Alissa & Christopher
Wedding Party
Kristiara Garcia
Maid of Honor
Our sisterhood began in September of 1995. Kristiara is all I could ever want in a sister; I can laugh, cry, and be completely myself with her. She happily played with me when we would play "Restaurant" and make up our own dinners with play food. Kristiara even put up with me when I made her be my only student when I wanted to play "School" and be the teacher. Having her in my life has always reminded me that as the big sister I need to be the role model, and it encourages me to be my best self all of the time. It has been said that having a sister is like a having a piece of your childhood that can never be lost. Some of my best memories are with my little sister and I cannot wait until she is standing beside me on my wedding day!
Raymond Orozco
Best Man
I have known Ray for over 7 years now. It's always a good time with him, whether we're hiking in Yosemite or going to a metal concert. He also happens to be one of the most thoughtful people, with an unmistakably huge heart. It's so obvious that he respects people for exactly who they are, and just loves to live. He is one of the first people offering to help out with anything you need. He also has a knack for telling the best/funniest stories. Ask him about the time I allegedly ate too much of the fried rice he offered me - apparently there was a limit to his generosity; for some reason he still blames me to this day. When I first told him I got the job at H&M way back in 2012, he told me to say hello to one of his friends: Alissa. And the rest is history...
Amy Gamoney
Bridesmaid
I met Amy my junior year of high school through a mutual friend. She was outgoing, bubbly, and social; so many things that I admired and looked up to. We ended up being in the same psychics class and became fast friends. Amy and I spent so many of our early college years attending parties and meeting new people, she was always willing to take me home at midnight when my curfew was enforced. Amy has supported me through my highest and lowest of times and whether it's a good or bad day I know I can reach out to her for support. I am honored to be her friend. Amy, thank you for always being an incredible person and I cannot wait to celebrate this new chapter of my life with you!
Brian Glaros
Groomsman
I first met Brian almost 10 years ago at our first retail job, Babies R Us. We were basically kids working our first real job, but at the same time having a lot of fun. Sure, we had our share of shenanigans, and crazy stories over the years (he always throws the best parties!) but I've come to learn that through the years of maturing and growing up he's always been a great friend. He's always been very easy going and fun, with the rare ability to have people easily gravitate around him. It’s pretty much impossible to catch him without a smile on his face. He definitely adds to the laughter and excitement of this group and may somehow be the most level-headed out of the bunch. He is best known for being really good at everything, which is kind of annoying.
Melissa Sennewald
Bridesmaid
Melissa and I are childhood friends who bonded over a shared love of dance and performing. Many of our weekdays were spent in the same dance classes and we would hang out until the studio closed either because our classes ran late or because our moms loved talking so much! When we weren't dancing our families went on vacations together, either camping in Santa Cruz or Pinecrest. Over time, our lives took us in different directions between college and careers, but she always remained a close and dear friend. With Melissa we can go without seeing each other for months and when we get together it is like no time has passed and we simply pick up where we left off. Melissa, no matter how much time passes I will treasure our friendship forever!
Emerson De Leon
Groomsman
I also met Emerson at Babies R Us almost 10 years ago, and quickly became friends. He was pretty much the greatest employee that the company had ever seen. After he left, they literally went bankrupt. Coincidence? Maybe, maybe not. Having Brian, Emerson, and I employed at the same time led to some good times. Keep an ear out for his signature laugh during the reception, which will likely over power the music. Throw on an 80's song, and he's more than likely to sing along to it. He can certainly be the life of the party, but that's not the reason why he's here. Although we always make fun of each other, he's also someone that’s always been there as a great friend. He speaks his mind no matter what, and he doesn’t sugar coat a thing. This has led to some hilarious moments.
Stephanie Haertling
Bridesmaid
Stephanie and I met in middle school. We had P.E. the same period and I once let a mutual friend know about a crush before her, needless to say she was very upset and told me I always needed to tell her "important things going on in my life" first. We have been best friends ever since. She knew me before I knew how to do my makeup or use a straightener and she loved me through all those awkward years. Through my friendship with Steph I learned that best friends allow you to be completely yourself. Her friendship has always been full of comfort and genuine love. Steph stills likes to tease Christopher that she is my "only best friend", and I just feel honored to have two incredible best friends!
Tara Glaros
Honorary Bridesmaid - Wedding Coordinator
Although we have only known Tara for a couple of years, she has become one of our closest friends. Tara is someone who is supportive and incredibly kind. She is a bubbly, upbeat person and can always put you in a great mood. We bonded during her bachelorette trip sharing hilarious stories and having perhaps a bit too much fun clubbing together. Recently, Christopher and I had the honor of both being a part of Tara and our groomsmen Brian's beautiful wedding. Now Tara has asked if she can help us by planning and creating decor for our wedding, as a way of beginning her new career journey in becoming a wedding planner. She has started our wedding planning off with so much enthusiasm and excitement. Thank you for being your amazing self Tara, we love you!