Wedding Party/Fiesta Nupcial

June Boyer

Mother of the Bride

Marc Pinckney

Father of the Bride

Sanjua Gil

Mother of the Groom

Jose "Pepe" Gil Jr.

Father of the Groom

Daniel Javier

Best Man

United in their passion for exploring and unwavering commitment to chasing sometimes absurd but often rewarding adventures, DJ and Pepe have been friends for over a decade. Their friendship typically involves DJ talking Pepe out of a ridiculous idea while subsequently and reluctantly agreeing to come along out of loyalty and the genuine goodness of his heart. Pepe is thrilled that DJ would honor him as one of his Best Men. Special thanks are owed to DJ for his amazing design of Jessica and Pepe's "Save the Date" notice.

Krista Parker

Maid of Honor

Krista and Jessica became fast friends, in Washington, DC, over their love of shopping, lounging, and obsessive planning. Jessica was honored to get to live with Krista (and fellow Bridesmaid, Aissa) for a short period of time, in which Krista even shared her bed with Jessica despite hating to be touched. From there, they were inseparable for the remainder of Krista’s time in DC. Krista continues to be the first person Jessica calls upon, for a good eye roll, advice, and true and deep friendship. Jessica is honored to have Krista join the wedding party as her Maid of Honor and all around bride calmer!

Giovany Reyes

Best Man

Neither Pepe nor Giovany were surprised to hear that they were distant relatives approximately 10 years ago. Their friendship and immediate connection could be felt by anyone around them. Secret handshakes and poetry slams transformed into college visits and trips up and down the East Coast of the U.S. Giovany remains one of Pepe's most trusted confidants, a shoulder always available to cry on, and, of course, probably the only person in the world more romantic than Pepe. Pepe is honored to have Giovany as one of his Best Men.

Ivette Gil

Bridesmaid

As an only child, Jessica was always insistent that she would want to marry into a family with lots of members, and she’s really getting her wish! The icing on the cake is gaining a “cuñada” in Ivette. Since beginning to date Pepe, it has been a true honor for Jessica to get to know and love his sister, Ivette, as well and that honor is sure to continue over our lifetime. Jessica is immensely grateful for Ivette’s calm demeanor, rational thinking, and utter commitment to her family and is so excited to be able to finally have a sister!

Nicholas Below

Groomsman

A bond practically as old as their age, Nick and Pepe have remained dear friends since they were first introduced on a baseball field at McKenzie Park in Santa Barbara when they were eleven years old. Their love for music, humor, the Los Angeles Dodgers, and the Los Angeles Lakers, has allowed for their friendship to remain firm over the years. Pepe has tremendously fond memories of running around Dodger Stadium chasing foul balls and autographs from famous baseball players alongside his amigo Nick. Pepe is honored that Nick joins him on his wedding as a Groomsman.

Nina Serrianne

Bridesmaid

Book Nerds. Policy Wonks. Reproductive Justice Warriors. Orangetheory Fitness Enthusiasts. These are just a few of the things Nina and Jessica share in common. Neither Jessica or Nina can pinpoint the moment they met, but from little baby policy advocates in DC trying to make friends with other like-minded women, they became instant friends. Jessica is so grateful that their friendship has grown so much stronger and deeper over the last couple of years and is honored to have Nina by her side as a bridesmaid and fellow feminist wife!

Spencer Fraker

Groomsman

Spencer and Pepe share a special bond. Every day for four years, as members of Santa Barbara High School's baseball team, Spencer and Pepe played catch and warmed up together. Pepe was notoriously inaccurate, and tended to throw the ball excessively hard from absurdly close distances. Despite all of Pepe's faults, Spencer's loyalty and friendship never wavered. They we neighbors in the locker room, and were often seen rapping together to the tune of Dr. Dre's classic West Coast Anthem: "Ain't Nothing but a G Thang". Pepe is honored that Spencer joins the wedding party as a Groomsman.

Rebecca Kellett

Bridesmaid

Becca and Jessica have known each other for almost 25 years! Jessica distinctly remembers walking by Becca’s 2nd grade classroom as a first grader and seeing a very tall girl in the classroom. It would be another 6 years before their friendship would blossom. Jessica and Becca spent almost 10 years as camp counselors at their elementary school and were fairly inseparable throughout those summers. Jessica quickly became to know and love the entire Kellett family and still considers them her second family to this day. Thankfully, Becca and Jessica’s paths both led them to DC where they have gotten to continue their friendship. Jessica is incredibly grateful to have someone who knows her so well in her “DC life” and can always count on Becca no matter how much time passes.

Andrew Gil

Groomsman

From a young age, Pepe has always maintained tremendous admiration for his older primo Andrew, or, Andy. Pepe looked up to him as if he were his older brother, and together they bonded in their commitment to values such as hard work, humility, ganas, and family. As Pepe has grown up and matured, Andy has always been nearby, regardless of physical distance, to provide expert counsel and guidance. Pepe is honored that Andy joins the wedding party as a Groomsman.

Aissa Canchola-Bañez

Bridesmaid

Upon meeting each other, Jessica and Aissa became fast friends! Aissa is Jessica’s true partner in crime, always down to have a good laugh and an even better time. She’s one of the first people Jessica calls to share any news, good or bad, and is ready for adventure of any kind always and forever. Aissa and Jessica have been lucky enough to have their professional lives cross as much if not more than their personal and it brings them both so much joy to see the other be the badass that they each are in their professional careers and it’s all the more sweeter to do it alongside one of their best friends!

Eli Harris

Groomsman

Eli and Pepe have bonded in their undying commitment to friendship and passion for hard work. Although their professional and academic lives have separated them geographically over the last few years, Eli and Pepe have exhausted efforts to remain in contact and united by their work ethic. Pepe looks up to Eli and considers him to be one of his closest confidants. Pepe and Eli have enjoyed countless hours from an early age discussing their dreams and aspirations. Pepe believes it to be an honor to grow up alongside Eli and looks forward to having Eli as a Groomsman at his wedding.

Jon Kim

Groomsman

Pepe still remembers the day when he met Jon. Jon had just moved from Colorado and was looking to play baseball in Santa Barbara. Despite Jon and Pepe only being about 12 years old at the time, they would go on to remain dear friends throughout the course of their lives. Over the years, Pepe and Jon have enjoyed traveling across the country to share good times with loved ones, countless concerts, Dodger games, illustrious meals, and endless laughs. Pepe considers Jon to be among his most loyal and dedicated friends, and is honored to have Jon as a Groomsman.

Shahin Nabidavoodi

Groomsman

Perhaps one of Pepe's fondest memories of Shahin involves the two of them flawlessly reciting, word for word, each word of Immortal Technique's set list at the Majestic Theater in Ventura, California when they were barely 14 years old. Pepe has felt incredibly blessed that fate brought one of his closest friends and most loyal confidants to Washington, DC. Just like their friendship in Santa Barbara, the two of them in DC have engaged in some of the fondest experiences Pepe can recall. Day or night, rain or shine, Shahin is always prepared to listen, share, and extend his kindness to any of his friends. Pepe considers Shahin to be a brother, and is honored that he joins in as a Groomsman.

Lorenzo Rubalcava

Groomsman

A fierce competitor and even fiercer friend, Lorenzo and Pepe have bonded over their loyalty to the Oakland Raiders and united in their willingness to participate in every physical activity they are confronted with. Together, they spent three years coaching a softball team together and have been teammates or opponents on countless occasions. Regardless of the outcome, though both Pepe and Lorenzo are quite fond of winning, they have remained friends throughout everything. Pepe is honored to have Lorenzo as a friend and Groomsman.

Daniel Zandona

Groomsman

Pepe has been blessed with Danny's friendship for quite some time. As teenagers, they shared some of Pepe's fondest memories members of the Santa Barbara High School baseball team. As young adults, Pepe traveled to watch Danny, a member of the Boston Red Sox organization, compete professionally. In 2018, Pepe had the honor to join Danny and his wife Gina at their wedding. With each experience Pepe and Danny have enjoyed new and treasured memories, engaging in laughter and brotherhood. Pepe could not be more honored that Danny joins him as a Groomsman.

Aaron Rodriguez y Alé Guzman

Padrinos de los Anillos

The Padrinos de los Anillos are the official Godparents of the wedding rings. Jose and Jessica have a deep rooted connection to Aaron and Ale. Aaron and Jose were living together in Washington DC and Aaron and Jessica were members of the same friend group. Jose and Jessica credit Aaron for bringing them together. It was due to Aaron that Jose and Jessica were first introduced. Jose and Jessica can always count on Aaron and Ale for a listening ear, a good meal, and many, many laughs and canciones.

Monique Limon y Mike Medel

Padrinos De Los Ramos

The Padrinos De Los Ramos will provide the flowers to be presented before the offering to the Virgin Mary. Monique and Mike are primos de Jose (and soon, Jessica!) and are a couple that Jose and Jessica admire greatly. Jose and Jessica were honored to have Monique, a CA State Senator, preside over their civil wedding ceremony on March 10, 2021. Jose and Jessica admire the relationship Monique and Mike have exemplified in being strong supportive partners of each other every single day.

Monika y Ramiro Calderon

Padrinos de Libro y Rosario

Los Padrinos de Libro y Rosario present the couple with their formal marriage prayer book and rosary. Monika and Ramiro are primos de Jose from his mom's side of the family, the Diaz de Leon's. Jose and Jessica admire greatly the beautiful relationship Monika and Ramiro have developed ever since high school. Jose and Jessica are deeply honored to have Monika and Ramiro bless their matrimony in such a special way,

Maria Urbina y Chris Moyer

Padrinos de Las Arras (Sponsors of the Coins)

Chris and Maria will present Jose and Jessica with 13 coins as a formal ritual in order to bestow blessings of prosperity upon the marriage. Jessica and Jose are so grateful for Chris and Maria's friendship. They regularly look to them for advice on how to strengthen their relationship. Jessica is immensely grateful for Maria's fierce, feminist nature and her example of how to hold on to that spirit while in relationship with her husband. Jose considers Chris one of his closest friends. Chris and Jose are regularly engaging in some form of friendly and competitive fitness challenge along with thoughtful and inquisitive conversations over a cold modelo con limón.

Miguel Marquez y Elsa Castillo

Padrinos De Lazo

These Padrinos are responsible for presenting "el lazo" to the couple. This is a unity ritual which involves placement of the cord on the shoulders of the couple during the wedding ceremony in order to formally bless and bind the marriage. Jose first met Miguel and Elsa on the "Chili Dogs" Congressional Softball Team in Washington, DC. Miguel and Jose became homies almost immediately, bonding over food, the Raiders and the great outdoors. Jose and Jessica were so excited, when they moved back to Oakland to have such wonderful compadres in Miguel and Elsa. Now the four can be found adventuring throughout Oakland on any given weekend, whether it be hiking, golfing, eating tacos, or playing music at the Marsh.

Fletcher Williford

Ring Bearer

Fletcher is un hijo de Joshua and Kylie, primos de Jose (and soon to be Jessica!).

Paloma Perfecto

Flower Girl

Paloma es hija de Cesar y Rosa, primos de Jose (and soon to be Jessica!).