Connie & Carson
Wedding Party
Kaspar Rios
Friend of Honor
Kaspar and Connie have been bestfriends since 4th grade after meeting in scouts. This means Kas has seen Connie at her best and her worst- the 6th grade emo phase.
Parker Dees
Best Man
Parker and Carson first met way back in their youth football days while “working very hard” relaxing on the sidelines. Between plays, they discovered two very important shared passions: Legos and video games. What started as sideline chats about favorite builds and high scores quickly turned into a lifelong friendship. From those early days of football and friendly competition, they have been side by side ever since.
Christopher Miranda
Bridesman
Christopher and Connie first met in college at Texas State’s beekeeping club - Bobcat Buzz - where Chris happened to be the president. These days, he’s the guy they call when they need to yank a dead battery out of a Chevy Malibu at 10 p.m on a Thursday while a frat party watches from the balcony overhead.
Aiden Hayes
Groomsman
Aiden and Carson first met during their freshman year of college in an animal science class, where they were tasked with herding cows. After that semester, they drifted apart for a bit. Luckily, the universe clearly had plans for a sequel. Their paths crossed again in another class, and this time the friendship stuck. These days, they make it a point to get together every month to watch shows like Invincible. Some friendships just need a second season.
Crystal Wallace
Bridesmaid
Connie and Crystal met during lunch in 8th grade in Bellville, Texas. In High School, they were on the same Science Olympiad team and even competed together in the Forensic Science event—which they did not win, mostly because Connie isn't exactly a chemistry whiz. Through the years, especially during Connie’s toughest times, Crystal has remained a steady, kind, and honest friend.
Norberto Castilla
Groomsman
Norberto and Carson met during their very first semester of college while absolutely not being the most serious members of their group meeting. Somewhere between the laughter and pretending to focus, a friendship was formed. Since then, they have stayed in touch and taken on far more intense challenges, like bravely battling their way through the Halo series on the hardest difficulty. What began as goofing off in class turned into years of teamwork, late night victories, and just enough competitive spirit to keep things interesting.
Jackie Saunders
Bridesmaid
After meeting in choir their freshman year of college and becoming roommates their sophomore year, Jackie quickly became one of Connie’s closest friends—and greatest sources of concern. Known for memorable moments like flooding their entire apartment on Connie’s birthday because she didn’t know how to turn off the toilet water, and grabbing a hot baking sheet with her bare hands, Jackie has been a walking safety hazard and a constant source of laughter and joy ever since.
Arielle Ortez
Groomsman
Carson and Ariel first met back in middle school band during a field trip, thanks to Parker and Logan. At the time, they were just two band kids sharing the same space and probably a few off-key notes. It was not until high school that they really started talking consistently. Lunchtime quickly turned into game time, with intense rounds of Super Smash Brothers and Mario Kart that were taken very seriously. Between friendly rivalries, dramatic rematches, and plenty of laughter, their friendship hit all the right notes.
Shyann Whitley
Bridesmaid
Shyann arrived at the doorstep of Apartment 913 in a handbasket as a randomly assigned roommate, but it didn’t take long for her and Connie to become inseparable. She slipped seamlessly into the 913 family, embracing Connie’s quirks and her need for control with patience, warmth, and an effortless grace that made her feel like she belonged there all along.
Logan Pfieffer
Groomsman
Logan and Carson first met at a sleepover at Parker’s house, which immediately set the tone for their friendship. Between staying up way too late, playing games, and watching movies, they had an absolute blast. What started as one unforgettable night of chaos and laughter turned into a friendship full of inside jokes, competitive game rounds, and plenty more movie marathons. Some friendships begin with a handshake. Theirs began with a sleepover.
Sophia DuBowik
Bridesmaid
Just a few days after Sophia arrived on this earth, 4-year-old Connie attempted to lovingly suffocate her with a couch cushion. Four years later, Sophia returned the favor by repeatedly pummeling Connie on the school bus from the safety of their assigned seats. Their relationship has remained the same ever since—and despite the chaos, neither of them would change a thing.
Clayton Smith
Groomsman
Here’s a sweet version that keeps it heartfelt but still fits a wedding website tone: This is Carson’s older brother and the proud dad of little Ryder below. Growing up, we were not always especially close, but he has always been a steady and positive presence in my life. As we have gotten older, I have truly appreciated the chance to know him not just as my big brother, but as the kind, supportive, and wonderful person he is. Watching him step into fatherhood has made me admire him even more, and I am so grateful to have him by our side.
Kaylani Tardy
Flower Girl
Kaylani is a true mommy’s girl with a big love for music. Her bright smile can light up any room, and right now, she’s completely fascinated by her toes.
Ryder Smith
Ring Bearer
Ryder is Connie and Carson’s adorable baby nephew. He’ll be just over two years old by the time of the wedding and will make the perfect ring bearer—though he won’t be trusted with the real rings, his main job is simply to be irresistibly cute.
Pastor Andrew Bell
Officiant
Andrew Bell, a pastor at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, is traveling from Palos Heights, Illinois—a three-hour flight to Houston—to officiate the wedding. Connie and Carson chose him for this special role because he was the pastor of Bellville's St. John's Lutheran Church during their high school years and became a family friend.