Kathy & Joel
Wedding Party
Caroline McCray
Maid of Honor
The first time I met Caroline was when I was dropping off my sister at her kindergarten class and Caroline happened to be her classmate. They were both five. The next time I saw Caroline again was when she was 12. I went to the McCray house to meet Joel's parents in 2016 and when I saw Caroline I gave her the biggest bear hug like we had known each forever. Ever since then, we have been inseparable and God seriously blessed me with the best sister in law I could have ever asked for. From giving each other advice to having photo shoots everywhere we go, there is never a dull moment with you and God knew I needed someone like you in my life. It's very rare for me to go on a full day without talking to you as we always have something to talk about and our relationship is so precious to me.
Kelly Gomez
Maid of Honor
I was the family's baby for six years until God decided it was time to gift our family with the most adorable baby I had ever seen. I would always tell my mom that my sister was the cutest doll out of all my Barbie dolls. Watching her grow up into who she is now has been amazing. We both love talking about science more than any other topic. Every moment we have spent together is well spent and I am glad God gave me you as my little sister. You bring out the best in everyone. If you are a stranger or someone she has known her whole life, she will give the same treatment to everyone that comes her way. She loves Joel wholeheartedly and is excited to gain another brother. You mean so much to both Joel and me. Having you stand by my side on our wedding day will make me feel so complete inside.
Lisa Riska
Bridesmaid
As Lisa once said herself, the universe somehow made sure that both Lisa and I would meet each other the spring semester of our junior year. We had both signed up to TA for microbiology lab. From the very first moment we met each other we automatically bonded. Lisa and I would be the first ones to arrive to our lab section before everyone else and we would always sit in a bench and talk. Little did we know that after we finished TAing for the spring semester, life would bring us back to TA together once again for the fall. Although this time around we were unable to TA in person due to the pandemic, Lisa and I always kept in touch. We even ran to each other at Felipes and it felt so great to see each other again! Lisa gives off this amazing joyful energy every time you are around her.
Alexa Gonzalez
Bridesmaid
I met Alexa at our engagement party back in October 2020. She is Elton’s girlfriend and not only has she made him the happiest guy alive but she has also made Joel and I feel so special! It’s like we welcomed each other with big open arms and I am so thankful to have someone like her in my life! She is always a call or text away. She has always made time for us and tried to go to every event that we have hosted. I am truly excited to have her be part of this beautiful journey as we plan our big day and I cannot wait to have her stand beside me.
Nidhi Patel
Bridesmaid
Nidhi and I met spring 2018 towards the end of the semester. We were both in the same General Chemistry 1 discussion class. One day, Nidhi volunteers to go up to the board to solve a chemistry problem involving gas particles and collision and I just happened to be paying attention to how she is solving the problem. Once she is done solving the problem, she returns back to her desk and I notice that Nidhi was sitting behind me. I had solved that same problem in a different way but still got the same answer as her so I turned around to share how I solved the problem. After that talk, we decided to build the same summer 2018 schedule and we exchanged phone numbers. I think turning around to talk to her was one of the smartest decisions I have ever made because it led to my best friend.
Marissa Bridges
Bridesmaid
Marissa and I met fall 2017. She was one of the first people I met at UF. I met her when we were both taking ENC1102. I remember feeling disappointed that I only had college credit for ENC1101 and I thought I was wasting my time taking that ENC1102 class at UF. Little did I know that I would meet one of my best friends in that class. Not going to lie, that comp 2 class was so boring and Marissa and I didn't really learn anything but that's where our friendship began. We lost touch after that but life brought us back together in the summer 2018 semester when we were both taking General Chemistry 2. Ever since then, Marissa and I basically took the same classes together as we were both biology majors so our friendship blossomed to what it is now. I couldn't imagine my time at UF without you.
Noah McCray
Best Man
Noah is my Brother, and we were always close during our childhood, whether it be climbing trees, riding our bikes around town, or playing mario kart together, we did everything together. I did my best to guide him throughout our early years of elementary school, and watched him outpace me in Cross Country fairly quickly. Even now when I come home, we continuously compete against each other in Monopoly or Ticket to Ride, aka "Rainbow Train", and more recently Catan, but through it all he's stood by my side, so that's why he's one of the Best Men.
Johnny Gomez
Best Man
When I started dating Kathy in high school, Johnny and I immediately connected over our love for video games, especially the Legend of Zelda. Over time we began to confide more in each other so much so that he became an older brother for me, and anytime I come home from Gainesville, we always get together and go out to eat and play classic Nintendo games, watch movies, and just talk. Johnny always makes sure I eat well when I'm home, and I always enjoy his cooking when I head home for break.
Elton Perez
Groomsman
Believe it or not, Elton was one of my first friends back in Kindergarten, and I still have memories of us hanging out during naptime together. I remember how much he loved to read in elementary school, while I was behind on reading, and he was one of those who pushed me to try harder, and helped me realize my potential, even if he didn't know it. He continued to be my friend all the way throughout middle school introducing me to Lazna, High School, and College. Elton has always been there for me when I just want to hang out, and I can't imagine my wedding without him at my side.
Dylan Earnheart
Groomsman
During my early years at UF I always considered myself a lone wolf, not very interactive with those in my classes or clubs, with the exception of a select few including Dylan. We got to know each other at work at Lake Wauburg while nerding out over Star Wars and Marvel, but after I introduced him to DnD, we embarked on several campaigns over the course of a year, and had a blast. Dylan has always been there when I needed a lift to my day, especially with how tough UF is, and I know he's gonna make this wedding unforgettable, because with him its always PARTY TIME!
Jose Rivera
Groomsman
Jose was a good friend to myself and the other groomsmen during high school, then was my roommate for a couple years here at UF. After reintroducing him to Dungeons and Dragons with Dylan, we embarked on many adventures in the fantasy realm. He was one of the brightest of his class, and is an excellent Artist, I myself own one of his pieces, a drawing of Link from the Legend of Zelda.
Lazna Saad
Groomsman
Lazna is one of my closest friends, we both lived near each other as teens, and would ride our bikes together and sit next to each other on the bus throughout middle and high school. Lazna introduced me to Pokemon when X and Y came out in 2013, and from then on became my rival in Pokemon Wifi Battles as well as Smash Bros. to this day. He's always been an amazing friend to me, and has looked out for not only me, but Kathy as well in the past, and I can't imagine getting married without him by my side.
Basil Tady
Groomsman
Basil moved to Clewiston during the latter bit of our 7th grade, but we quickly were drawn to him because of how smart he was, having constructed a self regulating chicken egg incubator which was "simple" to him. Basil quickly became a part of our friend group, and even shared in our Pokémon rivalry with Lazna for a bit, all while having to bite his tongue to stop from spoiling Attack on Titan for us. Basil the type of friend who always kept me down to earth, which I am very thankful for as often my pride got the best of me sometimes, and for that I need him at my side for the wedding.