Julissa & Devin
Wedding Party
Ilse
Maid of Honor
I first met Ilse in the 6th grade. I can't say if it was friendship at first sight or if we grew to be friends over the years, but today she's one of my best friends. From teasing me for being a nerd to saving her from motherhood our friendship has survived the test of time and adulthood. Maybe it was all those morning rides in the station wagon or maybe all those nights in Berkeley, but I'm lucky to call her my friend and family. If ever I'm in need of a good laugh or a crazy adventure I know exactly who to call. Ilse's the amazingly caring, creative, and joyful friend we all need!
Donnie
Best Man
'Big dolla Dubs' and I were always inseparable, from going to school together until 18 years old, to reppin RSB all day everyday, to branding ourselves with fiery forks, to living in Korea together, we've got memories! I'm sure he will share a few at the wedding much to my own embarrassment. Although younger, Donnie has always been a measuring stick for me. His work ethic, likability, charisma, and ease in making others feel comfortable around him have always been qualities that I aspire to grow into. I have been blessed to have a best friend, brother my entire life.
Jessica
Honorable Mention
When I was a kid I used to look up to Jessie, I thought she was the coolest, most beautiful teenager ever! She smelled like Tommy girl and always wore her "sexy chongo" and all I wanted was to be like her lol. Today I admire who she is a mother, wife, and woman. She's incredibly selfless and has been my go-to person throughout this wedding planning process. Without Jess and her husband, this wedding wouldn't be possible.
D'Andre
Best Man
'Mac Dre,' my older brother, has been my guide post through most of life whether I was aware of it or not. As I have matured over the years, my relationship with D'Andre has blossomed, and I have come to learn what it means to be a man, a partner and a father from him. D'Andre set the bar for Donnie and I as he came out of high school- before he went to college I honestly thought I was going to the military. Once he enrolled in Law School, both Donnie and I pursued additional degrees as well. D'Andre has led by example and I have followed. I would not be where I am today without his vision for himself and his younger bro's.
Jason
Best Man
'Filly man' - has been my day 1 since as far back as I can remember. We have soooo many 'firsts' together, well firsts for me at least...lol. Growing up at West Wilshire together, Jason was always the best at all the sports and I was his best friend trying to keep up. Jason taught me how to strive for greatness, I even woke up with him in high school a few times and hit the sand dunes at 5am. With Jason, I also learned how to accept myself and my own gifts. Jason has been my motivation for my research focused on the intersection of race + athletics - my dissertation starts with "Jason's story." Filly has been my man since as long as I can remember - this man, and his wife Apryle, even paid my phone bill throughout my graduate studies.
Olga
Bridesmaid
Growing up I always wanted a sister, instead, I had two older brothers who I love, but were definitely not sisters. I've known Olga since I was 11...she would call the house to talk to René, but always made time to talk to me too. Over the years Olga's always been a consistent pillar of wisdom and care. Whenever I've needed someone to vent to, she's always there to listen without judgment. Although I didn't grow up with an older sister, I've been blessed to have Olga as my sister for the last almost 18 years. On top of that she's given me my three beautiful and spunky nieces and nephew who I love with my whole heart!
René
Groomsman
My big brotha from another mother. As Julissa's older brother and Amaris' uncle, Rene set the tone for what healthy love from a man looks like. Rene has been held in such high esteem since the moment I met Julissa. In fact - I asked Rene if I could have Julissa's hand in marriage, and although he tried to play me with, "What if I said no," he has been a huge support for our family. I am excited to have another big brother to look up to and further learn what it means to be a family man.
Genesy
Bridesmaid
We all need a Genesy in our life! The definition of "ride or rise" she's seen it ALL! Genesy and I met the first week of classes at Berkeley. We were the two teen moms in a class of transfer student parents (we may have been their kids' ages). We immediately hit it off. We have so many memories I wouldn't even know where to begin...countless drives down from the Bay to SoCal, rolling up on people and snapping pictures, too many drunken nights, Las Vegas tacos, and her slipping on ice in Cambridge. She's been my day one since 2009!
Chuck
Groomsman
Chuck Brimo and I met on the courts in the 2nd grade and after he transferred into my class the following year - we literally did everything together. We started crews, "Ducks" "RSB", we started orgs, "USLA" and helped each other become dynamic leaders. Charles was the type of innovative thinker who others followed - and I was proud to have him as my best friend throughout my K-12 experience. Charles has always been a steady voice of reason and motivation in my life. After seeing a picture of Charles behind a podium with Michelle Obama while I was having the time of my life in Korea - I realized that I too could have an impact far beyond myself, which gave me the jolt i needed to reimagine what was possible for myself. Plus he beat up so many kids in high school no one messed with me...lol
Dom
Bridesmaid
Dom and I met the first week of classes at Harvard, we were both in the financial aid office trying to figure out how the hell we were going to make it in Cambridge. Over the next couple of months we got a lot closer and Amaris loved her some Dom. One of first things I loved about Dom was her connection to Amaris...she was one of the first people to ever call me to ask if she could borrow Amaris so they could go on a movie date. Now whenever I'm back home, there's never a trip we don't visit Dom and relive those Cambridge days. Her spirit, kindness, pursuit of justice and love for life are always a source of inspiration.
Jamil
Groomsman
Jamilibop, my cousin, my uncle, my mentor, my friend, my spiritual guide - this man has played every role in my life. Growing up, Jamil always brought a new way of thinking, seeing and doing. Probably one of the most creative people I know - there was never a dull moment with this man. From playing 'over the top,' to making ridiculous game show videos, to producing his own full-length feature film, Jamil taught me to never settle. I still remember him telling me at age 26, "Once you turn 27, no one is impressed by anything you do anymore, it's expected, your a grown ass man....so go get it done, but do it for yourself and no one else." My man is also one of the most-well read people I know and is probably the only person who genuinely engaged me in my studies as a graduate student.
Violeta
Bridesmaid
Violeta and I met my fourth year at Berkeley shortly after she'd transferred from San Diego City College. Violeta has one of the most contagious personalities and laughters so its damn near impossible not to like her. Her personality matches her heart..she's one of the most caring, loyal and most justice driven people I know. In 2014 we were also roommates for the summer living our best life in New York City. Needless to say we lived it up! No matter where we are in the world, her and I always find a way to stay connected and in each others life. I can't wait to see all the great things you do in this world as a newly minted JD, aka La Abogada!
Irene
Bridesmaid
Irene and I met our junior year at Berkeley in part because of our daughters. Jayda and Amaris carved the path for our friendship and soon after we were sipping on Chavelas and laughing for hours. From the Bay to Chicago to Ann Arbor to Denver, Irene and I have had our fair share of memories. Irene's one of the realest, most down to earth and funniest people I know and I'm blessed to have her as my friend. Over the years Irene's consistently held us down, whenever I've needed a friend she's always shown up, no questions asked just unconditional friendship.
Marty Mar
Groomsman
Honestly, this guy has stories for days and I hope he keeps them to himself. When I arrived in Austin in 2013, Marty was my guide. He took me to campus and anywhere else the bus wouldn't get me, taught me how to be a graduate student, and showed me the Austin night life. We kicked it all of the time. As a bigger dude and a former student-athlete at Berkeley, I spent a considerable amount of time talking shit and challenging him in everything - I typically lost. He busted my ass 11-0 in basketball and roughed me up a few times on 6th street when I got over aggressive. But our bond was and is far beyond that. Marty is the type of guy I could have any and every conversation with. We could got from talking about sports, to philosophy, to women, to god, to leadership, to hiking, to traveling. Martin was honestly a huge reason why I decided to stay at UT to earn my PhD. Historically I thought PhD students were lame, but when I met Martin when he was a PhD student, it was the first time I met a PhD student that I could see myself in. That was ultimately the foundation for me being here the last 9 years. I am very grateful for our friendship and super excited and excited to have a groomsmen as dynamic and accomplished as Martin. As a current Dean of Duke University, this brotha is no professional slouch. I have learned so much from him academically, professionally and spiritually and am proud to have him stand by my side as I marry a fellow Cal Bear. "Go Bears!"
Trav
Groomsman
Travy Trav some how became one of my best friends like a week after meeting each other in Korea. I remember giving him a lot of shit for his lackluster bowling performance which almost led to us fighting - it was then i knew I could trust him and that he would be one of my best friends. Months later when I needed a place to stay - Trav held me down. He even rented a two-bedroom house for an entire year just so I had a place to live for the 5 months I would still be in Korea. He got me hooping again - and we were undefeated in basketball tournaments in Korea until I got us kicked out for fighting!! haha. Trav is an overall great dude and has been a great friend since the moment we met.
Heather
Bridesmaid
Heather's been my rock at Northwestern. Time and time again she's held Amaris and I down and through her own greatness helped guide me through my own process. Heather, Logan and Rose are the definition of chosen family. I know if ever I need something, no matter how big or how small she's always there. Also if there's one person who knows how to successfully get me drunk in the most sneakiest of ways its her! I gotta watch myself when I'm with her...as small as this womxn is damn can she drink. Heather, my time at Northwestern wouldn't have been possible without you. Here's to being two badass doctoras disrupting and redefining what it means to exist and thrive in the academy!
Marcus 'MJ'
Groomsman
"The jeezy man" has been my roll dawg since coming to Austin. From football Saturdays to walking around campus talking shit, to having very real conversations about life. Like most of my memories in Texas, MJ was not only there the night I met Julissa, he helped to facilitate it. After saying hello to Julissa, we spoke the entire night, and like a good friend, MJ stayed around for the next 3 hours without trying to pull me away. On our ride home, I said, "Jeezy, I'm hanging up the cleats, this is it for me," to which he responded, "that's a damn good woman." Since Julissa and Amaris arrived in Austin - uncle MJ has been priceless. He comes to Amaris' volleyball and basketball games and has been the person Julissa and I trust Amaris with the most! He is our family in Texas!
Tim
Groomsman
Tim and I met in Pohang, Korea within the first few weeks I got out there. I was like a "Black dude from Cali," I know we are gonna be cool. As tight as we were in Korea, our relationship truly blossommed upon my return to the states when Tim hooked me up with a summer job two years in a row in D.C. Now we both live in Texas and have a fire business idea that we just got to make happen. Me and this dude will compete in just about anything - as long as we have both tried it, we will talk shit like we are professionals. There is never a dull moment when hanging out with Tim. He is an amazing conversationalist, knows how to keep the party going, and is genuinely a really great friend, father, and husband. Honored to have you stand by me!
Lymaira
Bridesmaid
One of the many blessings to come in my 20's was learning about and meeting my sister, Lymaira. I met my sister when I was 26 and she was 22 at the time. Neither of us knew what to expect when we met, but once we actually spoke on the phone and met in person it was an automatic click. It's crazy to think that you can have so much in common and can share such a strong bond with someone you didn't grow up with but immediately love. Lymaira is one of the most beautiful, free, fun, loving, and caring human beings I know and love. I know there's so much we have yet to experience together, but I look forward to a long life of traveling, laughing, cooking, partying, growing, and sipping on some tea together until we're both old and wrinkly. I love you, sissy!