Dorinda & Niko
Wedding Party
Shilah Carroll
Maid of Honor
Dorinda met Shilah in Gainesville, Florida. Dorinda had just moved from San Diego and had the daunting task of switching high schools and making new friends. Dorinda joined the Buchholz Band and this is where she met Shilah. Their instant connection had a lot to do with both having strict parents. There was a mutual understanding that there was no such thing as going to each other’s houses to hang out after school. Dorinda’s reserved personality was a steep contrast to Shilah’s outgoing, bubbly personality, but their friendship thrived. Shilah has a particular talent for gift-giving and has never missed a single birthday or special occasion. She is a loyal and true friend.
Juan Vasquez
Best Man
Niko and Juan were roommates when they were both stationed in Okinawa, Japan. Juan was the one who first introduced Niko to the notorious salsa bar called Salsatina’s and from then on, Niko was hooked on salsa dancing. From attending dance classes and events to traveling around Asia, they were always seen together and formed a tight bond. Juan has been the most consistent and loyal friend to Niko, always staying in touch and visiting him every chance he gets. Juan is impossible NOT to love - he can make anyone laugh, is a great storyteller, and is always down for a beer (or any drink really).
Diana Trigo
Matron of Honor
Dorinda met Diana when she lived in San Diego. Diana (and Patrick) own Melomano, one of the largest Latin dance companies in San Diego. Diana’s organized, authentic, and loving personality quickly earned Dorinda’s love, trust, and loyalty. Over a short period of time, they became as close as family. When Dorinda took command of Alpha Company at 1st CEB, Diana, Patrick, and their daughter Luna were the sole representatives for Dorinda’s family who unfortunately could not be there. It was incredibly difficult to leave San Diego because of the close bond that had grown between them. They always make an effort to stay in touch, and despite the distance, they are still considered family.
Patrick Hernandez
Groomsman
Patrick was Niko’s dance instructor in San Diego. Patrick (and Diana) currently direct Melomano Dance Company, one of San Diego’s biggest (and best) Latin dance companies. But it was more than just his choreographies and lessons that grew on Niko. It was also his contagious laugh (oh, you‘ll hear it at the wedding), growing family (Diana and their girls), humility, and pure compassion. Patrick has always given the best heartfelt speeches and can make anyone laugh. Patrick and Diana created a family in their dance company that few can say they have achieved. Patrick has all the qualities of a great leader and an even better friend. The bride and groom are incredibly humbled to have Patrick serve as the Master of Ceremonies for their Wedding Reception.
Alaysha Johns
Bridesmaid
Dorinda met Alaysha in 5th grade in Beaufort, South Carolina. At the time, both of their parents were stationed on Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island. They had the honor of witnessing each other's "ugly duckling" years as they matured into young women. Through the years, Alaysha and Dorinda’s friendship has remained constant and true. They are always there for each other during the toughest times. They don’t need to communicate daily to remain the closest of friends. There is a mutual understanding that they will always have each other’s backs no matter what trials life throws at them. Their friendship is a bond that everyone hopes to find, but not everyone does.
Sage Clark
Groomsman
Niko and Sage literally followed each other everywhere during their time in the Marine Corps. From Twentynine Palms to Okinawa, Japan and Camp Pendleton, California, they always seemed to be together. Sage and Niko have a ton in common with respect to their drive and work ethic. They've constantly pushed each other in all areas of life, from physical fitness, to academics, to spiritual growth, to their relationships - they've always been on the same page. While they both lead busy lives, they always find time to reconnect and encourage each other in their journeys. Niko and Dorinda are also godparents to Sage's daughter, Alessandra.
Natasha Abrams
Bridesmaid
Dorinda met Natasha in 2013 at The Basic School in Quantico, Virginia. At the time, they were both brand new lieutenants in the Marine Corps and a little lost in the world. They spent many nights dancing away to salsa and bachata together and for a short period of time cohabitated during an emotionally challenging time for both of them. When Dorinda moved to Okinawa in 2014, they remained very close friends, purchasing matching daddy dolls of each other and snapping pictures during their travels (yes, people thought they were crazy). Natasha came to visit Dorinda in Okinawa in 2016 and they had the most amazing girls trip to date. While they both lead busy lives, they maintain a loving friendship.
Lamar Hernandez
Groomsman
When Niko first met Lamar he was a little shy, and Niko saw him as a slightly younger version of himself. Niko was determined to break him out of his shell, so he took Lamar to his first Latin dance event and the rest is history. He was hungry, a fast learner, and (suddenly) a social butterfly. Who knew this kid from a small town in the corn fields of Nebraska would grow up to be an up-and-coming professional dancer in the Zouk and Bachata dance scenes. Now, he is teaching and performing around the country, and even has a few viral dance videos with his partner, Anastasia. Most importantly, Lamar was the one who broke the ice for Niko and Dorinda when they first met.
Kiana Espino
Bridesmaid
Kiana is Niko's baby sister. Dorinda first met Kiana in San Diego when she came to visit Niko in 2017. Dorinda and Kiana's instant connection was born from their mutual teasing of Niko. They have always had each other’s backs and frequently gang up on Niko in every way possible. Kiana is one of the hardest-working people you will meet. She has the best sense of style and the best sense of humor. She is also incredibly loving and loyal to those close to her and is a fierce friend. She maintains a close relationship with Niko and Dorinda (through their shared group chat made up entirely of memes and funny videos), and is always down to visit them no matter what city they live in.
Alex Hladik
Groomsman
Alex and Niko met in Japan where they both connected over their love of basketball, fitness, and roasting their fellow peers. Alex (NY), Niko (FL), and their friend Angel (CA) always had a story to tell from their nights out, but they seemingly spared the incriminating details. Alex comes off as a really chill dude, but he is always down for an adventure. From (attempting) to learn how to surf, to building bonfires and hiking to waterfalls in the heart of Okinawa, Alex and Niko were always out making memories during their time off together. Alex and Niko have remained close friends due to their shared family values, dependability, and ambitions.
Clo Ferreira
Bridesmaid
Clo is Dorinda's current dance instructor. She and her partner, De'Jon, were one of the first people in New Orleans Dorinda and Niko met (seriously, about 4 hours after arriving from a cross-country trip). Clo was born in Isla Margarita, Venezuela and moved to the U.S. when she was very young. She has been dancing since she could walk and is one of the most talented dancers you will ever meet. She has trained in Classical Ballet, Modern, Contemporary, Jazz, Hip-Hop, Salsa, Bachata, Ballroom, and Brazilian Zouk (to name a few…) She has a gift for teaching and is incredibly humble despite her talents.
De'Jon Polanski
Groomsman
De’Jon is Niko’s current dance instructor in New Orleans. He and Niko share a lot of similar qualities with respect to focus, commitment, and drive. De’Jon (and Clo) welcomed Niko & Dorinda to New Orleans with open arms, making an unfamiliar city feel like home (to include some AMAZING home cooked meals). But don’t let his size fool you (a running back turned competitive powerlifter), this man can DANCE too! He and Clo have taught and performed in dozens of countries across the globe. De’Jon’s definitely got “The Sauce,” both in the kitchen and on the dance floor.
Alanna Pintos
Junior Bridesmaid
Alanna was born during Dorinda's senior year of high school and was the first one who made her an aunt. Alanna loves Japanese Anime, drawing, sewing, and arts and crafts. She is incredibly observant and smart and has a keen sense of direction (call her if you get lost). She has aspirations to one day work for NASA as an aerospace engineer.
Serena Pintos
Junior Bridesmaid
Serena was also born during Dorinda's senior year of high school. She loves to swim and dance (much like the bride and groom). In fact, she's been swimming and dancing since she was a baby! She also loves all things chocolate and the color pink! She is incredibly loving, smart, and sweet and recently earned her certification as a junior lifeguard.
Luna Hernandez
Flower Girl
Luna is the brightest, funniest, and most adorable little Flower POWER Girl you will ever meet. She is an amazing big sister to her younger twin sisters, Maya and Ren, and is incredibly compassionate and loving. She is brave and equally kind with the purest heart. Spend just a few minutes around her and she will have you rolling in laughter. This is one flower girl you will never forget!
Lucas Pintos
Ring Bearer
Lucas is Dorinda's godson and nephew and WOW does pack a punch! If he's not running around playing, he's probably trying to FaceTime people on your phone when you're not paying attention. His favorite thing to do is use the special effects function on FaceTime to make your face look like a poop emoji. He loves to show off his muscles and he inherited his dimples from the bride.
Sandra Torres-Pintos
Mother of the Bride
Sandra Torres-Pintos currently works as the Veterans Services Coordinator at Santa Fe College. She served in the Marine Corps for 25 years, breaking glass ceilings that inspired the bride to do the same. She has always instilled in Dorinda a strong sense of faith and is Dorinda’s role model. While most little girls were daddy’s girls, Dorinda is a Mama's girl (sorry Dad). Over the years, they spent many nights watching novelas (Spanish Soap Operas), re-runs of I Love Lucy, and Abbott & Costello movies. They’ve always been attached at the hip and Sandra affectionately calls Dorinda her “chicle” (gum in Spanish) because they are an inseparable duo.
William Pintos
Father of the Bride
William Pintos is the oldest of 5 brothers who all served in the Marine Corps. He was a highly successful Marine recruiter in New York City and retired after 20 years of service. He fully retired from the workforce in 2019 and impressed the whole family when he decided to go back to school after a 47 year break! He is set to graduate from Santa Fe College with his degree in Digital Media in April 2022. William has always encouraged Dorinda to push past limits, whether it was as a kid in martial arts or currently as a Marine. His favorite song and phrase is "Eye of the Tiger." He has always been her number one fan and believes Dorinda can accomplish anything she wants.
Christy Thomas
Mother of the Groom
Christy grew up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin but spent the latter portion of her life in central Florida. She has three children: Niko (26), Kiana (24), and Mario (22). Christy was the kind of mom growing up who would run ice cream (out from her fridge) to the other kids in the neighborhood who didn’t have money when the ice cream truck drove by. Christy also LOVES to cook. She can tell you how to make any recipe and spends her free time looking at new recipes to make. You can really sense the size of her heart in her amazing meals and her kindness to others.