David & Lauren
Wedding Party
Danielle Givens
Maid of Honor
Danielle is Lauren's best friend and a dedicated student at Palmer College, where she is pursuing a Doctor of Chiropractic degree. She is a proud mama of two girls (with another baby on the way). Their friendship blossomed when they met while working at a chiropractic office, quickly becoming inseparable. Despite currently being in Iowa, Danielle has remained incredibly supportive and helpful throughout their friendship. Her unwavering loyalty and close bond with Lauren make her the perfect choice for Maid of Honor.
John Orosz
Best Man
John has been a close friend of David for over 10 years. Their friendship began as casual gaming buddies, but over time, John became unofficially adopted by the Drake family, making him more of a brother than a friend. Currently, John is a pilot for a commercial airline, but his diverse career path includes working as a firefighter alongside David's dad, leatherworking, and dog training. With his deep bond to the Drake family and his unwavering support, John is honored to stand by David as his best man.
Joy Abellana
Bridesmaid
Joy is a dear friend of both David and Lauren and works as an Occupational Therapist at St. Rose Hospital. She is married to Ed, and together they have a beautiful family with eight wonderful children. Known for her soft-spoken nature and huge heart, Joy's marriage to Ed has been an inspiration and model for David and Lauren. Joy and Ed continuously encourage and push David and Lauren to learn and grow in their relationship. Known for capturing precious memories, Joy is often the one behind the camera, resulting in few photos of her but countless treasured moments for others. Joy's nurturing nature and strong friendship make her a wonderful bridesmaid for this special day.
Ed Abellana
Groomsman
Ed has been a great friend of David, for about six years. Their friendship began as casual gym buddies, but it has since grown into a deep and lasting bond. Ed recently retired as a Lieutenant with the Army National Guard and now works as a Groups Coordinator for Hope Church. He also lends his expertise to several personal trainers in town. Ed and his wife, Joy, have a lively household with their eight wonderful children. His dedication and loyalty make him a great role model and valued member of the wedding party, standing proudly as a groomsman.
Angelica Dennis
Bridesmaid
Angelica and Lauren share a special bond that began when they were classmates in esthetics school, where they graduated together. Their partnership blossomed into a successful business, as they now co-run an esthetics spa. Angelica is a devoted mom to her daughter Sophia and happily married to her husband Russ. Over the past year, Angelica and Russ have become great friends with both David and Lauren. Angelica's close friendship with Lauren and her supportive nature make her a wonderful addition to the wedding party as a bridesmaid.
Ryan Drake
Groomsman
Ryan is David's older brother and a proud father of three. He and David share a mutual love for all things nerdy, from Star Wars and Lord of the Rings to board games and Legos and more. After leaving their parents' house, Ryan and David lived together for several years, creating countless memories and earning the nickname "Bert and Ernie" for their close bond. Ryan's deep connection with David, their shared interests, and fun-loving nature make him a perfect choice as a groomsman in the wedding party.
Elia Curls
Bridesmaid
Elia is a cherished friend of both David and Lauren, and currently serves as the Care Ministry Coordinator at Hope Church. Her friendship with David began nearly 15 years ago, though they lost touch for a while before a random encounter brought them back together. When David started dating Lauren, Elia quickly became fast friends with her as well. Known for her huge heart, Elia has an incredible capacity to love and support people through some of the hardest times of their lives. Elia's long-standing connection with David and her instant bond with Lauren make her a treasured member of the wedding party as a bridesmaid.
Shaun Curls
Officiant / Groomsman
Shaun is a close friend of David and the proud father of his daughter Belle, and husband to Elia. A dedicated blue belt, he regularly trains at Zangief Jiu-Jitsu. Shaun and David's friendship began when David reconnected with Elia, and Shaun invited him to join his fitness group at church. It was there that David met Ed and then eventually became part of the small group that he and Lauren cherish today. Known for his thoughtful and meaningful insights, Shaun is a great friend who may not always say much, but when he does, it truly resonates. His deep connection with David and his impactful presence make him an ideal choice as both officiant and groomsman.
Rylee Drake
Flower Girl
Rylee, David's adorable 9-year-old daughter, brings a vibrant and joyful spirit to the wedding party. Her favorite colors are purple and teal, and she has a deep love for Stitch and Kuromi from Hello Kitty. Rylee boasts an impressive collection of Disney Doorables and Mini Brands toys, and she has a particular fascination with claw machines. She enjoys painting and loves getting her nails done with Lauren. Rylee's delightful personality and creative energy make her the perfect flower girl for this special day.
James Drake
Ring Bearer
James is David's beloved nephew and has been his entire life. Named after his Papa, James has a playful spirit and loves to play with his toy cars, affectionately called "beep-beeps." His charming presence and joyful energy make him the perfect choice for the important role of ring bearer.