Wedding Party
Aaron Soffel
Groom
Hello, I am the groom! I aim to change Jessy's last name, and I will.
Jessy Estrada
Bride
Hey! I'm the bride! You may now begin to call me Mrs. Jessy Soffel. Thanks :D
Bryce Hindman
Best Man
Bryce is Aaron’s best friend, and their friendship dates all the way back to sixth grade when they both lived in Wyoming. Bryce is one of the most outgoing, “you can do it” people you’ll ever meet — always ready to take a leap and chase the next adventure. His journey has led him to road trip and live out of a Subaru Forester in 2021, work at camps in Montana, travel across the U.S. with Aaron, and most recently step into the world of pro wrestling. Together, Bryce and Aaron constantly push each other to try new things, think outside the box, and keep evolving into the best versions of themselves. The Aaron you see today would not be here without Bryce shaping him into the person he is today. Much of Aaron's success in all aspects of his life are in thanks to Bryce always being there in his corner.
Nora Carlucci
Maid of Honor
Nora is one of Jessy’s closest friends from college. They met through VCU Catholic Campus Ministry and quickly bonded over their shared love of music. Together, they led praise and worship during adoration and eventually co-founded a “Praise and Prayer” ministry within CCM. During their senior year at VCU, Nora served as president of the club while Jessy was vice president. Through it all, they became each other’s strongest support systems and sisters in Christ, even traveling to Italy together. I couldn’t imagine a more perfect person to stand by my side.
Nick Valerio
Groomsman
Nick entered Aaron’s life in style — pulling up to VCU’s Catholic Campus Ministry house in a red Corvette, which felt like a fitting introduction to a memorable friendship. They first met through VCU CCM as mentor and mentee, but it didn’t take long for that relationship to grow into something much deeper. Bonded by their shared love of the Catholic faith, cars and motorsports, and even Jimmy John’s sandwiches, their friendship has been built on having fun through common hobbies while also holding one another accountable in their faith and personal growth.
Grace Morfeld
Bridesmaid
Grace has been Jessy’s best friend since elementary school. They attended the same schools all the way through undergrad, and although they have both changed so much over the years, Grace has stood by Jessy through every phase of life. She was the first person to know about their engagement, and she is often one of the first people Jessy turns to for any milestone moment. Even though adulthood has made it more difficult to stay in touch, they have built such a strong foundation of friendship that there is no doubt they will always show up for one another. Jessy couldn't imagine not having Grace standing by her side on one of the most significant days of her life.
Nathan Gwaltney
Groomsman
Nathan and Aaron’s friendship started slowly, with nothing more than a casual “what’s up” as they passed each other in the library, until one night a mutual friend invited them both out and everything changed. Since then, Nate has become the kind of friend Aaron can call at any time — someone to hang out with on a whim or talk for hours into the night. Whether they’re taking a group trip to Daytona, Florida or just walking around Richmond together, people constantly assume they’re brothers (and honestly, they do look alike). Their friendship has grown from a simple greeting into a steady, easy bond built on shared memories, late-night conversations, and plenty of laughs.
Rachel Santiago
Bridesmaid
Rachel is Jessy’s eldest sister and practically her second mama. She has always taken care of Jessy, both growing up and into adulthood. Every month during military drill weekends, Jessy stays at Rachel’s house, where Rachel makes sure she is fed, comfortable, and cared for. Rachel is the person who sparked Jessy’s love for cooking and baking, and they are constantly swapping recipes. She is also the reason Jessy fell in love with music, learned to play guitar, and first discovered how to harmonize. Jessy is endlessly grateful for Rachel’s steady presence, loving heart, and the countless ways she has shaped who she is today.
Nicholas Engle
Groomsman
Nick and Aaron’s friendship truly began in the gym, working out side by side and talking about life. Over time, Nick became the glue that holds their friend group together. Strong-willed with a rock-solid mindset and a refreshingly blunt personality, you never have to wonder what Nick is thinking — he’ll tell you. That honesty and conviction are exactly why he and Aaron connect so well. Having someone so confident in who they are and so consistent in what they do is the kind of strength we all strive for. From traveling to Florida together to sharing life advice and challenging each other to stand firm in their beliefs, their friendship is built on loyalty, growth, and mutual respect.
Michelle Castro
Bridesmaid
Michelle is Jessy’s older sister and trusted hair lady (shameless plug for @flawlessonsite_michelle). She is someone Jessy turns to for advice on just about everything, as they think so alike, though Michelle always brings a level of wisdom Jessy deeply admires. She has been Jessy’s role model for most of her life, and even now, half of Jessy’s closet is filled with Michelle’s hand-me-downs. Michelle has helped shape Jessy’s values, supported her growth in faith, and influenced the way she approaches life. Jessy truly would not be the person she is today without Michelle’s guidance. She is also pretty weird, and Jessy is honored to share the title of “special child” with her.
Jude Castro
Ring Bearer
Jude is Jessy's nephew and Michelle and AJ's eldest child. We chose Jude because shortly after we announced our engagement, he asked if he could be the ring bearer. Aaron loved how Jude was so upfront in making that request. Aaron also felt that Jude's unique personality and humor reminds him of himself. Aaron even drove 1.5 hrs to Suffolk, VA to attend Jude's flag themed birthday party without Jessy since she couldn't make it due to her military schedule. Jude is super smart and we always learn cool, random facts every time we see him. He is also the sweetest kid, always cuddling up to either one of us when we hang out at the Castro house.
Angelica Smith
Bridesmaid
Angelica, better known as Jelly, is the sister closest in age to Jessy. Throughout Jessy’s life, she has continually pushed and challenged her to grow into a better version of herself. They went to school together, worked together, joined an a cappella club, and even played volleyball side by side. After Angelica got married, military family life took her across the country and eventually all the way to Guam. Despite the distance, they have always made it a priority to visit each other, giving Jessy the chance to travel, explore, and make unforgettable memories with her family. Be sure to check out the gallery to see the amazing engagement photos she took for them (another shameless plug).
Catalia Colon
Flower Girl
Catalia is Aaron’s cousin and the daughter of Aled and Keila Colon. Aaron chose Catalia because she has been his buddy since day one. During a trip to Puerto Rico, when Catalia was still a baby, she would run to Aaron and let him hold her more than anyone else. After she was baptized into the Catholic Church, the priest put her down, and she ran straight to Aaron after being dipped into the water. It is one of Aaron’s cutest memories. Now, nearly ten years later, Catalia has grown up and started calling him “banana butt.”
Lucy & Zoey
Flower Girls
Lucy and Zoey are Jessy’s nieces and baptismal goddaughters. Lucy is the second daughter of Rachel and Chester Santiago, and she was the first to make Jessy a “ninang.” Last year, Jessy and Aaron took her on a birthday date to a trampoline park and ice cream, and we have a treasured picture she drew of the three of us hanging on our fridge. Zoey is the only daughter of Angelica and Gregg Smith, and they traveled all the way from Guam to celebrate with us. When Aaron and Jessy visited the Smith family in Arizona, little Zoey stole Aaron’s heart, and we loved babysitting, going on hikes with her, and spending time with her three brothers. We are so excited to have these girls as part of our big day and grateful for the glimpse they have given us into what it might feel like to spend time with our own future kids!
Matthew & Nyrma Soffel
Parents of the Groom
Matthew and Nyrma Soffel, Aaron’s parents, have shared more than 30 years of marriage, raising two children and building a life across many different places along the way. Never afraid of change, they have embraced each new chapter - from moving to Puerto Rico to settling in Wyoming - while faithfully honoring the vows they made decades ago. They have always encouraged their children to step outside their comfort zones and pursue their dreams boldly, knowing Aaron has plenty of big ideas and goals, and loving that he’s marrying someone who shares that same adventurous spirit. Steady, supportive, and deeply devoted, Matthew and Nyrma are rocks to everyone around them, keeping family at the very center of their lives.
Glenn & Tes Estrada
Parents of the Bride
Glenn and Tes are the devoted and loving parents of the bride. Over 40 years of marriage, they have built a beautiful life together, raising seven children and welcoming fifteen grandchildren, many of whom you'll see running around during the wedding. As the last of their daughters to marry, Jessy has had the privilege of witnessing firsthand their example of steadfast, selfless love. Tes poured her heart into their home as a stay-at-home mom, while Glenn worked two and sometimes three jobs to faithfully provide for their family. Their sacrifice, dedication, and teamwork laid a strong foundation for everything we cherish today. Now in retirement, they continue to inspire us by embracing adventure, traveling the world, and showing that a joyful, thriving marriage only grows richer with time.
Richard & Rochelle Bojo
Marriage Sponsors
Richard and Rochelle are Jessy’s uncle and aunt, and Rochelle is also her confirmation godmother. Throughout Jessy’s life, they have been like second parents to her and her siblings, faithfully showing up for every family milestone and everyday moment in between. They taught Jessy how to drive and master parallel parking, coached her on the volleyball court and through life’s challenges, and regularly make time to take Jessy and Aaron out to dinner just to reconnect. When we were choosing our marriage sponsors, their relationship immediately came to mind. We admire the way they communicate so openly, balance their many hobbies and projects as a team, and offer honest, thoughtful guidance. Aaron especially appreciates how easy it is to have fun with them and how naturally he can dive into conversations about cars, vans, or any random topic that sparks interest.
Nathan & Tylo Estrada
Marriage Sponsors
Nathan and Tylo are Jessy’s brother and sister-in-law. Ten years ago, they began their marriage with a big move to New Mexico while Jessy was still in middle school. When they returned to Virginia in 2021, Jessy joined them on the cross-country drive back, and that trip became a turning point in their relationship. What started as siblings who lived far apart grew into a close friendship marked by honest conversations about faith, family, relationships, and the realities of adulthood, along with many more shared trips and memories. Their marriage and the way they lead their family have deeply impacted both Jessy and Aaron. We admire how they approach every challenge side by side, keep their family as their highest priority, and continually support one another’s dreams. Above all, we are inspired by how intentionally they center their lives around God through their service in the church and their personal ministries. Also, we absolutely love their style and they are the peak example of cool, young parents.