Matron of Honor
I met Viviana the summer before seventh grade. She had just moved to Palmas Del Mar and she was my new neighbor. From there, we immediately became friends. We had an extremely close knit group of friends throughout school and Viviana was always at the center of it. The friendship continued to grow into college where numerous shenanigans that I will not get into took place. I have so many great memories of our time together and will always cherish those memories. As we have both matured as adults we have remained close. Viviana is sweet and loving person. I know she will always be there to joke and gossip with me and do an amazing job as my matron of honor.
Best Man
I have known Mike since we were 3 years old and we were pretty much been inseparable as kids. I literally called my left foot Mike and my right foot Brian when I was little because they go everywhere together. Seriously, ask my Mom at the wedding, she loves to tell the story. We grew up only a block away from each other and became an extension of each other's families. Mike is that quiet stoic companion who counteracts my inability to not talk and keep my voice low. He is the yin to my yang. The fact that he has stuck by me and we have remained friends for almost 3 decades is an amazing testament to his character. I love my 3 older sisters, but Mike is the closest thing I have ever had to a brother. I am so excited and honored to have him stand up there next to me and be my best man.
Bridesmaid
Stephanie is my only sister. Because she was older than me, I didn't have the same relationship with her as I do now. As I have matured, I have gotten to know her better and appreciate our differences while also seeing more of what we have in common. I know that when I talk with her we are always going to share a laugh. I see the great mother that she has become and I one day hope to be the same type of mother to my child. Stephanie is a unique and beautiful person who is an amazing addition to our bridal party.
Groomsman
I became friends with Susick in high school, but it wasn't easy. In our 9th grade art class he would constantly wake me up from naps to bother me on purpose. He wasn't trying to help me learn. Nope, this was his tactic in trying to befriend me... "Oh, his lack of social cues were so adorable, of course you became friends!" No. I hated it at the time. Our friendship came later and it was because of our mutual love of gambling. Bonding over cards was the start, but it turns out we have a whole lot more in common than just that. Susick is brash but in the most lovable way. He is the most genuine friend a person can have and is there for you no matter what. And though he is a poor sport about losing in FIFA (constantly), he is my closest confidant and I am honored to have him as a groomsman.
Bridesmaid
Zamy is a bad influence. I just wanted to get that out of the way. We didn't become friends until late in our PsyD program and this is probably a good thing because if we had become friends earlier, I doubt that I would have graduated on time. She has always been someone I could rely on to go out with and have a good time. I remember all the "papelones" that we've had together that I will always cherish. She is an amazing friend who has been there for me in some very tough times and I know will continue to be there for me in the future.
Groomsman
I have known Josh since 2nd grade when he moved to my neighborhood. This story does not start out with us becoming immediate friends though. Oh no. This guy bugged the hell out of me when I first met him. No, it wasn't because he really did anything annoying or out of line. The reason I didn't like him was that he had the nerve to come to "my school" and have a crush on "my crush." You know, that old chestnut. Eventually we got over our mutual hatred of each other and realized "game recognize game" and bonded over our mutual interests, eventually becoming great friends. Josh is the life of the party. He brings energy to everything he does in a way I wish I could. Josh has believed in me even when I couldn't believe in myself. I am lucky to have him as a friend and as a groomsman.
Bridesmaid
Nai is someone I became friends with in the PsyD program. She has an amazing ability to keep keep me grounded. Nai will tell me like it is while still being an amazingly supportive friend. She is always my salsa partner and is up to go out for an adventure. She even has come to visit me in Minnesota! With all this great commentary on Nai, I want it to be known that Zamy isn't the only person in our group of friends that has pushed me to make bad decisions, Nai contributes to that plenty. But even when things get tough, I know that she will be there for me to drink and cry until the cries became laughs. Those memories are something that will always stay with me. She is an amazing and loyal friend.
Groomsman
I have known Mark since 5th grade when we played on the same basketball team. I immediately liked him as it is really hard not to like Mark. He was even endearing as a child! We also ended up playing baseball together for years. I played shortstop, he played second base. I like to think we made a pretty good double play tandem. That connection through sports helped us build a friendship, but it was definitely Mark's quick wit mixed in with my constant sarcasm that pushed it into that great friendship realm. Mark is legitimately the nicest person I know. Seriously, all these other groomsmen are great, but they will also tell you Mark is better person than them. Mark is a great friend who always has time to chat about whatever (especially baseball). I am humbled to have him as a groomsman.
Bridesmaid
Jamie was one of my first friends I made in the PsyD program. I am not exactly proud of how she connected with me though. She happened to remember me from our interviews for the program. Apparently I was wearing a suit that showed off my bust a bit more than I realized. She brought it up to me once the program started and we laughed about it. The friendship grew as we leaned on each other greatly in our studies and I probably wouldn't have graduated if it wasn't for our study sessions. Even after graduation, we continued to rely on each other as we studied for our licensing exam. Our relationship wasn't just academic though. Jamie has been so supportive, caring and loving. She is one of the sweetest people I know and I admire her and cherish our friendship.
Groomsman
I have been friends with Gritti since high school. To be honest, when I first had classes with Gritti I thought he was kind of a weird kid. We had a few conversations, but hadn't ever really hung out. Then mutual friends brought our paths together and we started interacting a lot more. It was then I realized that, yep, this dude is definitely weird, but in a really fun kind of way. From there our friendship continued to grew throughout college and we eventually even lived together in our 20's where I fully confirmed his weirdness (singing show tunes in the shower). Gritti fits in everywhere he goes. His humor adds value to every conversation and he has an ability to make you feel ok with your own weirdness. He is kind and cares about his friends and I am so happy he is a groomsman.
Bridesmaid
I met Bea through Jamie and then we became close friends by spending so much time together. We would go out to eat and dance and just have a good time in general. We developed into a very close group of friends who traveled together and have learned so much from each other. Bea can be very direct, but it comes from a good place. She is someone I respect and who I know better than to mess with. With all that said, she is an extremely loving and very determined individual. I know that she be an amazing bridesmaid and I am excited to have her in the wedding.
Groomsman
Rey is my newest friend, who also just happens to have the bonus title of being family. Early in our relationship, Marie brought me to her brother's house to meet some of her family for the first time. Being a bit nervous, I walked into Rey's house not know what to expect. Immediately, I knew it was meant to be; he was wearing a Pip-Boy shirt, one that I happen to also own. Our affinity for similar nerd culture collided. You could call in brother-in-laws at first sight. Anyway, turns out Rey is a pretty awesome guy with a great sense of humor. He and his family were so welcoming of me and were always happy to have Marie and I around. He is a great brother to Marie and a great friend and now family member to me. I am so glad that he is able to be a part of Marie and I's special day.