Nos queriamos comer el mundo, y comernos a besos.
Wedding Party
Elda Oralia
Mother of the Bride
"Ori" brings vibrance and life to any celebration. Growing up Natalie saw her mother fearlessly wear creative, bold fashion pieces. Ori is a woman who unapologetically speaks her mind and has remained an inspiration to Natalie.
Luis Palomares
Father of the Bride
Luis always makes sure his guests feel welcomed and acknowledged. He is an impeccable host and genuinely likes to see everyone having a great time. Natalie and Luis bond over cars and the latest technology. Natalie wouldn't know about the greats in music if it weren't for her father Luis. Natalie learned about the value of a dollar from her father, and she is a direct reflection of her father’s work ethic.
Gladys Mota
Mother of the Groom
A mother who has always supported and loved her son’s dreams, she is the best a son could ever ask for from a mother. A proven strong and independent woman, Gladys has always been willing to give instead of ask. Correction: “Michael! Saca la basura! Michael! Recoje las cacas de los perros! Michael! Cambia el foco.” Michael whines and complains, but, it’s the least he could do to oblige. So that’s not really asking. Right? Some of Michael’s best days with Gladys were the drives to school (because he was able to share music he knew his mother would like). More notably, playing with his Hot Wheels and Matchbox’s cars quietly next to her while she took a nap after a long day at work. There is nothing but love that Gladys has shown Michael. “Mi Bebo”
Vicente Mota
Father of the Groom & Officiant
Michael is Vicente’s clone and his favorite son. The only reason Michael has a passion for music is because of his father. The first song Michael learned on the guitar was his father's most notable song titled, “4th of July”. From that day forward, Michael was determined to be as good of a performer and song writer as his father. Every Saturday and Sunday morning Vicente would wake both Michael and Rickie up with new music he had recently discovered. They just never knew what new song was going to be introduced to them as their alarm clock. From Santana’s “Somewhere in Heaven” to Puya’s “Oasis”. These morning's with introductions to music from all over the world fueled Michael. Vicente is known for bringing the entire family together with love, food and music. “Beckys in the corner”
Rickie Lee Mota
Event Producer
Michael’s sister has ensured she tormented him throughout his childhood. It’s been hard for him to pick up remote controls in the past, as he would get flashbacks of the remote flying midair in the direction of his face, thrown by, you guessed it, Rickie. Amidst the trauma she has developed into a passionate artist, loving mother and an overall wonderful sister. Hats off to her for a roller coaster of a journey she’s had so far. The strength that Rickie has is incredible. Her dedication to making sure her kids, friends and family are well informed with what’s going on in this changing world through her passionate conversations is admirable. People light up when they talk to Rickie, she is nothing but good energy and Michael's only big sister. “The adventures of Flea and Vaca”
Kelley Danielle
Maid of Honor
Kelley is the chosen one because she's Natalie's soul mate. She makes Natalie laugh when their is absolutely no opportunity for laughter. She brings out the optimist in Natalie when Natalie is in a funk. When they were finally able to do adult things together, Natalie discovered just how cool her sister and best friend Kelley was.
Armando Mota
Best Man
Michael and Mando began their partnership since before they could walk on their own. They are formally cousins, and only 10 months apart, but have grown up together as brothers. They write music together, they perform together, they've survived mosh pits, stabbings, surfed the cold ocean waters together, they lived together in San Francisco while one was studying and the other was working. The first song they wrote together - they were 10 years old in Santa Barbara, California. The song - Tsunami
Miguel "Beeha" Barajas
Groomsman
A true definition of a friend even though it didn’t start that way. An interest in music sparked the start of an unbelievable brotherhood between Mota and Beeha for years and years to come amongst a select few. Beeha always has the best interest for the ones he loves, no matter what. He speaks his mind, makes a fool of himself, and cries shamelessly in front of the ones he loves, his vulnerability is inspiring. He knows the ones he loves are whats most important to him. He can be himself because he knows he has the love and support from his family and friends. Beeha also has a mean right hook, so choose your words wisely. DUKE!!!!! ;)
Robert "Bobby" Cristales
Groomsman
Bobby is also known as, "Fence", "Pisto", "DAF", "Splinter", "Panda", "Sero" -- Ooooh! You thought! He never “understood” Mota from the beginning and probably still doesn’t. It's a mystery how this bond came to be. Mota experienced a lot with Bobby. From being evicted numerous nights, to sporadic adventures, intellectual and spiritual conversations, arguing over which stocks to buy and sell, to spending every Thanksgiving morning watching the NFL. Their bond is unbreakable and this is probably the reason why Bobby has been accepted by Michael's Dad as the second son. “You said Zombies?”
Kile Miller
Groomsman
Another fellow who wasn’t too fond of Michael at Edison Elementary because of his musical taste. It clearly wasn’t the height thing, that’s for sure. They’ve had a musical love and connection since before they started their first band in junior high. Musicians are a unique breed because of their ability to channel their love through music in hopes of reaching peoples hearts. Kile has an enormous heart and he shares it with the ones he loves and cares for. Kile and Michael had always been made fun of for years because of their height, even more so when they would stand next to each other. They embraced it knowing it didn’t matter what people had to say because they knew they had a special bond with each other that not many had, MUSIC. “Paco’s Taco’s this is Paco!”
Jaime Ramirez
Groomsman
They say the quiet ones have the most to say when appropriate. When Jaime speaks, he makes sure he’s heard. With this man comes, dedication, determination, focus, perfection, leadership and a will to never give up. Michael saw these attributes in Jaime freshmen year when they first met. The ability to lead teenagers while being a teenager, comes with a lot of responsibility to be the role model necessary to motivate and build trust with his fellow teammates. Michael was one of those teenagers that admired and respected Jaime for his ability to lead at a young age. To this day Jaime is a leader in his own way in Michael’s eyes. He’ll always look up to him. Literally too. “Chubbs!!!!”
Craig Neu
Groomsman
The unique one of the group. A warm person with an unbelievable passion for sports. Craig has the patience and ability to research and analyze players historical and recent stats to determine best outcomes of any game. That is an art form in itself. Craig loves baseball as Michael did - from being drafted to a professional team in Europe, twice, to being the Varsity Head Coach at the High School where he also teaches math. Yeah, you can say Craig is happy doing what he loves to do the most. Even after he was hit in the eye by a baseball while trying to bunt (and everyone knows pitchers are the worst batters, even more so when bunting) which in this case, he was bunting. He not only got hit once in the eye - not twice.....But three times! “Jeeeva Jeeeva”
Curtis Divona
Groomsman
They say two Alpha males never tend to get along with one another. But Curtis and Michael are a rare exception. Curtis has become a well respected leader in the investment world of finance. And being that Michael was also in the finance industry, it kept them in close contact over the years. Having intellectual conversations on future ideas, plans, goals, strategies, business ventures either over the phone or enjoying a nice Scotch in person. One thing that Michael will never forget is the way Curtis would lighten up when the guitars were brought out. Michael always felt Curtis was truly a fan of his music, which encouraged Michael to pursue his passion for playing guitar. You can say Curtis was Michael’s first fan of his music other than his sister Rickie. “The Lava wasn’t red”
Chris Harris
Groomsman
Chris and Michael have a very interesting relationship. Many ups and downs throughout the years. But one thing that has bonded them for life is the passion they have writing together. Chris is one of the few people that Michael can call on in an instant to write music. When they both come together to write, a flow of hooks and melodies burst out of them with such ease. Helps that they’re both very creative salesmen with a talent to know what people want to hear. Michael met Chris at the age of 17. And Chris, four years his senior gave Mike a run down on running the streets. It didn’t help they were also in a band. Chris has become a great songwriter that Michael will always write with for days and days to come. “Niner”
Jonathan Carmona
Groomsman
Michael and John have been friends with each other since the first grade. From being on little league teams together, unprotected tackle football at the parks, the swelling and numbness of the right hand after several rounds of hand ball, to playing Monopoly after school or during summers. It was John who introduced Michael to RAP music - Biggie Smalls, 2-Pac, Puffy, Snoop, Ice Cube and Dr. Dre. At that time, Michael’s mom Gladys, would drive them to school in the mornings and Michael would pop in CD’s of Shakira, Enanitos Verdes, Elton John, The Beatles, Steely Dan. They had a great music exchange. Michael looks back and appreciates the introduction by John of those legendary rap artist. “Oh you wanna dance cumbias with John? He’s really good.”
Jeff Spaich
Groomsman
The man who found Michael senior year of high school in economics class and invited him to join his band Springwood. With Jeff showing Michael that it was ok to be yourself and write music with your friends, he was introduced into a new creative world of music. They continued to grow as musicians until they partnered up to start their own business bringing wonderful experiences to weddings through the art of music. Jeff and Michael have great conversations over new albums releases from some of their favorite artist, to new movies, documentaries and TV shows. Always trying to sell each other on their personal views which makes it fun for them. Word of advice, you start seeing Jeff taking shots, sit back and enjoy the show. “look...if you want the white...the white shu up...”