Gloria & Joel
Wedding Party/El Cortejo Nupcial
Shannon Kellerman
Matron of Honor
"Hi y'all! I'm Shannon. Gloria and I met in Chico and are sorority sisters! We spent one summer night at Riley's and became inseparable over Saturday Teas! We lived together for a year and spent almost every day together! From our late-night Dutch Bros runs, drives in her black beauty (Mustang), to our drunk shenanigans, I could not imagine life without this girl! She stood by me on my special day, now I can't wait to do the same for her!"
Andrea Arteaga
Maid of Honor
"Gloria and I were introduced about 5 times, I think, at Chico State, but we didn't become friends until we went to watch Annabelle, and she hit me in the nose because something had popped up on the screen. Since then, we've been inseparable, so much so that we even got run over together, but that's a fun story for another time. Looking forward to meeting you all and ensuring Gloria's (& Joel's) special day goes perfectly!"
Stephanie Gil
Bridesmaid
"Hi everyone! I'm Stephanie! Glo and I met during grad school at Santa Clara University! I would not have been able to make it if it weren't for her! The number of hours we spent cooped up in the Santa Clara library basement is too many to count! Glo and I would meet up bright and early, try a new coffee shop, and book as many back-to-back study rooms as possible. She's been there through some of my biggest life-changing events, and idk what I would do without her! We went through grad school together, became teachers, got engaged 10 days apart, and now get to plan our weddings together. Glo is a genuine, kind, loving soul, and I feel so lucky to have her in my life! I can't wait to get our girl married!! So excited, ily amiga"
Dafne Singer
Bridesmaid
"Hi everyone, I'm Dafne! I met Gloria in middle school! I have so many memories of us, we were there for our first heartbreaks, literally crying our teen eyes out, to going to prom together! We didn't tell each other what color dress we were picking, and we both ended up wearing a purple dress, which was perfect! #glafne I'm so excited to have a Mrs!"
Heather Giambrone
Bridesmaid
"I'm Heather! Glo glo and I were freshmen roommates at Chico State and continued to be our sophomore and senior year! Idk where to start with memories from late night donut runs, late night talks, being the reason she doesn't like cold stone anymore because of my addition to it, running together through the streets of Chico on our drunken freshmen nights, or bringing her home- her becoming part of my family and turning into one of my sisters from another mister. Looking forward to seeing you all! LET'S GET OUR GIRL MARRIED!!!! (p.s. I've been talking about this day forever since our first night meeting each other, even though Glo said she was going to be the single hot aunt for life- way to put a ring on it, Joel!"
Justin Staley
Best Man
"I’m Justin or “Staley”. Joel and I met on maze day during 7th-grade orientation. We were both the new kids at school, which is why we gravitated to each other! The following summer started our 5-year football journey where we became teammates for the first time, but more importantly, brothers. As time progressed, we spent countless hours waking up extra early to sneak in some day gaming before school, doing workout trainings together before practice, and spending countless weekends just hanging out. Since then, the stories have only piled on, like logs on a campfire. I am so grateful to share another special day with my brother and soon-to-be sister 🤞🏻"
Julian Carbajal
Groomsman
"Hello! My name is Julian, and I am Gloria Carbajal’s brother. I first met Joel in 2018, and he has had the honor of being able to cut my hair. 🫡 Not just any hair, though, as it was three years of uninterrupted growth. I will forever be thankful to his artistic skills as I transitioned between stages in my life. I can only now wish him a happy and exciting stage as we welcome him to our family. :)”
Mark Anthony Gutierrez
Groomsman
"From Xbox 360 lobbies to lifelong friendship— We met back in the day, bonded over games, and somehow turned that into one of the longest and most meaningful friendships of my life. Even though we went to different high schools, you’ve always felt like a brother. I’m proud of you and honored to witness this huge moment. Wishing you and your partner all the love and happiness in the world. Congratulations, brother."
Ulysses Palomino
Groomsman
“Hello, I’m Ulysses. They say you should never meet your heroes, but Joel, meet me sometime in 2018! We have been friends for about eight years now, which in friendship years is a lifetime. We’ve seen each other through the bad haircuts and questionable fashion choices, the inside jokes and the countless late-night gaming sessions. Our friendship is built on sarcasm, mutual embarrassment, and the unspoken agreement that if one of us goes down doing something stupid, the other is going down too! Truly, I am blessed and happy to be part of your special day and can’t wait for the memories we’re going to make!”
Zachary Ferguson
Groomsman
"I met Joel when we were both in high school. Due to a mix-up with my physical education schedule, I was placed in ninth-grade PE even though I was in tenth grade. At the time, I felt embarrassed and out of place. I didn’t know anyone, and no one really knew me. Little did I know that a small mix-up would lead to a friendship that would last a lifetime. Joel and I hit it off instantly. It was as if we had known each other for years. He never treated me any differently and was there to put a smile on my face. That semester was full of laughter—and a little bit of harmless trouble here and there. Fast-forward to 2019, and Joel and I reconnected—this time as roommates. For the next three years, our routine was work, game, sleep, repeat, AND we also took care of a beautiful chonky cat named Max. Even though it was only a few years living together, it felt like a lifetime—one I wish could’ve lasted longer. I’ll never forget those years, and I’m incredibly thankful to have a friend like Joel. Thank you for the opportunity to be part of such a big moment in your life."