you want to find a future rest-of-your-life friend or the love of your life, maybe you should give that strange person reaching out to you a shot. Maybe. Well, I'll stop writing entertaining things to express why I'm grateful EBJ did give me that shot because I'm about to reach the max word count.
What started off as simply being housemates became: • getting to know a man of God who pushes me like no one else into the man God I have been made me to be • a friend who truly cares for me (and SO many others) that he's willing to do and say the hard, honest things • a brother I'm honored to call my future groomsman, too • someone I'm going to really miss shouting "Hi!' to the moment he arrives at the home • a decent amount of back rubs and scratchings and long hugs (which, I bequeath this to you, Alyssa)
EBJ and Alyssa, I am so blessed to stand with you (however it looks!) on your wedding day to witness two becoming one. I love you!
I was born and raised in La Canada, and love traveling, cooking, and coffee! I even worked as a barista for three years!
Eric and I first met in 2017, at a young adult church event, where he just walked up to me, holding someone else's baby, and asked me out on a coffee date. Well, a bro date. Since then, we've hung out even more, prayed for each other, and even went to Indonesia together; where the durian (we believe) wrecked both our bodies. Our beds and bathrooms became our new best friends for the next week, along with the air conditioning in our hotel rooms. However, despite the fever, the copious amount of water we had to drink, and the daily vitamins we had to take, our shared suffering brought us closer together as brothers that no other way could have. Thankfully, no long term effects have lasted since then, except for the painful memories and the strengthening of bonds.
I grew up in South Pasadena with dreams of being the first Asian American in modern history to make the NBA. But when I never grew past 6 feet, that dream quickly ended. Thankfully God had better plans for me and called me into ministry as a young adult. I have been a pastor at Epicentre for 6 years now!
I met EBJ at church, and we actually ended up hanging out and grabbing lunch for the first time on my birthday. EBJ had no idea, but once he found out, he insisted on taking me to his favorite cafe in Old Town Pasadena (Cafe 86) and treated me to an ube dessert.
I met Alyssa a few years later when EBJ brought a "friend from college" to lifegroup. Although he insisted they were just friends, I could read the writing on the wall and knew it was only a matter of time before the two fell for each other.
It's been remarkable to me to watch the two of them work through obstacles and difficulties together. There were so many moments that could have pulled them apart. But each time, they've stayed committed to each other, and to pursue God in the midst of all of it. I can say with confidence that they've grown as a result of each other and this relationship. I'm proud of who they are and who they're becoming, and grateful for this opportunity to continue to walk with them through this major life milestone!
Alyssa & Eric
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