Wedding Party
Melanie
Bride
Born in Costa Rica, Melanie spent much of here life in both Nuevo Arenal and New Mexico. She was a Physical Therapy Assistant for many years before going back to school and ultimately earning a Masters in Physician Assistant Studies to practice medicine. She loves desserts after dinner, her friends she's known her whole life, and God above all else. Her faith has guided her in her life, and always will!
Jarrett
Groom
Jarrett was born and raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He studied many years to become his child hood dream, a Mechanical Engineer! After his graduate degree, Jarrett has spent 12 years in design and management for various technical missions. He loves to build fast cars and trucks at his auto shop, and tinker with anything thing that needs some TLC with his friends!
Marci
Maid of Honor
Marci is a successful Computer Scientist and adventurous digital nomad. Her love for travel has taken her around the globe, yet her greatest joy is always found in the embrace of home and her family. Marci has always been Melanie's rock and confidante. Standing beside her on this day is only fitting, as she has been beside her every step of the way!
Jonathan
Best Man
Jon is a fun loving outdoorsman and successful engineer. Originally from North Carolina, Jon enjoys working on his cars and trucks with Jarrett and exploring everything there is in life. Jarrett and Jon have known each other for six years and have conquered countless projects together. Jon is the epitome of dependability and a good heart, and its an honor to have him as the best man!
Michael
Father of the Bride
Born in New Mexico, Mike is a devoted father to his daughters, an accomplished Pharmacist, a musician, and a man who has always embraced life to the fullest by traveling the world! He began his greatest adventure when he started a beautiful family in Costa Rica, a place that became both home and heart after visiting as a Peace Corps volunteer in the medical field. It is only fitting that his beloved paradise home now serves as the heart of this celebration!
Larry
Father of the Groom
An Oklahoma native, Larry is a father of 3 (+ stepfather of two!), who's life has been defined by service, dedication, and love. A decorated Special Forces Green Beret veteran of Vietnam and a successful electrical engineer! Larry's accomplishments speak of his strength and perseverance. Yet, above all, his greatest pride is his family. He is a steady presence they can always count on!
Sandra
Mother of the Bride
Sandy is a Costa Rica native and comes from a large family! With a gifted green thumb, she finds joy in nurturing her nursery -there truly isn't a plant she can't tame! She is a loving mother who always puts her family first, her bond with her daughters remains the heart of everything she does.
Joy
Mother of the Groom
Joy grew up in New Mexico and had two boys while working as a successful chemist. She remarried with Larry and has been an amazing mother to all of her 5 children. Joy loves to garden and spend time at church every Sunday!
Maria GuadaLupe
Bridesmaid
GuadaLupe is Melanie's cousin, but she’s been like a sister to the bride for as long as they can remember. They grew up side-by-side, sharing holidays, milestones, and countless family memories over the past 30 years. She is deeply dedicated to the people she loves, especially her family, and brings warmth and reliability everywhere she goes. Having her as a bridesmaid means the world to Melanie
Kyle
Groomsman
Kyle is a jack of all trades, and a master of everything! Kyle is a true mountain man that loves winter sports. He also loves playing games with his best buds and truly enjoying life. Jarrett and Kyle have known each other for 12 years and have many laughs and stories along the way!
Francinie
Bridesmaid
Francinie and Melanie have known each other since kindergarten. Their moms were neighbors during their pregnancies, and they were born just 6 days apart. They became best friends in middle school and their connection only deepened with time. Francinie has been a constant source of love, support, and guidance, especially throughout Melanie's spiritual journey as an adult while learning the Word of God- Jehová.
Joe
Groomsman
Joe is an engineer who loves spending time with his family, drifting cars, and following his faith! Joe is a man of the people, and cares for his friends with true compassion and respect. Joe and Jarrett have known each other for 10 years and have endless stories and travels to talk about!
Neele
Bridesmaid
Neele and Melanie met in high school and quickly bonded over soccer, love of travel, knowing multiple languages, and growing up outside the USA. Even after she returned to Germany, they've stayed close for more than 15 years via monthly video chats and have traveled abroad together.
Forest
Groomsman
Forest and Jarrett grew up together as step brothers (yes, just like the movie). They shared many long nights playing games and strategizing life! Forest is a successful software engineer based on the West Coast who, despite the distance, always keeps his family close to his heart.
Madyson
Bridesmaid
Madyson and Melanie met in graduate school during their physician assistant program, where their friendship grew quickly and naturally. Other than trauma bonding in school, they connected through their deep and shared love for God and their desire for spiritual growth. Madyson has become one of those rare, steady lights in life, the kind of friend you know is forever!
Kathryn
Bridesmaid
Kathryn and Melanie grew close during their physician assistant program, where Kathryn quickly became a trusted and steady ally. She's the kind of person that values friendship, will join forces with her mom Kathy to fight for her PA besties, and shows up wholeheartedly!
Desiree
Bridesmaid
Melanie met Desiree during the physician assistant program, Desiree quickly became the glue that held their friend group together. She is incredibly resilient and has a natural way of bringing people closer together. During the toughest parts of the program and even after, she's continued to be a steady source of encouragement and motivation for Melanie.
Jason
Groomsman
Jason is one-of-one. From being a dedicated engineer, man of faith, loving husband, to an all around great guy, there is no problem too difficult for Jason to solve. If you give this guy a wrench, he will give you 2 running Chevrolets back. Besides spending time in the outdoors, Jason loves tinkering on projects with Jarrett and playing with his puppies!