Claire & Orlando's Wedding
Wedding Party
Claire DuBois
Bride
Claire was born and raised in Rockford, Michigan. In 2017, she graduated from Cornerstone University with her bachelor's degree in communication and writing. After several months of looking for jobs in international aid, she decided to join the military to gain experience. Claire has been a U.S. Navy Mass Communication Specialist for just over 6 years, living in Diego Garcia (British Indian Ocean Territory); Naples, Italy; and now San Diego, California. She is working on a master's degree in disaster management and hoping to transition from active duty to another type of public service in the next few years.
Orlando Alfaro
Groom
Orlando was born and raised in Southern California. In 2015, he graduated from California State University Long Beach with his bachelor's degree in Kinesiology. Orlando jumped right into coaching, going from middle school, high school, junior college, to the NCAA level. He began teaching in 2023 as a middle school teacher in Whittier, CA, and will be a high school teacher this upcoming year in El Cajon, CA. He is finishing up a master's degree in teaching and hoping to keep impacting youth through education and sport.
Sarah Leony
Maid of Honor
Sarah and Claire met in Italy. Sarah's husband, Davis, was stationed in Naples as well, and the couple and Claire attended the same church in Caserta: Celebration Italia. They became fast friends and enjoyed many adventures together, from Prague all the way to Morocco. Their friendship through the ups and downs of life has been an absolute blessing, and they will continue to be Claire's (and Orlando's!) long-distance besties through all of life's changes.
Danny Torres
Groomsman
Commander Danny was one of Orlando's boy scout commanders in the Royal Rangers program from ages 13 through 19. He taught Orlando how to lead others and provided mentorship for him during these years. Much of the discipline, character, and booming voice Orlando carries comes directly from following Commander Danny's example. Orlando is proud to have Commander Danny as one of his groomsmen.
Andrea Baca
Best Woman
Andrea is Orlando's best friend and Best Woman. Andrea met Orlando in 2013 through a campus ministry at CSULB. Being polar opposites in many things, Andrea has provided insight and perspective for Orlando to aide him in his growth as a Christian. Without Andrea, Orlando wouldn't have developed the ability to see others' perspectives effectively, have empathy for those greatly different from him, and be as resilient as he is. Andrea has been present for Orlando's lowest lows and, on November 1, one of his highest highs.
Kevin Arevalo
Groomsman
Kevin and Orlando met in 2021 through mutual church friends. Orlando actually knew Kevin's older brother many years before he would ever meet Kevin! Through many silly jokes, hikes, adventures, and deep conversations, Kevin has provided the type of quality friendship that Orlando has always sought after. Because of Kevin, Orlando has learned about the power of words and the effect they can have on others. Kevin is a man of loyalty, introspection, and one who knows that life is so much more than what we see.
Shae Mayan
Bridesmaid
Claire and Shae met in June 2023 through their Church's military growth group. They connected quickly due to their complementary personalities and bonded over shared experiences as women in the military. Shae is a Navy veteran and her husband, Eric, is currently active duty. The couple's dynamic complements Claire and Orlando's comically well. Shae's vibrance for life and love for Jesus inspire and encourage Claire at every turn, and she looks forward to a lifelong friendship between them.
Austen Pratt
Groomsman
Austen and Orlando met in their campus ministry around 2017. Austen has been a friend of encouragement to Orlando through many difficult years. He has helped Orlando see how God is good in all parts of life. Austen has brought Orlando much needed joy during random calls at just the right time. Orlando is pleased to have Austen stand by him at this greatly anticipated event.
Heidi DuBois
Mother of the Bride
Claire’s mom is a parent, caregiver and mentor, yes - but she is also Claire’s first and best friend. From lunches together Claire’s senior year of high school between class and internship all the way to FaceTime chats while she was stationed on the other side of the world, their connection cannot be broken. For Claire, there is no higher honor than getting to be her daughter. A neonatal nurse for 38 years, Heidi is now enjoying retirement to its fullest alongside Claire’s dad.
Cindy Chambless
Sister of the Groom
Cindy Rebecca is Orlando's beloved sister. Cindy has known Orlando as Arlahndo, Orli, Piitis, little brother, and many more endearing names. She has been in his life since her preteen years and has served dutifully in the roles of older sister, friend, advocate, step-in mother AND father. Orlando credits his sister for his most admirable qualities and character development. Without Cindy, there wouldn't be the man that you see today.
Tony DuBois
Father of the Bride
Claire and her dad have always shared a love for the arts, as well as a sense of intuition and depth about the world around them. Claire treasures the talks they have had over the years during which Tony shared great pieces of wisdom for her life. She is grateful to have a dad who reflects the love of her Heavenly Father, and thrilled to have him walk her down the aisle November 1.
Addison Mae Chambless
Flower Girl
Addi Paddi is Tio the Destroyer's arch nemesis and favorite niece. Addi has a special place in Orlando's heart. She has expanded Orlando's capacity to love through her love for her Tio. Addi is one of Orlando's strongest motivators to achieve amazing things and be a positive role model. She has many uncles, but only one Tio. Claire and Orlando are excited to have Addison as the flower girl for their wedding.
Edel Lopez
Officiant
Claire met Edel when she started serving in her Church's youth ministry for middle and high school. They have worked together teaching and mentoring students on Sundays over the past year and a half. Orlando has joined in whenever possible, including jumping in to help last-minute at this year's summer camp. Orlando has also enjoyed connecting with Edel over fitness, teaching, and a passion for serving and mentoring others. Edel and his wife, Alyce, have been supportive friends and mentors through Claire and Orlando's relationship. It is an honor to have Edel present for this occasion as both an officiant and a friend to both Claire and Orlando.
Aiden Morales
Ring Bearer
In 2016, Aiden met Orlando through his Titi Andrea. Aiden and The Horseman have been on many adventures together: surviving mechanical bull riding, hitting batting cages, learning how to throw javelins, chasing his pet bunny Ruby around the backyard, screaming in public, and much more. Orlando has been blessed to be a part of many of Aiden's life events. It would only be fitting to have Aiden join Claire and Orlando at their wedding as the ring bearer.