Wedding Party
Andres Puentes
Best Man
People always forget that Jacob and I are only a year apart. Technically he’s my nephew, but growing up it felt more like we were brothers except I didn’t get a choice in the matter. I’ll never forget the time I pushed him down a hill on a bike, fully convinced he was going to ride it out like a pro. Instead, he ended up rolling down the hill, scratched up head to toe. That pretty much sums up our relationship. I believed in him, maybe a little too much. But over the years, that bond has only grown stronger. Jacob’s not just my nephew, he’s my best friend. And today I couldn’t be prouder to stand beside him as he marries the love of his life.
Maria Elena Arellanes
Matron of Honor
Gemma is my baby sister and life given best friend. She has been one of the best things to happen to me (although younger me may have had a different opinion). I’m so proud of you both and can’t wait to see you on this next chapter of your life.
Valente Trujillo Padilla
Groomsman
When I first met Jacob, he was introduced to me as one of Gemma’s friends at her graduation. But I’ll be honest, I was already a little suspicious. And sure enough, I later found out I was right: they were already dating. As time passed and I got to know Jacob better, I realized that my sister had truly found her person.
Alejandra Zapata
Bridesmaid
I met Gemma at BC in our Calculus class. We connected right away and formed a friendship that felt effortless and genuine. Studying together became our routine, she became my favorite study partner. We spent countless hours at Starbucks, studying together from Monday through Sunday. Gemma is one of my best friends and someone I deeply admire. Friends are truly gifts from God, and Gemma is one of the greatest gifts life has given me. She is hardworking, dedicated, persistent, curious, tenacious, and has an incredible ability to execute, traits that have helped her achieve everything she sets her mind to. I am so proud of her, and it is truly an honor to stand beside her at the altar on one of the most special days of her life.
Jesus Trujillo
Groomsman
Jacob is cool. I’m not one to speak with many words about how important he’s become to my life. All I can say is that he brought in a kind of brightness to this family and to my sister that we didn’t know we needed until we had it in front of us.
Sabrina Franco
Bridesmaid
Gemma and I met at Bakersfield College (BC) when we joined the MEChA club. Our friendship grew over time, and I can genuinely say she is one of my closest friends. No matter the distance over the years, we have always managed to stay in touch. Our catch-up sessions are some of my favorites. She is a friend whose love for her friends feels genuine and honest. I feel so lucky to witness her journey with Jacob and see how women glow when they are loved right.
Jesus Octavio Arellanes
Groomsman
My name is Tavo, and I first met Jacob when Gemma introduced us at a family reunion. When we first met, Jacob mentioned he was worried we might end up being too serious or awkward, but once we started talking and joking around, we quickly felt at ease. Ever since then, we’ve been really close and love playing board games together. Now I even call him “Jacobito,” a nickname that shows how much he’s become a good friend to me.
Rebecca Bernal
Bridesmaid
Gemma and I have known each other since Jr. High! We became great friends in our 8th grade geometry class, and where we bonded over math & argued over One Direction vs Justin Bieber lol! I am so excited to be part of this next journey as her and Jacob begin a new chapter of their lives (unfortunate for Harry Styles, but he had his chance…)
Adrian Puentes
Groomsman
My nephew and I have this amazing bond that’s all about laughter and good times. We can always count on each other to lighten the mood, whether it’s through silly jokes, inside jokes, or just the way we can’t stop laughing at the smallest things. It’s like we have our own little world where humor is the key that keeps us connected. Even on the toughest days, we manage to find something that cracks us up, and that’s what I love most about our relationship. There’s this effortless comfort between us, where we just get each other, and laughter is our constant language.
Nayeli Puente
Bridesmaid
Gemma and I met because my parents decided to move in next door. They told me I crawled over to her house one day and I never left. We grew up together and Gemma is like a sister to me. I’m so beyond happy that she met her person and I can’t wait to this beautiful journey ahead of her.
Charles Cornwell
Groomsman
Jacob and I met in 2004, but I don’t really remember the exact moment because I was a few days old. Jacob is in my top 2 list of favorite older cousins. He was a great role model for me growing up, and I’m so proud of the man he’s become.
Leslie Gonzalez
Bridesmaid
Gemma and I are childhood friends! We go waaaaay back from our belieber/directioner days in jr. high to dressing up as Inside Out characters in high school to Gemma being a bridesmaid in my wedding, she has been there through all the major moments in my life. I am so grateful to have her as a friend. I am so excited for Jacob and Gemma to tie the knot and enter this next chapter as husband and wife.
Gerson Cruz
Groomsman
Hi everyone, my name is Gerson Cruz. I first met Jacob when I first moved to Bakersfield at Panama Elementary. That was back in 4th grade but we didn’t become best friends until middle school! Since then we have always hung out and made the worst/best jokes! High school wouldn’t have been the same without him and he even went to UCSB with me for a year. Who says long distance relationship don’t work, because even though we go months without talking we always pick back up where we left off. I remember when Jacob first told me about Gemma and I’ll never forget when he told me “bro, I know this might sounds crazy, but she is the one!” Guess he was right, and I guess I’ll have to be ok with sharing him. Congrats Gemma and Jacob!
Maria Salazar
Bridesmaid
Hello, I’m Mari. I had the joy of meeting Gemma in 2019 & I thank God for crossing our paths and for fortifying our friendship. We were starting a summer program, in a new environment trying to find our way and our place. Over dinner we quickly bonded over our love for our families, religion and our culture. And as the saying goes, the rest is history. I knew very early on that Gemma would be a friend for life. I have plenty of wonderful memories and moments to share but a few that stand out so vividly: Visiting Gemma at her dorm with tears in my eyes and crying in her lap while she consoled me. My first time visiting Gemma and her family in Bakersfield and instantly feeling at home. Her family felt just like my family, her siblings like my siblings. Very much in the same way, I recall meeting her friends for the first time at her graduation and immediately feeling welcomed and included. All these moments speak to who Gemma is. A brilliant mind, kind heart and loving soul like hers is to be cherished and treasured.
Mark Zarutin
Groomsman
Jacob is one of the best providers of Stockholm syndrome l've had the privilege of meeting. We started off as a random pairing our freshman year and he is now the reason I've been to Bakersfield 4 times.
Angel Puentes
Bridesmaid
Gemma and I met the first time my brother invited her over to the house and introduced the family to her. One of the first times we spoke ended up being a core memory for laughter. I would say the relationship I have with Gemma is really strong. We have a lot of similarities within our personalities that make us be able to talk and laugh about anything. This is my first time having anyone come into my life and become an older sister who I can go to with anything. My entire family, especially me, is grateful she came into our lives and has made my brother so happy.
Sebastian Antony
Groomsman
I've known Jacob since middle school, but we really became close friends in high school through countless classes, band trips, and lots of laughs. He's one of the most genuine and kind people I know, and I'm honored to be by him as he starts this next chapter of his life.
Sarahi Lopez
Bridesmaid
Gemma and I met in 8th grade PE class (she was very into basketball, I was NOT). Despite our athletic differences, we became best of friends and have remained so for over 10 years. We have seen each other through high school, college, graduate school, and the entirety of our adult lives despite the many miles between us. Being Gemma’s friend is a privilege and an honor, and I am so excited to celebrate this next chapter of her life!
Ricardo Garcia
Groomsman
I met Jacob after our return from COVID at CSUB. We started hanging out when he invited me to study for some courses and we became close quickly. As time moved forward we started to watch over each other outside the class, eventually hanging out with each other's families, and knew we could count on each other for whatever comes our way. He's a great person and an even greater friend who's been there in more ways than I can count, and I will always be there to return the favor.
Brianna Estrada
Bridesmaid
Gemma and I met through a Facebook search for a UCLA roommate, and from our first conversation, we instantly connected. A few weeks later, she said “I do” to being my roommate, and over the years, that connection has grown into a deep and lasting friendship. It is now a true honor to now stand beside her as she says “I do” to the love of her life.