Carla & Christiaan
Wedding Party
Yesenia Rodriguez
Matron of Honor
AKA Y-ROD My SIL and the mother to my goddaughter! Yesenia is one of the sweetest people I know. One of my favorite memories with her is driving down to Fredericksburg, TX singing HSM songs and enjoying her bachelorette party. A weekend I'll never forget! So happy she joined the family and looking forward to creating many more memories! Love you sis bean!
Casey Walsh
Best Man
Casey is one of the most important people in my life. We have been through things together that no one else knows about and he is one of the few that have always believed in me since day one. I have a great deal of respect for Casey as a mentor and role model. He defines everything that a best friend and best man should be, especially when it comes to loyalty. I will forever appreciate the long and painful nights of putting up handmade signs and drinking coffee until 3 a.m. Casey, I hope you know that I have always taken everything you've said to me to heart. There is no one else that I would rather have as my best man by my side on my most important day.
Alina Garciamendez
Maid of Honor
AKA AL A friendship still going strong after 27 years, Alina is truly one of a kind. We first met playing soccer for the Dandelions at 5 years old. Throughout the years, we've had many dates at Italian Villa, Pitbull dance parties at our parent's houses, and just making fun of my brother. This talented woman is forever my sister, as well as the dentist for my children.
Ross Lawrence
Groomsman
Although we worked with each other quite a bit beforehand, there was a moment about 10 years ago, while we were tailgating at a Braves game, that our friendship really kicked off. Ross said, "Do you want to get choked out?" And of course, I said yes. So, as he attempted to choke me out, he stumbled and fell face-first into a bush...he never touched me. Ever since then, I have felt certain that we would be best budz for life. He's always been an ear to talk to and has helped guide me through stressful situations. I trust him wholeheartedly and I'm glad he will be by my side.
Veronica Oliver
Bridesmaid
AKA V or Nica Veronica is the oldest cousin on my mom's side and I look up to her as a sister. We always reunite when the whole family is in Puerto Rico and I can always count on a good time with this chic. She is the life of the party while being the mom at the same time. Recently we did a couples vacation in Cancun and that is a week I will never forget!
Tim Wilson
Groomsman
Tim is my brother and with that role comes a lot of growing pains. I took him under my wing at an early age in hopes of shaping him into the man I know he can be. He has by far exceeded that task and has become someone I admire and respect. He has always led with his heart and put everyone else before him. He has been there for me through some of my hardest times, physically and mentally, and he proved to me that I can rely on him like a brother should be able to. I am so thankful and glad to have him in my life and I would not be where I'm at today without him.
Tory Weisman
Bridesmaid
AKA Tor W**** I first met Tory at our college orientation when we went up early for soccer. I definitely left a first impression on her, but we will save that for another day! Fun times being lobby monsters, cheering on the baseball team, and creating our own marketing agency for a summer in Ada. Tory will always be my wing woman, my Weezy, and someone I will forever have in my life.
Cristian Rodriguez
Groomsman
I met Cristian 3 years ago at Brandon's house getting ready to go to a concert. We hit it off from the moment he answered the door. After introducing ourselves to each other with the same name (and the same car), I instantly knew we were meant to be together. I'm really looking forward to him being a part of my life and being my future brother-in-law.
Rachel Sosa
Bridesmaid
AKA Chach Rachel is another old friend of mine, as we began playing soccer around 2nd grade. We grew up going to the same high school and college together. This girl was always the true mom of our group so I knew we were always taken care of. Rachel is a wonderful friend in my life, truly a real beauty and an inspiration. One memory I will never forget was a late night run to Braum's in her Black Beauty. We see a couple of girls crossing the street and lucky enough she did not hit them. She rolls down her window and yells at them "Girls, there's a sidewalk for a reason!" True mom right there.
Brandon Nelsen
Groomsman
Brandon and I became friends through CrossFit and established a friendship pretty early on. I have a lot in common with him and we've always meshed so well. Brandon knows a lot about me and I have always felt confident in sharing with him my struggles in life and seeking advice from him. He is one of my best friends and I respect him for the man he is.
Emilie Brooks
Bridesmaid
AKA Swollie Oh my goodness. Emilie is a true gem. I met her at CrossFit back in 2013 and it was the beginning of a beautiful friendship. Since then, she has been adopted into the Rodriguez family as the dazzling, red-headed stepchild. She is a badass lifter, a caring and thoughtful human, an expert in finding the best cookies, and has an eye for creativity. She also styles my hair so we have shared many laughs, tears, and stories together. Emilie will forever be my swolemate.
Elliot Oliver
Groomsman
I found Elliot in a foreign country while he was working as a go-go dancer at a bar.... I'm just kidding. I met Elliot last year at C-Rod's wedding, but got to know him on vacation in Cancun along with Veronica. He is one of my favorite people and is an absolute blast. I have unforgettable memories that will always make me laugh.
Katie Mazza
Bridesmaid
AKA KTittie I met Katie at CrossFit Torva back in 2018. It wasn't hard to find a group of people who accepted a new member at this gym, as her, Jessica, Omeed, and Taylor received me with open arms. We also played soccer in an outdoor league -- you don't want to have the ball when she's coming your way! There are so many great memories with this chic. We have shared many laughs and deep conversations during Mimosa nights and/or rave nights. Katie is a caring human being and I can't imagine life without her.
Rafael Vazquez
Padrino de la Boda
Rafy is my Titi Chely's husband, a well-known Tio on my mom's side. When I say well-known, I mean everyone and anyone in Puerto Rico knows him. He is such a kind and sweet man and the type that is willing to give you the shirt off his back. He is someone who we hope to emulate for our children one day.
Aracelis Arroyo
Madrina de la Boda
Chely is one of my aunts, and my mom's middle sister. Trust me when I say you can hear her laugh a mile away. They have accepted Christiaan with open arms and instantly made him feel like family. Her and my uncle's marriage is like no other, truly inspiring and filled with so much love. She is one of my favorite people and I am so honored to have her and my uncle accept the role of being our Godparents for our wedding.
Gene 'Pap' Swindell
Officiant
Pap is my grandfather. He's been there since the day I was born and means the world to me. He and Mimi (my grandmother) helped raise me and turn me into the man I am. He taught me how to keep my mouth shut and work hard. He's taught me everything from how to tuck my shirt in, to how to comb my hair. When I asked him to officiate my wedding, he was as excited as a 10-year-old boy on Christmas morning. It really touched me to know that he will not only be marrying Carla and me, but he will also be representing himself and Mimi. After Mimi passed away, it became more obvious how much I love and admire Pap. I am so grateful for the years I've had with him, and so thankful he is making the trip to be my honorary guest. I pray that Carla and I have a marriage as successful as theirs. He is a father figure to me and I am so honored to have him officiate our wedding.