Wedding Party
Casandra "frau" Ortiz
Matron of Honor
My sister, Casandra, will be by my side as my Matron of Honor. She’s been my constant through every stage of life — a true partner, a best friend — and I couldn’t imagine this day without her love and support. I was blessed at birth with my 'ride or die', the one who made me an Aunt and the person who knows my heart better than anyone, the one who celebrates my highs and carries me through my lows without judgment, solely with love and support.
Maggie "Salt" Ortiz
Bridesmaid
Maggie has been with me through it all — cheerleading, gymnastics, countless shenanigans, post-college adventures, and now adulting (kind of). She 'completes' me. They don’t call us “Salt and Pepper” for nothing!. The one I can look across the room in silence and we know what each other is thinking. She’s seen every version of me the last 30+ years; so much laughter, support, and memories we’ve built, and I couldn’t imagine this day without her.
Stephanie "Gorda" Schaefer
Bridesmaid
Steph, my “Gordis,” was the very first true friend I ever made — at three years old! From tea parties, elementary school, high school, cheerleading, swimming, college, and now adult life, she’s been there through it all. You know our friendship is strong when our nickname for each other is “Gorda!” Even her sons call me “Tía Gorda!” All the ups and downs life has thrown, she has always supported me along the way. 40+ years of friendship and still going!
Ernesto Ramirez
Best Man
My parents dream came true when Ernesto was born. My dad had two strong twin males and wanted a daughter, hence came Ernesto. He tries hard to keep up with our masculinity but you can see the estrogen winning consistently in him. We are looking forward to seeing what he wears to the wedding and continuing the legacy of "dad's little girl!"
Alex Ramirez
Groomsman
All I can say is, He sat on my umbilical cord. He took all the food from me in the womb but the universe has a funny way of dealing with karma. He might have gotten a lot of the intelligence but I know I ended up winning because I got the hair and personality. Can't imagine continuing to finish our sentences and people telling us we truly are twins in the wedding. Who knew there are two of us.
Patricio “Chele” Ramirez
Groomsman
Where do I even begin with my cousin. The Ramirez legacy seems to have skipped his chromosomes. I don't know how my Tio Patricio and Tia Gata did it but they deserve a medal of valor. I remember when my cousin was all about Bart Simpson growing up, hopefully the Bart in him doesn't come out at the wedding. But if it does, it'll be a great time! PS: dont tip him when he performs, it just perpetuates the train wreck.
Kendall Ramirez
Jr Bridesmaid
God couldnt have made a more perfect daughter than my baby girl! She opened the flood gates for expressing my emotions and more importantly lighting the fire of the Holy Spirit to bring us closer to Christ. She's has the most beautiful and brightest personality on Earth, if there is anyone who is the epitome of an angel, it's my baby girl. I love talking about how intelligent she is, even if at times I feel I have to look up words she uses. There is no greater honor I have than being able to call her my daughter. The wedding will not just be a union of Andrea and me but also of Kendall and Caleb becoming one.
Joaquin Ortiz
Given in marriage
Joaquin has been the love of my life since he was a star in the sky. He made me an aunt, a love I never knew existed. He has taught me so much and I couldn't imagine my life without him. Now, he will take the torch from my amazing father in giving me away to Xavier, his uncle, whom he admires so much — from his Air Force background to his sports chatter their bond has been incredible to watch. We know Padre is looking down, guiding us, and blessing our union as we begin this next chapter together in marriage.
Caleb Ramirez
Ring Bearer
My little man! The love I have for him is infinite and never stops growing. Seeing him grow makes me realize how real God is. His traditional actions from opening doors, behaving so well in public, and him hugging random people (especially teenage girls) makes me realize we are raising him right and the next generation will continue to be one with Christ. He is the one in the family that always wants to pray. I know he will make us proud no matter where God takes him in life from priesthood, military special ops, or baseball player. He will always be a Soldier of God, soldier of family, and soldier of our country.
Ana Ortiz
Flower Girl
Ana has completed our family in ways we never knew we needed. From her infectious laughter to her endless curiosity and hugs, she has brought a new kind of joy to our family. She has taught us all so much about life and reminds us of what really matters. She adores her "Uncle Xavier" and can't wait for him to continue to be her personal Jungle gym! She is over the moon about our wedding day and is SO excited to wear the most beautiful dress!! We both can't wait to have her by our side as we become one family.