Wedding Party
Sarah Aila
Maid of Honor
Deanna met Sarah while they were both working at Guess in Ala Moana, and from the very beginning, their connection was undeniable. Sarah is a bold, unique, and fiercely honest Hawaiian wahine with unmatched loyalty, a huge heart, and a serious love for the gym. Their friendship was built through weekend girls’ nights out, dancing at M Nightclub, Ginza, and all around Chinatown. Wherever one was, the other usually wasn’t far behind. Through all the fun nights and real-life conversations in between, Sarah became someone Deanna could talk to about absolutely anything. She has always been the kind of friend who keeps it real, shows up fully, and stands by the people she loves. Through every season of life, Sarah and Deanna have supported one another, had each other’s backs, and continued to grow together. What started as friendship grew into a true sisterhood. No matter how much life has changed, they have remained each other’s biggest cheerleaders, always lifting one another up. Deanna feels so lucky to have Sarah standing by her side as she marries Jon.
Myles Nakagawa
Best Man
Myles isn’t just my best man—he’s one of my closest friends and someone who’s been there through so many of the best moments in my life. From the start, our friendship was one of those that just clicked. What began as good times and laughs quickly turned into a brotherhood built on loyalty, trust, and unforgettable memories. A lot of those memories were made in Hawai‘i—late nights, early mornings, and everything in between. Whether it was going out, getting into some kind of adventure, or just having real conversations, Myles was always someone I could count on. No matter the situation, he showed up, had my back, and somehow made everything more fun than it probably should’ve been. When he’s not working, there’s a good chance you’ll find him fishing, diving, or out at Ala Wai working on his golf game. And if he’s not doing any of that, there’s a strong chance he’s exactly where you’d expect—posted up at Oso’s with a Tito’s soda in hand. No matter where life has taken us, he’s remained someone I trust, respect, and appreciate more than I can put into words. I’m lucky to have him standing by my side as my best man.
Kamalei Grace
Bridesmaid
Kamalei is an extraordinary wahine with a soft, kind heart and a grace that simply cannot be replicated. Deanna and Kamalei have been friends since 2013, when they met during Deanna’s final year at the University of Hawaiʻi. Born and raised on the west side of Oʻahu, Kamalei quickly became one of Deanna’s closest and most cherished friends. Over the years, their friendship has been filled with so many special memories — from sun-soaked beach days and cozy nights in to unforgettable evenings exploring Chinatown and Waikīkī together. No matter what they were doing, time with Kamalei always brought laughter, peace, and a sense of comfort. She has a way of making the people around her feel seen, cared for, and completely at ease. Deanna has always admired Kamalei’s perspective on life, her calming presence, and the deep compassion she shows to everyone around her. She carries herself with so much warmth, generosity, and quiet strength, and those qualities have made a lasting impact on Deanna’s life. Kamalei has been a constant light through so many seasons, and her friendship is one Deanna treasures deeply. She holds such a special place in Deanna’s heart, and Deanna feels so lucky to have her standing by her side on this meaningful day.
Deivy Rosa
Groomsman
If there’s one person guaranteed to bring energy into any room, it’s Deivy. From the moment you meet him, it’s clear—he’s the loudest, happiest, and most excited person wherever he goes. If there’s music, he’s vibing. If there’s food, he’s already halfway through it. And if there’s a camera, he’s making sure everyone knows he’s having the best time. Over the years, we’ve shared some unforgettable memories together—from a weekend in Kaua‘i and a music festival in Austin, Texas, to random hikes, grabbing food at Onoya (or honestly anywhere), and spontaneous beach trips to Kaimanas after work. Somehow, with Deivy, even the most random plans turn into something you’ll remember. He’s always been the kind of friend who brings people together, keeps the mood high, and makes sure everyone around him is having a good time. There’s never a dull moment when he’s around, and you can always count on him to turn things up when it matters most. Through all the laughs and memories, Deivy has been a great friend and someone I truly appreciate having in my life. He brings a kind of energy that’s hard to match and impossible not to love. And if you hear someone celebrating louder than everyone else tonight… don’t worry—that’s just Deivy being Deivy.
Franchesca Walls
Bridesmaid
Franchesca is one of Deanna’s oldest and dearest friends. The two met in middle school and became close during their junior year at La Mirada High School. From high school hangouts and parties to watching one another grow into confident, full-fledged adults, Franchesca and Deanna have shared endless memories and milestones. Even as time passed and life evolved, their bond never faded—whenever they reunite, it feels as though no time has passed at all. Deanna has always admired Franchesca’s independence, confidence, and her natural ability to make everyone around her feel seen and uplifted. Franchesca’s love of God is deeply meaningful and shines through everything she does. A true artist, Franchesca is a gifted hairdresser and colorist—and the only person Deanna has ever trusted with her curls, a trust that began all the way back in high school. Her talent, faith, and heart make her incredibly special in Deanna’s life.
Mark Arriola
Groomsman
Mark is Deanna’s cousin, but he was also her very first best friend. Growing up, Mark, Heather, Nicole, and Deanna were always together making memories; from playing in Grandma’s backyard and sitting at the kids’ table on holidays to later making their way to high school parties in Pedro. Mark has always been someone Deanna can count on, whether it’s for a chill day, a fun night out, or support through life. He’s the kind of person she can tell anything to, and somehow he always knows exactly what to say. One of Deanna’s favorite things about Mark is his infectious laugh — if he starts laughing, you’re definitely laughing too. Mark was also one of the first people to meet Jon, and one of the first to see what Deanna already knew was so special about him. That has always meant so much to her. Deanna has always looked up to Mark, and not just because he’s 6'3". He has such a steady, positive way about him and always encourages the people around him with grace and kindness. His growing love for Jesus is truly inspiring, and Deanna feels so lucky to have her cousin, first best friend, and forever supporter standing by her and Jon on this special day.
Jadsia Auz
Bridesmaid
Deanna is so happy to have Jon's little sister standing by her side on our big day. She brings so much joy and energy wherever she goes and has a way of making people smile just by being herself. Growing up as her big brother, Jon has shared a lifetime of memories, whether it's been going to Europe, Ecuador, or the countless cruises they've taken. From childhood moments to watching her grow into the amazing person she is today, she has always held a very special place in his heart. She loves playing Nintendo Switch, enjoying cup ramen noodles, and dancing her little heart out whenever music is playing. The happiness she finds in the little things makes her truly special. She looks up to Deanna, and being asked to be a bridesmaid made her incredibly happy. It means so much to both of us to have her be part of this special day. It means the world to Jon to see his little sister standing beside the woman he loves on such an important day. If that night you are looking for her there’s a good chance she'll be out on the dance floor, dancing her heart out and having the best time celebrating with everyone.
Tyler Taveras
Groomsman
Tyler isn’t just my cousin—he’s been one of my closest friends for my entire life. Growing up together means we’ve shared a lifetime of laughs, adventures, and the kind of stories that are probably better left untold. From an early age, our bond was built on always being around each other, turning everyday moments into memories that have stuck with us over the years. As we got older, that friendship only grew stronger and took us all over the world. From trips to the DR and traveling throughout Europe, to him visiting me in Hawai‘i, and even a helicopter tour over New York City—we’ve been lucky to experience a lot together. No matter where we are, one thing is always guaranteed: we’re on the hunt for the best food spot in the city. Tyler has always been the kind of person who’s down for anything—the next trip, the next adventure, or the next great meal. He brings a great energy wherever he goes and makes every experience that much better just by being a part of it. I’m incredibly lucky to call him both family and one of my closest friends, and I couldn’t imagine this day without him standing by my side.
Nicole Arriola
Bridesmaid
Nicole has been one of Deanna’s first best friends and her built-in cousin bestie from the very beginning. They grew up side by side with their siblings, sharing some of their most cherished memories, from swimming at Grandma’s house and sitting together at the kids’ table during holidays, to running from the scary dog next door and staying up all night during cousin sleepovers filled with nonstop giggles. Through every stage of life, Nicole has always been a calm, gentle, and steady presence. Even as life became more complex, that never changed. She has remained someone Deanna can always come back to, someone who listens deeply, understands without judgment, and knows exactly how to bring her back to center. Nicole has seen Deanna through so many versions of herself, and through it all, she has always been in her corner. Nicole is an incredible mother, a beautiful soul, and one of the kindest people Deanna knows. She continues to be one of her steady people; someone who brings laughter, comfort, and grounding in every season. Deanna has always looked up to her and feels so honored to have Nicole standing by her side as she and Jon begin this next chapter together.
Tevin Togami
Groomsman
Tevin was my first real friend when I moved to Hawai‘i in 2016, and from the very beginning, he made the island feel like home. What started as a new friendship quickly turned into something much more, and he played a big role in helping me find my footing during that time. He’s also the one who introduced me to the service industry, which ended up shaping a huge part of my life out there. Over the years, we’ve built a lot of memories together—from long shifts and late nights to some unforgettable (and slightly questionable) nights at the Frank house. Through all of it, we found a shared love for sports, especially basketball, which led to plenty of debates, competition, and good times. Tevin has always been the kind of person you can rely on, no matter the situation. Whether it’s showing up when it matters or just being someone you know has your back, he’s always been steady, real, and loyal. Through every stage, he’s been more than just a friend—he’s been someone I can count on without question. What started as a friendship turned into a bond that I truly value. I’m proud to have him standing by my side on this day.
Brian Vasquez
Honorable Guest MC
Brian came into Deanna’s life through her cousin Mark, as his life partner, and from the very beginning he brought so much joy, energy, and life with him. Brian has always been someone who is down to celebrate, make the moment fun, and bring people together. With Brian around, Deanna could never not have the best time. Beyond all the fun, Brian has also been someone Deanna could truly confide in. He has always been supportive, understanding, and the kind of person who makes others feel seen, heard, and appreciated. He has such a caring and uplifting spirit, and he naturally sees the best in people. Some of Deanna’s favorite memories with Brian include their hilarious “reporting live from TMZ” moments after fun nights out, and of course, the unforgettable “cool as a cucumber.” Brian is one of the most fun people Deanna knows, and his love for a microphone makes him the perfect person for this role. Brian and Jon have also already built a special bond, which makes it even more meaningful to have him be such a special part of this celebration. You’re all in for a treat.
