Wedding Party
Monica Baez
Maid of Honor
I will never forget the moment that the little girl with long dark braids and yellow butterfly clips turned to me on the first day of third grade and said “Hola, soy Lupita.” From that moment on, we became inseparable and the rest is history. I will forever be thankful to the teacher who sat her in front of me and the fact that our last names started with consecutive letters that ensured we would sit next to each other for as long as we can remember. She is my safety net, soul sister and biggest supporter who always inspires (and sometimes physically pushes me) to dream bigger, overcome fears and find calm in the midst of anxiety. Monica is a “Chingona” legal assistant who spends her days fighting for immigrants’ rights and being a voice for those often silenced. She is the quietest badass and sweetest civil rights fighter I have ever known. She loves concerts, good food and being a pup-mother to her three dogs. She is fearless and strong, overwhelmingly kind, the kind of smart that can nonchalantly cite complex art and architecture history during a casual walk in Chicago, Italy or the Louvre. She’s the most organized spreadsheet maker you will ever meet, an impressive travel agent and the best friend anyone could have. Monica, thank you for being my sister. It has been an honor to grow up and live out our dreams with you– from our imaginations in my parents’ living room to the streets of Rome. You are stuck with me for life.
Kristen Lee-Gallegos
Matron of Honor
Kristen and I have known each other longer than we can actually remember. Not because we were too young when we met, but because we likely met during my 21st birthday party in college– a night of which we don’t remember much. Years later, we reconnected through mutual friends at a Halloween party, during which she took a shot of hot sauce for me after I lost a game (oh yeah, and she met her husband that night.) Since then, it has been the greatest twist of fate that she would come to date and eventually marry Robin, Dany’s roommate and best man. Kristen is one of the hardest workers I know and always goes above and beyond for her family and the people she loves. She is the kind of person that is so sweet and authentically good, it feels like her presence is a warm ray of sunshine, no matter what kind of day you are having. She loves watching movies and reality TV shows, playing Just Dance, and is the one person I can count on to indulge me on a late-night ice cream run. Kristen, it has been the greatest gift to witness your love story parallel to ours, to have a partner in crime as we learn to navigate this stage of life and to get to be best friends marrying best friends.
Tatjana Aarsaether
Bridesmaid
The first day I met Tatjana, I was so taken aback by her signature warmth and kindness that I literally froze. She had just been randomly assigned as my new roommate at UT Austin halfway through the school year, and as I walked into my room, she ran up to hug me. To this day, she says (and I agree) she is responsible for making me more accepting of physical touch as a love language. Tatjana is one of the kindest souls I have ever known. In four years of living together, she was an image of unconditional love through the many challenges of life as we navigated our early 20s, made mistakes, faced tough life decisions, overcame heartbreak and learned to be adults. From killing the bugs in my room until I became brave enough to do it to laying on the couch doing absolutely nothing while giggling uncontrollably as we texted one another from across the room, I am grateful to have had the best companion for some of the most formative years of my life (including our senior year of college bunk bed experience). She is talented in everything she sets her mind to– from management to being a plant mom, dog mom, artist and graphic designer. She enjoys board games, video games and spending time with loved ones. Tatjana, I am forever grateful for our wall of stupid quotes said after 11 p.m. and the more than 100 plants and several animals that filled our home with life and laughter and unforgettable memories.
Stephanie Moreno
Bridesmaid
Shortly after meeting Monica, I met Stephy, the third addition to our Established 2006 friend group (now known as SAMS Club). In the way that happens naturally in the third grade, Monica and I introduced ourselves and we all became best friends instantly. For most people, that usually only lasts through grade school. But in our case, I feel lucky to have known Stephy for nearly 20 years and to have grown up together with pool parties, backyard carne asadas and watching her become the strong, independent and kind hearted woman she is today. Stephy is fierce but incredibly sweet, she can make anyone feel like a friend and she is the calm in our storm. We joke that she is the first we should ever introduce anyone to because she is the friendliest. She is an amazing dog mom, a hardworking girl boss, a sports queen and is the happiest when enjoying life with her family and friends. Steph, I am so grateful that you were placed in our class, that you were willing to join Monica and I in our madness and that you have been such a loving, patient and kind friend all these years. I can’t wait for us all to be grandmas together.
Sarah Reyes
Bridesmaid
A few weeks before my birthday in the fourth grade, a new substitute teacher was chatting with my mom and her daughter and I ended up playing while we waited. I got one of those feelings that I had just met my long lost sister, so I invited her to my birthday party and I turned out to be quite correct. We sealed our friendship with a cupcake war that weekend as my parents watched us cover each other and their kitchen in frosting that we were sneezing out for weeks. We joke that Sarah is the mom of the group, but only because she is the most selfless and loving person we have all ever met. She is the kind of person who will stand up for anyone, especially us, and is the only one allowed to be our bully (but kindly). She is also the kind of person who would stop traffic in the middle of the road to let a turtle cross and had a house full of animals at one point because she couldn’t help but rescue the dog.. And then another.. And then another.. And then a chicken. I look up to her strength, her courage to live life and her grace with which she takes even the hardest life’s of moments with a smile. She’s the hardest worker, the coolest boss, the most loving friend and the warmest soul. Sarah, thank you for being my protector, my older sister, my role model for all these years and years to come. I can’t wait to see what trouble we get into as the years pass.
Madeline Purdy
Bridesmaid
I distinctly recall being paired up with Maddie on her first day volunteering at a church organization at St. Albert a couple of years ago. We had that instant click kind of friendship that immediately led to giggles and inside jokes and knowing that I had made a lifelong friend. Soon, we were paired up to lead a small group and our teamwork to lead teens in faith was so seamless it was clearly created and led by the Holy Spirit. It has been an honor to continue growing in faith and leading others to Christ with Maddie ever since. I am always in awe of Maddie’s faith. Not only that, but her impressive knowledge of the faith. She loves football, the saints (the people, not the team), and she is a trove of wisdom. She is strong, impressively brave, unbelievably kind and walks with air that is quite obviously the peace of being led by Jesus. I know that friends are meant to also lead us to sainthood, but Maddie is literally the emblem of a friend who not only is working to be a saint herself but is lovingly making sure that the people around her are doing so too, and when she says she wants the best for you, she quite literally means heaven. Maddie, thank you for inspiring me to continue growing in faith, for being such a patient and loving leader, for standing up for me and others with such courage and conviction. I look up to you and I'm excited to have a bestie as excited to seek heaven and sainthood.
Robin Lee-Gallegos
Best Man
My first memory of Robin was in our first semester at UT when we jammed out together at a church event. At some point, with a guitar strapped on, he turned to me sitting at the drum set and said, “Rock on, dude.” Little did I know then that he would become my roommate the next year and we would go on to live together for 6 years. Throughout that time, we shared many memories studying in our room into the wee hours of the night, learning to cook despite many disastrous meals, and enjoying common hobbies together such as playing video games and jamming out. He is also the only other guy that I know that is crazy enough to go with me on a backpacking trip in Colorado with no experience, rappelling off the canyons in Moab, and whitewater rafting in a kayak. I’ve come to know Robin as a strangely friendly guy who is always willing to go out of his way to help others. He always knows how to look at things on the bright side, and his joyful and silly personality brings a smile to everyone he encounters. Robin, I am honored and happy to call you my best friend and my best man. Thank you for continuing to “rock on” with me.
Jose Nieto
Groomsman
Ever since we were little, Jose and I had a special connection as brothers. For being brothers, we got along pretty well. We would have our daily backyard session with him shooting the soccer ball, while I played goalie and (mostly) stopped his shots. In high school, we played Rock Band religiously to the point that we both achieved “expert” status in our respective instruments. After I graduated college, we started living together once again, and our brothership continued. We learned to cook meals with a coordination that mirrored that of Overcooked. We’ve spent countless hours playing video games together, enjoying taking care of our home, and simply living together as brothers. More recently, we’ve had the joy of growing together in the Catholic faith, being involved at St. Albert the Great in several ministries. Jose is a kind man with a servant’s heart. He likes cats and staying organized. More so, he loves spending time with family and his gratefulness inspires me. Jose, thank you for always being there. I will always cherish our long sessions of Rocket League, cooking, hiking, and much more.
Michael Nieto
Groomsman
Being consecutive brothers in age, Mike and I spent a lot of time together… whether we wanted to or not. Although we often fought and got into arguments, we learned to get along and appreciate each other as brothers despite our differences. Even though he’s still the same funny, buggy, and loud person he’s always been, I’ve come to admire Mike for the person he is. He is determined, hard working, and confident in his beliefs. When he sets his mind to accomplish something, he does it, whether it’s quitting a vice, working out, or starting a new business. He is a skillful artist and musician. I’ll always be amazed at the cool drawings he made, from Dragon Ball Z characters to Scarlett Johansson. Although tough on the outside, he’s a kind, loving man who stands up for the people that he loves, and always puts family first. Mike, as we continue to butt heads, I’m thankful for the silly moments we spend together and random times that we break out into a jam session.
Marcos Nieto
Groomsman
Marcos is the stereotypical older brother, the good kind. He is clever, funny, and level-headed. Whenever a dispute arose between us younger brothers, he would be there to help resolve any issues and call us out on our mistakes. He was a cool, mature figure that we could all look up to, although he made questionable decisions from time to time (from which we learned… of course). Through all the immense challenges that he’s encountered, it’s been admirable witnessing Marcos get through them and maintain a strong, determined mindset. It’s amazing to see how hard he works for his family, and how he’s always willing to put his handyman skills to use when they’re needed. He is a dedicated and loving son, husband, father, and brother. Despite the business of life, he makes sure to take things easy and go on fun adventures and simply have a good time with his family and friends. Marcos, I’m grateful for the time we spend bonding over music, video games, and random silly things, and the occasional deep conversations we have.
Rafael Nieto
Groomsman
Growing up, Rafa played a special role as the oldest sibling in our family. Although I didn’t get to spend much time with him, I’ll always remember clearly the times during which he still lived at our house. From hearing him say silly things like, “Todo es culpa de Mr. Dan” (It’s all Mr. Dan’s fault”), to watching him play video games I was too young to play and falling asleep to his melodic piano playing, his presence in our household was cherished and deeply missed once he had moved out to attend college at UT (one of the many ways in which I ended up following in his footsteps). Although he is a very smart and awkward, reserved guy on the outside, he is incredibly adventurous and fun to be with. From skydiving and skiing, to moving to new places on his own, Rafa always embraces a new challenge and the thrill of excitement. Most of all, I’ll always look up to him for the way he consistently loves God and his family. Rafa, I’m grateful for the adventures and fun times we’ve shared, from hiking in the mountains to having a good video game session. I look forward to many more adventures.
Emmanuel Vazquez
Groomsman
After I graduated college and started attending St. Albert the Great as my new parish, there has been one constant, and that has been Emmanuel. I clearly recall Emmanuel being there from the time I began going there, whether it was seeing him at our Abide Young Adult meetings, volunteering at youth group, or seeing him at just about any other church event. Over time, our friendship grew slowly but surely, from being simply an acquaintance to a great friend that I admire and trust. Moreover, Emmanuel has invited and challenged me to continue growing as a Catholic in many different ways. His own living testimony to the faith is inspiring. His wisdom and calming personality are always very reassuring. On the other hand, I also love getting to know his silly personality, geeking out over K-pop and Japanese things like anime, while also getting to bond over nerdy things and common interests like guitar and sports. Emmanuel, thank you for being a fun, insightful, and faith centered friend. I look forward to continuing to lead our small group and growing closer as friends.