Wedding Party
Katie Bates
Maid of Honor
You know those movies we all watched growing up—the ones about two inseparable best friends whose harmony and love for each other could only exist in a script? That's my Katie. We met in the Starbucks trenches in 2021. Our relationship grew each time we clocked in, but for the most part it was limited to work. At the time, I was attending ASU online and through some unfortunate circumstances, I didn't have access to a clean, private room for online exams. Without hesitation, Katie offered her home to me. She left a key under the mat and told me I was welcome anytime. Hardly more than acquaintances, it was in that moment I realized what a truly special person she is. Over the last 5 years, she has been my twin flame. I have never known anyone (except Erik, of course) to understand and appreciate me so intimately and unconditionally. She inspires me to be a better version of myself. She listens without judgment (usually). She's my cheerleader, my confidant, my ride or die. She is one of the most beautiful, talented, funny, smart, adventurous, hard-working people I know, and it's an honor (literally) to call her my best friend and MOH.
Michael Alvarez
Best Man
Michael is my cheery, loving, hardworking, not-so-little brother. When he made his appearance in 2005, I embraced the big brother role fully, and for many years we did almost everything together. Like any great pair of brothers, we stressed Mom and Dad out plenty, doing things we weren’t supposed to and trying to hide Michael’s crying when we played a little too rough. But we’ve also played in the dirt together, negotiated the split of chores, watched (and rewatched many times) every Spiderman movie, and shared our passion for fútbol. Michael’s existence brought a really important experience into my life. Being someone’s role model is a huge responsibility, and I didn’t realize how influential I could be to this growing, developing human. Looking back now, it makes a lot of sense—we dressed the same, talked the same, and ate the same foods, among other things. He taught me almost as much as I could teach him. We were two peas in a pod, offering each other companionship, love, and fierce loyalty. Over the last 7 years, Emily and I have had the pleasure of watching Mike grow as a person, a leader, an athlete, a big brother, a role model, a son, and companion. Today, we have the pleasure of living with Michael and experiencing all of his best qualities every day. We are so proud of him, and it is an honor to have him by our side.
Aubrey Block
Bridesmaid
It's no secret that growing up, Aubrey and I couldn't stand each other (why do you think our dad's hair fell out?). But somewhere between playing school (aka fighting over spelling tests), watching Disney Channel at Nana and Papa’s (aka arguing over who got which blanket), learning how to tie my shoes (aka kicking Aubrey's teeth out), and playing dolphin (aka drowning Aubrey in the pool), we ultimately gained a deep understanding and love for one other. I credit the development of my frontal lobe. As we've grown up, our relationship has completely transformed. Today, Aubrey is one of the people I admire most in the world. I have watched her take risks and face battles she never asked for—always forging her own path with grit and quiet resilience. Aubrey inspires me to work hard, love harder, and give myself grace, even when I don't feel like I deserve it. She has taught me how to be more patient, more forgiving, and more present. I’m proud to have her as my big sister, and grateful she doesn't hold enough grudges against me to sit this one out.
Brandon Hubbel
The Matchmaker
I first met Brandon in 2003 at a little daycare center called Great Park in Yerington. Fast forward 15 years to October 12th, 2018 and we’re living together with Alex and Ian in Reno. Brandon gets me off my bum and casually asks me to come with him to hang out with some girl from work, and I reluctantly accept. That one request earned Brandon the title he will so proudly wear, “The Matchmaker.” That “girl from work” was Emily. Four months later, Emily and I started dating, and the rest is history. Brandon forms part of my lifelong friend group and is one of the strongest advocates for quality time together. Whether it’s cruising in the car blasting music, gaming with the boys, movie nights, or going to the Margarita Crawl, there is never a dull moment when Brandon is involved—he’d never allow it. He loves his friends and his “almost friend,” Emily, (I think him and Emily recently upgraded to “friends”?), and has been a huge supporter of our achievements and successes over the years. We are excited and honored to create more memories with our friend and brother.
Kody Harrah
Bridesmaid
Kody was one of my biggest idols as a kid. For some of you—including Kody—I understand why that might be somewhat concerning, but hear me out. Growing up with Kody, I was always included. Whether letting me hang out with all her cool friends, teaching me how to drive stick shift or bringing me along to ultrasound appointments when she was pregnant with Skye (also my Bridesmaid), she spent our childhood healing the lonely, awkward little parts of me that most others couldn’t see. To this day, and more than ever, she is one of my greatest inspirations. We don’t need to get into the details, but I will say I have watched her overcome some of the hardest things life can throw at a person. Through sacrifice, faith, and sheer will, she has built a life that reflects the kind of woman she’s always been—strong, grounded, kind, nurturing, compassionate and fiercely loyal. I could not be more proud of the person, friend, mother, wife, and sister she is. And so much of the love and strength I’m bringing into this next chapter of my life is because of the example she’s set for me.
Ian McGraw
Groomsman
A lifelong friendship between two people is an awesome thing. Now try a life long friendship between four people—that is exceptional (see Brandon and Alex for reference). Ian is what I would describe as our friend group’s home base. For years after Brandon moved to California, Ian’s house was where we would all get together at least once a year to catch up, duel with swords in the sagebrush, play Xbox until 1am, and laugh until our chests hurt. We’d even get roped into some chores after keeping his poor dad up with our ruckus. Later, when we all moved up to Reno, we lived together at Ian’s grandma’s house for 2 years, surviving off Pepsi and whatever food we could find in the cabinets that week. Ian’s loyalty to the things that he loves is nothing short of admirable. Whether it be General Tso's chicken, Hawaiian shirts, or his friends and family, Ian will support and defend them to the death. We are proud to call him a friend and brother, and we look forward to growing old (not growing up) with him in our lives.
Skyler Jeanne
Bridesmaid
Skye is my beautiful, strange, hilarious baby niece. She was born when I was 14, and helping raise her as an infant was one of the most special times of my life. Looking back on it, I can see how much she's taught me—patience, compassion, responsibility—and I'm grateful for the lessons, love, and laughter she has brought to my life. I don't see Skye much these days since she lives in Texas with her mom. Thank goodness she finally has a cell phone (if only she would quit getting it confiscated)! But every time I see her, I'm blown away at how much she's growing up. She is an amazing artist, animal-lover, and friend—I'm so proud of the intelligent, creative, kind, resilient, wonderfully weird little person she's becoming.
Alex Rowe
Groomsman
Alex Rowe: the man, the myth, the guy who can somehow eat enough for six people and not gain a single pound. As a part of The Boys, Alex has been there for many years of experiences, ranging from painful to painfully hilarious, alongside myself, Ian, and Brandon. No matter what his personal situation may be like at the time, he is always willing to listen and offer words of advice. Whether he’s striking hilarious poses, making silly faces, or hollering one-liners at the top of his lungs, you can always trust Alex to tag along and bring a whole lot of goofiness and comedic gold to any gathering. He has watched Emily and my relationship grow and has always been supportive and excited for us as we continue our journey together. We are beyond excited for him to come down from Oregon to share this special day with us.
Savannah Harrah
Bridesmaid
Savvy is my sister-from-another-mister. While we don't share blood, we grew up together, and she's never been less than a sister to me. Every summer, Savvy and Winny (our little brother, please don't ask me to pull out the family tree) would visit from Texas, and it was the absolute highlight of my year. We spent our childhood running wild—making up secret languages, scaring each other at the Crummer House (if you know, you know), playing Evel Knievel on the golf cart, and of course, bullying Winny (sorry buddy). It was a full, magical, one-of-a-kind childhood that I wouldn’t trade for anything. Savvy was one of my best friends and my partner-in-crime growing up, and it's been an honor watching her grow into the smart, beautiful, deeply authentic person she is. She never fails to make me laugh, and her presence brings such a sense of home and happiness to my heart. I'm grateful that throughout the years, even as we grew up in our own little bubbles, the good and bad has only brought us closer.
Alex Hernandez
Groomsman
My favorite thing to say about Alex when introducing him is that I’ve known him since before he was born. It only took a month for him to join me in the world and since then, we’ve been able to grow up together in Yerington and share in some of life’s most important moments—so many that I’ve considered him family for many years. We have been fortunate enough to spend birthdays together, hang out at school, and play soccer together for many years. I always wanted to be on his team, he was that good. No matter how much time passes, Em and I are always happy to share a laugh with Alex. He is one of the most funny and charismatic people we have in our lives, and we are honored that he would share our wedding day with us.
Riplee Foli
Bridesmaid
I met Riplee and Jake (Groomsman) shortly after Erik and I started dating in 2019. Since then, we’ve shared so much life together—being in their wedding, living in the same apartment (literally—we applied the same day they ended their lease and moved into the same unit), watching them buy a home, become the loving parents of two dogs and two cats, and now the most beautiful baby girl. Riplee is a calm soul and the friend I can always count on. She's the one I can go months without talking to, and the moment we reconnect, it’s like no time has passed at all. She shows up with her whole heart, and she and Jake have supported Erik and me in ways I’ll never forget. They are the kind of people who will always help a friend in need, without ever thinking about what's in it for them. The kind of people who make you feel like part of their big, beautiful family even after just meeting them. I’m so grateful to have them both in our lives, and I can’t wait for a future full of Snerts, taco nights, and watching our kids grow up together.
Jacob Foli
Groomsman
When I went to my first soccer try outs in high school as a freshman, I never could have imagined that this equally baby-faced sophomore named Jacob—endearingly known to us as “Biggie”—and I would become so close. Over the next four years, we played soccer literally side by side, took college classes together, and worked together. There was even a period of time where we spent the hour between school and practice everyday doing nothing but play Mario Kart. Jacob is a hard-working man, providing husband, and loving father to his baby girl. I deeply admire his dedication to his growing family. He and his family are always so welcoming, and I’m very grateful that we were able to reconnect when he moved back to Reno from southern Utah. Keeping with the theme of doing things side by side, Jacob started dating Riplee (now his wonderful wife) the month after Emily and I started dating. We have been so lucky to share game nights, dinners, and family barbecues over the last 7 years, and are proud to call them our close friends. Emily and I both had the honor of being a part of the Foli wedding a few years back, and we are so excited to have them by our side for ours.
Clarisa Alvarez
Bridesmaid
It's crazy to think that I have known Clarisa since she was just nine years old. It was date night for Ofy and Noe, and Erik and I drove to Yerington to watch the kids. From the very beginning, Clarisa made me feel welcome, and I fondly remember our first night hanging out together. Karaoke and board games—it felt like home. Getting to know Clarisa has been so special—watching her grow up, having her over for slumber parties, cheering her on as an athlete and student. She’s a natural leader, a loyal friend, and one of the most impressive young people I know. I am so proud of her, and I know she will do amazing things. It's an honor to call her my cuñada and to have her by our side on our special day.
Nick Franklin
Groomsman
One of the best times I shared with Nick has to be the 8th grade school trip to New York and Washington, D.C. We got to nerd out at all the cool places and monuments and learn about our country’s history, but we got to be silly, too (and I have the pictures to prove it). Between silly nicknames, wild stories, and NSFW jokes, Nick and I have always found a way to have a laugh no matter what we have going on. Together, we have always been unapologetically ourselves, and while others might hide parts of themselves for various reasons, Nick has always been 100% genuine. He is an inspiration as a hard-working man, a loyal partner, a great friend, and a kick-ass dad. He and his partner, Beth, came into our lives offering friendship, great conversation, and authenticity, and we hope to create many more memories with them. It is an honor to have Nick with us on our special day.
Efren Vazquez-Huaracha
Officiant
Growing up, Erik simply knew Efren as his Madrina's son, having no idea how important Efren would come to be in his life. It wasn't until Erik moved to Reno in 2017 that they became much closer through their shared faith and interests in music and soccer. Over the last 7 years, Efren has not only been one of Erik's best friends and confidants, he has become one of Emily's most cherished people as well. Kind, authentic, hard-working, and absolutely dedicated to the ones he loves, he is someone we can always count on whether we need a laugh, advice, or full-day use of one of his utility trailers. Together we've gotten through thick and thin, leaning on each other and being one another's cheerleaders. We are so grateful and honored to have him marry us, and we look forward to many more years of soccer games, barbecues, and jam sessions with our Viejo. Lo queremos mucho, and there is no one we'd rather have in this role for our special day.