Bride’s Side

Because Cheryl has not had one close friend who has been there for her from the beginning, there is no Maid of Honor. Each bridesmaid represents an important segment of Cheryl’s life. The number 11 is also of significance to Cheryl for 2 reasons: it’s her birthday, and it’s a power number. Put 11 of them all together and they tell the Bride’s life story in its entirety…almost. Some odd decades are missing here and there…but who’s counting?? Anyway, shall we let her Man of Honor be the one to kick off the timeline of Cheryl’s journey thus far, from the beginning…

WHO:
Cheryl's Childhood (Singapore) -
Adventurer. Explorer. Astronaut. I am not one of those. I am an old, old, old friend of Cheryl Koo aka Koo Koo Pops aka Mickey Mouse aka Wah-ter who played the role of her trusted sidekick in Singapore when we were kids and she had bangs. Manager of Corporate Development in the family business by day and Superhero by night, I am currently based in Sydney which gives me a chance to be an adventurer, explorer, and astronaut. On the beach.

WHEN THEY MET: 1984
A long time ago in a country far, far away. . . My mom likes to tell the story of how when I was born, an inquisitive 2-year old Cheryl looked at me in the bassinet and said aloud, "I think I'll be his friend." The rest is history.

HOW THEY MET:
Fate and Disney cartoons.

ONE WORD TO DESCRIBE RELATIONSHIP:
Serendipitous - Because being a part of Cheryl's life has been a constant journey of amazing discoveries.

FAVE UNFORGETTABLE MEMORY EXPERIENCED:
Sitting in a car (might have been a Lexus) in Vancouver catching up after dinner during my first year in High School. We hadn't seen each other in a long time (8 - 10 years?) and we just talked and talked for hours on end and it was amazing. But that's our relationship in a nutshell: no matter how far apart or how long we've gone without seeing each other, we reconnect as though it was yesterday and I'm always amazed by what she's currently up to.

xoxo,
R to the EU

WHO:
Cheryl’s Cousin (Hong Kong) -
Hi I am Karen, I am Cheryl's little cousin.

WHEN THEY MET: 1983

HOW THEY MET:
I guess we met soon after I was born. I don't know exactly when because Cheryl lived in Singapore at the time and I was born in Hong Kong but I'm sure we met not long after I was out of the oven.

ONE WORD TO DESCRIBE RELATIONSHIP:
SISTER - Having only 2 brothers in my family, Cheryl is the sister I've always wanted. She taught me how to use a slingshot, taught me how to play basketball, dance and sing when we were kids. She was the only person I can talk to about boys because let's face it, it is impossible to talk to brothers about boys. I am who I am now partly because of her influence, good and bad! I have a lot of childhood memories with Cheryl.

FAVE UNFORGETTABLE MEMORY EXPERIENCED:
My favourite one has to be one of her sleepovers. Every time Cheryl visited Hong Kong she would spend at least one or two nights at mine. We would have Sailormoon, Saint Seiya, Dragonball Z marathons among other mischievous activities. One sleepover we chatted all night, inside our fort tents made of blankets and lots of Sellotape, that we totally forgot to sleep so we thought let's stay up all night instead (which was the first time ever in our lives, we must have been around 10 years old). It was a Friday night and Cheryl had to catch the flight back to Vancouver the next day and I had tutor lessons and skating class in the evening. On the Saturday, after Cheryl left, I fell asleep while having lunch and slept until nightfall. My tutor came and left, and mum cancelled my skating lesson. Cheryl apparently nodded off during her farewell lunch with our grandpa and slept all throughout the flight back to Vancouver. Both our mothers called one another to find out what caused our sleep coma. It's one of those memories where you had to be there and I hope one day our children would have sleepovers and we can relive our childhood together with the next generation.

WHO:
Cheryl’s High School BF (Vancouver) -
Born in Calgary, raised in Vancouver and now reside in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. I'm a single child who has always longed for siblings, because of that I have always treated close friends like they are family. I love to listen to people and hear what they have to say. I enjoy giving advice, though it may not be the best advice but wanting to help others was always a passion. One of my many faults is trying to give too much, because I can never continue to do so and always end up letting people down.

WHEN THEY MET: 1996, 1998
We met back in grade 8, but it wasn't until grade 10 that we ever started talking to each other. I had just changed schools to YHS and we were in the same grade.

HOW THEY MET:
I remember it like it was yesterday. We were in science class and we had just received our school photos. You came up to me and asked me for one of mine and my jaw almost dropped to the ground. You were always one of the more popular and athletic ones in our class and I was kind of awkward and hung with a different group so you can imagine my surprise when you came up to me to ask for one of my school photos (trading photos was kind of the thing back then).Even all those that I hung out with were surprised. However, by taking that first step, a beautiful bond and friendship came to blossom.

ONE WORD TO DESCRIBE RELATIONSHIP:
Tested

FAVE UNFORGETTABLE MEMORY EXPERIENCED:
I would have to say our trip to Japan. It was a spring break trip that the school had organized. It was early in our friendship, but we had always experienced a lot together, It was an unforgettable trip. We didnt know the language so trying to get around was an adventure in its own. I remember we were in a chapel and we took a picture together , hand in hand as if we were a couple. It snowed one day we were there and we went outside to do our own little photoshoot. we shopped till we dropped and we even took the bullet train to meet up with some of the people we had met at one of those japanese exchange dinners we went to. There are so many other little memories that defined our friendship, but this was in the beginning of it all and it seemed like a great start!

WHO:
Cheryl’s College BF (USC – Los Angeles) –
Bred and molded in Kobe/Japan, a port city with mountains at its landscape and unique history. Now living in Tokyo with her high school sweetheart who last Halloween turned as her hubby. Working as a producer of jewelries that focuses on pearls, integrating them in designs that break their stereotypical images. Self-expresses with dance, singing, and fashion. Treasures family and Cheryl.

WHEN THEY MET: 2003

HOW THEY MET:
C3 dance crew at USC – I was auditioning for it and she was directing it.

ONE WORD TO DESCRIBE RELATIONSHIP:
Real

FAVE UNFORGETTABLE MEMORY EXPERIENCED:
One fave unforgettable memory we've experienced. College year, at Cheryl's, after her big break up; a little happy-intoxicated, snuggled on the sofa, internet-ing STDs for good many hours and screaming at it's craziness. Moved at its horrific symptoms and scared of having sex, wrote a Xanga about it with graphic pictures which one of it, we called it a "christmas tree". Still don't know why we started looking at STD pix.

WHO:
Cheryl’s East Coast (Parsons - New York) -
Food obsessed Graphic Designer, bi-coastal LA/NY lover.

WHEN THEY MET: 2004

HOW THEY MET:
Summer Intensive Studies for Graphic Design at Parsons New School for Design.

ONE WORD TO DESCRIBE RELATIONSHIP:
Spontaneous

FAVE UNFORGETTABLE MEMORY EXPERIENCED:
So many! But the ones that come to mind are: late night NYC subway surfing, trying to avoid pools of vomit, impromptu stress relief at the gun range, camping trip, and of course, having you as one of my bridesmaids at my wedding!

WHO:
Cheryl’s post NYC Big Sis -
Trina recently graduated from Loma Linda University with a Masters in Healthcare Administration. Currently, she is a real estate broker employed with RE/MAX Orange County East. Trina loves her three dogs, hiking, swimming, and yoga!

WHEN THEY MET: 2000

HOW THEY MET:
Chaotic 3 - We both attended USC for our undergrad in LA. I never danced in my life and here I am with Miss Koo! We bonded over body rolls and boys.

ONE WORD TO DESCRIBE RELATIONSHIP:
Inspiring

FAVE UNFORGETTABLE MEMORY EXPERIENCED:
2 girls 1 dog. Camping in Santa Barbara. Flaming marshmallows and beautiful sunsets with my little sister and best companion.

WHO:
Cheryl’s Cherzyl Lizzyl -
White girl who's not so secretly Asian. Loves pink, things that sparkle, magic and believes in fairies. Favorite word "Holla", favorite read Conversations With God, favorite place in LA The Observatory, favorite past time is to ponder. Weaknesses… sleeping, hot tamales and chocolate. Heros, Will Smith and Forest Gump. In another life was a scientist/philosopher and in this life the mission is Love.

WHEN THEY MET: 2004

HOW THEY MET:
Breed orientation at Focus Dance Center in Irvine. We were both newbies at the time. I thought to myself wow she looks fun. She's full out from her hair, to her nails and her clothes.

ONE WORD TO DESCRIBE RELATIONSHIP:
(When I think of times together I think of our conversations. Exchanging ideas, advice, thoughts and life experiences)

FAVE UNFORGETTABLE MEMORY EXPERIENCED:
Its a tie between me going to see you in NYC and you coming to visit me in Japan. Love looking back at us roaming the streets of NY and us sharing our goals saying to one another we need to help each other achieve our dreams. You said you wanted your own clothing line one day and its awesome to look back and see that you've built one. And in Japan I loved our Geisha shoot and playing dress up in our onsies.

WHO:
Cheryl’s 1st and longest Duck Buddy / Essence / old Box / the Youge -
April Rodriguez

WHEN THEY MET:Sometime around my crazy college years and Cheryl's Breed era…2004/2005

HOW THEY MET:
Through dance and the dance community. I would see Cheryl at Focus Dance Center where Breed had weekly dance rehearsals and where Boogiezone held their weekly dance classes. It was through our experiences within the dance community that sparked our friendship, but we actually didn't get closer until much later during a time when I needed a lot of support and friendship, which Cheryl was able to give me. Through her experiences, she was able to relate to me. Through her caring for me, we were able to grow closer. Through us growing into different phases of our lives, we were able to witness and experience each other's transformations from immaturity to maturity.

ONE WORD TO DESCRIBE RELATIONSHIP:
Sisterly

FAVE UNFORGETTABLE MEMORY EXPERIENCED:
One fave unforgettable memory we've experienced. We have lots of unforgettable memories together, and it's hard to pick one... from meetings.. to road trips.. to accidents on the freeway... to parties... but I remember one evening I stayed over at Cheryl's apartment in downtown LA. She ended up crying and pouring out a lot of feelings to me, which at that time meant a lot to me because I had never seen Cheryl cry. You should never want to see someone cry, but I think it means something whenever tears are shed around others. She never hesitated to tell me how she was feeling about things and events in her life, but to witness her cry was definitely a privilege. She's taught me a lot and she is like an older sister to me, and I hold this memory dear because it made me feel good to know that my presence meant something to her... but also she has been there so much for me, as many twists and turns as there is in my life, I know that Cheryl has got my back. I can depend on her to give me her honest opinion about things, because I know she truly cares and that she is always concerned about my best interest.

WHO:
Cheryl's Bud -
B to the Izzo! Aspiring dancer, creator, leader, mover, adventurer, traveler and blah blah blah. Born and raised in Southern California and a true Valley Boy and "boy" is such the word that can describe me because I am such a kid at heart. Take me to an amusement park, followed by good food and a nice kick back movie sesh at home....I'm in. OK....this is starting to sound like a Tinder bio....moving on.

WHEN THEY MET: 1984
Somewhere in the year 2007

HOW THEY MET:
I met Cheryl through mutual friends and the dance community. Had no idea that this strong headed, stylish, crazy Asian Chick would become a great friend. I believe the specific show was Prelude 2007 and I think we were eating Flaming Hot Cheetos with Cream Cheese before the show haha. We instantly bonded through dance but most importantly long long long venting sessions. This instant friendship led her to dance for me on my dance company, Mischief Makers and then led me to do countless fashion shows and shoots for her clothing line. Definitely kept fusing our two passions together but then.....TRAVEL....we traveled A LOT!

ONE WORD TO DESCRIBE RELATIONSHIP:
One word cannot describe Cheryl...so almost impossible to describe our friendship, but if I were to pick one.......HUNGRY. Every time I think of Cheryl or end up hanging out with her...i think of food and we always eat. haha..no wait! I change it to Adventure. That's our one word.

FAVE UNFORGETTABLE MEMORY EXPERIENCED:
I think the most unforgettable time was our South East Asia tour and East Coast, Hong Kong and Japan Tour for the Other Duck. What an amazing trip and such a great way to travel. I got to experience so many things on my bucket list and share them with such an amazing person. Traveling together is such a breeze because we are both adventurous like that and wouldn't want it any other way. One specific moment that still is hilarious to me....is that she decided to walk Mt. Pinatobu (PH) that had a treacherous 6 mile hike is rubber sandals.....i still SMH till this day. Priceless.

WHO:
Cheryl’s Model / Duck Buddy -
It's Himerria aka Meme aka Meemz aka sillyface on the one's and two's, ready to celebrate the biggest event of the year: the union of Cheryl and Clark!! I am a lover of life who happens to have a passion for the art of motion and telling stories. Since living in Los Angeles, I have played with quite a few disciplines of movement, including stage combat, Waacking, House dance and acrobats. In doing so, my desire for learning has grown and given me the opportunity to meet people who I would have otherwise never met. This in turn has helped me in my ability to recognize where a story is waiting to be told. I enjoying learning about the journeys of fellow life travelers and then sharing them with the world through journalism. I currently work at Disney's Mad T Party in California Adventure Land as a dancer. By mid May I will have finished my bachelors degree in journalism with an emphasis on PR. In addition, I teach dance to elementary school children for a non-profit after school program called "Rise Beyond", while also instructing beginner to professional dancers at dance studios in North Hollywood.

WHEN THEY MET: 2008

HOW THEY MET:
Cheryl and I met in at the Hotel that I was housed in, while I was on MTV's ABDC. April and Cheryl were visiting some of the other contestants on the show and happened to meet me while they were there. We really connected though about a year later when our friend Della was at a fitting for a fashion show of The Other Duck. Della brought me along and I ended up rehearsing for the show that day. I felt so honored to have been chosen to model for such a cool brand. But the best part was that I had met this awesome chick that was so down to earth, something that I haden't seen a lot of in my early LA years.

ONE WORD TO DESCRIBE RELATIONSHIP:
Our relationship can be described as productive. Whenever we get together we end up talking about our future and how to progress in fulfilling our dreams.

FAVE UNFORGETTABLE MEMORY EXPERIENCED:
One of my favorite moments with Cheryl was when I came by the OD office one late night to help sew some of the canvas pieces. Cheryl and I sat up till 3 a.m. talking, laughing and crying about our lives up to that point. It was the ultimate girly chick flick moment.

WHO:
Cheryl’s DC / Model / Duck Buddy Assistant -
My name is Jasmine and I am a multi-faceted individual blessed with many talents and interests. I dance. I sing. I get fit. I write. I entertain. I love. I live life one day at a time. Most of my days are spent inside of a gym, but I love exploring my creativity and helping people.

WHEN THEY MET: 2009

HOW THEY MET:
I was one of her models for a fashion show in DC.

ONE WORD TO DESCRIBE RELATIONSHIP:
If I could describe our friendship in one word it would be evolutional.

FAVE UNFORGETTABLE MEMORY EXPERIENCED:
Each year, we learn a little more about each other and our friendship has become stronger as both of have evolved in life. I think my favorite unforgettable memory I have is the first night I slept over Cheryl's. For some reason Stitch was going nuts in the apartment while everyone was sleeping. He was running into the windows and everything. All of a sudden I hear an awful noise, and the smell to follow was self explanatory. Without getting graphic I'll just say that the poor dog was trying to get out at all costs to use the bathroom! IT WAS SO FUNNY! Even funnier than the situation, was me trying to quietly yell for help because Cheryl is not a light sleeper! Just one of the many awesome memories I have. I am so honored to have a great friend in Cheryl and even more honored to be a part of such a special time in her life.

WHO:
Cheryl's Soul Sister she never sees / Model / Mischief -
Jia Huang was born June 21, 1983 in Los Angeles California. She graduated from the University of California, Irvine where she joined and eventually led the hip hop team Kaba Modern. This decision would not only shape her into the dancer she is now, but into the person she is today. She is currently a professional dancer, choreographer, and dance teacher. Once a super shy person, Kaba forced her to get out of her box and meet people, which eventually led her to meet Cheryl Koo.

WHEN THEY MET: 2005, 2008, 2010

HOW THEY MET:
Ironically Cheryl and Jia had two first encounters where neither gave each other the time of day, but eventually a dance project in 2010 officially introduced them to each other. It felt like they had known each other for forever and neither could understand why it had taken so long to meet.

ONE WORD TO DESCRIBE RELATIONSHIP:
Real

FAVE UNFORGETTABLE MEMORY EXPERIENCED:
Jia's most unforgettable memory of their friendship would probably be considered the most minor of events to most. It was just after a random day of running errands and hanging out with Cheryl. Jia was staying over at Cheryl's apartment because she was taking Cheryl to the airport at the crack of dawn the next morning. They both knew they were suppose to sleep early, but some how it was 3am, 2 hours before they were suppose to get up, and they just wanted to stay up talking about everything and nothing. Really it was such a simple day, but Jia finds that most of her best days have been spent with friends doing nothing but really doing everything. Jia is so honored to be Cheryl Koo's friend and a part of her big day. She is also looking forward to the many adventures they will have together and being able to count on one another as they experience the journey of life.

WHO:
Cheryl is a major player in my life!-
My name is Anthea Young.

WHEN THEY MET: February 2012

HOW THEY MET:
I met Cheryl 150 weeks ago, according to an Instagram post I made for her fashion show. It was a huge show at Kesspro Studios where she had a million dancers. My friend Cat had been casted in the show and asked if I was available because Cheryl needed some more tall girls. So I can to a fitting and since that show I have been a model for Cheryl. After being in multiple shows we grew closer and now she is a major player in my life! So I guess I should thank Cat for thinking of me as the tall girl and suggesting me to model for Cheryl!

ONE WORD TO DESCRIBE RELATIONSHIP:
Vitality

FAVE UNFORGETTABLE MEMORY EXPERIENCED:
I was out of town for Cheryl's Bachelorette weekend, so to make it up to her I surprised her with a class at the New York Trapeze school Santa Monica. She had been expressing interest in taking a class. I went to my first class the year before so I thought it would be fun to go together. Of course Cheryl was a natural because that's just Cheryl lol that day we flew overlooking the ocean, on a metal bar with only our hands or back of our knees holding us while listening for the cue to let go and fall in a giant rope net, while simultaneously the sun set over the gorgeous Santa Monica Pier.