Wedding Party
Maureen Encinas
Mother of the Bride
Our wedding day is going to be one of the most important days ever, not just for us but for my mom, who has envisioned this day since I was born. From the moment I came into this world, I'm sure she has dreamed of this occasion and all the joy it would bring. I’m so excited to share this beautiful moment with her, to see the tears of joy in her eyes as we celebrate love and family together. This day is not just about us as a couple, but also a celebration of the love and support from our families, especially my mom, who has been an amazing support through every step of this journey. We'll make this day unforgettable, full of laughter, love, and memories we will treasure for years to come! As we celebrate this milestone, I want her to know how much she means to me. It makes this day even more meaningful to have her by my side as I embark on this new adventure with Austin.
Gabriella Encinas
Maid of Honor
Growing up, Gaby and I were always best friends. Even on the days we would pull each other's hair and fight, we knew we’d make up and be friends by the end of the night. When I was younger, to now, I have always loved being by her side. She has been my role model, my bestie, and my unwavering source of inspiration. Together, we navigated the joys and complexities of childhood, weaving a tapestry of memories filled with laughter, love, learning, and growing. I can still picture those carefree afternoons when we would turn our living room into a world of our own, playing “friends” and pretending to be grown-ups. We’d decorate the room, transforming it into our imagined future. In those moments, Grandma’s hallway became an aisle, and we would walk down it, rehearsing our wedding ceremony, raising a family of our own, getting together for a “coffee” and smoking “cigarettes” (lolipop sticks) to talk about our kids and husbands, with the seriousness only children could muster. The innocence of our dreams was wrapped in the warm embrace of sisterhood, a bond that is unbreakable. Now, as we stand on the brink of adulthood, the day we've both dreamed of is finally approaching. I look forward to marrying the love of my life, and I couldn't imagine anyone else standing beside me than my best friend, my sister, Gaby. She has been my rock and my guiding star, and I know that with her by my side, we will weave yet another beautiful chapter into the story of our lives.
Mila Encinas
Junior Maid of Honor
Miller is truly a gem of a cousin. We have grown so close to one another over the last few years. A bond that I can only describe as being like my little sister. For a while, I felt as if I was her role model, listening, giving advice, and just having the funnest time together. Little did I know, I leaned on her just as much. She is one of my closest friends, and I wouldn't trade her for anything. All of the week-long sleepovers, long walks, and so SO many laughs, and now it’s time for her to be by my side as I give my hand over to the love of my life. We have shared so many life-changing moments, constantly trying to encourage each other and grow into the best versions of ourselves. We know how to make each other laugh in the most challenging times in our lives, the most serious, and the silliest. She is the kind of girl who can make you laugh and smile in any situation. So, with that being said, of course, I need her RIGHT by my side on one of the biggest days of my life.
Chloe Petri
Bridesmaid
Chloe and I have been friends since our early high school days! Our friendship is filled with cherished memories—think “The Office,” hilarious memes, swimming, tanning, and those hardcore workout sessions. With Austin and I’s wedding coming up in beautiful California, I can’t help but reminisce about our unforgettable girls' trip to San Diego. Chloe has always inspired me to be the best version of myself, both academically and physically. I fondly recall us talking about what our future would hold, and now we’re celebrating one of the biggest milestones together! I’m incredibly grateful for our special bond and excited for all the adventures that lie ahead. Here’s to friendship and making every moment count!
Ivory Bacy
Bridesmaid
To my wonderful friend Ivory, No distance can ever diminish the bond that we share! Ivory is such a genuine friend, and I truly believe that the Lord brought us together over the years because we absolutely needed each other in our lives. After high school, while she thrived at NAU and I explored U of A, we still managed to bridge the miles with our long FaceTime calls and chats that lasted for hours. Through every twist and turn of college life, she has been my rock. Someone I could rely on for support, endless laughter, and shared unforgettable moments. I was absolutely thrilled to ask her to be my bridesmaid! Her presence in my life means the world to me, and I cherish every moment of our friendship. Here’s to many more years of adventures together!
Julia Hull
Bridesmaid
Julia and I had the stereotypical older-sister–middle-child relationship. We were constantly finding ways to get under each other’s skin. Even now, after all these years, when we’re together, it’s like no time has passed at all. Before I know it, the child in me comes out, and we’re right back to bickering, teasing, and pushing each other’s buttons like we did growing up. I’d describe our relationship as lovingly bullying—equal parts irritation and affection. If you’ve ever seen Step Brothers, that’s us. When we were younger, mixed in with all that fighting were some of the simplest, happiest days. I remember entire summers where time felt slower, when our biggest responsibility was deciding what movie to watch next. We’d sit together for hours, doing absolutely nothing but watching the same movies on repeat. One memory that always stands out is Robots, especially that dance scene set to “Hit Me, Baby One More Time.” We replayed it endlessly, laughing every time as if it were brand new. To this day, whenever I hear that song, I’m instantly transported back to those summer days. As I get ready to marry the love of my life I already know I’ll be emotional watching my bride walk down the aisle. And honestly, there’s no one more fitting than my sister to be right there, probably making fun of me through my tears. Underneath all the jokes, the arguments, and the lifelong rivalry, there is much love. I'm so happy to see her standing by my bride’s side on the most important day.
