Bailey & Utu
Wedding Party
Fernando and Rocio Bermudez
Wedding Hosts and Loving Family
Auntie and Uncle have very graciously offered to host our wedding. We are very grateful to them for all they do, and the support they have given us!
Madi Franklin
Maid of Honor
Hi I’m Madi, Bailey’s favorite (and only) little sister! I’ve known Bailey for about 28 years (29 in April). I live in Bailey’s hometown Tulsa, OK where I work as a registered nurse in a cardiac cath lab. I may be slightly elusive but when I’m in town I love spending time with Bailey, Utu, and of course Charlie. I can’t wait to see you all in October!
Siatu Liu
Matron of Honor
I am the Chief Operating Officer for Jay Nolan Community Services Inc. a Non Profit Social Services agency. I’ve been working for JNCS for 15 years. Married 16 years to Jack and we have two beautiful kids. Jackson(2) and Jaden (3 months). We love taking family road trips, visiting museums and being outdoors. I first met Bailey on a 4th of July with my brother Utu. Bailey called me “ma’am” and I kind of liked it. No one’s ever called me that before. Since that day I knew I liked Bailey. We share the same love for Harry Potter, universal studios and sweets. She’s a kind and loving person. Always thinking of others before herself and she’s an amazing baker. My brother is super lucky to have her.
Catherine Varela
Bridesmaid
Do you believe in soul mates? I think they come in many forms. The way I remember it, it was my first day of Limnology Lab at OSU and i was so scared of being late that I arrived early. It seemed like everyone knew each other already and they quickly paired up with their lab partners. I was sitting very anxious until I looked up and Bailey plopped down in the stool beside me and her energy felt open. Looking back, I had no idea how many fun adventures we’d have, how many times I’d be laughing 'til my stomach hurts, and all of the empowering moments we’d share navigating challenging careers in the environmental space. I also didn’t know that she would be such a strong pillar in my life and a sigh of relief when I needed it the most. I learned a lot about kicking ass and remaining true to myself through Bailey Franklin. Utu’s cool too. I met him on his second date with Bailey. He fell asleep in the back of her SUV while we drove along the California coast. Maybe a reckless moment for Utu but also I feel we were all riding the same wave that day and nothing felt out of place. Love you sister, love you brother.
Rachel Miles
Bridesmaid
Me and Bailey met in 9th grade and still argue about the supposed monkey shirt I might have been wearing- but we both agree that we knew that we were going to be best friends. We have eaten guacamole together in many many different stages of life together and now states! More than 15 years of stories together and I couldn’t be more ecstatic to stand with her during her beginning of this chapter with Utu!
Coral Getz
Bridesmaid
When I first met Bailey, I did not know what to think. She ran up to me with her cute flannel over her bikini top and denim shorts, while holding a drink in her hand. From the beginning it was known that she was a little firecracker. Bailey made it super easy to love her with her loving and bubbly personality. What made me love her even more was how much she made my brother Utu smile and become a better man. Watching their relationship grow and overcome any obstacles was both inspiring and heartwarming. Bailey started off as a friend to me and now I cannot see her in any other way other than seeing her as my sister. Bailey helped me to feel included, seen, loved and cared for whenever I needed her. I cannot wait for my own daughter to grow up and be able to see Bailey as a role model for herself. I love you Bales❤️
Alicia Schlarb
Bridesmaid
Our friendship throughout the years (more than a decade?!) started in Stilly at Mexico Joe's, and has spanned across the United States! We have survived genetics. Graduated as badass bitches in the science field. Explored the no-mans man's land that is western North Dakota. Enjoyed many a drunken nights around a campfire while likely summoning some demons or something along the way. Took our chances on free pizza dates as we simultaneously swore off marriage because of free pizza. Duh. Plus the countless road trips with random pit stops, that may or may not have involved a large 8 foot rooster. No matter the highs or lows in life as we attempt to adult, we have still managed to make time for each other, check in, and immediately pick up right where we left off without skipping a beat.
Shelby Nassour
Bridesmaid
From young, wild and free to married with puppies and babies! Bailey and I have been best friends since high school and have remained close friends at OSU, and living out in LA too! I even remember when we graduated high school she was sad we might not see each other anymore since we went to different colleges freshman year. So I confidently yet semi-jokingly tell her not to worry and that we'll both end up in Cali together and be besties still when we are older. Here we are now, just letting life's waves come and go, together beautifully.
Kody Devoux
Groomsman
I’ve known utu for over 10+ years and we have remained close friends since then. Utu has always been a good friend who is always trying to help people and look for ways to show support in any way he can. I am extremely proud of the man that he has become and I cannot wait to see him excel in all aspects of life.
Mike Athari
Groomsman
Mike Athari is a criminal defense attorney, and he has been praciticing since 2017. He is married to his beautiful wife, Aisan Athari, and they will be celebrating their fourth anniversary this year. They have a 20-month old daughter named Kayla, whom they absolutely adore, and they have another child on the way that will be expected to make their appearance this June or July! Mike has known Utu and his family since they were kids, growing up going to church together, and even becoming roommates where they each eventually met their present and future wives! Mike looks back on his time as a roommate with Utu as a pivotal time in his life and he wants Utu to know that he is grateful for both the fun and challenging times they shared. Utu’s support as a friend helped him persevere toward accomplishing his goals and to enjoy the journey along the way. Utu is an uplifting person to have in your life and it helps to have someone who is willing to listen, who inspires you by their example to be better as a friend and person…and someone who puts up a good fight in fifa, but ultimately can’t overcome my talent and strategy in head to head matchups.
Rolando Fissella
Groomsman
Utu’s best looking cousin. Currently living in Asheville, North Carolina and working as a Land surveyor. Utu and I grew up close and he was a groomsman in our wedding. I’m super proud of the man he’s become and honored to be his groomsman!
Kamen Tagalicod
Groomsman
I've known Utu for well over 20 years now. We met diving for change at a small family church event, and have been best friends ever since! Having gone through some of the best and worst times together, Utu has become the brother that I never had. To my #1 Fan!
Landon Taylor
Groomsman
Landon has known utu since 2002, the day after Landon moved to Orange County, utu and Landon were cabin mates at church camp and have been best friends since. Landon Lives in Long Beach Ca and enjoys wine, music, and hanging out with his kids.