Maid of Honor
Hi Everyone! My name is Angelia but everyone knows me by Gia and I am Jolene’s Maid of Honor and younger cousin. I’ve known Jolene ever since I was born lol. Both her mother and my mother are sisters so we grew up very close together and even became neighbors! Jolene and I have witnessed every milestone we both accomplished in each other’s lives and I can honestly say Jolene is by best friend girl cousin! From day one till today, Jolene has been one of the greatest role models I can ever ask for and I am so happy for her and Chad! I can’t remember the exact time I met Chad but I’m pretty sure it was during some dance thing lol..and that’s the best thing about Jolene and Chad, not only do they share the same love for one another, they share the same passion for dancing!
Maid of Honor
I’ve seen these two blossom from great friends into an amazing couple throughout the years and I can’t wait to celebrate the two! It’s going to be LIT!
Best Man
Bonjour! My name is Charles Nguyen and I am Chad’s Best Man. I’ve known this beautiful couple since I was 19. I’m 30 now so that’s 11 years give or take. Chad Is my best friend and we’ve been bros since our younger days on Poreotics where he taught me the ways of being a cool guy. He’s really been there for me through thick and thin and I’m lucky to have him in my life. The beautiful Jolene has been a close friend of mine since my days on Pac Modern. She was of course one of the hot girls that the guys would drool over lol. She’s also been there for me through my tough times in my life and I’m yet again so lucky to have her in my life. These two have always been a beacon of light in my life and to be apart of their special wedding makes me literally so happy and lucky.
Matron of Honor
Hello. I’m Ashley, one of Jolene’s best friends - the Ley of Joninarisley. I’ve known Jolene since kindergarten! We went to all the same schools growing up but we became really close when we became teammates in our high school and college dance teams. And funny enough, that’s how Chad and Jo’s story began. I have many fun stories about these 2 but my obvious favorite one is Chad’s surprise proposal to Jolene. So the plan was to pretend we were going to do our bestie dinner in DTLA, I would pick up Jolene and then head over to meet up with Nina. When eally we were going to Chad’s friends place where he was waiting to surprise her. But OMG, it is so hard to keep a secret from your bestie.
Matron of Honor
And it’s even harder to try to prevent her from drinking too much because she was a grad party beforehand! It was the funniest thing, because I had to tell Chad, uh yeah we’ll get there but I can’t promise she’ll be sober. LOL …. So excited and honored to be part of their wedding celebration! Can’t wait to party!!
Groomsman
Hi everyone. My name is Franklin and I’m Jolene’s only sibling. I am a US Army Veteran and is currently in college getting my bachelors degree. I have 2 cats and I love playing games on the computer. What can I say, I am excited to see my sister and Chad tie the knot. About time!
Bridesmaid
Hi, my name is Kristin! But most people know me as KC. I am the “RIS” in our JoNinaRisLey friendship. I've known Jolene since our middle school years. She is only 8 days older than me, and when we celebrate our birthdays together, we are deemed KC & Jojo, like the 90s R&B singing duo haha. Out of all my memories of Jolene, I think one of my favorites is the day of their engagement. When Chad reached out to us about his plans for the surprise engagement, I remember thinking to myself, "ok, now I don't want to see her until that day 'cause if I see her before that I'm just going to stare and consistently smile at her, how exciting, she doesn't have a clue," and she would think I was being weird.
Bridesmaid
The day worked out perfectly and hilariously! Of course, I want my BFF's nails to be on point for her proposal, so Ashley and I hitched a plan that the three of us would run a few miles at the beach that morning to prepare for our half marathon, and to reward ourselves, we would get our nails done after. Thank goodness Jolene had a wedding to go to later that week because she said that if it wasn't for that that she would've skipped getting her nails done with Ashley and me, and we didn't have a plan B. Jeanina, our other BFF that lives in San Diego, would be in town that weekend, and we came up with the other plan that later that night we would go to this bar in LA to meet up for drinks.
Bridesmaid
"Coincidentally," we choose this bar in LA, as Chad suggested as it would be in the same building as his friends place where the proposal took place. The funniest part about this whole day though, was that Jolene went to a graduation party after we got our nails done and before we headed out to LA. Little did she know that when I told her "don't drink too much at the party," I had ulterior motives for my words. Ashley, told her to drink more! We pick her up after the party, and yup, Jolene is drunk!
Bridesmaid
So the whole car ride, my boyfriend kept trying to get her to sober up by drinking lots and lots of water, while I sat there mumbling "I told you not to drink too much," and Ashley, next to Jolene, just laughing! But we got her to the place, one way or another! And she sure sobered up when Chad appeared and the proposal happened just as planned! Jolene & Chad, I can't begin to express how excited and happy I am for you both for this next chapter our your lives, & for allowing me to join in on the ride. You both are my family & I love you!
Groomsman
Hi, I’m Jon Shih. I’ve known Chad and Jo for about 8 years(!) ever since I moved from NY to LA in pursuit of my dreams. You would normally find me behind a camera at an event like this, but Chad decided to hire me for a different job for which I have no prior experience. It’s ok though, we all make mistakes. These days Chad and I are desk buddies at your typical 9 to 5 office job. We kill a lot of time chatting it up by the water cooler and microwaving cup noodles (but don’t tell our boss Mr. Kim that). We’ve found ourselves on many business trips together in different cities, states, and even countries. One time we only had camels for transportation, and Charlie sang “My Humps” while we rode them across the desert.
Groomsman
Chad and Jo are amazing friends. Sometimes, they even babysit my cat Jade…even though she scares Jolene. Be Brave Jolene! We keep a step stool in our kitchen in case she needs to reach stuff. Oh yeah, Chad proposed to Jo in my apartment and it was pretty epic. Well done, Chad. On a real note, Chad and Jolene are unwavering bright lights in my life. I am extremely grateful for their loyal friendship, the positive energy that they bring to everyone around them, and the inspirational way in which they are dedicated to one another as partners for life. I can’t wait to celebrate together on their special day.
Bridesmaid
Groomsman
Hi, I’m Danny, Chad’s cousin. Our whole lives we’ve been pretty close and shared the same interests, but I have always felt like we’ve clicked on a brotherly level. I have had the pleasure of getting to meet and become close with Jo through my cousin and knew right off that bat that he found himself a keeper. She keeps him grounded, happy and it already feels like she has been a part of the family for quite sometime now. I’ve been able to enjoy many family gatherings, birthday celebrations, and also just random meet ups for a quick bite to catch up on life with these two and it’s always positive. I love the energy of radiance they project towards one another, as well as to others. I love you both and wish nothing for the best because you two deserve it.
Bridesmaid
Hello! My name is Nicole Villafania or Nikki for short. I am a young twenty-seven-year-old licensed vocational nurse currently working at a skilled nursing facility and also a student who still tries to live life as much as I can. I am quiet but yet somewhat talkative and it all depends if I have food in my stomach. I am one of the cousin and bridesmaid of the one who always looks up at me (literally) because of my height. Do you know who that is? Jolene!! Ate Jolene as a matter of fact! But enough about me, let's talk about Ate Jolene and Kuya Chad. To be honest, I don't remember the first time I met Chad. I just remembered seeing him on television and then in person at one of our family get together.
Bridesmaid
But what I remember most is that I have seen Kuya Chad in every aspect of my cousin's life from the highest to the lowest and it never changed no matter the distance. I have seen Ate Jolene do the same thing as well no matter what life throws at her. Their love for one another goes beyond every love story and all I can say is FINALLY! They are truly meant for each other and I am happy to have another member in our family. May their love for each other grow stronger through their faith in God and I look forward to seeing you all as we watch these two lovely people pronounce their love and faith in holy matrimony.
Groomsman
Hello my name is Albert Mayate also known as Jay to family members. I’ve known my brother ever since I was ten and I’ve known Jolene ever since Chad joined the PAC Modern dance team at Cal State Long Beach. I remember this one trip I took with Chad and Jolene to Las Vegas one weekend at their friends house, we stayed there for the weekend. We went to a couple clubs and watched the NBA All star game there and played beer pong and things. Fun times. I wish my brother and Jolene the best, I foresee their future looking bright as long as they face it together. 👍
Bridesmaid
Hi! My name is Saaya Anzai, I operate a newly launched company called Chafinity, and I am on a lifelong mission to provide optimal health for our greater communities and the people I love. My passion and purpose lies in the matcha business by day, and dancing by night. (Not a stripper, they call it “hip-hop”.) I find the greatest joy in connecting with people, and my current key players in my life as of late includes yoga & podcasts. Grateful to be here, and so incredibly excited for my best friends to tie the knot. I hope Chad cries. 😈
Bridesmaid
-How long have we known each other I’ve known the greatness of Chadlene as a couple for about 10 years now. But before all of that, I’ve known Chad since our Calle Mayor Middle School days, to South High School and somehow I followed him all the way to the dance community. 😛 Chad was always (indirectly) the “older brother” presence in my life, but never would have thought to find such a strong friendship with him years later. When I met Chad and Jo as a couple (specifically after Vibe 2011), I was instantly sold on Jo more than I was sold on Chad. Since that moment - a heck of a lot of happy hours and countless double-dates later, they have grown to become a very important and cherished piece of me and Justin's lives. They are truly some of our favorite people.
Bridesmaid
The funniest moment (smh-moment, rather) I ever shared with Chad that I’ll never forget was when we first reunited at Hip Hop International in Vegas. It must have been years since we’ve seen each other because he graduated South High 3 years before me. And after years of not seeing each other (mind you he skipped my puberty days), the first thing he sees me do, I am holding something vewy vewy bad 🙃 Wouldn’t you like to know…
Bridesmaid
I can’t choose my favorite moment with Jolene, because every moment I have spent with this lady has been so genuine. I really can’t describe it any way else. Although I can’t quite recall or pinpoint one specific thing out of all the of moments we shared, but I’ll always remember the way she makes me feel. Having a friend in Jo means you’ll always be supported. You will feel empowered. She will inspire you to check in on your own patience and resilience as she displays her own with much compassion and grace.
Groomsman
Hey everyone! My name is Justin Santiago and I've known Chad and Jolene for about 10 years and met through the Socal dance community. I first met Chad through Movement Project in 2010, then danced with him on Culture Shock LA, and currently proud to be one of his brothers on Kinjaz. Jolene and I met on Culture Shock LA back in 2009 and have been on several dance projects together since then.
Groomsman
For as long as I can remember, they were always the type of people that had the most caring and passionate hearts yet always knew how to have fun! You could count on them for anything and this love and support for their friends and family has always been undeniable. After all the dancing, hangouts, food, dranks and new experiences with them this past decade, I'm so proud to consider them both my best friends and I can't wait for what the future holds for them!