Our Next Chapter, Martin & Rachael
Wedding Party
Joseph Dea
Best Man
Joe has been one of Martin's closest friends in PT school and through the past few years. No one else matches Martin in his love for Gryffin's EDM music other than Joe, so much so that they'd take random weekday trips to other states just to see some of his legendary sets. Martin holds their friendship in high regard that Joe was one of his first-round picks to be the face of his group of groomsmen. Between their late-night food trips during grad school to the almost daily Chipotle run while blasting Kygo and Gryffin's music on the loudspeakers, there was never a shortage of fun core memories for them to look back at.
Dai Dao
Matron of Honor
Dai and Rachael met through Church of Southland's small group and became housemates soon after. Dai has always been so welcoming, kind and loving since the beginning of their friendship, and was someone Rachael could easily talk to. Dai was there at the start of Rachael and Martin's relationship and has seen them grow throughout the years so of course she had to be part of their special day. Rachael's favorite memory with Dai was going to Hawaii where they snorkeled, swam in the ocean daily, ate poke, and hiked many trails.
Mark Quan-Tong
Best Man
Mark has been one of Martin's biggest confidants through PT school through to today. Mark always has this gravity that pulls people towards him, and Martin was no exception to that. Despite his natural pull, he would always be inviting to those like Martin who was a bit too timid to put himself out there, whether it was going out to events, watching basketball games, and the occasional Settlers of Catan game nights. Mark is someone that Martin looks up to as someone who excels in maintaining the sentiment of "keeping the group together" and always is in the mode of generosity, whether he realizes it or not, always putting others above himself and offering whatever he has.
Tiffany Wong
Maid of Honor
Tiffany was one of Rachael's first friends in college. Their friendship began when they were placed in the same orientation group and eventually became roommates. Tiffany has always been there for Rachael through the ups and downs of college. Rachael loves that Tiffany is patient, compassionate and has a heart of service for others. Tiffany and Rachael had the wonderful opportunity to serve together in the children's ministry at church. Rachael's favorite memory with Tiffany was going to Disneyland from park opening to close after finals and even making Disneyland trips together still. Tiffany is Rachael's Disney buddy for life.
Julian (Paolo) Cruz
Groomsman
Julian is Martin's middle brother and the brother closest in age being only a year removed. Julian has been around Martin for all his life, being literally his first sense of community. From playing Pokemon and Digimon, biking as kids, to the MMORPGs they've dabbled in over the years, Julian has always been there for every step of life. Although they don't have as much opportunity to interact as the years have gone by, Martin continues to hold the importance of Julian from the bottom of his heart and is looking forward to continuing to watch him grow as his eldest brother.
Rebekah Replogle
Bridesmaid
Rebekah is Rachael's favorite middle sister. Growing up together was not always easy as Rebekah liked to do the things Rachael did which would annoy Rachael at times. But as the years passed, they realized the importance of sisterhood and enjoyed doing things they loved together. Rebekah followed Rachael to Biola for college and that was when they got to spend more time together and even took a class together. Rachael's most recent favorite memory with Rebekah would be going to an outdoor pilates workout.
Patrick Cruz
Groomsman
Of Martin's brothers, Patrick had been the furthest age-wise but had always been the one who best assessed the paths in front of him laid out by his siblings and formed them better than what his brothers made of them. If one brother got a 4 in APush then he got a 5, if the other brother played in the high school Orchestra locally, Patrick would go with his high school Orchestra to play out of state. Even though Martin is not as vocal about his accomplishments, Martin is proud of everything Patrick has become and continues to grow towards.
Victoria Wong
Bridesmaid
Victoria is Rachael's favorite youngest sister. Victoria's fun spirit and imagination entertained us as the youngest in the Wong family. Victoria is passionate about many things, but her love for others stands out the most. Throughout this past year, Rachael had the opportunity to live with her and they built new memories together through food outings and adventures in LA and Orange County. Rachael's most recent favorite memory with Victoria would be going to Dana Point this past Christmas to see the decorations and lights.
Maverick Baradi
Groomsman
Mav was Martin's first lab partner in Physical Therapy grad school and one of his first friends in his grad program. Mav has always been someone who had been present through his formative years in San Diego and someone that Martin could always count on to be present, whether it be during the NBA Summer League seasons, or in the fields of PUBG. Martin's friendship with Mav is one that he cherishes greatly and Martin continues to look forward to their many hangouts and potential chicken dinners.
Jessica Lee
Bridesmaid
Jessica is one of Rachael's first long-time friends. Jessica has been there for every stage of Rachael's life and has supported and encouraged Rachael in each endeavor. Jessica is someone Rachael can always rely on and is also always down for an adventure. One of Rachael's favorite memories with Jessica was completing the Nike Women's Half Marathon and a few years later traveling to San Diego to participate in the Lululemon 10k.
Anthony Vu
Groomsman
Martin and Ant met in physical therapy graduate school, and although they weren't natural friends to begin with, they have developed that friendship and mutual respect for each other. Of Martin's friends frequently present to "squad up", there is no one else he'd rather trust in a game than Ant. Additionally, Ant has always been the one that was up for the most spontaneous events around, be it Summer League and the occasional 10k among other things. Martin greatly appreciates Ant's friendship and for always being open to being present at most events.
Courtney Chew
Bridesmaid
Courtney is one of Rachael's childhood friends who has been a constant source of support through the different stages of life. Courtney has been someone Rachael can talk to about life's ups and downs and lean on her advice. Her energetic and bubbly personality brings out Rachael's fun side throughout the years. Rachael's favorite memory with Courtney is their time together in 4th grade, performing songs and dances for their teacher.
Leo Delima
Groomsman
Leo has been the one person among the extended Cruz family that has been present for most of his life here in the States. Leo has been the Cruz brothers' intro to many things, card games, Smash Bros, Maplestory, and Runescape among several things. Leo had been Martin's roommate through grad school and had been present for most of his life, even having Martin as his groomsman for his wedding. Martin recognizes Leo for his impact on different aspects of his life and is grateful for the opportunity to share this moment alongside him.
Rebecca Halal
Bridesmaid
Rebecca was one of Rachael's closest friends in high school. Rebecca is one of the sweetest people Rachael knows who is selfless and cares for others around her. Throughout high school, Rebecca always encouraged Rachael whether it was on the court playing volleyball or spiritually. Although Rebecca lives further away, she always manages to set aside time to hang out with Rachael when she is back in the Bay Area or when she comes down to visit Southern California. Rachael is so thankful for their friendship over the years.
Zeke Sanchez
Ring Bearer
The Cruz family representative as the youngest child left in the extended Cruz tree!
Bella Halal
Flower Girl
Bella is Rachael's Goddaughter and is a fun, cute, and energetic little one.