Karen & Darius
Wedding Party
Carla Castillo
Bridesmaid
Carlita used to live only 2 houses down from Karen. They have known each other for over 25 years and traveled to several places together, creating invaluable memories. They have a bond that will never break. She has a beautiful soul. She loves art, justice, freedom; she is very responsible, she has a dog and lives with Carlos (Yes Carla and Carlos), and is a lot of fun to spend a day with to talk about just anything. Fun fact: Carlita knew that every other day she'd get a call from the bride to figure out what homework was due the following day!!
Claudia Cordova
Bridesmaid
One of the bride's closest friends, mom of Franquito and business partner (TNB). She is a superwoman! Claudia loves fashion, getting her hair and make up done, and she also loves to learn new things. During the pandemic she started knitting during her free time and is always available for her friends and family when they need her. If you want a very honest opinion about anything, this is your girl!
Raquel Gamarra
Bridesmaid
Raquelita is a very close friend of the bride. They used to play basketball together growing up and Karen always looked up to her as Raquel is super smart and always got better grades than her! They only went to school together for a few years but managed to keep in touch and reunite after college. She works a lot but over the wekeends she enjoys visiting friends and family. She knows how to have a great time. Fun fact: The bride's parents always said that Raquel and Karen looked alike when they were growing up!
Alexis Jenkins
Bridesmaid
Alexis is the groom's sister! She is a super cool gal to hang out with. Married to Dave and mom of Xae Xae, she is always down to get together, open a wine and just enjoy each other's company. She loves the good stuff and she won't hesitate to speak her mind. Passionate about equality and Black Lives Matter, you will never run out of things to talk to her about.
Thalia Noboa
Bridesmaid
Bride's ex-roomate. She is ecuadorian, a very passionate journalist and a great friend. Thalia is a very sweet girl, always willing to help however never asks for help because she feels she can do anything (which she can!). She always has fun stories to share and down to meet for a bite or drink in the city. Thank you Gipsy Housing for creating this life long friendship!
Marita Salcedo
Bridesmaid
One of the bride's first best friends. Accountant and mom of Joaquin by day, Make up artist and TikToker by night. Marita and Karen go a while back. They would always hang out after school or over the weekend. The bride used to love going to her house as she had a big bedroom, tv (in her room!!) and loved music so they would listen to her Savage Garden or Alejandro Sanz CDs for hours! A true best friend that has always had her back; even apart they always manage to stay in touch ❤
Ingrid Uchiyama
Bridesmaid
Ingrid used to live less than 2 blocks from Karen, so they used to hang out a lot after school. They became best friends pretty quickly but after a couple of years she had to fly back to Sweden where she grew up. They kept in touch by sending letters to each other and met again when Ingrid visited her family that lived in Chiclayo, Peru. Ingrid married Lalo (bride's brother) in 2008 and they have 3 boys together! (Lucas, Diego and Adrian). "Te Quiero Como la Trucha al Toro"
Vanessa Uchiyama
Bridesmaid
Last but not least, the bride's sister and best friend. Married to Chris and mom of Lucia (Bride's first niece 💛), she is a very sensitive person, always willing to help and listen to you when you need her. She is also an entrepreneur, super smart and has a beautiful heart. Vanessa and Karen have a connection like no other; even though they have not lived together for over 10 years, it's like nothing ever changed between them. They hold daily morning videochats including Lucia and their mom (Doris), where they talk about Lucia, food, or politics. Karen couldn't have asked for a better sister and partner in crime than her sister Vanessa.
Mac Harris
Groomsman
Darius and Mac met in middle school and immediately bonded over their love of sports, movies, and tv shows. Mac loves music and is a great musician in his own right. He always brings his guitar wherever he goes, loves Penn State, hanging out with his friends and he is a member of the 6'3" and over club. Also, he is the type of person that will tell you how it is. This is most evident in his love for Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott who Mac feels is the most talented QB in the NFL.
David Jenkins
Groomsman
Darius was David's favorite when growing up. When he was in the navy, David would call home just to get Darius on the phone and ask about school and chat about sports. He is the guy of great ideas, very practical, reliable and a great brother. David is married to Iesha, and has 3 kids Damorie, Danaya, and Issa.
Derrick Jenkins
Groomsman
Derrick is the groom's oldest brother. He loves traveling, good food, fashion, great friends and storytelling. Derrick loves to see the world, speaks multiple languages and loved his time living abroad in London, England.
Jason Kalvin
Groomsman
Jason or JKal is one of the groom's oldest friend and a member of the 6'3" and over club. Jason is a funny guy who enjoys playing devils advocate in all arguments. He is always down to do go out and have a good time amongst friends. He is currently pursuing his MBA at NYU.
Dave Katz
Groomsman
Also known as our wedding officiant. Dave is an amazing person, husband and dad. He loves playing basketball, holds a yearly fantasy football league and is a huge fan of the Golden State Warrriors and the Philadelphia Eagles. He has great close friends and is always down to hang out or help someone out in a pinch. If you have any sports, investment or finance question, don't hesitate to ask Dave!
Sahat Madhugiri
Groomsman
DJ SAHAT. If you ever have a party, he will be controlling the aux cord and getting the party turned up. Drake, Kanye, The Weeknd are a few of his most featured artists. (fun fact, he never lets songs play more than 30 seconds). Sahat loves having a good time, values his closest friends as brothers and will always be there for you if you need him.
Tom Shui
Groomsman
Tom is one of Darius’ best friends and former college roommate (although he would never sleep on campus). Places where you'll find him: RI, MA, NY (all in one day). Tom loves basketball, cars, and sports and is never satisfied. He is also a father to a lovable pitbull named Brody. He is a true friend, one of the nicest guys you will ever meet.
Andy Singh
Groomsman
One of the groom's best friends, they go way back. Andy or Rude Boy is a very thoughtful person, he loves golf and is always there for his friends. He is also a great, not so great, wingman. He was there the night the bride and groom met but walked away even before Darius was able to say a word to Karen. Funny story: Andy used to be vegetarian - when he decided to eat meat for the first time, Darius took him to the mall for some chicken teriyaki (free samples!!) and a burger.
Xavier Katz
Ring Bearer
Xae Xae, groom's nephew, he is the joy of the family. He was named after the groom (Darius' middle name). Xavier is sweet, funny, kind and loves to tell people what to do. He loves basketball (just like his daddy), the avengers, sonic and spending the weekend at his gamma and pop pop. He wants to be Spiderman went he grows up!
Lucia Rivero
Flower Girl
Bride's niece. Lucia is a loving little girl, extremely curious, loves to paint, go to the beach, watch tv and enjoys going out for a walk with her parents. Lucia is very outgoing, chatty and loves the outdoors.
Adrian Uchiyama
Usher
Bride's youngest nephew. Adrian is such a cute little boy. He loves playing with his older brothers, watching tv and eating. Oh boy he can eat. He's very clever, loves singing, has a great laugh and enjoys spending time with his grandmas Alicia and Doris.
Diego Uchiyama
Usher
Diego is the bride's godson. He is one of 3 brothers, an excellent swimmer, loves to play and going to the pool. He plays the violin with this big brother and mom and loves bugs, animals and everything outdoors. Diego has a heart of gold and is a great dancer. If you see him, play him some Michael Jackson and see him show off!
Lucas Uchiyama
Usher
Lucas or Luquitas, how we used to call him, is the bride's oldest nephew. He was the first one to call her "tía" (aunt) and since then her whole world changed. Lucas is a very smart kid, super independent and loves playing (and fighting) with his brothers. He also has the memory of an elephant, avid reader, plays violin since he was 5 years old and enjoys going to the beach club and ordering a "Pina Colada".