Bride
Ariana was the only kid born in the States from a very Canadian family. She was raised by two incredibly loving parents who had a thing for rivers and cross country skiing. Ariana spent most of her childhood right where the wedding is going to be held, in Leavenworth! Among the plethora of experiences with her friends, she has soooo many memories of running as fast as they could from the lawn straight into the river, no matter how cold :)
Groom
Born in Costa Rica and grew up in El Salvador, Daniel moved to a really chilly part of the States with his family when he was 12 years old. A bit of a climate change going from El Salvador to Michigan! Something Ari loves about Daniel is how gracefully he shoulders responsibility, along with his love of adventure and guitar. Despite being warm-blooded Daniel is learning to tolerate jumping into cold water with Ariana :) and he already has a deep love for mountains, guitar, road trips, camping, and his family!
Maid of Honor
Well, Ariana has known her for all of her life which is a pretty impressive timeline for friendship. Literally. From dress up and building forts in childhood, to little squabbles, Ariana suddenly felt the gap of her friend when Elena left for bible college after graduating highschool. Since then they really have tried to never separate. They went to the same college, same med school, and now live 3 blocks from eachother. They have always been close but doing so much of adulthood together has made them even tighter. It feels so right for Elena to be my main girl on this special day!
Best Man
Mr. Erlin Romero is actually my uncle yet I see him more as an older brother. He lived with my family during most of the early years of my life. I hold many memories with him, all the way from getting him in trouble by telling mom on him to going to the movie theater with him for the first time. Over the years even in the distance we have grown closer. He lives in the beautiful country of Costa Rica. He loves to travel, to laugh, to spend time with his beloved family.
Bridesmaid
Ashley and Ariana met in highschool, their dad's worked together and she was 'the new kid from texas' and on that very first day of meeting they decided to jump in the very cold river. That set the tone for the next 9+ years that they have known eachother. Lots of cold water plunges, camping expeditions with their dogs, a summer in Guademala together where ash taught Ari to climb, and through all this adventuring Ashleigh has always provided a solid rock of faith and friendship.
Groomsman
Jonathan and I met at the gym of Southern Adventist University. I randomly approached him and asked him if I knew him, he replied “I don’t think we’ve met before, but nice to meet you”. You see, we kind of looked alike, we had the same glasses and hairstyle. People thought we were brothers. Our friendship grew once we started attending the same life group on campus and from there we always stuck together. Over the years, life has been busy and what not, but we still always go back to catching up where we last left off. I’m very happy to have Jonathan by my side on such a special life event.
Bridesmaid
Ashleigh Walton is a very near and dear friend to Ariana. She is one of the most loyal, consistent, and fascinating people in Ariana's life! She and I (Ari) met in college on an art class field trip to Chicago and since then painting, sketching, and traveling have been a big part of our friendship! Ashleigh is someone who I hold near and dear, her determination and consistency in pursuing her goals is something that rubs off on those around her. I can directly attest to that, when we were travelling in Europe together part of sightseeing in a new city was a 10 mile run! Ashleigh has the ability to make difficult tasks fun and getting through difficult times is much more doable with her by your side.
Groomsman
Gidder is one of my cousins on my dad’s side of the family. He is a very friendly guy who has an immense love for his family, best restaurants in town, being the best tour guide when in Orlando, traveling, photography and also taking care of patients in the hospital. He is a hard working man and we share a lot of same interests. Our relationship has grown more in the last couple of years and I’m so excited to have him by my side of such a memorable day. He is single by the way! 😜
Bridesmaid
Gaby is Daniel's sister and one of his closest friends in the world. They have been through so many challenges, and had so much fun together as well! Daniel definitely consider's Gaby (and Emily) to be one of the most precious people in his life. As Ariana has come to know Gaby her love of beautiful flowers, fresh fruit, and jumping in the ocean are a few of the things that Ariana is most excited about, because with this combination future family vacations will be easy to plan :) Gaby also happens to be incredibly musically talented and if you can convince her to share her Shakira impression you WILL be blown away!
Groomsman
David is the oldest cousin of all of us. He is a very loyal, loving, hard-working, talented guy. David is the kind of person that could play any sport and play it like a pro from the very beginning. Our friendship grew more when we attended the same boarding school in Tennessee. We became roommates and got to spend really beautiful memories together. David enjoys good company, good laughter and yes, late runs to Taco Bell! I’m still in awe at how he gets the best food deals: Five burritos, two tacos and a drink all for $4. Ok, I might be exaggerating a bit but you get the point. I’m very happy to have David by side on this special occasion.
Bridesmaid
Catharine is pure magic and energy. She has been this way since highschool when she and Ariana became friends. She brings life and pizzaz to even the most dull moments in life. Her creative flow has always been an inspiration to our group of friends, and group paint/sewing/creation nights were a frequent occurrence. Catharine also has a vivacious appetite for adrenaline and growing up in Wenatchee for her was FULL of adventures together. When in moments that require more sparkle, Ariana to this day thinks of and channels a 'Catharine' energy :)
Groomsman
Francis and I met at SAU. I can’t exactly remember when or how we met, but all I know is that we became really good friends. I remember being part of the same life group at Southern and just getting to share a lot of good memories, from laughing, cooking together, exploring nature, enjoying photography to almost flipping the car I was driving into a ditch (not really my fault ok) anyways, we survived and here we are. I’m very happy to have Francisco, I’m sorry, Francis by my side! He is single too! 🤗
Bridesmaid
Jenaleigh is one of a kind. Through her own self confidence and individuality she always made Ariana feel free to be fully herself too. Ariana probably spent half of highschool at Jenaleigh’s house and felt like her parents and siblings were basically her own family as well :) Jenaleigh, Ariana, and their beautiful friend Michelle went on an incredible road trip up to Canada after their senior year and there are certain moments from that trip that Ari will never forget :)
Groomsman
Craig and I met at SAU. From the very beginning he made sure to make me feel welcome and quickly Introduced me to his friends. We would have Friday night dinners which totally included good food and of course his signature food item: tater tots! I believe our friendship totally grew even more once I moved to Loma linda and got to spend two years being roommates. We got to spend great times hosting potlucks, birthday parties & worships. I got to have really good, deep conversations with Craig. He is a very hard working guy, he loves his family and people. He is committed to church and a solid friend. I’m very thrilled to have him by my side on this special occasion. He is single! 😉
Bridesmaid
Ariana met jordan in college, but more specifically they connected over books! That bond was solidified and enriched through road trips, adventures, and long catch up phone calls across the country. Ariana has always loved and appreciated Jordan’s passion for life and her steadfast pursuit of what she believes in!
Groomsman
My Ukrainian brother. Andrii is a very kind, loving, hardworking, fun, adventurous, loyal, analytical friend. We met at Southern Adventist University somewhere around 2011. We became friends then, but I believe that our friendship grew more once we were out of school, working and facing the challenges of adult life. I visited him in Denver at one point, he then visited me in California and took a road trip to big Sur and San Francisco. It was during these times that our friendship grew. I am very excited to have him by my side.
Bridesmaid
Emily is independent and never gives into peer pressure! She just graduated highschool and even though Ariana loved having a high schooler in the family, this next season of life is sure to be an adventure that the whole clan is excited to see unfold. Daniel considers himself half brother half dad because of the 12y age gap between himself and his youngest sibling. Because of this each of her life milestones are celebrated with both a paternal and fraternal sentiment :) She loves the outdoors, literature, her dog Neena, sleeping in, and we love her!
Groomsman
Fernando is one of my youngest cousins. Ever since moving to the USA about seventeen years ago, we have regularly visited each other at different times for different occasions. I have seen him grow and become a young talented man. His love and talent for playing guitar is amazing. He is very involved with his family and church as well. He loves telling jokes and have a good time laughing. He is hardworking and I’m so happy to have him by my side during our wedding.
Bridesmaid
Ariana will say without any hesitation that Leslie is the best thing that ever happened to her brother Corson :) She is a strong woman of faith, a dedicated family member, a loving wife, and a rock-star mom to their son Elijah! She and her fantastic family are from the same hometown as Ariana's, and they are moving back from Spokane, which has made staying close and connected all the easier :)
Groomsman
Corson is my soon to be brother-in-law. Residing in Washington state we have not gotten to spend a whole lot of time together, yet, even In the distance he has been a gentleman, very kind and welcoming to me. I’m looking forward to spending more time with you and sharing life together.
Bridesmaid
Jennifer has been a rock for Ariana since they met 5 years ago. Similar to love at first sight, Ari had a feeling of 'friends at first sight'. Jen has a natural ability to listen intently, connect deeply, and impart wisdom to those close to her. She carries a deep joy for life and appreciation for the small things hand in hand with that gift and there have been many dinners and pool days over the last few years with 'the girls'. The picture of her here is actually one Ari took after camping in Joshua Tree when they tried a 'date shake' for the first time :)
Groomsman
I met Andres in Loma linda California. I’m trying to remember how or when I met Andres but all I know is that we became good friends. He is a hard working guy who is passionate about music. I really appreciate the good conversations and advices he’s given me. Originally from Chile, residing in Loma Linda, I am very happy to have a friend in him and I’m excited to have him by my side on this special event.
Groomsman
I remember meeting Filip Milosavjlevic (try saying his last name lol) for the first time a few years back. He was utterly friendly and started chatting with me in Spanish. I knew he was the youth Pastor and that was about it. Who in their wildest dreams knew we’d become family? But hey, here we are! I have to say that getting to know you has been great, I appreciate it your friendliness to people, yes, people on the streets, coffee shops, police officers, ice cream shops, angry neighbors, angry pool lady and somehow you seem to make friends with all of them. You are a wonderful husband and now amazing dad to baby Petra. I appreciate your spiritual leadership and desire for people to grow In Christ. Thank you for being one of my groomsmen and for helping officiate our wedding.
Flower Girl
Petra Rose Valentina Milosavljevic, daughter of Elena and Filip, is the newest addition to our family and she is WELL LOVED. We seriously love her just so so so much. She loves milk, being held, her fingers, upbeat guitar songs, and chandeliers. She doesn't like having her eyes covered, mittens, or any song on the harmonica. We will be adding to this list as time progresses :) She will be a whopping 5 months old when we get married, and even though she won't remember being our flower girl, we sure will!
Flower Girl
Daughter of Hansel & Yissy, Yisel will be 14 months at the time of our wedding :) She has been a blessing to her parents, the whole Duran/Martinez/Cardoza and extended family! We are hoping that she and Petra will become baby-friends BFFs as they flower girl together!
Ring Bearer
Elijah is the light of his parent's eyes, Corson and Leslie, and the rest of the family absolutely ADORE him as well. He came into the family a couple of years ago and Daniel/Ariana have been so impressed by how gracefully Leslie and Corson have stepped into the parenting role :) The part that you can't see in this picture is him holding a sign commemorating the day he was officially adopted into the Cunningham family, April 12, 2019. We are sooo happy we get to have him as our Nephew forever!
Mother of the Groom
Mother of the Bride