Amber & Rafael
Wedding Party
Janeè Easley
Bridesmaid
Amber is one of the most amazing people I know and I am glad that I get to call her one of my best friends. I met Amber on our first day of middle school in a 6th grade English class and our sisterhood evolved from there. We share memories about Friday's Place in middle school, house parties in high school, and repping TempleMade in college. We've grown up together and we share so many memories across more than 15 years of friendship. When Raf came into the picture Amber would literally glow whenever she spoke about him. It was very clear from the beginning that their relationship was something special. I have never seen Amber happier and it is such a blessing that she and Raf found each other. I'm super excited for their wedding because it will be beautiful, fun, and full of love.
Ashley Gonzales
Bridesmaid
Amber was one of the first people that befriended me as the new girl in school. I think it’s a testament to the beautiful person she is that we are still friends to this day. I still remember the excitement she had downloading me on her and Raf’s first date. I couldn’t be happier that she’s found her ONE and look forward to witnessing what is sure to be a wonderful future.
Jasmine Pagan
Bridesmaid
Amber was my first friend in Scotch Plains. I’ve known her since the 4th grade. Amber would smile at me every day when she saw me, until one day we spoke and it’s been a forever thing since then. We’ve shared so much together over the years. Amber is an angel on earth. Her energy is powerful. Her smile is contagious. She lights up any room she walks into. I love how Raf has made her light shine brighter. I’ve loved Raf since I met him because he makes my best friend happy. I love his outgoing and witty personality and together they make the perfect couple. I am excited to be in the wedding, not only because Amber is my bestie, but because I’ve seen your relationship flourish. I see the genuine happiness you guys have together. I am honored and grateful to be a part of such a magical day.
Lauren Sykes
Bridesmaid
I crossed paths with Amber our freshman year of college and have been the best of friends ever since. We’ve been roommates, travel buddies, and dancing queens over the years. I will always cherish the times we have spent together and the special bond we share. Amber truly radiates positivity, strength, and love. So happy she and Raf have found each other. I am grateful for our dear friendship and honored to be included on such a joyous occasion as their wedding day!
Amanda Williams
Bridesmaid
Picture it—New York, March 2010—Facebook friend requests have just been exchanged and accepted. ‘Rude Boy’ is on replay day and night… Little did we know that these next ten years would be filled with more happy hours, dinners, brunches, trips, sleepovers and the most salacious of stories than even we could have imagined. To have reached this milestone and be able to celebrate Amber & Rafael is confirmation that life has brought us all very far—an indication of many more blessings coming to them and all their loved ones. Something that always comes to mind when I think of Amber is her heart, her compassion, and how generous she is. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again—Hers is not a friendship worth losing—Clearly, Raf and I share that same sentiment.
Hector Cruz
Groomsman
I met Raf at my recording studio in Williamsburg... He was blown away to see a young person running such a beautiful and creative space that it motivated him to perusing a music career in college. Best memories: Reconnecting with Raf years later via MySpace. It was over a handful of years that we had spoken. He sent me an inbox...”Yo! Is this HEKS? Zone 5 Studio”... and from then we’ve been brothers ever since... lol. I’m excited to see my brother finally find true love and I know he’s gonna be the best husband a wife could ever have.
Jon Jimenez
Groomsman
Paps and I met through Jordan’s introduction during Rafs pledge process & our energies connected after his weekend visit to Coba. Pretty much every memory I’ve shared with Paps has been my favorite because the common theme in all of them is a ton of laughter and more laughter. One of the moments that stick out to me often is day Paps showed someone A MAP!!! Please make sure you all ask him to tell you that one! I’m extremely excited to attend this awesome ceremony because Paps was there for many of the important moments in my adult life and I couldn’t imagine missing what will be his second most epic experience of his life! White Mocha being the first for those who don’t have a firm grasp of the obvious :)
Jordan Merced
Groomsman
Raf and I go back, way back, like babies and pacifiers. Not really, but it feels so long ago now. He and I met our junior year attending Bishop Loughlin Memorial HS in Brooklyn. My close circle of friends would constantly mention this kid Rafael. They would tell these crazy, cool “remember when Raf” stories and it drove me insane. I recall constantly thinking “who the hell is this Raf kid.” When we finally met, we quickly became best buds. We went to university just 45 mins apart. We both founded chapters of LSU. I am also blessed to be Jesilyn’s Godfather. And I certainly can’t be more pumped and privileged to be a member of this wonderful wedding party. I’ve have stories for days about Raf, I’m sure you do as well. Let be sure to share them at this awesome party. See you all soon.
Chris Rodriguez
Groomsman
I met Raf my freshman year in college. He had been working to bring a new fraternity to our campus, and after hanging out with him a few times, I just knew I had met the big brother I always wanted. We eventually brought it to our campus and from there the memories were endless with my big brother whom I love so much. Favorite memory would be our Guitar Hero nights. This is the wedding I’ve been waiting a long time for, so stating my excitement wouldn’t do it justice. I CAN’T WAIT!