You know right away once you've locked down your BFF, because the minute they walk into your life, it's like something instantly clicks. You finally find that missing puzzle piece that makes you feel complete. You have someone to tell all of your secrets to, who's down for any spontaneous adventure, has a similar (if not the same) sense of humor, and just gets you like no one else does. That's exactly what Nicole is for me. Nicole and I met in class our Sophomore of year of high school. That same day we hung out in the parking lot after school, just talking and laughing, and we've been best friends ever since. Nicole is not only reliable, caring, and funny, but she is also the person that I can go days without talking to and always pick up right where we left off. She is honest, nonjudgemental, and has been an amazing companion throughout all these years. She is trustworthy, with the purest of hearts, and has never let me down. I hope that everybody gets the chance to have a friend like Nicole in their lives. That is why this woman deserves to be goddam worshipped (or at least be recognized as top b*tch standing by my side). Nicole lives in San Francisco and works at a well known Silicon Valley Venture Capital firm. If you get a chance to talk to Nicole, ask her about her extensive travels in SouthEast Asia or about her five Burning Man trips.
I met Stefanie her freshman year of high school. She was a firecracker back then; flash forward 18 years and she still employs the same degree of shameless wit, candid humor and enthusiasm for having a good time. The secret to abs? An afternoon with Stefanie after she’s consumed 2 rosés. No matter where we are, being around Stefanie will always feel like “home” to me. This is why I’ve basically claimed myself as part of her family and have been crashing the Sillin Family Thanksgiving dinner parties for as long as I can remember. Even when Stef lived in Chicago, I booked a flight so that I could spend Thanksgiving with her at Aunt Cricket’s house in Schaumburg, Illinois. Stef is the friend I can always count on to say “YES!” to a spontaneous adventure, whether that be backpacking in the wilderness, sailing on the Bay or a last-minute trip to LA. She’s also that friend you always want around and will notice when she’s missing because she brings that X factor to the group vibe. After a 5-year post-college stint living in Chicago and working in marketing for Facebook, Stefanie returned to San Francisco to be closer to her family and jumpstart her next career as an interior designer. I’m so honored that Stefanie was able to keep her teenage promise of being in my wedding and I couldn’t imagine getting married (or doing much else for that matter) without her by my side.
A sister is a gift to the heart. As my older sister, Maria has given me countless hours of advice, listened to me when I cried and been there for me through all the ups and downs. When I was a kid, I always looked up to Maria and would go through all her clothes and make-up in awe and wonder. I once got into her red lipstick, drew all over her bedroom wall with it, and she didn't even yell at me. That's because Maria is patient and kind and has always loved me with her whole heart. We understand each other on a completely different level. Even though we don't talk as much as we used to now that she's a supermom and a loving wife, I know that she always has my back and I've got hers. I cherish our friendship and her beautiful, strong heart!
Kristina and I met in our early 20’s when she was living in the same apartment building as our mutual (and dear) friend Ally Weiss. Not long after we met, she invited me on a Lake Shasta houseboat trip with an eclectic group of fun-seekers and we’ve been having THE BEST times together ever since. As a type A personality, I’ve always been drawn to Kristina’s easy-going nature and her positive approach to life. She finds beauty in everything around her, is dedicated to making everything she does an enriching experience and she can whip up a delicious gourmet meal out of the random things you have left in your kitchen. Kristina reminds me that the most important things in life are love and happiness. She brings out my free-spirited side and inspires me to think creatively. I like to call her my spirit-animal, which is fitting since our duo has been affectionately named “Lyger,” which is short for Lancaster-Geyer. When Kristina is not delivering cutting edge hair styles to her artist and music-producer clients, she can be found roaming the streets of Los Angeles looking for the next hip neighborhood or the best street Taco. I thank my lucky stars that Kristina is a huge part of my life. I couldn’t imagine getting ready for my wedding without Kristina there to lighten the mood and make sure we have some disco hits playing in the background. I know that Kristina will do everything in her power to make sure that my wedding day is the best day ever.
When Victor is not spending time with his amazing wife Treena and beautiful daughters, MacKenzie and Elliotte, he can be found in San Francisco moonlighting as a Professor of Management at Golden Gate University. While searching for some financial expertise many years ago, I heard through the grapevine that Victor was the coolest banker in California. It’s true! During the weekdays he travels throughout California to meet with government leaders as one of the most beloved VP’s at Bank of the West. Our relationship evolved to include family activities, non-profit causes, and Wednesday night cocktail hour in San Francisco! Hidden behind his charisma is a Star Wars loving nerd, whiskey aficionado, and a kind gentleman who can't live without his cats!
Alexander and I have known each other for decades. We met in an elementary school fitness class taught by my dad at the Recreation Center in Menlo Park, CA. The Huntington’s are my 2nd family. Since the 90’s we have enjoyed camping trips, mountain adventures, pool parties, and many other shenanigans in the Emerald Lake Hills. Alexander studied math at UC Santa Cruz. He spends his time doing music composition and production work, exploring physics and technology, and managing Bay Area real estate properties.
James and I met 20 years ago when we were board members for the UCLA Undergraduate Business Society. At that time, James was a TA for Professor Klein and helped get me through the agony of tax accounting. We have remained close friends ever since. He’s a caring family man and career driven individual. Whether we’re wandering aimlessly through Joshua Tree, off roading with an ill-equipped BMW, or exploring the nightlife in Shanghai, our conversations always turn to family, college memories, and new business ideas.
Paul has more energy and enthusiasm than most human beings. Our paths first crossed when Victor Shin invited me to a round table of eclectics at an incubator in Redwood City, CA. We bonded over our passion for entrepreneurship. Fast forward a few years and I am now a proud board member for the nonprofit organization that Paul founded ten years ago. Fully backed by the Sobrato family foundation, his tutoring method for early education has brought new meaning to the word “passion”. In our spare time we enjoy hiking, sports, and exploring our love of learning. When you get a chance, strike up a conversation with Paul!
Prior to his careers as a Menlo Park, CA firefighter and a San Francisco Bay Area luxury real estate developer, Dave proudly served in the United States Marine Corps during the Iraq War. He’s happily settled into family life with his beautiful wife Anna, a Stanford nurse, four incredible kids, and loving mother-in-law. Dave and I have coached youth league sports together, built a Little League Ballpark in Atherton, and contributed to local fundraisers like Dreams Happen - Rebuilding Together Peninsula. Ask Dave about some of our wild and crazy times traveling through Europe and Asia while in search of the next great piece of real estate.
It was during an impromptu trip to Northern California that Ryan bonded with Christine over homemade Sangria. He has played a significant role in our love journey, ranging from Christine’s engagement surprise in Belize to accepting the responsibility of officiating our Big Day. Ryan and I are fellow UCLA alumni. Many moons ago we ran into each other near the campus law building and discussed politics, philosophy, and ways to disrupt the movie industry. During college, Ryan and I spent Thursday nights in good company with Brian Tasker at the Westwood Brew Co. Among other things, Ryan is an avid Houston Astros, WWE, and death metal music fan. He also had a brief stint as movie star in the The Killer Eye! By day, Ryan works at Ajamie LLP, where he hones his skills as a leading litigator and cross border dispute resolution lawyer. In his spare time, Ryan devotes time to a variety of philanthropic organizations such as Unlikely Heroes which honored him with the Legacy Award. If you have the pleasure of speaking with Ryan over a glass of whiskey, or during a stogie break, he may try to recruit you to move to the Lone Star State.
In Christine's words:
Indeed, if you’re going to have anyone officiate your wedding, it should be someone who has been more places than the Dos Equis Man, gotten more time on the courtroom floor than Johnny Cochran, received awards for his efforts in stopping human trafficking, and, just for the hell of it, is building an Orphanage for impoverished children in Belize. I knew Ryan and I would be great friends when I asked him if he’d like a second of my homemade (very strong) sangrias on a Sunday night and he said “oh sure” without hesitation. Since then we’ve been on a couple trips with Ryan, including our engagement trip, and shared many laughs. Ryan is an excellent conversationalist and the perfect Texan gentleman; he will make sure your drink is full, you have a smile on your face and that you receive a thank you card if you’ve done anything nice for him. What I love about Ryan is that he has been genuinely interested in getting to know me since day one. I feel like he’s just as much my friend now as Kurt’s buddy. I’m delighted that he has accepted the great responsibility of making our love official.