Wedding Party
Vanessa Higbee
Bride
Vanessa will be 27 in December and is currently a school security officer in Colorado Springs. Vanessa met Derek while getting out of the Army after 5 years of service in 2023. Through their ups and downs, Vanessa and Derek became stronger in their relationship to finally reach this amazing moment in their lives.
Derek Rivas
Groom
Derek recently turned the BIG 30 in July. He's the father to DJ and Luka, his two all-stars. Derek separated from the Army in July 2025 after 10 years of service! Even though their first date was playing pop darts in the basement of him and his roommates house, he made the best of it with Vanessa. After that date, they were inseparable. Derek made his presence to her known as a provider and big supporter.
Andresa Higbee
Mother of the Bride
Andresa or more known as Dresa, is the mother of Vanessa. No, she's not her sister. Dresa is also the mother of Tyler and Brandon. Growing up, you could find her at every event with a camera in her hand. Thanks to her, Vanessa was able to inherit her ability to dance, and ability to grow a lion's mane.
MaryAnn Lozano
Mother of the Groom
MaryAnn is the mother of Derek, Dimas (Junior), Devin and Dana. She has 9 grandchildren that never want to go without her. She's a bright light in her family's lives. MaryAnn makes the best effort to be apart of every celebration, holiday and life stage for her children and their children. #GrandmaOfTheYear
Shane Higbee
Father of the Bride
Shane is the father of Vanessa, Tyler, Brandon and husband to Dresa. Growing up, Vanessa knew she didn't have much but thanks to her dad being a solid provider, she was still able to do sports, and try at anything she put her heart to. She gave into the tomboy life at an early age, riding ATVs and camping all the time because of what her dad was able to give them. He's a big part of her life, and glad he can be there on her big day!
Derek Rivas Jr. (DJ)
Ring Bearer
Derek Rivas Jr. or known as DJ to family and friends is the first child of Derek. DJ will complete First Grade in May 2026 and will turn the BIG 7 years old in March 2026. DJ is proudly going to be our ring bearer alongside his younger brother Luka.
Luka Rivas
Ring Bearer
Luka is the second child of Derek. Luka will have finished Kindergarten in May 2026 and is turning the BIG 6 years old in April 2026. Luka is proudly going to be our ring bearer alongside his older brother DJ.
Juan Garcia III
Best Man
Juan has been friends with Derek since 6th grade. Juan has been through many life stages with Derek, to include having Derek as his best man in his own wedding. Juan is also currently serving in the US Army.
Mikyla Nunez
Maid of Honor
Ky is the closet cousin to Vanessa, grew up alongside each other like sisters and regardless of physical distance, will always be best friends.
Devin Rivas
Groomsman
Devin is the younger brother to Derek. If you see Derek and Devin twinning, just know, Derek probably did it first. It's no surprise that Devin is a groomsman, just by how close they are to each other.
Brandon Higbee
Bridesman
Brandon is the youngest sibling of Vanessa. Brandon now in his 20s has finally surpassed Vanessa's height, make her the oldest but shortest. Brandon was the baby of the family for the longest time (aka the favorite), but even though Vanessa doesn't have any sisters, she's grateful to have both Brandon and Tyler be apart of her wedding party as her Bridesmen!
Ryan Villarreal
Groomsman
Ryan is Derek's brother in law and have known each other since high school. Ryan is a great friend and uncle to Derek and his kids. He is currently serving in the US Army.
Tyler Higbee
Bridesman
Tyler is middle sibling to Vanessa. Growing up the oldest wasn't easy with Tyler always in competition with her. And even though Vanessa doesn't have any sisters, she's grateful to have both Tyler and Brandon be apart of her wedding party as her Bridesmen!
Dana Villarreal
Bridesmaid
Dana is the youngest sibling and only sister of Derek. She's also the luckiest to have 3 older brothers to always have her back. Vanessa can't wait to finally have a sister in a room full of brothers. She is glad to have Dana as one of her bridesmaids.
Lupe Mendiola
Groomsman
Lupe and Derek met in 6th grade as well and stayed friends all throughout middle and high school. They continued their friendship even after Derek enlisted in the Army. Luckily, Lupe is now stationed in Colorado and able to be closer to Derek.
Matthew Longoria
Groomsman
As Derek states, "There was never a time that I don't remember Matthew not being apart of my life". Matthew grew up alongside Derek, through each others parents to being neighbors. Matthew and Derek's friendship continued from childhood to adult life and has lasted throughout Derek's constant traveling from the military lifestyle.
Nicholas Cortez
Officiant
Nicholas, or better known as Nico, has been friends with Derek since being stationed together in Ft. Campbell, KY. Although Nico hasn't been there from the start of Derek's life, like most, Nico has been there during a multitude of life challenges for Derek and Vanessa both.