Wedding Party
Kat Jankowski
Matron of Honor
Bubbly and charismatic with an enthusiasm for weirdos, Kat has been a particularly cherished friend for several years now. Kat has embraced me in all my quirks and brought me her own. We love to watch true crime while baking cookies together, then take a fat nap on the couch. We just get each other. Her energy will make every event a joy!
Craig Pickard
Best Man
When I first met Craig at Bennigan's, I did not think we would get along. He offered shots one night after work and handed me a shot of Vermouth. I was convinced I didn't like him. However, once I got to know him, I saw what a genuine guy he is. He has a love for life, is a wonderful father to his 2 daughters, and a loving husband to his wife. I have always admired and respected the man, the myth, the legend. We have shared many adventures through the years. We have worked several restaurant concepts together, and even cleaned up a park together, just two guys and a golf cart (lol). He is and has always been a great friend and when I moved away, he was one of two people that I stayed in touch with in Florida. I was the best man at his wedding, and it is an honor to have him as my best man for mine.
Amanda Pickard
Bridesmaid
Outspoken, always down to party, yet reliable through and through, Amanda became my team leader while I was still a budding educator. Through the years, she has proven to be a great friend as well. She might get you sloshed, but she'll also be a safe space in the process!
Eddie Santiago
Groomsman
I also met Eddie at Bennigan's! It was our love for art that brought us together. I had drawn an anime piece on our whiteboard, and the following day, I saw that someone else drew something beside it. As we were both standing there, staring at it, he asked "do you know who drew this?" After speaking, it was apparent we had a lot in common from art, to gaming, and all things nerdy. We started living together, and were roommates for 8 years. I found in him a kindred spirit, a great friend, and someone I consider a brother. Eddie has always been someone I can count on. He was a wonderful dog-sitter to Kal-El and one of few people I could trust with something that, at the time, I considered my world. I know regardless of time, or conversation, our friendship is endless.
Ayla Rius
Bridesmaid
Ayla has been a true friend for over 15 years! Nurturing and gentle, she has always been a great person to have in your corner. Her home was my second house during some of the most formative years of my life. She's also killing it as a new mom!
Emiliano Vazquez
Groomsman
We first met at a restaurant called Formento's. In our time working together, I grew a deep respect for his work ethic, his passion, his positivity, and his wonderful personality. I didn't know then that I would find such a great friend to add to my short list of men I choose to call friend. He is a loving father and supportive husband. We both share a love for Star Wars, which he is passing on to his son. He is never afraid to speak his mind and have his own opinions. This is a man who will never lead you to the dark side.
Aisha Flores
Bridesmaid
Aisha and I became friends at my very first job. She is kind, silly af, and a military queen all in one. Also, my foodie friend all the way! We've been close through many firsts in life, and I'm grateful she was the person to share some of these experiences with me. Due to her deployment, she might not make it in person, but she will be an honorary member of my party regardless!
Aldo Corral
Groomsman
Aldo has been my boss at two different restaurant concepts: Formento's and he liked me enough to bring me into the Fifty/50 Group. I always saw Aldo as a mentor. He and I have had many deep conversations after work over a drink or glass of wine. Our conversations spanned from hobbies to spirituality and life. He has inspired me to pay it forward in ways I didn't always think I could. His heart and kindness know no bounds. He's been there for me at times when I wasn't there for myself. I am lucky to call him a friend.
Katherine Alvarez
Bridesmaid
AKA Muchi. She is my older sister and, in many ways, my opposite. Muchi has always been more type B, and sometimes that stresses me out. However, growing up, we were always on each other's side. We were there for each other when we didn't feel like anyone else was there for us. Things were messy growing up, but we always make sure the other is good. Acid reflux and all, she will be Amanda's biggest drinking buddy through this journey.
Anthony Simpson
Groomsman
In all my years in the service industry, I have never come across anyone as unique as Anthony. His positivity is unparalleled and the way he can articulate things is unmatched. Anthony is the embodiment of charisma and contagious laughter. We also share a love for Star Wars, gaming, anime, and various nerdy things. He always went out of his way to take me out for my birthday, which is on a holiday, even when I didn't wanna celebrate myself. He once told me something that has stuck with me to this day: "Gabriel, you got all this love to give, and you're always tryna be there for everybody. You gotta remember to love yourself, too." When I lost Kal-El, Anthony, who had dealt with a similar loss, constantly reached out and guided me through my emotional turmoil. He kept me grounded and continues to keep me uplifted.