Leah & John
Wedding Party
Chantel Hewson
Matron of Honor
Chantel & I met at Long Beach CC in 2000. Our team went back to back State Champions, ranked #1 in the Nation. Most of my greatest soccer memories were in those 2 yrs but little did I know that most of my all-time favorite memories were yet to come, many with her by my side. She is literally my rollercoaster buddy in life. We’ve had incredibly high highs and insanely low lows. We process & think at the same speed. We say the same thing, at the same time, more times than not. We are literally the same person & have to be cut from the same DNA. She is my Soul Sister but 8 yrs ago she met her Soul Mate, Mike. He is a great hubby & father to their 2 children, Brooklyn & Carly. I couldn’t be more proud of the person that she is today & the love she has created within her family & towards me.
Lindsay Gallegos
Maid of Honor
Duke and I (and Kimmie) played soccer together at UCI. My senior year (their sophomore) we lived together. Duke quickly became (what she likes to call) my protégé. I’m not sure if that’s a good thing or bad. She was literally at my side, going anywhere, doing anything and just always being there for me when I needed her. She is the most amazing long distance runner I have ever come across and would literally lap me in college, during the cooper test. I always said I got first place (because she didn’t count) but really I was second. I was recently Duke’s MOH at a super fun wedding in a compound. She is now married to the most interesting man on earth, Robb, and is our interior decorator and party planner.
Rebekah Stogsdill
Sister
Rebekah is my sister. She is the middle child and the mediator of our family. She has been my best friend since I was born and also the second best boss, I’ve ever had. (I’m sure you all know who my first favorite is) ;). Rebekah has protected me, cared for me, hired me and has ALWAYS been there for me. She led me in life but let me grow into my own person. I have always looked up and admired her and I always will. Bekah was married on 11-11-01 to an amazing man and chef, Mark. They own a fermented food business together, Happy Pantry, and if you haven’t tried their stuff, please do! You will not be disappointed!
Kim Gunlock
Bridesmaid
Kimmie, Duke and I are a package of three. “We are the 3 best friends that anyone ever had” Kimmie and I bonded through soccer and got really close. She’s always been more mature than me (and Duke!) and we look up to her with life and her life decisions. When it comes to soccer, Kimmie has THE FASTEST FEET of any player I know. She is a weapon on the field and a finisher up top. She transferred to Utah in 2004, where she became a soccer star. She was their captain and on billboards. She excelled in soccer and fell in love with her hubby, Brook. 12 years ago Duke and I were in the wedding. It was my first time being a bridesmaid and it was epic! They have an amazing marriage and 2 beautiful kids, Luke and McKenna. Kimmie does medical sales and owns a massage envy in Utah.
Amanda Horgan
Bridesmaid
Amanda Horgan Amanda came to Cali as Miss Ohio National America, was Top Model of the USA, Miss Hollywood, Ms. Woman California United States and was recently crowned Ms. Women United States during her bachelorette party in Vegas. I was there for both her crowning’s, which makes me her lucky charm, wink wink. Amanda and I met in the heart of Hollywood, 12 years ago. I would like to say we lived together but really I crashed her couch for a few months. It was a lot of fun. Even when I moved away, we stayed extremely close. We spent many 4th of July’s together and always seem to find each other for important events. I was just her MOH as she married the man she has been dreaming about her whole life, Anthony. It was the most beautiful weekend and I was truly proud to be part of it.
Melissa Huegel
Bridesmaid
Melissa and Rebekah were friends in San Diego first. When Melissa moved to LA, she called me and there was an instant connection. She ended up moving back to San Diego before me. When I moved to SD, I lived in the apartment below her for 5 years. We were like roommates but with our own space. She taught me how to do laundry (inside joke), bartend and even cook. She’s an incredible chef! She’s Italian, was vegan for years and continues to educate herself through programs regarding healthy eating; so she can literally make anything and it’s always delicious. Melissa is currently living in Portland, Oregon, as a Bar and Restaurant Manager but I hope to get her back to San Diego because I miss my roomie!
Lindsey Hergesheimer
Bridesmaid
Lindsey, AKA, Lizze (due to her passion for Lizzo and the fact she will bust out rapping any time a song comes on, even if it’s in the library) is my SD bestie. She is the mom of Tot’s late bestie (Nana) and Tot’s bonus mom. We’ve only known each other for 3 years but it seems like FOREVER! We are seriously connected yet so different, yin and yang. We see each other all the time and she’s more of a sister than a friend. She is currently getting her Master’s in Public Health and works for USC in research. She is married to the “cliché firefighter” because he is very good looking and super kind. Eric and Lizze just purchased their very first home (days ago) and Tot is playing there now, as I type. Thanks for taking such good care of him. He loves you both!
Danyel Brooks
Bridesmaid
Danyel and I met in 2000. We were 18 and lifeguards at a public pool. We created a bond that made us more like sisters than just friends. She has always been there for me and this wedding will be the very first time she is not present in a special moment of my life. However, she has a great reason. She’s pregos!! (and her due date is at this time) I am beyond excited for her to have this healthy baby boy. Danyel is an entrepreneur and recently won an award for Best Property Management Company in San Diego. She sold us our house and we couldn’t be happier. Although she won’t be standing up there by my side, I’m almost positive she will find a way to be present during the wedding. She is always involved in my life and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
JD Gomez
Best Man
John Deveraux (“JD”) Gomez has been one of John’s best friends for the past 12 years. JD currently attends La Jolla Country Day School as a member of its Seventh Grade class. JD enjoys training and competing in dressage and fitness. He enjoys international culture and travel.
Michael Gomez
Best Man
Michael Hamilton Gomez has been one of John’s best friends for the past 10 years. Michael also attends La Jolla Country Day School, but as a member of its Fifth Grade class. Michael enjoys soccer and playing games on his computer or phone. He also enjoys football, basketball and riding horses
Analise Gomez
Flower Girl
Analise Eva Gomez has also been one of John’s best friends for the past 10 years. She also attends La Jolla Country Day School as a member of its Fifth Grade class. She is Michael’s younger twin by just 3 minutes. Analise enjoys soccer and gymnastics. She also loves to play her saxophone. Analise met Leah Grace in 2015 and WAS AWESOME AND IS ALWAYS AWESOME. Everyone agrees that she’s better than her brothers!!!