Milgem & Jeremiah
Wedding Party
Mariver Copeland
Matron of Honor
As Milgem's big sister and one of the "elders" of the family, Mariver's always been the responsible one, carting around Gem and their crew of cousins as soon as she was able to drive. Having to babysit all of us was good training to be a #bosslady. Marv is a UCLA grad (convincing Gem to go there, too), Chief Financial Officer at the Pasadena Community Foundation, wife to college sweetheart Rick, and mom of twins Luke and Ally.
Radcliffe Gallardo
Best Man
Rad is my older (and only) brother, whom I've always looked up to and has always been supportive through good and not so good times. He is a proud UCLA graduate (as is his wife Gayle) and balances his career at Oakley with his responsibilities as a "Super-Dad" to Isla, Owen, and Ever. Among the Gallardo cousins, he's also kind of the "Godfather", as a positive role model, thoughtful gift-giver, and responsible adult. Still, we know he's as goofy as the rest of us..
Genevive Bangcawayan-Hunt
Bridesmaid
One of Milgem's best friends since Jr. High, Genny is Gem's #1 confidant, counselor in times of need, and honorary member of the Rabanera clan. She's also an amazing pediatric oncology nurse at the Kaiser Downey Medical hospital, wife to one of our high school friends Jon, and the mother of two awesome kids, Evelyn & Nathan.
Ian Cuevas
Groomsman
Ian and I have been friends since we shared a house in Paradise Hills (San Diego) with mutual friend Roncarlo back in 2005. He's my favorite person to discuss music, films, and books with (we have a shared Haruki Murakami collection) and we definitely have shared experiences of many different sights and sounds at music events, art shows, and such over the years. My best friend is also an amazing and very cool photographer, as well as a clever writer. Ian lives in San Diego with his wife Florence and son Frankie.
Kim Ly
Bridesmaid
An Elite Yelp member, Kim took pictures of food long before posting food on social media became popular. There's no surprise that she and Gem stayed good friends after graduating from UCLA; every moment spent together was in trying new restaurants, going clubbing, & exploring the nooks and crannies of LA. The most memorable of explorations together was in Europe - Kim's haggling skills over souvenirs on that trip have come in handy in negotiating with hair/makeup artists for this wedding! She was also in-house counsel for Hydra-Electric Co. before becoming a full time mom to Aly and Zoé, and is wife to Nam.
Jon Gallardo
Groomsman
My cousin Jon is the first-born of our Gallardo cousins and we've grown up together since around the age of 7, when his family moved from Toronto, Canada to southern California. Always friendly and welcoming, any social event suddenly becomes more fun and hilarious with Jon there to make you laugh, listen to your story, or offer you another drink. Jon is talented as an artist/digital artist, as well as in the kitchen or in front of the grill, and makes Los Angeles his happy home with Tes, Rocco, and Eva.
Itzel Molenaar
Bridesmaid
Itzel and Milgem were roommates in the transfer student housing at UCLA (in what was a defunct sorority house), sharing a massive room meant for 8 people, and would hang out with Itzy's Santa Monica crew when they needed a break from dorm life. They managed a balance of studying and partying (mostly partying), with memorable trips to Las Vegas and Puerto Rico. Itzy is Facility Director for the City of Los Angeles and now settled in San Pedro with her chihuaha Tootie and husband Reynier.
Rex Vargas
Groomsman
Kuya Rex is my older cousin and almost life-long San Diegan. Always kind and good-humored, he’s been a constant source of support and encouragement, especially when he and his family welcomed me into their home as I was relocating for a past job. Rex has successful career as a pharmacist, and currently calls Rancho Bernardo home, with his wife Michelle, daughters Raelle and Aline, and son Derek.
Janine Galeano
Bridesmaid
Milgem's childhood neighbor & BFF, Janine has been the steadfast "frond-to-the-ond" in navigating the ups and downs of puberty-into-adulthood, and is always down to be concert buddy/foodie wingwoman. As luck would have it, Janine and Gem still remain neighbors today in San Diego, finding themselves working in the same business district of SD and going on food adventures as soon as they're off the clock.
Florence Pacho
Grooms-wo-man
Florence and I first met back in the summer of 2005 as she started dating my buddy Ian (whom she is now happily married to), and over the years they have both become my most trusted, understanding, and loyal friends. Flo is a passionate and creative artist, as well as the owner of Pikku Salon in San Diego. She gives a show-stopping Karaoke performance (or multiple) and also does really funny impressions. I am also eternally grateful to Florence as she is responsible for helping me find a uniquely beautiful engagement ring for Gem. Thank you, Flo!
Allyson Marie Copeland
Junior Bridesmaid
Niece to Gem, and Mariver's sassy and smart "mini-me," Allyson is active in musical theater, has a great voice, plays the ukelele, and loves all things fluffy.
Luke Richard Copeland
Bible bearer
Gem's nephew, and Allyson's twin brother, Luke is artistically inclined, likes to play tennis like his mom and auntie, and tries to get away with playing Fortnite every chance he gets.
Isla Marie Gallardo
Flower Girl
Isla Marie is Iah's nice and goddaughter, as well as his favorite person to make funny faces with. At 9 years old, she is a great student, talented singer and pianist, great teller of puns, and overall sweet person.
Ever Sunny Gallardo
Flower Girl
Ever Sunny is Iah's charming and adorable niece. She loves to dance and make people laugh, and if you pick her up and carry her, she'll probably hold onto your earlobes.
Owen Melanio Gallardo
Ring Bearer
Owen is 6 years old and a bright kindergarten student who loves building things, solving puzzles, and already told his Lolo (grandfather) that he wants to grow up to be an engineer like him! Owen is active in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and just started competitions. His favorite thing to do is sleep over at his grandparents home, his happiest place on earth!
Bayani Cabrera
Sponsor
Bayani is Iah’s uncle and oldest and only brother among the 4 Cabrera siblings. He retired as a manager for Abbott Laboratories in the Philippines. Uncle Bay is married to Ricelle and is a father of 4 and grandfather of 6, and currently spends his time traveling and visiting them between Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and Manila.
Teresita Rabanera
Sponsor
Gem's godmother, Auntie Tessie, also shares the same birthday of 8/10! She was a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Nurse at St. Francis Medical Center, and is now living and loving the retired life, taking full advantage of unlimited Disneyland tickets (courtesy of now retired Disney-engineer husband, Uncle Nick). She'll be participating in the cord & veil ceremony.
Ray Lavadia
sponsor
The youngest of the elder generation Lavadia siblings, Gem's Uncle Ray is a retired letter carrier for the US Postal Service, also retired from the US Air Force, and is still an active member of the Freemasons. With two grown successful sons Emerson and Ryan, Ray spends most of his time traveling with wife Auntie Debbie and golfing. He'll be participating in the cord & veil ceremony.
Cheryl Flores
Sponsor
Iah's Tita Cherry is the youngest of the Gallardo siblings. She was Iah's Ninang (Godmother) for his baptism and confirmation, and it is an honor to have her as a sponsor for our wedding day.
Faye Zucker
Sponsor
Gem's mentor + academic publishing extraordinaire, Faye is a happily retired Executive Acquisitions Editor but continues to provide sage advice. Faye resides in the beautiful city of Thousand Oaks with her husky Ollie, and her two cats Jack & Olive. She'll be participating in the coin ceremony.
Riz Flores
Sponsor
Tito Riz is husband to Iah's Ninang, Tita Cherry, and his warmth and kindness have had a positive influence on Iah's life. Tito Riz and Tita Cherry reside in Laguna Niguel (Orange County, CA) with their daughter Anna and son Christian.