Wedding Party
Beatriz Cardenas
Mother of the Bride
What do you say about one of the most influential people in your life? My mom is not only an amazing mother, but she's the most kind-hearted person in the world. She is selfless, loving, funny, understanding and more than anything, she is a kindred spirit. More than mother-daughter, we're best friends, each other's voice of reason, the most trusted confidant, and partners in mischief (often trying new recipes- or mom trying new recipes and me, handing her ingredients). It's not only an immense privilege to be her daughter, but a gift to have been raised by the most amazing mom in the world. We really would be nothing without our parents and it's the biggest happiness to share this special day with them. We constantly say that mom is the motor that keeps our household going, our voice of reason and our North Star and that couldn't be more spot on. I love you, Mami!
Roberto Valenzuela
Father of the Bride
To know my dad is to know true, whole-hearted kindness. My dad is the funniest, most caring, kind-hearted and most hard-working father in the world. He is self-less, and has sacrificed beyond belief to give our family the best life imaginable. He has been our biggest cheerleader, encouraging us to follow our dreams and constantly ensuring we know that our own limitations come from within. Every success we've had is attributed to both my dad and my mom's hard work, and we would be nothing without them. We try very hard to be good daughters, although we know that Coco is secretly his favorite child. But truly, it's an immense privilege to have been raised by such a wonderful, hard-working and caring dad. I love you, Pa!
Kim Goodfellow
Mother of the Groom
Often known as "Momma Bear" to Sam, she is not only a mother, but also well-known for being a daughter, a sister, an educator, and a scientist. The memories with her often correlated to visiting Merced Community College during the summers, going to Brooks for weekly breakfast, and re-arranging her classroom for every occasion. Perhaps being around an educational setting is the reason why he decided to pursue 25 years worth of schooling due to familiarity and comfort. Kim has always been one of his biggest supporters and was a wonderful mother that cares a lot about each of her kids in a unique way. He's extremely grateful he still has time to have her in his life as much as he can, even when he is constantly not wanting to live closer to home and is excited to have her daughter-in-law be responsible of all of his "smart-ass remarks similar to his father".
Rick Goodfellow
Father of the Groom
Rick aka "Pops", was Sam's father and best friend. Often described as hard-working, genuine, and a smart ass as well, he left us too soon. We were fortunate, however, to still have the core memories we had with him. He would terrorize Sam and Eric's friends with smoke bombs, or help build ramps to skateboard. He taught both brothers how to be men with essential skills such as car maintenance and home improvement projects, while also knowing how to push their buttons. He was as stubborn as hell, but had the kindest heart gifting anyone he cared about with the most thoughtful of presents, his favorite holiday being Christmas. He was a special man and deserved the world. Before he passed, he helped plan with Sam the way to re-structure the engagement ring, knowing that Sam was going to propose to Miriam and that would one day be another daughter-in-law to add to the family. Every day we miss him and although he won't physically be there, we want to share how special he was.
Eric Goodfellow
Best Man
Eric is Sam's older (little) brother who has always been by his side throughout his life. From sharing a bedroom while growing up to teaching him how to play golf, Eric has always been Sam's biggest supporter. He pushed him to continue his education and leave Sizzler while always following his dreams. The older they got, the closer it seems to have brought them even when not living in the same city. Eric has also been a big supporter and fan of Miriam since when they met, often finding themselves ganging up on Sam when he needs to be humbled.
Philip Gauthier
Groomsman
Sam has been best friends with Philip since 1st grade, often calling themselves the "Eagle Boys" from their Franklin school days. They hung out in and out of school, while never separating even when school, sports, and girls were involved. Philip was able to find his soulmate, Sara, and when Sam met Miriam, the four of them would take advantage of any opportunity to hang out. As lifetime friends, Philip has stood endlessly by Sam's side and has been one of the best of friends he could have ever asked for.
Noah Ramirez
Groomsman
Noah has been Sam's close friend since high school. They first met when Sam caught him cheating on the mile run in PE class. They became even closer as roommates for most of undergrad in Turlock. Noah has always stepped up to help Sam was in need and even helped both Sam and Miriam move back from New Mexico to California. He's one of the best people to stand up and support both of them walking down the aisle.
Rosstin Ahmadian
Groomsman
Rosstin is Sam's alternate soulmate since they first met in graduate school. Often finding themselves bickering over who's better at what, they are often inseparable. Sam was able to help coordinate Rosstin's engagement to his beautiful wife, Carolyn, and also be there for each other when both of them lost their father's. Although in different states, constant FaceTime video calls keeps them updated and reminded that their friendship remains strong regardless of location.
David Son
Groomsman
David and Sam met in Freshwater Ecology when they were able to perform undergraduate research together at CSU Stanislaus. David is one of the few that is able to call him "Sammy" while they pursue their love of outdoor adventures. Ranging from field trapping, to visiting Crater Lake or the Garden of the Gods in Colorado, they have always managed to hang out and have some of the best of memories while doing so.
Daniela Valenzuela
Maid of Honor
Daniela is much more than Miriam's Maid of Honor, she's the most kind-hearted little sister Miriam could have asked for. She's a constant support, a voice of reason, a confidant and a motivator to go out and smell the roses. Daniela has also taken the role of being a little sister to Sam. From reminding him of his love for LA and the Dodgers (HAHA), she keeps him on his toes. Sam and Miriam couldn't imagine doing this process without her standing by their side!
Sara Cohen
Bridesmaid
Miriam couldn't have been more nervous to meet Sara and Philip, considering that they're Sam's best friends, the pressure was on, these were the people to impress.... however she couldn't have been more at ease when she finally saw them. From then, loving them was effortless. To know Sara is to know true, genuine friendship. Her charisma, her perspective on life, the way through which she is a force in the world is to be admired. Miriam is so incredibly thankful to have formed such a special bond with Sara and is incredibly honored to have her by her side through this process!
Jacky Lopez
Bridesmaid
Jacky is a kindred spirit. Jacky and Miriam have navigated more transitions than they can remember- from enduring each other's awkward High School phases, sharing every class freshman year made them inseparable. Miriam and Jacky like to say that it started with an eraser in ROTC, but really it started when they recognized something in each other that sparked immediate friendship. Although they live on opposite sides of the country (coast to coast), they couldn't be closer. FaceTime calls, bonding over trashy TV like Love Island and fanfics keep them connected. Twinkies forever.
Amanda Santana
Bridesmaid
Miriam remembers introducing herself to Amanda during homeroom, first day of freshman year, the best decision she could have made because they've been inseparable since then. Although they've lived in separate cities since High School, Amanda is the definition of a dedicated friend. She even came out to visit Miriam and Sam in the wild wild west- Albuquerque. From concerts together, bonding over high school memories and playing mermaids, Amanda is the definition of a ride or die and Miriam couldn't be more honored to have her by her side in this experience.
Johnee Machado-Giannoccaro
Bridesmaid
Miriam adored Johnee before they ever met. Johnee is incredibly special to both Sam and Miriam. She's family in the purest form. She's the most kind-hearted, patient, good person we've known. She leads her life with inspirational optimism, is so wonderful to everyone around her and is love in its purest form. A friendship with Johnee is pure fun, she's adventurous and has a beautiful wandering spirit where every excursion is an experience. Words can never describe what a wonderful friendship we have built, what a pillar her and her beautiful family are to our relationship and we're more than honored that she will join us on this special day.
Robert Nofchissey
Officiant
Robert aka "The Reverend" was Sam's field mentor over the years at UNM where rodents across the state of New Mexico feared for their lives when they heard the two of them were going trapping. Robert and his beautiful wife Anna had always been kind and caring, acting as Sam and Miriam's New Mexico parents when opportunity presented itself. Throughout the years, often in the field was filled with deep conversations, laughter, and the occasional music when they could catch the beat of their instruments. Robert has been asked to be the officiant due to his kind heart, his lovable personality, and his friendship. It is an honor to have him officiate the matrimony between both of them.
