Our Wedding
Wedding Party
Karla Flores
Matron of Honor
My Irish Twin. in case you didn't know, we are less than 12 months apart. She was also my partner in crime for the first 18 years of my life. I still remember when our mom would punish us for fighting too much and move us into the same room. We fought like all sisters but also had each others back when needed. I am so thankful that I had her not only as a sister but also a friend growing up. In my mind, I think I was pretty great sister too but we shall see what she says during her speech.
Adam Walker
Best Man
Bone of my bone, flesh of my flesh......whenever Adam would unfairly criticize me in our childhood, my dad would remind him that, "There is no closer genetic relationship to you than Noah." Well, some things don't change and that's one of them. Besides being my best friend, Adam's a stud and will surely make you laugh during his best man toast; wherein he will seek to one-up my soliloquy from four years ago when he did the whole marital covenant thing. I don't think anyone makes me laugh more than Adam. And I don't know if anyone has the ability to put me in a good mood like Adam can. The best part about family is that they don't leave. And boy, am I glad for that. Adam means more than me than I can express. Love you, bro.
Kennya Perez Paz
Maid of Honor
Kennya is not my Irish twin, but, she's the one who I affectionately call "Bug." I don't know why this started, all I know is I spoil her rotten! She has a big heart and a very bold personality. She will be sure to let you know that she has arrived. If you ever want an honest opinion, feel free to ask her. One of my earliest memories of her toddlers years, is her calling me "mi amor" and protecting me from our older sister Karla. Though these days she may not call me that anymore, she sure still looks out for me and I know she will always have my back.
Micah Miller
Groomsman
I was a freshman in high school when I asked Micah to start reading the bible and praying with me. I felt like the Holy Spirit was prompting me to do it and I was semi-nervous. I didn't know why exactly I was nervous but I think it's because I had an inkling that it would be a big deal. And it was. Micah's faith and encouragement blessed me tremendously over those next several years; as they do now. On the day of Micah's wedding, I remember telling him beforehand that it was gonna be one of the most exciting days of MY life. Our friend's father overheard and poked fun, "That's adorable, guys." Haha. Maybe. But, I meant it like a brother. I'm extremely grateful for Micah's friendship through middle school co-op, youth group, church, and the close relationships across our families.
Julieta Aguilera
Bridesmaid
My wifey and adventure buddy. She's the smallest person I know, but she has the biggest heart and the most contagious smile. Juli was my first roommate ever! We bonded and got so close our very first night at our new home. When we first moved in together...she didn't have a bed so the nice thing to do was let her sleep in my bed with me. I am so thankful I do not have any bad roommate stories about her. I am not sure how I would have survived the last three years without Juli being there for me. Fun Fact, I met Juli back in 8th grade but we didn't actually become friends until I graduated college. I thought I was too cool back then to hang out with girls like her..boy was I way off.
Chris Seo
Groomsman
The first day I met Chris I fell asleep on his shoulder. Although I thought things were going swimmingly, Chris was weirded out. But, a few months later and we were both on the same page; primed and ready to become incredible friends and brothers in Christ. He's been a fellow Fellow in the Capital Fellows program at McLean Presbyterian Church. A colleague at my previous StreetShares job and now a colleague at Atlantis. There's probably no one that I discuss business with as much as Chris; as we seek to navigate what it means to be salt and light in the world. I think he remains the last person besides Angi with whom I pulled an all-nighter talking because the fellowship was so sweet. God's tremendously blessed me with Chris in my life.
Ariel Rios
Bridesmaid
My Ear and soul sister! She came into my life out of the blue and now I can't imagine her not being a part of it. Oh my sweet Ariel, always so kind and gentle with words. We are alike in some ways but so different in others, but I love how she accepts and embraces all my craziness. I feel so blessed to have been able to witness her love story with Oscar. Her relationship has really taught me so much about marriage and Christ's love for us. Another fun fact, I met Oscar in 8th grade because of Juli's brother and we use to hang out all the time. The reason Ariel and I met was because she decided to move to NOVA to be closer to her back then boyfriend now hubby, so coincidentally she needed a place to live as I needed another roommate. I love how God's plans always have a purpose.
Daniel Kiesling
Groomsman
Besides my siblings, I've known Daniel longer than anyone in the bridal party. In fact, he's the only person who I really don't remember meeting at all. Our parents attended church together and somehow we met when we were too young to form memories. But, in high school we became close. Since that time, God has been so gracious in keeping our friendship. I think it was His plan all along. Even recently, although Daniel lives in FL, his current job brings him to DC almost monthly and I often spend the night with him when he comes and am refreshed by his heart. He's courageous, smart, funny, a constant thinker like me, and tall (maybe God gave me so many tall friends to keep me humble). But, more than that, he's got a heart after God's own heart. I'm so grateful for him.
Jenny Martinez
Bridesmaid
My Jenny and faithful friend. I always have so much fun hanging out with her, she always found a way to help me forget about my problems. Well, Jenny is the connection for many of the close relationships I have..including her! She roomed with Ariel in college and her husband was best friends with Juli's brother and Ariel's husband. She was also the first of our friend group to have a baby... and I love babies... so whwn Naomi was born I would go over almost everyday! I made myself a part of her family and now I have no idea what I would do if they weren't in my life. Jenny is what I call a super mom! She can do it all...because she relies solely in Christ. I want to be like her when I grow up.
Cody Weber
Groomsman
During Junior year of college, I asked God to give me a spiritual brother like how Micah was to me in HS. A few weeks later, as I prayed in my room and asked God for help, Cody randomly showed up at my door and refreshed my soul. By the end of the conversation, I told him, "I think you're the spiritual brother that I've been praying for!" Man, God answered my prayers big time. Since that time, I've spent more time in prayer with Cody than almost or maybe anyone. Our conversations are far-reaching, deep, and joyfully curious. I can't get enough of our musings and sharing of Spirit-guided revelations. Recently, as I expressed my deep gratefulness to Cody for his brotherhood, I was unable to stop my tears. "Oh, I can't wait to join the angels and sing my heaven song..." Someday, brother.
Julie Walker
Bridesmaid
Sweet and joyful Julie. It is quite impossible to be in a bad mood when you are around Julie. My very first memory of her is from friend's bonfire..when Noah invited her and Adam to unofficially meet me....her smile was hard to miss among the many faces. Though we have not known each other that long, I consider her a very close friend and someone I can call up any time when I need an ear. I am so excited for her to be a part of my life.
Eric Fairchild
Groomsman
When I was a freshman at Grove City College, Eric was my brother's roommate and was also on the swim team. He was quick to laugh at me not knowing where the Quad was located; but also quick in becoming a close friend and confidant. He was someone who helped me understand and grow into also being a leader on the swim team. Eric's room during college was notoriously homey; and our conversations there were likewise. it was very rare for me to go to his room and spend less than an hour with him talking about faith, school, life, or more. Eric's encouragement and presence have been an enormous blessing in my life. And, as he and Kristi have now adopted their baby daughter Mara, he's continued to be someone who I respect and who can get me choked up. It's an honor to have him as a brother.
Tabitha Walker
Bridesmaid
Tabs, so brave and faithful. This girl here is awesome! We bonded over our love for coffee the first time we met..though I think she may drink it more than me. I just love how down to earth she can be but also get super excited and cheerful when there are good news to share. I admire her courage in faithfully seeking God's will, but most importantly, following it when it may not be what she wants to do. I AM beyond excited to be able to call her my sister and learn so much from her faith.
Laban T. Miller
Groomsman
My first memories of Laban go back to “I Am Third” basketball when we were both knee high to a grasshopper. We were the same height then. But, despite having no size advantage, he still slaughtered me on the court. I remember a kid once saying, “Wow – how many points did you have Laban?” Cool as the water coming from the fountain next to his mouth, Laban simply responded, “26.” Combining all my points from my foul-ridden career barely reaches double digits! Needless to say, when our friendship was formed, I undoubtedly was out of my league (get it? league…b-ball? Haha). My friendship with Laban continued as we studied, played music, and attended church together. Laban was one of my absolute closest high school friends and, though we live in different spots right now, remains very special.
Anna Walker
Bridesmaid
Oh Anna, sweet and full of life! Another coffee lover, perhaps more than Tabs. Let me tell you that this girl acts like she is on caffeine 24/7, which may be true, but she can light up the room with her personality. I am so excited to be able to spend many Christmases with her joyful spirit, if you know Anna, then you know what I mean. I had the privilege to live with Anna this past summer and was able to get to know her and witness her wonderful servant's heart. I feel super blessed and grateful to gain a sister like Anna.
Benjamin Marasco
Groomsman
Benjamin might be one of the goofiest dudes I know. Few others make me laugh as much as he does. However, to be fair, he cracks more jokes than anyone else so he has the most chances. In reality, few friends have their jokes flop with me as much as he does as well. So, his shooting percentage isn’t amazing, but you bank on the fact that he’ll keep shooting. He was one of my closest friends at Grove City College as we swam together, were on RA staff together, prayed together, and spend a tremendous amount of our free time together. He’s faithful as both a friend and brother. His two brothers are also two of my closest friends from GCC.
Elizabeth Alfaro
Bridesmaid
So feisty yet sweet. She hails from "Saltillo" and it makes total sense because she can be a little salty from time to time when she shoots it straight, honest, and blunt. And it's often exactly what I need to hear in the moment. Honest truth, when I met her I never imagined becoming such close friends. We met about a year ago but got super close when we both started serving at our church together earlier this year. We recently became roommates (more emphasis on the mates than the amount of room) and I know for sure I will be missing our late night pillow talks. I cherish her friendship so much!
David Gummel
Groomsman
Our older brothers setup David and myself as freshman roommates. It was an "arranged marriage" of sorts; and I'd say we generally had some kinks to work-out (for example, how Kentucky is better than Ohio and how the Van Gogh he put in our room still creeps me out). That said, since that time, David has been there every step of the way: same housing group in college, graduated together, moved to DC together for the Capital Fellows Program, went to church together, roomed together again, and we now work together at Atlantis. As David and I often remind each other, "A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother." (Proverbs 18:24) David, Chris, and myself always treasure our times together in DC.
Cindy Abell
Bridesmaid
Two words: sarcastic and friendly. They go hand in hand when it comes to Cindy. Her friendliness is what attracts people to her and well her sarcastic humor is what keeps the good ones close to her. Cindy and I met a few years back and reconnected when I started attending MBC, she was the girl that everyone knew and the day I met Noah..well he was part of her entourage. Aside from cracking jokes, she is also so gifted at bringing it back to what is all about, Jesus, . I appreciate that I can count on her to remind me of truth I tend to forget. If you don't have a Cindy in your life, you should get one..but not this one she is mine!
Adam VanWingerden
Groomsman
I think I first talked to Adam at youth group sophomore year of high school. I’d never met a guy who talked so fast and had so many cousins who did likewise. But, I wasn’t overwhelmed. I thought it was awesome. After all, I typically think a million miles an hour, so why not make friends who speak at that speed? Turns out, our friendship moved at a similar pace (and more recently, Adam’s engagement went as fast as mine!). In HS, we worked out at the same gym, both worked in his father’s greenhouse biz, did youth group together, and became spiritual bros. These days, Daniel and I have discovered the joy of watching Adam’s flow grow through Facebook Messenger wherein we can always turn the volume down if he gets too animated. Love you dude and thankful for how you help me focus on Jesus.
Cora Sanzone
Bridesmaid
Two people could not be more different than Cora and me. But there sure is a lot of love for each other. Cora came to my rescue when I was in need of another roommate; you see Ariel got married and left Juli and I. Lucky for us Cora was searching for some new roomies. It was only two months into living together that I was able to really appreciate Cora’s love language of acts of service. She was there for me when i went through a tough time in my life. I’m thankful for her because she made sure I never starved to death. I sure miss her dinners once in a while, I am then reminded how blessed I was to live with her.
Ronald Flores
Groomsman
“I love hanging out with Karla and Ronald.” Those were my words to Angi relatively early in our relationship. Besides the fact that our double dates often involve yummy food such as Korean BBQ, I love hanging out with Ronald and getting to enjoy his chill perspective on life and sports; as well as our unique and shared experience of being the significant other to the Irish twins, Angi and Karla. I’m super thankful to God that we get to be in-laws (double in-laws, in-laws once removed? How does this work?) and I look forward to many more years of increased exposure to not only Ronald; but also all the culinary dishes of which I am currently an ignoramus.
Valentina Perez Paz
Flower Girl
My little sunshine! Valentina is quite the character. Like all children, she has a hard time with the word "No," especially when it comes to screen time or bed time. But, if you are on your phone or watching something else while she is in your presence, beware that she will turn off all distractions and demand you to pay attention to her. She is the little miracle God blessed our family with and all who know her. She will be sure to leave an impression once you meet her. Valentina has quite the resume when is comes to being a flower girl, I was lucky to be able to get her for my wedding! So keep an eye when she walks down the aisle, for she will be sure to give you a show.
Naomi Martinez
Flower Girl
Remember my friend Jenny, well Naomi is her beautiful daughter whom I adore. I have been obsessed with Naomi since her birth, and I call myself her Tia (Aunt). I was one of the few people that she extended her arms to when she was an infant and before the "terrible twos" came, I was her favorite Tia. I proudly reminded all our friends that she learned my name first before everyone else's... it is not my fault Angi is easier to pronounce. Like Valentina, Naomi has some experience being a flower girl. Her last gig was quite the show..lets hope she smiles and finishes walking down this time.