Father of the Bride
My dad was so excited for the wedding. He was looking forward to getting better to be able to walk me down the aisle and dancing the father and daughter dance. He already had our song picked out. My dad was one of a kind, always making friends everywhere he went and definitely the life of the party. He would make everyone feel like he was their best friend even though he had just met them. He truly was the best dad ever. Always made sure we had what we needed and more. Made sure to take us on trips and never left us home. Took us out to eat where we wanted even when he was not a fan of the food. He was always making us laugh until there were tears in our eyes. He was one of the most genuine people I know, could not hide how he was feeling even if he tried. Never embarrassed to show his love and affection to the people he loved. Especially for my mom, he loved her so much and wish to have that with Josiah. He was one of the best examples of faith in Jehovah and his promises. Even in his last years of life he showed us that working for Jehovah is the most important because even with his bad health he always pushed through to finish his assignments at the assemblies and meetings. And those were some of his happiest days. That day will never be the same and there will be a heaviness in my heart because there is no one else that can take his place. He will be missed but when I see him again I will make sure we get to dance our song like we were supposed to.
Mother of the Bride
My mom has been one of my biggest blessings and most important people in my life. She has really shaped me to be who I am. She was the mastermind behind all of my decisions because she always knew what was better, whether I wanted to admit it to myself or not. She showed me to always be hardworking and what an amazing wife consists of, always being my dad's biggest support and help through all of life's challenges. Now I can go into this new chapter with a guide. We would all be lost and I could not have made it this far. Now more than ever she has shown me that she is and has been and will continue to be one of the strongest people I know. She has always shown me to put Jehovah first in everything I do. I know this chapter is bittersweet for her but her support has never stopped during these difficult times. I love her so much and could not be able to get married without her by my side.
Mother of the Groom
My mom has been my biggest supporter from the very beginning. She believed in me even when I didn’t believe in myself, and she never stopped showing up for me. She is the best mother I could have ever asked for, always making sure we had everything we needed, even when it meant sacrificing for herself. She’s my greatest role model, showing me every day what love, strength, and selflessness truly look like. Even during my hardest moments, she stayed right by my side and never let me feel alone. I’ll never forget her staying up late with me, patiently helping me memorize my times tables when I was frustrated and ready to give up. And now, seeing the way she cares for her mom in her 90s with so much love and devotion only makes me admire her even more. I am who I am because of her, and having her by my side on this day means everything to me.
Father of the Groom
My dad has always been one of my biggest role models. He showed me early on how important it is to work hard in every part of life, especially when it comes to serving Jehovah. As a shepherd in the congregation, I’ve seen how much he genuinely cares for the friends always checking in, always thinking about others, and always putting their needs first. He also made sure we experienced life together, taking us on vacations to all the places we dreamed of and always reminding us that travel is one of the best teachers. No matter what, he showed up for me every award ceremony, every perfect attendance award never missing a moment. And I’ll never forget when he surprised me with my first concert, unknowingly igniting what turned into a very expensive hobby. Watching him lead our family with love, faith, and consistency taught me what it truly means to be family oriented. Having him by my side on this day means everything to me.
Best Man
(Brother of the Groom) Standing by my side is my brother and best friend, the person who has been with me through every chapter of my life. From growing up together to facing life’s biggest moments, he has always been the one I could lean on without hesitation. Some of my favorite memories are the simple ones like laughing through Zuri’s dance lessons and being chased with a broom when we tried to get out of helping her clean, moments that still remind me how much love and laughter we’ve shared. Through thick and thin, he has never left my side and has been one of my biggest supporters, constantly pushing me to be the best version of myself. Having him as my Best Man means more to me than words can express, and I’m beyond grateful to share this day with the person who has always had my back.
Bridesmaid
(Sister of the Groom) My sister and I have been close since the day I was born, and she has been one of the most important people in my life ever since. As my big sister, she has always guided me and been a true role model. I remember when she was a senior and I was a freshman I thought she was the coolest, especially as the head of the yearbook club. Growing up, I was always quick to defend her whenever she got in trouble, and those moments still make me smile because they reflect how deep our bond runs. Over the last two years, she and Damaris have built their own special friendship, which means so much to us. Having her by our side on this day truly means the world.
Bridesmaid
(Sister of the Bride) I had always wanted an older sister but Lea has let me try to be the sister that I have always wanted and hope to continue to be. She has helped me realize that being the older sister is not that bad. She is always down for a Target run or a random baking spree with me or any outing, I knew she would come with me even if it was to walk around the store. Now she has shown to be much more smarter and responsible than I was at her age, and its been amazing to see her grow up and be a true friend that I can count on. Now I need her here more than ever with me on that special day.
Groomsman
(Brother of the Bride) I was so excited when I found out I was going to have a little brother and even though there is a big age gap I remember still having so much fun. It has been really nice to see him turn into a young man with actual responsibilities and to see him through all his life events. Im glad he had a great example of a good spiritual head that my dad left for him and I know he will make us all proud. I couldn't share this day without him there in this new chapter of my life.
Dog
(Best Friend of Groom) Dakota our “son” is the center of so much love in our lives. From the very first day Damaris met Koda (even though it came with some serious allergies), she still fell in love with him instantly. His funny personality and signature side eye never fail to make us laugh, and we can’t imagine starting this next chapter together without him as part of our little family.
Maid of Honor
(Best Friend of the Bride) Jazz has been my best friend for about 9 years and has seen me through my ups and downs. She has always been my go to for all my good and bad ideas or any situation or celebration. If anyone knows Jazz you know she is the life of the party and makes everyone laugh with the wild things she says. She lights up the room anywhere she goes and is one of my favorite people. She is much more than a friend, she is my sister as well. So only made sense to have her as my maid of honor.
Matron of Honor
(Cousin of Bride) As my cousin, Ariel has seen me through all my stages in life as we grew up together. I can always count on her to make any event fun or to retell any story because she will remember every detail. There are so many memories and trips that I will cherish forever because I know they would not be the same if she hadn't had been there. I am very lucky to have her as my family and my best friend, and couldnt leave her out of being one of my main supporters through this process as my matron of honor.
Groomsman
(Best friend of the Groom) We’ve been friends since we were kids, and he’s been there for just about every stage of life. From growing up together to celebrating big moments, he’s always had my back. I’m lucky to call him one of my closest friends and even luckier to have him standing with me as a groomsman.
Groomsman
(Friend of the Groom) As kids, we grew up in the same congregation and shared many early memories during those years. It’s meaningful to have someone who’s been part of my life from such a young age standing with me on this special day, and I’m grateful to have him as a groomsman.
Bridesmaid
(Cousin of the Groom) My closest cousin and one of my favorite people to travel with, we’ve shared countless memories on trips especially our many adventures to Texas. From road trips to unforgettable nights at concerts, she’s always been my go to concert buddy. Experiencing the Eras Tour together singing along to every song by Taylor Swift is a memory I’ll never forget, and I’m so happy to have her standing with us as a bridesmaid.
Groomsman
(Cousin of the Bride) Joel has officially been a family member since the beginning of the past year when he married my cousin Ariel. But he has always felt like family. It has been so fun getting to know him and seeing how much he cares for my cousin. He is always a good sport when we would ask to try a new cafe or a museum, he would take all of us and never complained and that showed the kind of person he is to put up with so many girls. Happy to call him my cousin.
Bridesmaid
(Cousin of the Groom) Our youngest cousin is someone we’ve watched grow up from the very beginning, and it’s been so special to see the person she’s become. From seeing her as a baby to spending summers together in Huntington Beach at our Tía Carmen’s house, those memories mean so much to us. We’re so happy to have her with us and sharing in this special day.
Bridesmaid
(Cousin of the Bride) I don't have many girl cousins on my moms side and the age gap could make things awkward but not with Janai. She is definitely an old soul but is always down to make our concert shirts and come with me to camp out for them to get a good spot. I know I can count on her to always be helpful and be there when I need her. Its so nice to see how much she has grown from when we were younger and cant wait to have her part of this special day.
Bridesmaid
(Cousin of the bride) Kalani has become a very important person in my life these last few years. She is always down for a good time and will do what she can to help. Give her a Strawberry Acai and she can do it all for you. She is the perfect person to hype you up and also take good pics of you on her camera. I know when I need her to step up she will give her all. Cant wait to have her by my side through the process and on that special day.
Bridesmaid
(Cousin of the Groom) Growing up together, we were inseparable and shared so many unforgettable childhood moments. One of my favorite memories is when I cut off her two braids and we got in so much trouble but it still makes us laugh to this day. Those early years are some of my most cherished memories, and I’m so grateful to have her standing by our side as a bridesmaid.
Groomsman
(Cousin of the Groom) Soon to be family, we really got to know him while we were all staying together in Huntington Beach during the Altadena fires. From that time on, he fit right in and already felt like one of us. I’m excited to officially welcome him into the family and grateful to share such a meaningful day with him.
Bridesmaid
(Cousin of the Groom) We’re so happy to have my cousin by our side on our wedding day. Her support truly means a lot to us, and it makes this day even more special knowing she’s marrying one of my best friends. Together, they’re a great match, and we’re excited to celebrate both love and family with her as she joins us as a bridesmaid.
Groomsman
(Cousin of the Groom) We grew up together, and so many of my favorite childhood memories include him especially since he’s the one who gave me my childhood nickname, “Chai.” It means a lot to have my cousin by my side as a groomsman and to share this special day together.
Flower Girl
(Cousin of the Bride) Aria has officially dethroned all of us since she has the official title of the baby of the family, and she knows it. She is a little diva in training but she is super funny and will tell you how it is. She is always ready to play or fight with her brother Antonio for toys but will always protect him at all costs. She quickly made Josiah her friend and drags him along to play with her whenever he's around. Can't wait to see her along her brothers side on that special day as our flower girl.
Ring Bearer
(Cousin of the Bride) For many years we never had any cousins on my dad's side of the family until Antonio came into the picture. As a COVID baby, we did not see each other very much but I have seen him really come out of his shell throughout these years. He starts off really shy but as soon as he gets comfortable with you he will show you all his toys and have you play with him all day. We know he will take his ring duties seriously and can't wait to have him walk down the aisle with us.