Maria & Thomas
Our I-DO Crew
Rosalinda Vejar
Matron of Honor
Rosalinda and I met when she was i think 11yrs old at church. She was in her own way a stubborn little girl. lol At the age of 12ish she was my ride and die for sure. She helped me sneak in my sister's house when I was out late. LOL She is married to my younger brother Pedro and blessed us with 5 beautiful kids. I thank God that he allowed us to heal and grow as strong woman that we are through the years. I thank God the relationship we've bulit these last few years. She's been there for me in times i didnt know what to do. I'm honored for her to be my Matron of honor and a sister for LIFE.
Rachell Silva
Maid of Honor
This is my gorgeous Cousin Rachel that I call my little sister. She just finished Nursing School! I'm super proud of her for following her dreams and continuing her education as well. One funny memory of us was going to Santa Monica to relax at the beach and get some sun. Well we ended falling asleep and both of us got sunburned badly. We've been through some stuff and I thank God that she has been always there for me. I'm excited tht she excepted to be my MAID of honor. Thank you sis for always being there in the good and the bad. I love you
Yvette Martinez
Bridesmaid
Yvette is one of my older sister, best friend and an all around amazing perosn. I can't do life without her. She's my ride and die from day one. She's an amazing woman of many talents. From being my personal photographer, my hiking buddy that I always push her to her limits. I thank God that he has helped us grow even in these last year. He has helped us to communicate better and love eachother with an uncondiional LOVE more than ever. I'm excited to have her a part of our next chapter in our lives. Thank you sis Love you!
Frances Vejar
Bridesmaid
Frances and I are cousins I've known her since birth. LOL We've celebrated many birthdays together we're a year and 2 days apart. She's an amazing single mother I always looked up to always. She has helped me more than she ever will know. I thank God that she went through stuff that allowed her to help me. We've had our share of great times together. There isn't a moment that we aren't laughing like crazy kids. A great memory is her taking me to my first reggae concert. I fell in love with reggae because of her. I'm thankful that she will be with me this important new chapter in my life.
Mariah Bernard
Bridesmaid
Mariah Jade is my baby girl. I was blessed to give birth to her in June 2001. with all that life threw at her I'm So Proud of the woman she's become. An amazing young woman after God's very own heart. Super proud of her maintaining a full-time job and attending school full-time. Also an entrepreneur in the making with her small business. I was very blessed that Thomas and her have been building a strong relationship throughout these years. I love to bug her at times with my LOVE. which she likes and dislikes. I'm excited for her to be with me this next chapter of my life.
Veronica Vejar
Bridesmaid
Veronica and I met when she was born. LOL, She's my niece and Goddaughter which is a huge blessing. I picked her to be a bridemaid with my daughter and son. Since they were little they were inseparable so why not have them together once more as I jump into this new chapter of my life. She and Thomas became best friends for sure they have so much in common and understand each other. My niece is an amazing person inside and out. im so honoured to have her with us as we say i do.
Tahlia Vejar
Flower Girl
What can I say about my BEST FRIEND Tahlia. AKA my moongirl, my niece and goddaughter. She's stolen my heart when she called me Best friend. Her smile, playing UNO and letting her beat me, but then making her LOSE which makes her cry. I can't help it at times. LOL, I'm blessed to have her be the flower girl and jump into the next chapter of our lives. Love your Mija
Maria Covarrubias AKA Conchis
Best Woman
My older sister "Conchis" was an amazing woman with a HUGE HEART of GOLD! This woman here knew what unconditional LOVE was. Something I'm still working on for sure. A memory of her is when she dressed me up for my first day of kindergarden. I was so scared, but she reassured me I was going to be ok and she'd pick me up. Another great memory is her being my kids nanny for a few years. She lived with us and ALWAYS made sure she protected me and taught me to be strong in different situations. Thomas and I went to go visit her at the hospital when she was sick and said she'd be our flower girl. I still remember us laughing about it and she thanked Thomas for making me happy and smile again. Make sure you create memories with your LOVED ones before its too late. Love and miss you Suggamama
Ezekiel Vejar
Ring Bearer
What can we say about ZEKE he brought us so much joy after some losses. But I know he was HEAVEN sent for many of us for sure. His smile and craziness is what we love about him. He's smart, funny and a handful for sure. He's our 3rd Godchild that we're blessed with. He isn't scared of trying new things and driving his parents crazy as well. I'm honoured to have him be part of this huge day. We love you Zeke.
Thomas Johnson
Groom
The adventurer is the word that uniquely sums up Thomas. From the Geographical to the Spiritual and everything in between. Thomas has lived in Texas, Georgia, Virginia, New York, Indiana, Germany and California. He loves European soccer and baseball. He started a photography school in Virginia as well as a cycling team made up of 28 members. He loves comic books and British sitcoms. Thomas is an avid music lover and once built a HiFi system of nothing but solid-state amplification to ensure the albums he listened to had no "extra" processing. He loves God and is searching for purpose and destiny in everything he does. If there was a vote, Thomas would be most likely to want the beer pouring robot to also sing and take pictures of the customers while balancing on a slanted nickel.
Kris Philippe
Groomsman
What a great friend. I knew we would hit it off when he mentioned Chelsea FC as his EPL club. It was written in the stars. While Kris can be very serious he also has the uncanny ability to throw a laser to home plate from the right field. Again, another member of the Quatro amigos, KP as we call him, is like our glue. He keeps us on our toes as well as motivated to get together whether in person or virtually. I've watched him and his wife parent their kids and the great white cotton balls they call puppies and I'm glad to have him in my life as a friend. He plays a vital role in my life and all of ours I'm sure. If there was a vote, KP would be most likely to reprogram the beer pouring robot that Jamie made by inserting objects that do not belong.
Qi Chen
Groomsman
Qi is definitely the dad of our group. Always on time with questions to make you think about the choices you want to make and the downside of actions you take. Such a wise person is hidden in a calm movie star personality. I've watched Qi father his beautiful daughters and I admire his consistency and fortitude. He keeps our heroes on task with whatever we are doing and will always question our methods and ideas. It's always important to have a friend that's not afraid to challenge conventions. I'm honoured to have each of these guys in my life and love that I get to share this special day with them and them with everyone else. If there was a vote, Qi would be most likely to veto the vote to build the beer pouring robot, but then take ownership of programming how much beer is poured.
James Schneider
Groomsman
James plays the role of a mad scientist/comedian in this ragtag band of heroes. We share a love of all things technological, fine craft beer, and the value of friendship. Late night sessions of the card against humanity along with afterparties at Denny's in the wee hours of the night. We met through an opportunity to work together in a small setting and that opened the doors of our friendship. Since then we have become the four amigos and rarely miss an opportunity to get together, discuss life and then joke about it. If there was a popular vote Jamie would be voted most likely to open a store in the mall called " Build a Beer" and sell finely tuned and scientifically crafted beers but only to make money to build a robot to pour those beers and tell jokes!
Gilbert Trujillio
Groomsman
What can be said about my brother from another mother? He is my main man and we were knitted together one day and much love and respect have been the theme of our relationship since living upstate NY in Watertown NY on the base of the 10th Infantry Division Fort Drum NY. We met over reggae music and haircuts. We miniature golfed across the US and Canadian border. We crashed a college party in Syracuse and proceeded to be the VIP guest by pretending to be a fight promoter and boxer Intown to spar with Oscar Delahoya. We've shared a single can of sardines during an ice storm and Truj has gone on to support a beautiful family and successful boxing gym in Pueblo Colorado. He is my main man for life and I'd do anything for him and his family. Nuff Respect mi Breden!!!
Peter Vejar
Best Man
I kinda like this guy. I imagine that if he wasn't my bride's brother, I would randomly run into him at home depot looking at power tools that neither of us needed and we would start talking about random stuff to build. I admire his ability to manage any situation and there have been a few times where I've asked myself, " What would Peter do"? I care for Maria and I know this guy cares a lot and I thought to myself who better to help me navigate this new chapter of my life but someone who has gone before and made a success at it. Who better to not say anything and say so much at the same time. I feel that if it needs to be done He can figure out how to do it and that's applied across all of life. If I can only get him drinking wine and big craft beers :) So yeah my new brother is ok...
Maria E. Vejar
Bride
There are a many words to describe the bride, but one stands out is "Strong". Born and raised in San Jose, CA. She was Married at a young age and gave birth to Samuel and Mariah, who are wonderful adults. These past 10 years she has been raising her children and becoming a better woman. She found a passion in working out as therapy and her escape. She competed in 2 powerlifting meets, which won her a few tropies. She's spontaeous and loves road trips, hiking and spending time with family. Her belief and relationship with God is the first thing many will notice of her. She's a giver for sure and puts everyone above herself. I'm so happy that she has found the her soul loves. She's smiling and laughing like never before which is beautiful to see.
Charnell Griffin
Bridesmaid
Charnell is the sister of the groom. And the mother and the coach and the boss lol. She has been married 27 years with two adult children that love her so much they refuse to leave her side. She is a store manager and regional trainer for Lenscrafters, as well as Mary Kay beauty consultant. To put it more concise she loves wine and is a jack of all trades like her brother. She's very passionate about family especially her younger brother. In her spare time, she shops and golfs and shops and hangs out with friends to shop. She is protective and funny and a great listener. Charnell is an all-around amazing gift to this troupe and we wouldn't be where we are today if it wasn't for her nudging her brother in the right direction.
Samuel Bernard
Groomsman
This is my baby boy Samuel aka “chamo” “Pa” my first born. The one that taught me a lot and had me running around. He’s a fighter for sure. Carried him 9 crazy months but it was worth it all. I’m super proud of an amazing man he’s become. He works graveyard shift but still finds time to spend with his family. He’s a gamer, hard worker, loves dragon balls and to hang out with his familia. I thank God that Thomas and Sam have built a relationship as well. I’m honored for him to be on my side in this new chapter in our lives.
Maria E Vejar
Mother of the Bride
This is my beautiful Queen. My momma, mi ama, mommy she has many names but one HUGE heart. She's an amazing strong woman that I know. She has taught me so alot while growing up. One thing I got from my momma is hard working and being STRONG. Always taught me to pray and TRUST GOD in everything that I do. She's a prayer warrior and always tries to help others with what she can. I thank God for her so much. she helped me raise my kids from newborn till 4 yrs old. Then after my divorce she was there always for the kids and I. I can never repay her for what shes done, but all i can do is appreciate her everyday. She has taught me to LOVE and respect as well. I'm so glad that Thomas and her get along as she teaches him spanish. He makes her laugh and I love to hear that. love you mom
Jesus M. Vejar
Father of the Bride
This is my POPs an amazing DAD. He’s always been there for all his kids always. I admire his hard work as well and I know for sure is where I get it from. He has always taught me to work very hard in whatever I do and make sure I’m happy. One thing that I remember growing up is how he always made sure we were taking care of. To have respect for others and to treat others the way we wanted to be treated. I thank God for my dad because he’s been there for me at my lowest and in my highest in life. He has taught my kids some great things when they were small. I’m very blessed that Thomas and my father get along and have a relationship which is important to me. The way they share their coffee and stories about life. I’m excited to have my pops with us in our new chapter that were taking.
Tommy Kimble Jr.
Father of the Groom
Tommy Kimble Jr. Was born on March 16th, 1942. During his high school years, he was very active in ROTC. After High School, he was drafted into the United States Army and was a Veteran of the Vietnam War. Tommy served on the Minister Alliance Board as well as becoming a Paster until retiring. He finally met his son Thomas Johnson on July 4th, 2018. I remember how happy Thomas was when he finally met his other side of his family. The way they welcomed him with wide-open arms. Thomas would text his dad and of course his sister daily. I remember Thomas telling me how happy he was to meet his dad and Start a relationship with him. Sad to say his father Tommy gained his wings on August 17, 2019. I know for sure he is looking down on Thomas saying I love you Son.
Barbara Ghoston
Mother of the Groom
The renaissance woman would be described as a lady of many talents and areas of knowledge. This definition would be wanting in describing Barbara. From politics to teaching to drag racing, she has had no ceiling and let no one sway her beliefs in what was possible when you apply yourself. She has the most giving heart, so very selfless as well as the desire to lift others up with teaching and encouragement. From Scholarships to Colombia University to graduating Tuskegee Institute. From invites to open schools in Africa to serving on the local city council Barbara has seen her share of success and embraced all challenges with vigour and pride. She is proud of her two sons for the men they have become being raised by a single mother. Salute to her power and prowess.