Wedding Party
Michael Portillo
Best Man
My brother is my best friend, confidant, advice giver, and brings overall balance to my life. As the younger brother, I often looked to him for guidance and he was always at the ready with plenty to give. Growing up we had our differences but as time went on we grew to appreciate each others gifts and talents.
Joseph Mariani Jr.
Groomsman
I've known Joe since high school and I am grateful for his friendship. We have some great memories over the years especially the times that we have collaborated creatively. Together we launch an improvisation comedy club in high school, started a sketch comedy team in college, and wrote and starred in a monthly variety show as professionals. He is generous, deliberate, and a person of integrity, someone who I am honored to have by my side on my big day!
Rene Scheys
Groomsman
Rene (pronounced RHEE - KNEE) is one of my closest friends. We met in college when we were both cast in Vanguard University theater department production of A Few Good Men. We would grab a bite after rehearsals and found out that we had similar interests in films, and culture. We committed to each other that we would both try out for the college sketch comedy team at the same time. When the time came we tried out and made it on the 2003 - 2004 team. That is were we bonded and knew we would be life long friends. We ended up becoming roommates my junior year and I am not ashamed to say this, if it weren't for his english major skills, I probably would not have graduated college! I appreciate his generosity, intellect, and sense of humor.
Jordan Lara
Groomsman
The way I met Jordan Lara is the most unique ways that I have ever met a close friend. It was 2010 and I was speaking at a conference about creative arts ministry. At the end of the seminar I posed a question to the audience, who would like to get a real Hollywood movie experience at the Universal Pictures lot making a film about Jesus? The lone person to raise his hand was Jordan and we were off to the races! It turns out that Jordan is a very talented musical artist himself and we hit it off creatively. We also connected on a spiritual level and he has been an encouragement to me to grow and deepen my faith. He is also hilarious, a hard worker, and a risk taker.
Joshua Puente
Groomsman
I met Josh initially through his brother Jaime who was my youth pastor at the time. We connected because we both appreciated each others off the wall sense of humor. As we grew as adults we began to collaborate creatively and he was one of the major reasons I was able to produce my first feature length stage production '1984' in 2006 because he donated his time and resources. He is a person that uses his influence to raise up others, encourage, and bring up the mood in any situation.
Michael Garza
Groomsman
This is my brother from another mother! We met in college and even though he is a couple years younger than me we bonded quickly. I appreciate his love for his family and the culture they all have created. It warm, welcoming, and with a biting sense of humor. The family gifted me a knife to signify I was part of their clan. I love Mike and his family.
Andrew Gomez
Groomsman
My cousin, friend, and family coffee enthusiast. I am responsible for taking him to his first concert and blowing his young mind with my invented dinosaur species the "Obeseasaurus". Now as adults we have great conversations about philosophy, culture, and which early 90's hip-hop song is the all time best.
Veasna Chea
Groomsman
Veasna, or V as everyone calls him, is a fixture in the tenderloin community of San Fransisco. Just walk the streets with V and you'll feel like the mayor because practically everyone waves to him or gives him a fist bump. Why is this? Well, is it could be because he cuts half of the neighborhood's hair, or it could be that as the lead cook of San Francisco City Impact he frequently interacts with the community and staff or it could be because he was born and raised in the neighborhood. It probably is all those things, but I like to believe it is because of his heart. Vesna cares about each individual and wants to see his community thrive. I had the privilege of working along side him during my time as the manager of the San Francisco Rescue Mission.