Chrystie & Zach
Wedding Party
Katie Martinez
Maid of Honor
Ms. sassy pants is also my lovely kick-ass sister. When we were little, she used to love to play this game called - jump on my sister's back and bite her until she bleeds. My fav. She is my balance in so many ways. Along with being one of the wisest people I know, she is also one of the most dedicated. She is a beautiful and soulful dancer. Oh, and she's a pretty great interior designer. She's multi-talented, that b*$%h. I look at her and see such strength, commitment, and ambition. Often, I forget that she is, in fact, the younger sibling, because I very much look up to her. She doesn't bite my back anymore either, so that's nice. Fun fact: She has a workout business with her boyfriend called His and Hers Fitness. She'll literally kick your ass. #shamelessadvertising
Ethan Solove
Best Man
Ethan and I didn’t get along in middle school. I was the arrogant 6th grade tuba player that jumped the line into symphonic band, and he was the older jazz drummer too busy bumping Pink Floyd and Zeppelin to pay me any mind. I thought he had great taste in music and a crazy haircut, and he thought I was annoying. Despite my best efforts to force a friendship, it was not our time just yet. Later, I was accepted to New World School of the Arts, and somehow convinced Ethan to drive me to the metro rail every day for school. Our conversations over four years were pivotal to the development of my opinions on music, food, bananas, movies, pop culture, Lou Reed lyrics, and proper toothbrush placement. Ethan is a straight shooter. And if you don't like it, you can kiss his ass.
Angelo Carretta
Groomsman
Angelo is another New World Alumn. He's a kind and compassionate person, who has a genuine love of music. He's the friend that wrote "KIT" in your yearbook, and then actually called you to follow up. He's a die-hard Blink 182 fan, and has seen them in concert 4 times. One time, I killed a guy, and he hid the body for me. Quality friend. 10/10
Brittany Aquart
Bridesmaid
This woman has been my best friend for a little over 16 years now and counting. When we first met, I straight out didn't like her. She was given the coveted musical solo for our annual christmas pageant performance one year, and I was convinced that honor belonged to me. So clearly, she was an unlikeable person. It wasn't until we roomed together at a church sleep-away camp that I realized she's a goofy, down-to-earth, multi-talented lady; who also looks shockingly like Avril Lavigne when she wears eyeliner. Since then, I have witnessed God grow this friendship in a way that I could have never imagined. She's a rock of faith and a voice of reason. Fun fact: She gave birth to a 10lb baby...I don't think she even weighs 10lbs. She's a hero.
Rachel "Rachie" Rodriguez
Bridesmaid
Sweet, beautiful, wise Rachie. So, I also didn't like Rachel when I first met her. There's a theme with my friendships, apparently. She, along with Brittany and I, went to that infamous sleep-away camp and somehow the three of us agreed that we'd meet up once every month or so for our own sleepover bible study/sugar eating/movie watching/Disney music singing party of some sort. I never imagined that we'd stick to it. But 16 years later, we're still planning them. What stuck out to me about Rachel from the beginning is her sweet desire to get to know you. She genuinely sees people and loves them. It's a beautiful gift. She's also a rock of faith, an utter goofball, and a gentle passionate soul. Fun fact: She's an avid basketball player. Another fun fact: she's a Spurs fan...what?
Brian Moghari
Groomsman
Brian is just the man. Plain and simple. He's insanely talented at everything he tries, but is excessively humble about all of it. When I moved to California, he let me use his room and car for 3 months while I transitioned to LA. He's the only person I know who isn't afraid to admit he doesn't know what you're talking about -- whereas I'll nod my head and laugh heartily at a joke I don't understand, Brian will stop you midway to point out that you've lost him. He just owns it. And he helped Angelo hide that body, which I really appreciate.
James Jenkins
Groomsman
James moved into our Gainesville house my Junior year of college. His room had an air vent in the door that wasn't very secure, and KT (my dog) would knock through it and eat everything in his room, including an entire dominos pizza on one occasion. But James was cool about it, thanks James. James is a deep thinker, and an open-minded individual. He's extremely caring and thoughtful. We spent countless late-nights-turned-early-mornings just shooting the shit, talking about life, and trying to unpack each other's world views. We even took a philosophy class together! If you chop James into tiny pieces, and then reconstruct him somewhere else, is he still James? Woah.
Vitalia Lara
Bridesmaid
This fiery latin lady is my cousin. She's a year older than I am, which meant growing up, she always got blamed for any trouble we both got in. Slightly unfair, but I guess her one year on me should have taught her better. I look up to this woman and her loving spirit. She makes you feel seen and heard. She takes time to invest in you, whether you're family or not. I've just been lucky enough to be tied to her from the beginning. She's a confident and dedicated woman with a stellar sense of humor. This is not her dating profile. She's a taken woman. Fun fact: her hips don't lie. Test your salsa dancing skills with her on the dance floor.
Anna Lisa Stone
Bridesmaid
Anna. Lisa. Stone. You will remember this woman from the first moment you meet her. She pours out words of wisdom, encouragement, and life. I met her through my job out in Los Angeles. She popped into our office and said "I'm here to help. How shall I do it?" At the time, I was in over my head with work in preparation for a shoot. Leading up to the shoot, she turned to me and said "I'm coming with you." And that's it. We ended the trip with a french baguette, wine, cheese, and chocolate overlooking Big Sur. This girl is a world traveler with a spirit led heart and a joyful soul - she is a beautiful friend, sister, and mentor. I mean, how could you not love someone who has a picture of themselves holding a litter of puppies? Fun fact: she's an/our officiant.
Jamie Mann
Groomsman
Jamie and I go way back. All the way back to July 13, 1990, where we were both born at Baptist Hospital. We are the original brothers from other mothers. Jamie is fiercely intelligent, but he is also kind-hearted, sensitive, and a hilarious actor. He has a fascination with music and comedy, and a love of Adult Swim that knows no bounds. Seriously, the amount of Tim and Eric, Metalocalypse, and Superjail! we watched has probably left us both with a few less brain cells. We also watched LOST, and are working to start a support group for others who have PTSD from that stupid f**ing ending. Footnote: When I first met Jamie's mom, she immediately turned to Jamie and told him I was full of shit, and I have always respected her for her that. Because I am.
JR Miller
Groomsman
JR and I started working at Grooveshark at the same time. He is soft-spoken, but his words are never without meaning. A poet and writer, JR is deeply in tune with the world around him, and his unique talent for vocalizing his observations is striking. He has a huge heart for people, and is one of the kindest souls you are likely to meet. However, don't mistake his gentle disposition for weakness, as he is a trained kickboxer with a perfect sparring record.
Kat Nelson
Bridesmaid
Gentle and beautiful Kat - I was introduced to this woman by the adventurous spirit that is Anna Lisa Stone. We started going to church together in Santa Monica, which evolved to after-church donuts every week (my kindred spirit). And from there, an incredible friendship popped up. This woman brings life to any situation. She's a free-spirited woman of faith with the most giving heart. She always has a smile on her face, literally. And no, it's not annoying. It's quite contagious actually. It makes you want to run around half-naked on the beach and take jumping photos...oh wait... Fun fact: she has the best taste in donuts.
Kim Guiler
Bridesmaid
I remember first meeting Kim at Swenson's in Miami, FL after school one day. Zach and I had just started dating. She popped in with this huge smile on her face, and I immediately knew I wanted this girl to love me. I mean, naturally so, since I was dating her brother. But there was something immediately genuine about her. Over time, I've realized that even if I wasn't marrying her brother I would find a way to be one of her best friends. She is a brilliant mind with a huge empathetic heart. And, she's straight up cool. It sounds ridiculous, but this woman is by definition cool. I guess Zach picked it up from somewhere ;) Fun fact: she'll kick your ass in Middle East trivia. Did I mention she has a PhD in it? You can take her upper level class at UT.
Joe Guiler
Groomsman
Joe was teaching with my sister in Turkey when they met. They quickly fell in love, and watching their relationship flourish has given Chrystie and I a wonderful model for our own. Joe is a deep thinker with a great sense of humor. And he always beats me in 1-on-1 basketball, which is annoying.
Greg Lavine
Groomsman
Greg and I are so close, we even shared a room for a year in college. And afterwards, we still liked each other, which is the true sign of a lasting friendship. Greg is an old soul, as evidenced by his preferred nickname, "Old Greg!" He is thoughtful and introspective, and in college he helped every one of our friends move because he had a truck and couldn't easily say no. I always thought that was nice. Greg is the kind of guy who will wake up and experience half of his day before the rest of us have even considered getting out of bed yet. However, he also retains the right to pass out during any movie started after 9pm.
Jessica Villanueva
Bridesmaid
Jessica moved to Miami while I was in high school. I remember the day she arrived. We were at the airport waiting for her and her family. They had all packed up their things in Ecuador to permanently live in the United States. I saw her exit customs and with tears in her eyes hug her grandma. Our grandma. My cousin has the biggest heart for her family. Her ability to make you feel loved and cared for is something to look up to. She's a newly Mrs. too. Fun fact: her flan skills are omggggg.
Alicia Dougherty
Bridesmaid
This woman. Oh this woman. I met Alicia during my internship in Los Angeles. We both started at the same time and we both landed jobs in the same place. And guess what, we're both still working there over five years later. I know I would lose my sanity without Alicia. She is a grounded rock that knows everything. Really, she does. Also, good luck keeping up with her sarcasm. Alicia is one of the funniest, light-hearted, and most intelligent women I know. Her taste in music is impeccable. She probably knows which movie you're trying to reference and has read the book whose title you can't remember. But she's humble, so you'll like being around her. Fun fact: she knows all art paintings. Yes.
Josh Bonnain
Groomsman
I also met JB at Grooveshark. He helped to show me the ropes, and gave me a ton of much needed insight into the music industry, and business in general. That's the thing about JB: he is an extremely generous individual. Generous of his time and money, of his attention, compassion and understanding. He rarely keeps for himself what he could share with others. He has an overwhelmingly positive attitude, and being around him makes you feel like you can achieve anything. He also takes a joke better than anyone I've ever met, and if you ever go camping with this guy, you wouldn't believe all the random shit he can fit into one backpack. Rest assured your group will never go without frisbees, tapestries or glow sticks ever again.
Daniel Lavine
Groomsman
I've known Daniel since middle school band. We both picked the coolest instruments: tuba and french horn, so we had to bat away all the ladies. Ha! Good times. Dan brings a calming energy to the room. He makes others feel at ease, and is quick to laugh at a joke, good or bad. He's a drinking games master. I actually drove to tallahassee just to be part of his beer olympics team, and we didn't win. But I didn't care, because I was distracted by his impeccable sense of fashion. His hair is immaculate, in fact the part in his hair is so defined, it looks like he was born with it. I've asked the hair stylist to tone his haircut down if it looks better than mine at the wedding.
Loré Camarena
Bridesmaid
She is not the dude in the picture. I clung onto this girl once I made my move out west. We met through our church bible study one night and to be honest, I have no clue how we started hanging out. It just happened. We quickly saw bits of ourselves in each other and embraced it. She was absolutely one of the reasons LA quickly became my home. Her sass and wit keep me laughing consistently. She's probably one of the most organized creatives I know. And she reminds people that life is meant to be lived fully, deeply, and with humor. Fun fact: she has a black belt in Taekwondo...ok.
Arabella Turteltaub
Flower Girl
I have been trying to win this little girl's affection since she was born. She loves to share her toys, snacks, you name it, with just about everyone - except me. She teases me instead, by offering me her toy or snack, and just as I reach to take it, she changes her mind and takes it away. So, I figured, I'd bribe her with the flower girl position. Hopefully, I will finally win her over. Even though she doesn't like to share with me, she's still pretty dang cute. She'll steal the show. You watch.
Christopher Cedeño
Ring Bearer
This guy - he will steal your heart. The second he meets you, he gives you the biggest hug and kiss. He is so fun and loving. Oh, and of course, incredibly responsible. When we first asked him if he'd be our ring bearer, he said "no" and ran away. The pressure was too much for him. Slowly but surely, he changed his mind and said he was up for the task. I honestly can't wait to get one of his hugs. That sealed the deal for us.