Jessica & Juan
Wedding Party
Jessica Irwin
Bride
Jessica was born and raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico. She attended the University of New Mexico, where she joined a sorority called Chi Omega. Being in Chi Omega helped her grow personally and in her relationship with Juan. He is also in a fraternity called Omega Delta Phi, both organizations had a lot of events with each other. After graduating from UNM, she received a Bachelors of Science in Dental Hygiene. Working as a Dental Hygienist is a dream come true for her. The only thing that could top that is her marrying her best friend Juan Dorado!
Juan Dorado
Groom
Juan was born in Carlsbad, NM and graduated from Loving High School. Growing up working and playing on the Vasquez Farmland with his friends and family, he is excited to welcome all wedding guest to celebrate this important time in his life at one of the most important places in his life! Juan graduated from the University of New Mexico where he met the love of his life. Meeting Jessica in the Country Western Dance Course during his first semester (he was told by advisors it was a great place to meet girls), he not only took with him the experience of the class, but a life long dance partner. Today he works as an architect and lives with Jessica in Albuquerque, NM with their dog Bentley.
Tess Eklund
Matron of Honor
Jessica first met Tess their freshman year in Chi Omega. They became roommates and instant friends. They were always together, it seemed like we were inseparable. During their time in school, they took trip to Ireland together. They spent two weeks traveling around all of Ireland and 3 days in NYC. Once Tess graduated from UNM she moved out the Philadelphia with her husband Cameron. After completing his residency they moved to Nebraska so Tess could get her masters and become an OT. They moved back to Albuquerque and started a family. Even now Tess and Jess get together, its like no time has passed. Jess loves spending time with Nolan, Tess' son, and can't wait for future play dates.
Porfirio Hernandez
Best Man
Porfirio (known as Porf to Friends) and Juan were roommates and college, destined to be best friends, and didn't even know it. With both of Juan and Porf's families being from Carlsbad, Juan's dad would often mention that his friend's son went to UNM. Fate would have it that he ended living in the same 6 person dorm as Juan, imagine the odds out of 30,000 students! After this discovery the two quickly became friends sharing in "fast living" and a "Saturday trailer painting". Juan had the honor of being the best man at Porf's wedding and, being that they are best friends, here we are with the role reversal! Porf lives in Phoenix, AZ working as a mechanical engineer for Intel with his wonderful wife Jessica and their 3 dogs.
Ashley Korman
Bridesmaid
Jessica and Ashley have been friends since Middle School, always in the same group of friends but their friendship really blossomed in High School. Jessica and Ashley started riding together to school in their Junior year, on the way jamming out to Disney songs. Ashley never signed up in time for a top locker, so they would share Jessica's. In the locker they would pick a guy, song, and quote of the day and it became a tradition into their senior year. In college, they continued their close knit relationship. When Ashley met Juan, she had to see if he would pass the Disney songs test. We drove around one night with Juan in the backseat blaring Disney songs. He passed. To this day Ashley and Jessica remain extremely close. Ashley is married to her husband Robert and a daughter-Brightleigh.
Orlando Obeso
Groomsman
If you were to ever need a hype man, Orlando Obeso is your guy. Juan and Orlando first met in 2005 in a deserted parking lot while hopping into an unmarked white van at 5:30 am. Little did they know that this early van ride to Camp RYLA (a leadership camp) would mold a lifetime friendship that runs as deep blood can go. As fate would have it, Orlando and Juan would also attend the same freshmen orientation seminar together at UNM, the same scholarship program, and become part of the same brotherhood of Omega Delta Phi, all while being roommates in college for 4 years - imagine the odds! Orlando today is completing studies abroad in Guadalajara with his wonderful spouse Amanda and their dog. He works as an interpreter, Mastering in Mexican Sign Language. - Brother to Brother...
Brittney Garcia
Bridesmaid
Britt and Jess met during Chi Omega recruitment. Jessica was paired to meet and talk with Brittney about joining Chi Omega. They had an instant connection. Jessica just knew that they were going to be great friends from the first moment they met. As recruitment concluded, Brittney joined Chi Omega and they became Big and Little! They were inseparable. Brittney lived right across the hall. During school they took as many classes as they could together. Brittney graduated with a Biology degree and just recently moved to Maine with her boyfriend Travis. Every time Jess and Britt meet up its like they have never skipped a beat. Juan used to join Britt and Jess for study sessions at Chi-O where Britt would always ask Juan when he was going to ask Jessica to be his girlfriend.
Sergio Nájera
Groomsman
Sergio, otherwise known as Señor Checo, first met Juan in 2006 at the University of New Mexico. Sergio, being from the Albuquerque area, would often drive Juan around town since he was from Carlsbad/Loving - back in the day he was known as the human GPS for his odd but efficient routes. The two always arrived on time and in-style, occasionally ramping golf carts when Juan drove the two around! Through various challenges as actives in Omega Delta Phi, Juan and Sergio formed a lasting brotherhood bond that still keeps them close today. Sergio works in Albuquerque as a Safety Consultant with his wonderful wife Vanessa, their daughter, and two fur babies. - Brother to Brother
Valerie Munoz
Bridesmaid
Val and Jessica first met through Alex Munoz, who was a fraternity brother of Juan's. Through getting to know one another on weekend visits in El Paso or Albuquerque, they both found out real quick that they had a lot in common. Val and Jessica have a deep love of Harry Potter and love to binge watch the movies together. They also like to have a girls day by getting massages and nails done while the boys go golfing. Val that works at an elementary school in Lordsburg, NM as a teacher's assistant for kindergarten and also sells ketones on the side through her business. She is looking to go back to school in the future to further her degree in Education. Val was so excited to be a part of the wedding and can't wait for the big day.
Alejandro (Alex) Munoz
Groomsman
Alex is always a good time whether you are watching the movie Grease in Las Cruces, NM or shooting 20 over par in El Paso, TX. Never once living in the same city together, Juan and Alex first met in 2006 in Las Cruces, NM. Being line brothers in Omega Delta Phi and A.C.T.S. brothers in Christ, they have remained close best friends for over 14 years. Sharing in their fanship of the Dallas Cowboys, Sunday oldies (with Pete or Mike), and their love of golf, you can find these two watching football games "drinking the holy water" or on a golf course somewhere throughout the Southwestern portion of the United States. Today Alex is leading America's future as a teacher and coach in Lordsburg, NM living with his wonderful wife Valerie and their dog. - Brother to Brother...
Mary Martinez
Bridesmaid
Mary and Jess met while both working in the dental field at Dr. Ash's office,. They instantly hit it off and would enjoy many lunches together during their break. Though they don't work together anymore, they still meet up for lunch dates, happy hour, and chat over the weekends about various things. Mary and her son Christopher, joined Juan and Jessica for a lake trip last year and can't wait to plan one this summer. They both love to get their nails done and meeting up for happy hour. Mary is planning to own her own business one day. She has three beautiful children, Thomas, Lilly and Christopher. Jessica and Mary love hanging out with each other and can tell this will be a lasting friendship throughout their lives.
Adrian Rodrigez
Groomsman
Adrian is Juan's longest best friend, going back to middle school days! Adrian and Juan first met in the shot put ring at a track meet in Carlsbad, NM. Their friendship, at first competitive in nature (Juan always out-threw Adrian in shot put by-the-way), became that of family. Sharing a passion for hunting, Dwight Yoakam, and Marble Wildflower Wheat; you can find these two scaring away all of the animals in the forest while singing "I sang Dixie" somewhere in Queen, NM....never short on beer. Adrian today lives in Loving, NM with his wonderful wife Savannah and their two kids - working as a field supervisor in the Oil Field.
Kenzie Parker Stensrud
Jr. Bridesmaid
Kenzie is 10 years old and is now in the 5th grade. She lives outside of Loving with the majority of her Vasquez family. She is Juan’s (and Jess’) second cousin. Kenzie’s passion for the last 6 years is Dance. Ballet and Jazz styles specifically. But she shares our beloved Vasquez Farm Kid Roots and doesn’t hesitate to jump on her 4-wheeler and meet her cousins in Pixie Grove. She loves music, swimming, traveling, shopping, and is a style junkie. At 10, she has already decided she wants to pursue Interior Design. Perfect fit for this Fashionista and her love of Style. The second she found out she was going to be in the wedding, she asked, “What does my dress look like?” She is excited as can be to be included in the Big Day!
Gabriella Nygren
Flower Girl
Gabriella is 5 years old and she lives in Ruidoso, New Mexico with her parents Ysabel and Tanner Nygren. Gabriella is Juan's second cousin. She is a gymnast who also loves to bike, climb, paint, hike, and share her love for animals. Her favorite color is blue and her favorite animal is a giraffe. She loves to wear dresses and enjoys many play dates with her friends. We are so excited and blessed to have her sharing in our special day as our flower girl.
Mr. Bentley
Ring Bearer
Jessica and Juan's fur baby. He was brought into our lives by Wanda, Juan's old boss. Juan had asked her to keep a look out for Shih-Tzu puppies for Christmas. The next day, she brought in this mess of a dog she found on the street. Juan brought him home to Jessica and she immediately felt a little flutter in her heart. He looked like he was an older dog, but after a trip to the vet and shaving him down they found out he was only 6 months old. He instantly became a part of their life and now they can't imagine life without their furry bundle of joy.