Danielle & Edward
Wedding Party
Misty Dawn Mastella
Maid of Honor
Other than Eddie, Misty Dawn is the person I spend most of my time with and I wouldn't have it any other way. It all started with me being on her team in 2010, the Sacramento Sirens Cheer Elite, and it has transformed into such an amazing sisterhood. From coaching together at C.K. McClatchy, to Disneyland trips, to late night sessions, I literally feel like we share half a brain. I have so many awesome memories it's hard to pick just one.. but you should definitely ask her about the awful, all-star cheerleading team we were on, especially the day we arrived for Nationals. Even if you know nothing of cheerleading, you'll be cracking up by the end of the conversation. We have been through so much together; I'm so blessed to have her in my life and to call her my Maid of Honor. Love you girl
Arturo "Art The Fart" Esparza
Best Man
It is summer 1999. Rancho San Justo Middle School in our hometown of Hollister, California. I notice an awkwardly tall, skinny, Mexican kid holding a skateboard. And I don't remember much after that. I just know Arty owe's my Dad and Mom grocery money for all the food he ate and we got into a little bit of mischief and some memorable, memorable times, that I am sure will be disclosed this evening. In all seriousness, Arty has been one of the best friends a human can ask for. Arty has been there for me through the up's and downs, and displayed constant support and love. He is a person to look up to and I admire the hard work he's put in. "Ar-ar-arty, co-co-come pick me up"
Megan Steele
Bridesmaid
Megan and I share a special bond, especially since we are the third wheels when our significant others get together ;) Although we don't get to see each other as often as I would like, Megan is the friend that everyone wishes they had. She's kind, funny, and has my back in all situations. She was there the night Eddie proposed to me and was killing it with her reactions (I still laugh about it to this day). My favorite memory of her is when all 4 of us were coming back from Santa Cruz and the boys were being obnoxious in the back seat while I was driving in the dark, late at night. She totally went into protection/mom mode to get 2 adult men to behave themselves. I am so thankful that fate brought us together and I'm so excited to have her as part of my special day. Love you girl!
Zachary "Zack Attack" Freitas
Groomsman
If some of you are asking yourself, "Wait, this is Eddie's brother?" You have assumed correctly. He may be 3 inches taller than me, probably 250lbs lighter, and about 1000x more talented than me, and touring the world, yet this little CD thief of all my AFI albums is in fact my little brother. God, this lil guy took some "Big bother hazing" for 18 years until I moved away. Sorry, Z. I love this guy with all my heart. I would give my life for his safety any day of the week. He's been a role model of hard work and determination to me. He is passionate and thoughtful, and is going to achieve bigger things. Although we are distant in miles, I always hold him in my thoughts. Always my brother, always blood, always "#Z-Man!" Love you, Z. (If y'all are lucky, he might serenade you)
Kensie Robinson
Bridesmaid
Wow. Where do I begin with Kensie?? I feel like our "how we met" story is something out of movie.. We were each out one night at Shady Lady with separate friends, and I asked her group if my group could share a table with them. After chatting for a while, our groups bounced around together and ended the night singing karaoke at a dive bar! Such random events brought this wonderful human into my life and I am so thankful! One of the things I love most about her is she's not afraid to tell Eddie "it's okay, you can smile". No matter how crazy our schedules get, we always find a way to make our friendship work. I know that no matter what she will always be there: from happy hour, to book talks, to even her to the Army, Kensie is a rock and I am so thankful for our friendship.
Juan "Juanito" Martinez
Groomsman
Want to know how Juan and I met, locate him and ask. He will probably give you this huge smile and say, "Oh, boy, welllll..." Juan and I met when I moved to Sacramento through his cousin, Phil. In the early days, we developed a chronic routine of working out and hitting up happy hour. Like, a chronic routine. We matured. We also made bright pink t-shirts look outstanding for kickball season, and were known to make some late night stops at Safeway for what some would call, "questionable eating choices" at 3am. We matured. But in all seriousness, Juan has been a great friend to me. He always been supportive, reached out to me, and embraced me into his family. A solid role model to look up to and a constant reminder of when USC football is playing horribly. "#Make good choices"
Ruthanne "Ruthie" Cruz
Bridesmaid
Most commonly known as "Ruthie", she's the second best cheerleader in Sacramento, with her mom being the first ;) She's smart, beautiful, and has AMAZING one liners that will have you dying from laughing. Ruthie and I have gotten to know each other so well over the years and I love spending time with her. She has the best, upbeat attitude but is also extremely down to Earth. She's my roommate for when Eddie goes out of town and has an ongoing feud with him over who discovered Troy Sivan & Blackbear first (we may never know). I'm so lucky to call her my bridesmaid, family, and friend!
Stephen "Stevie Mike" Greer
Groomsman
The Stevie Mike. One of my younger cousins, but like some of my closest friends, another brother. I got to spend a lot of time with Stevie as he grew up and we have remained close since then. It is fortune that we have a close family that we are able to spend time with each other. The downside, this kid has to copy everything I do. Stevie is a great kid, a serving kid, and a humble kid. He has grown into a solid young man. We have been able to spend some memorable moments together, like going to see his first USC game and the first time he got to come up to Sacramento and hang for the weekend. Many more times to enjoy things like this, Stevie. I am glad you get to be a part of this day with me. #LilchampLilChampLilChamp
Maria Dow
Bridesmaid
Maria is one of those friends that you can always count on and I feel like I have known her forever. She was there for me from day one when I started my new job with Modis and has been there ever since. I knew it was something special when after visiting the El Segundo office for the first time she suggested I just stop staying in hotels and come stay with her. I love our long work phone calls and so wish I could see your beautiful face each day in the office! From walking down the Venice Boardwalk looking at crystal shops, to cruising down to Lululemon in Santa Monica, Maria and I never have a dull time. Distance has never been a factor in our friendship and I feel so blessed to have her in my life. Thank you for always being there for me!
Phillip "Gonzo" Gonzales
Groomsman
Gonzo and I met at Butte College when I moved to Chico. There were was like one seat left in the classroom and there was this Asian kid (He's not Asian) sitting next to it. We casually started a conversation and before we knew it, we going on lunch dates. One of those close friendships where you are not exactly sure how it happened, but all of sudden its been almost 11 years of solid friendship. Playing golf at Bidwell are some of my favorite memories. As we continued our friendship, Phil was the person to really push me to begin pursing the law enforcement path and apply to the Butte College Law Enforcement Academy. If you ask him, I was not about it at all. But thankfully I did, because it pushed me to do more things in my life. I appreciate your friendship and love, man. #phillis