Wedding Party
Rachael Sammons
Matron of Honor
She is one of Carolyn's best friends and was her roomie in college. They met at an event before attending GCU, where they decided to room together. Well, it was a couple of events. The first was during a bowling event, where Rachael's friend acted as a wingman and introduced themselves to Carolyn. Carolyn and Rachael then saw one another again before Rachael's Senior prom. They got to talking, along with their parents. Depending on whom you ask—either Rachael or Carolyn's dad—let's say they both suggested they become college roomies! For the last decade (and counting!) there have been many adventures and shenanigans since then! In college, they were joined together, and where one was, the other was unless it was the Three Amigas; then Joell was almost always with them. Together, they went on many trips, went to college events, hosted game nights, recorded several videos (probably cringe now! lol), did movies on the lawn, and built forts inside their dorm room. As adults, they continue to do almost all of those things!
Brandon Kindred
Best Man
From Brandon, Emanuel's Best Man: Manny and I met about 2 1/2 years ago through our church's Men's Group. The first time I spoke with him, I unloaded all of my life's problems on him; shockingly, it didn't scare him away. Because the next week, he asked if I wanted to hang out one day, and it was a wrap after that. Little did either of us know that hanging out would change our lives for the better. Manny later told me he was praying for a friend, and Manny was the friend I didn't know I needed. Through the years we have been through the highs and lows of life, he helped me keep my focus on God, and I'd like to think I helped him with the same. I am fortunate to stand next to him as he marries his best friend, Carolyn, on my birthday!
Joell Springer
Maid of Honor
Ten years ago, Carolyn met her college Life Leader (aka Bible Study leader), who is now one of her best friends. Carolyn met Joell on move-in day, where Carolyn said to herself, "I want to be friends with that girl!" Now, some may ask how Carolyn knew this to be. Joell walked in after praying over each of the rooms and introduced herself. She then proceeded to share quirky tidbits such as her addiction to chapstick, double-checking to ensure her car is locked, and being a planner, among other things. At this moment, Carolyn knew she wanted Joell in her life because she was so unapologetically herself, which was a rare thing for Carolyn to experience during high school. Since then and after attending the first night of her bible study (mind you, Carolyn cried in front of strangers, which was a big deal), they were on the road to a beautiful friendship. A friendship with deep, meaningful conversations and belly laughs until Carolyn's morning class, where one of them (usually Joell) rolled out of the room. Joell has since been the one that Carolyn can call to kill spiders for her, watch She's the Man and other early-2000s Rom-Coms with, ask for advice, shoulder to cry on, and be an adventure buddy and go to DisneyWorld together. Together, they have been through thick and thin, and Joell (or Jo, as Carolyn often calls her) will remain Carolyn's ride-or-die kind of gal!
Andy Monreal
Groomsman
From Andy: When I met Emanuel, it was August 2020; Covid had spread throughout the states. I applied to Child and Family Support Services and got the job. Days later, when I met my boss for the first time, she told me about a great guy who has a passion for his career and will be training me. I was excited to meet and learn from him; I like things not to do (just kidding). On the first day I met him, I could tell his ora was different; he had a passion for the kid we supported through the organization. I will never forget the pep talk he gave me about what to do when a kid gets upset. When he demonstrated what to do, the kid blankly stared at him and slapped him across the face. I started laughing hard and knew this was the right job for me. Over the year, our friendship grew closer. Our boss calls us the odd couple, Felix and Oscar, with how much we bicker. Our clients call us the Andy and Manny show due to how funny we are together. I have his back, and he has mine, and that’s all that matters. We might be busy, but we still try to find the time. Emanuel is a one-of-a-kind soul and a great friend. Help me through tough times and when I need a friend. I genuinely believe he is a long-term friend.
Katie Keith
Bridesmaid
Carolyn met Katie during Joell's Bible Study a decade ago! Over the years, they shared COMmunication classes where they would study, drink coffee together, and watch (*more so make fun of) The Bachelor. They have also celebrated their birthdays (yay, for June birthdays!), even if far away, with Katie being two days older and wiser but Carolyn only a couple of inches taller. Since then, they have become Disney Princess Run buddies; they continue to sing Disney songs sporadically. Fun fact, a whole conversation can go by with Katie and Carolyn using only movie quotes. Life is sure fun with a Katie Keith in your life!
Victor Padin
Groomsman
Victor is Emanuel’s older brother. He’s a protective yet loving and caring individual. Victor has been a massive part of Emanuel’s life and a role model of manhood in many different areas. Emanuel’s fondest memories with his brother were playing video games and laughing at family events or meeting at his friend’s house to sit and play cards and have conversations about life and relationships. Victor has supported Emanuel during good and bad times, a place to find wisdom and learn to be a better version of himself. Thank you, Victor, for being an example of a good man and a brother to Emanuel.
Brandy Wikoff
Bridesmaid
Traveling back nearly ten years ago...Carolyn met Brandy on the first day of school during their Sophomore year of college. Carolyn was working at a Club and Activities Fair when Brandy walked up. They talked when they learned they were from Ohio (O-H-I-O!). They decided to meet up for lunch at Chick-Fil-A, where they found out they grew up nearly thirty minutes away from one another when Carolyn was living in Macedonia! Later, Carolyn and Rachael hosted a game night in their dorm room. Brandy called to see what Carolyn was doing and was invited, which later formed the crew (Rachael, Carolyn, Brandy, Abbey, Zoe, and Katie). After the crew officially formed, they had game nights, got together nearly every week for movie nights, went on hiking or day trips up in Sedona, had Friendsgiving, and celebrated birthdays or other significant events like weddings and kid's birthdays. They have remained close friends ever since!
David Ruiz
Groomsman
David is Emanuel's younger brother. Here is a quick, fun story to properly understand the relationship between the two (outside of their video game playing). Years ago, when David was about five years old, he shared a bed with Emanuel and their older brother, Victor. David was complaining about the lack of room he had on the bed to Victor. Emanuel was PASSED OUT. Victor, being the problem solver he is, pushed Emanuel off the bed and said, "there; that should do it." David was then able to get a good night's sleep that night. *Disclaimer: No harm came to Emanuel (he was still dead asleep on the floor).
Dio Hernandez-Padin
Bridesmaid
She is Emanuel's sister-in-law and soon be Carolyn's as well (officially that is). Carolyn met her briefly in passing but officially at her daughter Bella's 3rd birthday party almost two years ago. Since then, Dio has been nothing but welcoming to Carolyn. Though they have not had as much time to grow as close as Carolyn is to the other ladies, Dio is now a part of Carolyn's family. They will now get to start and continue growing a close friendship. March 4, 2023, won't be the same without her lovely smile and kind-hearted support! Thank you for embracing me into your family. Thank you for being supportive and there for our big day! —Carolyn
Jairo Tapia
Groomsman
Jairo is a man you can look to for fun and guidance when the time is right. As my cousin, growing up was always fun with him around, and the countless stories we have to this day continue to be inside jokes. When my brothers and I were younger, I could always find him handing out with Victor, getting into God only knows what kind of trouble, which caused some excellent, comical stories today during get-to-togethers. However, all-in-all, Jairo is a great person to be around and always brings a bright smile to those who encounter him. Thank you, Jairo, for the great memories, laughs, and serious moments that led to growth—just from knowing you. Most of all, thank you for being here to celebrate our big day! —Emanuel
Phil Lynn
Officiant
He is a close friend of the bride, a friend of the couple, and the official officiant for their wedding.
Vicky Padin
Passage Reader
She is the twin sister of Emanuel and soon-to-be sister-in-law of Carolyn. She will be reading a Bible passage during the wedding ceremony for the couple.
Ana, Bella, Quincy, & Olivia
Flower Girl
Ana and Bella are Victor and Dio's daughters and nieces of the couple. Quincy is Joell Springer's daughter and considered the bride's niece. Olivia is Brandy and Josh Wikoff's daughter and is considered the bride's niece as well. Honorary Flower Girls are Sophia (Victor and Dio's daughter), Charlotte (Rachael and Scott Sammon's daughter), and the couple's nieces.
Julian & Vinny
Ring Bearer
Julian is Victor and Dio's son and a nephew of the couple. Vinny is Brandy and Josh Wikoff's son, both close family friends of the bride and a "nephew" of the bride.