Wedding Party
Toni
Bride
5’1” if standing straight, but much taller energy Mom friend Don’t make me use my teacher voice
Kevin
Groom
“A problem” Winner of Most Romantic, Creative, & Thoughtful Proposal Will make you happy cry
Desirey
Matron of Honor
Fiery. Feisty. Flawless. I met Desirey in elementary school—Madera throwback! We got much closer in middle and high school, and even went to the same college (UCSD). We still talk nearly every day, and she has been such a rock for me. Fun fact: Our high school iPod playlist #1 was probably “White Horse” by Taylor Swift. The angst was strong. Even more exciting fact: Des now has a beautiful baby girl, Penny.
Tim
Best Man
Good at posing stoically with Kevin. Extremely old. Has a very particular set of gills.
Carissa
Bridesmaid
My 1st sister! Always our giggly fashionista, she has the best fits and dresses my niece impeccably, too. I admire her eye for the beautiful and her sharp mind. Somehow, Carissa is simultaneously soft spoken AND loud. She hustles at MarioKart. She’s an amazing momma to my niece, Ariyah, and is incredibly hardworking.
Zara
Bridesmaid
My 2nd sister! Zara is the one who can push my buttons like no other, but she is also so nurturing and patient. She brings out so much creativity and kindness in others.
Riley
Bridesmaid
My 3rd and final sister! Despite being 9 years my junior, Riley has taught me so much and helped pave the way for so much growth. I remember her first laugh, and it’s only been more laughs (lots of tears, too) since.
Noah
Groomsman
My little (but much taller) brother. Skilled at climbing ALL OVER Joshua Tree and being a little too competitive when playing board games. 12 years my junior, Noah is definitely the youngest in the wedding party (not counting our flower girl), but can see over most of our heads.
Ariyah
Flower Child
Sassy, smart, and silly! Loves being a “zom-bean” and saying “come catch me!” She only asks for Kevin and the dogs before asking for me, her auntie. She’ll probably be taller than me by the time she’s 5 (not hard to do). This baby is going to be one cute flower girl!
TJ
Groomsman
Obviously skilled at wooing Kevin. Local strongman and notorious boat-hater. Broad shoulders, perfect for carrying the whole wedding on.
Ryan
Groomsman
Kylie’s and Rain’s uncle. One of Kevin's oldest friends (by hundreds of years, according to him). Frontiersman and hiking guide author. The guy you hand the controller to when the game is getting too scary.
Emily
Bridesmaid
One of my first friends from work Art teacher Boss at volleyball Incredibly fun roommate Amazing friend Emily and I never stop laughing. Sometimes we have to not look at each other to keep it together. She’s such a special human and so full of compassion!
Amy
Bridesmaid
One of my first college friends Fortunately has glasses (lol) Incredible keeper in soccer Such a genuine, goofy human. I had a ridiculous amount of pictures of Amy (and some with her twin brothers) making hilarious faces whenever I’d leave my phone somewhere. Incredibly organized and one of the smartest people, her Miranda Lambert car singing is unrivaled.
Kelli
Groomswoman
Full of magic Has two lovely kitties Book lover!!! Kelli and I share an understanding about singing during road-trips; there are just some parts of some songs that should only be sung, not talked over. It’s the law. Kelli is strong, silly, and honestly very stylish. The 90s aesthetic is strong and fruitful. Ha
Tara
Bridesmaid
Tara is our extroverted friend that we can take anywhere. She genuinely makes friends with anyone she meets and is brimming with warmth and joy. She’s also a captain now, so maybe you’ll be a passenger on her flight sometime.
Gabrielle
Bridesmaid
Gorgeous, genuine, generous, game-changing goth friend of mine! Gabrielle never hesitates to lend a hand or her ear. She’s an amazing hype woman and sharp as a tack. She’s an excellent cook and dog momma to Olive!
Gina
Bridesmaid
We have the same birthday (a year apart) which is already cool but we just mesh so well. I got my first tattoo with Gina after we went to Universal Studios together. She makes me braver. Gina is one of those friends who makes an effort to come see me and who I’ve made an effort to go and see. Time lapses sometimes, but that Sagittarius connection is fire 🔥
Aaron
Groomsman
Pump-up party host. Met Kevin when they literally bumped into each other and Aaron hugged him apologetically. Tech and music genius. Arguably the most stylish person on this list.
Billy
Groomsman
Resident submarine paratrooper. Has more cars than you have miles left til your next oil change. Will probably show up packing heat (Manchester).
Kyle
Groomsman
The one with a thumb on the pulse of all culture. Knows it's a "cast album" not a "soundtrack" and WILL fight you over it. Will be adding that podcast to his list.
Mandarin
Groomsman
Mandarin did THE MOST to entertain Taylor and me the night we accidentally followed them around San Diego and hung out with Kevin’s friends (now mine too!!) for the first time. Wicked will always make me think of this insane, life of the party, lovely human.
Dusten
Groomsman
Will probably argue with you about something today (if he hasn't already). Functions as a map if your GPS isn't connecting. That thing you just said reminds him of a video essay he saw about a study someone did. Good with cats, great with kids.
David
Groomsman
Adjusting to the jetlag (he's still on Seattle time). Brought a new board game just for the occasion. If you see him go horizontal, it's so over.
Dhillon
Flower Security
My little Dhill pickle. So sweet, so thoughtful, and so ready to help. Dhillon is such a hard worker and very readily gives love. I love chatting with him about life and helping with his English homework. He’ll be great at making sure Ariyah doesn’t run away, too. 😉 Fun fact: Dhill got his license recently!! Woo!