Maria & James
Wedding Party
Dawn Belch
Mother of the Groom
My mom is one of the strongest people I know. She is also one of the kindest. She will drop everything in an instant to help anyone, she will lay it all out there and hope that it is well received. While we are a country apart it is amazing to see how much she adores Maria and how unbelievable supportive she has always been. Thank you mom for being so great. I am so glad this day has finally come and I have met my bride. Thanks for being there for me always, love you.
Vivian Vega
Mother of the Bride
My mother has been one of the greatest support systems I have had in my life. She has always been here for me, no matter the times and situations. I am extremely grateful for everything she has done from putting me in a bilingual school my entire life, to focusing on education, to supporting me on being an excellent swimmer, and a good woman with ethical moral values. Thank you for being here for this wonderful day mom. I am grateful to have you by my side, always. I love you so much.
Kevin Belch
Father of the Groom
I've been blessed to have this guy in my life. Kevin is an icon and definition of what is it to be a great man. Kevin came in to our lives when I was 5 years old and has earned the highest honor of respect. Thank you Kevin for helping raise Steven and I and take care of our mother. Kevin is one of the kindest, most gentle, giving, selfless people you'll ever meet. Love ya.
Flavio Vera
Father of the Bride
My father is the most admirable man I know in this world. He puts family before everything and has the kindest and warmest heart. The sacrifices this man has made for us are beyond reasonable. I owe him everything from being well raised in my home country Colombia to arriving to America and becoming a Spanish Teacher in the US. His leadership, hardworking attitude, and good example are the qualities I value the most. I love you dad and I am so grateful to have by my side for this special event in our home country!
Craig Schmidt
Best Man
Craig and I have known each other since we were around 10 years old. He is one of the greatest guys I know for many reasons. If it were not for Craig I would not be here in California where I met my beautiful, amazing wife to be. He is one of the most humble, kind, generous, caring, motivated and successful people I know. Thank you Craig for everything! From both Maria and I. James
Lina Vera de Rodriguez
Matron of Honor
Lina Maria is my little sister and she is very special to me. I love her to the moon and back and I am so proud of her for everything she has accomplished. I am so grateful for everything she has done for me. I can't wait to have her by my side alongside with my parents on the most special day of my life.
Louie Oneil Gonzalez Ramos
Groomsman
I am honored to have Louie here on this very special day. Louie and I have known each other since middle school and if you've seen the mighty ducks you'll know who the bash brothers are. Louie and I were the bash brothers on GBHS football team as linebackers. We played baseball together and ran the streets alongside one another for many years. Louie is family and my mother's cheesecakes hold a very special place in his heart. He has served honorably in the US military for many years and is one of the most honorable and loyal men on the planet. So happy to have you here with us my brother.
Adriana Castaño Vega
Bridesmaid
Adrianita is my beautiful amazing cousin. Growing up, we spent a lot of vacations together in a family country house outside of Bogota. We always had the most amazing times playing board games, writing Christmas cards, having great conversations, listening to music, swimming, and tanning. I am so happy for the success that she has and for her incredible family. She is a very kind and generous woman. It is great to have her here on this special day in our home country. Love you.
Kenny "Iron" Bland
Groomsman
Kenny "Iron" Bland has been a brother since high school. We shed blood, sweat and tears next to each other on the gridiron along with Louie. Kenny and I got to know each other and spend a lot of time together and eventually we shared an apartment in Columbia, MD for a couple of years. He is a humble and very smart man and a wonderful father to his son Derek, my godson. I am very excited to have Kenny and Derek attend our wedding and grateful to call him my brother, family. He and Derek take many trips together around the world and I believe their next stop after Cartegena will be Japan. Best wishes KB.
Sidney Allen
Honor Attendant
Sidney is my new best friend since we moved to Santa Rosa two years ago. She is a fellow teacher and has become a very helpful and generous friend. I have never met someone so kind, personable, dedicated, and optimistic. We have had amazing gatherings with both Sidney and her husband Taylor. I hope to have her in my life for many more years.
Darien Watkins
Groomsman
I have known Darien since we were in 5th grade. We played on the same pee-wee football team, Cape St Claire Cougars. We battled it out on the gridiron playing football and played sega together in his basement when we were kids. We have stayed in touch for over 25+ years and he even drove my truck to Florida from MD when I moved in 2015. He is a great guy, a great friend and I am honored to have him by my side on this special day. Thanks for always being there DWats.
Laura Restrepo
Bridesmaid
Laura is my younger cousin and she lives in Barranquilla, a city located one hour away from Cartagena. She is sister to Quique. She is an amazing girl, very athletic, and an excellent student. We spent a lot of Christmas celebrations, vacations, and special events together when I was in Colombia. I am so proud of the woman she is becoming and I am very excited to have her here on my special day.
Isabella Zuñiga
Flower Girl
Isabella is the most adorable girl of our family. When she was born she brought so much joy to everybody in our family. She is smart, playful, incredible, happy, and always learning new things. Her hobbies are swimming, horse riding, and she speaks German, Spanish, and English. We are so glad to have her as our flower girl for our wedding.