October 30, 2020

Madera, CA

#BacaBegins

Marissa & Steve

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Wedding Party

Amy Ramirez

Best Woman

There are not enough words to adequately describe a person like Amy Ramirez. Amy has been a mother figure in the absence of my own, a sister from another mista, a friend beyond measure, but also a pain in my ass. We met in college after she rudely embarrassed me, but I forgave her which helped establish the friendship we have today. She contributed as well by supporting me when I wanted to drop out of grad school, and gave me strength when I lost my mother and myself. She welcomed me into her home without reservation when I needed a place to stay, and includes me in the lives of her two amazing young boys. I can’t wait to say “I do” to the woman I love next to my best friend in the world. But be sure to listen out for the speeches, Amy will be the one with the most embarrassing stories!

Adriana Erevia

Maid of Honor

It all began in Ms. Robb’s 2nd grade class. I was the new kid. She asked if I wanted to play and that’s where it all began. For the first few years of our friendship, we were inseparable. We would spend hours just talking, reading magazines or watching wrestling. (Fun fact: We still watch Wrestlemania together 😊). We have been through everything together, including getting engaged and planning our weddings. She is more than a friend; we are family and I cannot imagine this day without her.

Jaime Lynn Martinez

Maid of Honor

I met Jaime the summer before we entered high school. I didn’t know it then, but when I met her, I gained a friend for life. We often say we are soulmates because when one of us is going through something, we feel it. Over the years our friendship just grew and continues to grow. We became very close and there was no doubt in my mind that she would be part of our special day. I couldn’t imagine my life without her.

Amanda Silverstrom

Bridesmaid

If I had a twin sister, I think she would be a lot like Amanda. We could probably go a whole day without using words and just have conversations in movie quotes. Amanda is one of the funniest people I know. She finds humor in everything. I know when I am feeling down, I can go to her for a good laugh. I knew right away she would be a part of our wedding.

Augie Blancas

Bridesman

Augie was sort of a 2-for-1 package deal. He came with Adriana. I don’t really remember the day I met Augie, it was as if he was always there. I swear he manifested when Adriana and I met. Us three would always joke that we needed a fourth (to call the corners) but I think our circle has always been complete. It has always been the “Power of Three.” Augie is one of the most pivotal people in my life. He is always there to give advice and a fresh perspective. There was never any doubt in my mind that he would be a part of our wedding.

Cindy Torrez

Bridesmaid

Cindy has always been my cooler, older cousin. She always knew the best music, had the coolest shoes and did the coolest things. I remember one time, I was about 14, and she took Amanda and me along with her friends. I remember feeling like I was so cool because she let us hang out with her. While she has always been family, she has also always been a friend. I could not imagine our wedding without her.

Destinee Gallardo

Bridesmaid

Destinee is my first sister (pre-Marisol). There is not a memory of my life that she is not in. She was the other half of our Naughty-by-Nature ‘Hip Hop Hooray’ group. She was my tag-team partner against Sonny in handicap matches. The person who always would hide the “old maid” card, and the one who dropped the pickle jar when we were small (Shhhhh…. don’t tell Grandpa)… She is more than my cousin, she is my sister and I could not imagine our wedding without her there.

Shanna Williams

Bridesmaid

I remember the first time I met Shanna. I wasn’t sure what to expect, I was dating her little brother and as a big sister myself, I was a little nervous. After we met, I learned there was nothing to be nervous about. Shanna is one of the kindest souls I have ever met. She naturally loves and accepts others for who they are. I am extremely proud to call her my new sister.

Shannon West

Bridesmaid

I met Shannon when she became the vice principal at my school. She would often come to observe my classroom. At first, I thought I was in trouble and would often make awkward faces when she entered, unsure of why she was there watching me. One day she asked, “Why do you always make that face when I walk in?” We had a good laugh and since then, have become great friends. We have so much in common, we have the same taste in books, movies, music…. the list is endless. She has become one of my best friends and is someone who I wished I’d met sooner.

Brandon Chrest

Groomsman

I met Brandon through his now wife, Shelbee. Shelbee and I were classmates for a few years, when I finally got to meet the man behind the woman. It wasn’t love at first sight with Brandon, but it did turn into a solid and lasting friendship. Since I met him, Brandon has been an inspiration for me to become a better man...physically. He got me to do my first 5k and half marathon, and encourages me to spend my money on bikes, BBQ grills, and ammunition. One of my favorite memories with this guy was helping him get ready for his wedding, and it is truly an honor to have him by my side when I get to marry my love.

Hugo Gallardo

Groomsman

I first met Juice unexpectedly during an out of town date with Marissa at Giants stadium. From the moment I met him, I knew immediately that he would be someone I could get along with well. Very quickly we found common love for hip hop music, baseball, cold beer, and craps tables! My favorite memory of this guy is his birthday celebration 2019. He welcomed me in like family with no hesitation and no questions asked. He introduced me to his friends and family as if he’s known me for years, then introduced me to Don Juilo 1942. This guy reminds me of my home town, and it’s an honor he agreed to be a groomsman.

Jarrod Massey

Groomsman

J will be the man I’ve known the longest up on the altar. Our moment of uniting occurred when we were both working for Best Buy, in the same supervisory role in two competing stores. We were the best two at what we did, in the whole district but one of us was better than the other….I’ll let him take that conversation. Once the pride thing was over, the only thing I could find wrong with him is that he’s a Red Sox fan. We spent years together, getting into as much trouble as we could down in Bakersfield. Our Sunday’s consisted of skeet shooting, and dinner; Tri tip, cigar, and coors light, we were simple men. Through distance, and time, and a baseball rivalry we still remain friends today. He’s a great man, and couldn’t see myself getting married without him.

Orlando Ramirez

Groomsman

Hands down, without a doubt, Orlando is the best father figure a guy could ask for. Even though he’s a year younger than me, he is a go to for any advice; finances, fitness and all things life. This guy takes every opportunity to make me the butt of the joke, but never lets me down when I need a hand. He has improved my pallet for (expensive) bourbons and cuisine, helped me with intense life decisions, and encouraged me to propose to the woman of my dreams. He pushes me to be a better, healthier version of myself by getting me to the gym at 5am, but gives me grief when I don't want to. Best of all, he has always been a true and excellent example of what a husband, father, and man should be, so I look forward to having him by my side as I start my journey!

Seth Ramirez

Groomsman

Seth is the youngest groomsman, but one of the coolest. He’s a hardworking man, enthusiastic father, and beloved by his entire family. Seth and I have a similar love for shoes, Laker basketball, and funny jokes. When meeting Marissa’s family, she had told me to be prepared for them to be fairly quiet and reserved, then I met Seth. But while he was a more talkative member of the family, Marissa made sure I knew it was a good thing because it meant I had won Seth over. I’m glad to be able to call him a cousin, maybe then I can get him to like a better football team.

Victor "Sonny" Canales

Groomsman

The first thing I learned about Sonny is his appreciation for good food. While up north a few winters back, I remember he showed us around and introduced me to a place that was beyond amazing in terms of food and drink. If you need a recommendation for an underground restaurant or speakeasy style of establishment in the bay area, find Sonny, he’ll set you up. He’s beyond talented with videography and photo editing with any technology he can get his hands on. I’m happy to be able to call him a brother soon, and honored he agreed to be a groomsman, but a little bothered that he’ll look better than me in a tux.