Wedding Party

Jeremiah Gwaro

Best Man

Jay here.. I met Eric over 12 years ago and we've been brothers ever since. He's provided good support and counsel in bad and good times. I'm happy to see him find his person and make it official.

Ruben Larrazolo

Officiant

My name is Ruben Larrazolo, and I'm Trudy’s brother (you'll notice the resemblance). I met Eric because I had to approve the relationship. But, this approval evolved into a brotherhood; I remember my mother-in-law telling my wife that “I prayed for Ruben when my daughter was born.” I believe Eric was always on our minds when we were praying for Trudy. Eric is the most noble and responsible person for my little sister, and I'm so grateful that I can now see these two sharing their lives together (tear on my cheek). I’m so happy for both of them, and now we will pray for this new family. Welcome to the family, Eric.

Peter Nyotu

Groomsman

Eric and I met in the military in San Antonio. Back then, we used to hangout every weekend, visiting all the bars/restaurants, tubing and of course the Riverwalk. His honesty, self-control, decency and conviction of purpose made him a very good friend of mine. Best wishes my friend.

Peter Onchiri

Groomsman

I met Eric as a young teenager almost 18 yrs ago in Minnesota. He quickly proved to be honest and sincere and I have held him in high regard ever since. Through different continents, he has always remained close - a brother. You have my prayers and best wishes in the journey ahead. 🙏

Travis Turner

Groomsman

David Wright

Groomsman

I first met Eric in 2014. Recognizing a fellow strong-willed ethnic minority male in a small Wisconsin city that prioritized being a good father over a lavish lifestyle even though he was financially capable if desired. Eric was investing in his future. These common interests and goals allowed us to encourage each other along the way. Eric was the first person to meet my now wife. It's amazing to see Eric thriving as a father, and soon to be husband to Trudy. I'm honored to be apart of their special day.

Dr. Iecha Johnson

Maid of Honor

Growing up as sisters, Trudy and I were always on our next adventure. From cooking our favorite meals and watching our favorite Disney movies, to competing in our very own singing competitions we always had the best times together! God blessed me with a smart, beautiful, and courageous younger sister that continues to teach me how to grab life by the horns, live it to its fullest, and thank God through it all! I'm blessed to be standing by her side on her wedding day!

Dr. Aaron Corfield

Bridesman

I met Trudy at podiatry school in Philadelphia. For our last year of school and throughout residency, we shared a house, but more than that, we shared and made so many amazing memories. What we all know about Trudy is her amazing ability to be able to create deep connections with all of us. For me, she’s helped to craft the identity and person I am today! I’m honored to call Trudy family and to be a part of her day!

Amarra Gladney

Bridesmaid

Trudy and I met about six years ago when she was newer to California. I’ve since seen her grow roots, professionally and relationally; and am so grateful she has chosen to call Cali home. Being in a women’s small group together kicked off our friendship, and it has been growing since. Between watching tv shows together, enjoying brunch at our favorite spots, and countless shopping excursions, there’s no topic of conversation we haven’t covered with plenty of laughter and love. So excited to be a part of the beginning of her next life journey, and many more!

Dr. Priscilla Howie

Officiant

If Trudy was to tell you how we met, her version of the story would state “ she stole my roommate…” but im here to give context that this was a key part of God’s divine plan to give me what I would need to make it to this exact moment in my life. I mean who can argue with Gods divine plan? So I played my role and had Trudy scrambling for a new roommate just days before starting podiatry school… Trudy and I have since shared many countless significant moments together, that may or may not have involved me feeling like I had put my life literally in the hands of Trudisha and repeating “no Trudy I didn’t die”. Trudy, who carried me, also walked besides me down my own isle, is the God-mother to my daughter, my forever friend. I wish you and Eric the very best next step in this beautiful journey of life together. Eric you better fight for Trudy each day as I know for a fact she will never stop fighting for you. Welcome to fold of Trudy’s fierce but sweet love. So for brevity’s sake, after many long thought provoking discussions, moments of fear and tears, joy, hair braiding for hours, praying, laughing, sleepovers, large bags of gummie bears and the color green… yes it was so worth it to steal your roommate and I’d do it again to find myself ushering you down your isle.

Zaria Johnson

Bridesmaid

My sister Trudy has been there since the day I was born and has continued to be a role model my whole life. Although I consider her the wild child, she will always give great advice and support me when I need her to. Even from hundreds of miles away I know she is always there for me.

Katie Steffen

Bridesmaid

I first met Trudy in elementary school, where I observed her magnetic presence at recess in awe and said to myself “How can I be friends with that very cool girl?” I don’t remember how I did it, but I did enough to earn her mild awareness then. Once we became high school basketball teammates, I earned her friendship and respect. And now, as we approach middle age, I have earned the privilege of her wisdom and life-long friendship. There are a lot of people who are fun to hang with, who can make you laugh and bring you moments of joy. But there are very few people who can do that while also consistently inspiring you, counseling you and lifting you up when you are down. Trudy is a blast, and she gives me perspective when I am grasping, helps me feel grounded in shaky moments, and reminds me of my strength when I have forgotten. Friendships that evolve through stages of life are so rare and special, and I am lucky to still have this very cool and confident woman as my friend!

Marie St. Fort

Bridesmaid

Trudy and I met for the 99 and the 2000s while playing AAU travel basketball with the Wave Runners team. Although we played on separate teams, we became friends due to our love for basketball and cultural similarities. We realized that we live nearby each other and I would spend a great amount of time hanging out with her and the family. Just like that, it became my home away from home. My friendship with Trudy continued to grow and she became my best friend. As we experienced the ups and downs of life in college, relationships, careers, etc., we were always there for one another no matter what time of day it was. We’ve traveled to countless places internationally and domestically, and because Trudy is such a thrill seeker, she often includes me in adventures that most people never think about. This means, I’m usually reflecting on my life and saying my goodbyes in my head thinking, “this is it, I’m not going to make it” as I’m signing the liability waiver. But Trudy would say at the end of it “but did you die though” Lol. It's never a dull moment with Trudy. Besides, I’m still alive and well and so grateful for our adventures.

Deziree Vega-Thomas

Bridesmaid

Our forever friendship started back in the 4th grade!!! I have had the chance to make many memories with My Trudy. From school, playgrounds, field trips sleepovers to adulting! We may not get to see each other often however we pick up like we never missed a day. It’s always a good laugh, a deep conversation, or a sense of calmness when we speak! My Trudy is so sweet, so kind hearted and full of ambition!

Edithe Delhomme

Bridesmaid