Wedding Party
Maddee Ward
Maid of Honor
Maddee grew up in Putnam County, Ohio, and has worked in the veterinary field. She is currently pursuing her passion for photography. She enjoys spending her days with her significant other, Cade, and their two beautiful children, Lydia and Bo. Maddee and Kayla's friendship began instantly after they started working together in February 2022. Maddee and Juan had grown up around each other and she was the reason Kayla got a position right after moving to Ohio. Maddee was also one of the first people Kayla met and the two of them effortlessly opened up to one another, creating a lifelong friendship. Maddee is one of the most understanding and strongest people Kayla knows, always pointing out the positives no matter how much is thrown her way. Maddee and Kayla share similar values, morals, and outlooks on life. They are not the kind of friends who spend every day together or call each other to share every little detail, but rather the kind who write an entire book in a single text message and schedule a five-hour, uninterrupted time block to catch up on life's updates. Maddee is ultimately Kayla's biggest cheerleader and someone who is always there for her under any circumstance.
Diego Salinas
Best Man
Diego was born in Brownsville, TX, and officially moved to Ohio in 2018. His friendship with Juan dates back to migrant school, where they discovered their parents were friends. From that moment on, they were inseparable—from playing junior high football to countless wild nights, including relaxing with beers, singing their classic "Hard to Leave" by Riley Green while Diego played guitar, and pulling all-nighters that often ended with them running from trouble—dogs, cops, you name it. Known as the "jokester" of the group, Diego is laidback and always adding his signature "ahhh" when you think he might actually be serious. Though he’ll deny it, he's a lover boy at heart. Juan and Diego always pick up where they left off, constantly bringing up the same core memories that never get old to them. Kayla has heard several of these inside jokes, still not understanding the humor or how it’s still as funny as the last time it was told. When Kayla first visited Bowling Green, Diego tagged along. The three of them listened to “La Canción” by Bad Bunny, as Juan and Diego insist on playing it every. single. time. they go. Diego spent every weekend at Kayla and Juan’s apartment for the first year, secretly enjoying being the third wheel.
Jailynn Peña
Maid of Honor
Japes grew up in Edinburg, Texas, and moved to Leipsic, Ohio, in 2012. Her greatest motivation is her son, Andrew, who shows his appreciation by testing her sanity daily. She has worked at various daycares, which speaks to her extreme patience and tolerance for children. Japes currently works as an assembly technician. As Juan’s oldest sister, Japes and Kayla's relationship was not your typical in-law storyline. When they first met, they both got the impression of "mean girl energy" due to their not-so-easy-to-hide RBFs and their mutual reluctance to be the first to dive into a conversation. However, this didn’t last long, as their personalities meshed so well that they quickly became inseparable. They can often be found together on any dance floor and are best described as "meatballs" (a reference from Jersey Shore). Kayla and Japes share a friendship where one doesn’t feel complete without the other. Whenever they’re together, they tend to exist in their own world, barely aware of anything happening around them. Japes is ultimately the sister Kayla never knew she needed.
Fabian Peña
Best Man
Fabian was born in Edinburg, Texas, and moved to Leipsic, Ohio, in 2012, where he grew up. He currently works as a forklift driver and is also a dedicated football and basketball coach. As Juan’s younger brother, some of their core memories go back to youth football together. Their relationship didn’t start off especially close—but things shifted once they started playing high school football together. They love showing their highlight clips of how many times the announcers say “the Peña brothers” and pausing to argue about who did what after every play. After graduation, their bond really took off. Juan took Fabian under his wing—“showing him the ways” of how to drink responsibly and earn the title of being a “big dawg.” Juan also says he took the fall for Fabian more times than he’ll ever admit growing up, but they’ve always continued to look out for one another. Fabian is the jokester of the group with a big heart—always keeping the energy high and making sure everyone around him is protected. Kayla was introduced to Fabian just two months after she and Juan started talking, and from day one, the two formed a sibling-like bond. These two are usually found annoying one another, but it all comes from genuine love—sort of.
Haley Luna
Bridesmaid
Haley grew up in Wyandotte, Michigan, and graduated high school with Kayla in the class of 2020. She went on to pursue a degree in business and earned her bachelor's in 2024. Haley and Kayla met in middle school and have maintained a strong friendship over the years. They played volleyball and basketball together, creating some of their favorite core memories. Comparable to a "golden retriever" friend, Haley always ensures her friends are respected and is the first to jump into something—often despite their attempts to hold her back. Kayla and Haley's friendship is a little more on the wild side, as they never hold back or think too much about the consequences of whatever they get themselves into. Haley also comes with every receipt and never fails to bring up memories you had hoped everyone had forgotten. She has been there for Kayla through some of her worst moments, and no matter how much time passes, they always pick up exactly where they left off.
Wes Garcia
Groomsman
Wes was born in Lima, Ohio, and raised in Leipsic. He’s a “retired” music artist who currently works in construction. He and Juan first became friends through mutual connections and playing junior high football together, and have continued as an inseparable duo over the years. One of Juan’s favorite childhood memories is the two of them doing parkour inside the Leipsic Methodist Church. As Wes grew into the music industry, Juan was the first person to ever hear him sing “Royals” by Lorde, and from that moment on, he continued to support Wes as he created and performed. On the flip side, these two always found their way into trouble—becoming pros at coming up with last-second, wild plans to escape busted parties. Wes is best described as reckless in the most lovable way—he’s always straight up, never chooses sides, and brings raw honesty to every room he’s in. Kayla met Wes as soon as she moved into Juan’s apartment, and like clockwork, he became another weekend regular on their couch. Juan and Wes enjoy drinking and shotgunning beers, having heart-to-heart “bro conversations,” singing together while Wes plays guitar, and being the loudest two in the quietest room as they laugh over endless “remember when” stories.
Addy Nothnagel
Bridesmaid
Addy was born and raised in Wyandotte, Michigan, and has gone to school with Kayla since preschool. Addy previously attended law school but is now studying radiology and currently works at their favorite place to party in downtown Wyandotte. Addy was Kayla's "first" friendship—the first friend Kayla begged to stay the night with, the first friend she asked to bring on vacation, and the first friend she got in trouble with. The list goes on forever. Addy was there through every childhood moment and is someone Kayla will always have love for. Addy is wild and full of energy wherever she goes. She almost always has a plan, even if it changes fifty times before it happens or she continuously asks, "Should we even go?" or "Should I even have people over?" She will always be sure to let you know—at the last minute—if and when plans are happening. No matter how much time passes, Addy and Kayla’s friendship always picks up right where it left off.
Drew Liffick
Groomsman
Born and raised in the small town of Leipsic, Ohio, Drew and I officially became friends in junior high football. That year, we went 8-0 — and if you ask me, I might’ve carried him to get that record (just saying). One of my “favorite” memories — and Drew might call it traumatic — was during a rivalry game when I watched him get completely knocked out. He insists it was my fault, but the truth is, I was busy blocking two guys rushing the edge. All he had to do was outmaneuver the guy with the torn ACL… but agility wasn’t exactly Drew’s thing. Drew met Kayla when she started coming to Bowling Green, which was also where he had been living for college at the time. Personality-wise, Drew’s the kind of guy who’ll have your back no matter what. He’s confident (sometimes overly), loyal, and claims he can out-drink me — which we both know is a bold-faced lie.
Jisele Peña
Bridesmaid
Jisele, Juan’s older sister, grew up in Edinburg, Texas, and moved to Leipsic, Ohio, in 2012. Jisele is definitely a go-getter and will achieve everything she sets her mind to. Jisele has a strong, confident, and beautiful personality that makes everyone adore her, inside and out. Kayla was introduced to Jisele when she met Juan’s family in December 2021. Unlike her sister, Jisele was very welcoming and made an effort to get to know Kayla from the start. The two of them have shared more of the “girly girl” moments, such as spa days, shopping trips, and brainstorming their next purchases based on TikTok influences. They are always on the hunt for inspiration to live the “healthiest” lifestyle. Jisele is best described as the mother of the group—keeping everyone in check and always having their best interests in mind, even if it means being blunt. Once again, Jisele is the sister Kayla never knew she needed and someone she can always turn to for the best advice.
Will Morrow
Groomsman
Born and raised in Deshler, Ohio, Will and Juan first crossed paths as high school football rivals, but their true friendship kicked off at a party Will threw—one that Juan wasn’t even invited to. Despite never having spoken face to face before, the two instantly clicked, and a lifelong bond was formed. One of Juan’s favorite memories between the two is him teaching Will how to shotgun a beer—an iconic moment that sparked a summer full of parties. From that point on, weekends weren’t complete unless they were together. Whether it was under the Friday night lights or jamming out to their anthem, “Hippies and Cowboys” by Cody Jinks, these two were inseparable. Will is the kind of guy who checks in on you just because, and who loves his friends with everything he’s got. He is someone who brightens up the room and is the biggest teddy bear you’ll meet. Will met Kayla during a pregame at Juan’s house before her first night out in Bowling Green. Kayla’s favorite memory with these to is running out a house from a block party whose hosts we’re being disrespectful, with handful of Natty Light cases to finish a good night at their hotel. Kayla and Juan are forever grateful to have a loving, loyal friend like Will.
Jazlyn Baker
Bridesmaid
Jazlyn grew up in Wyandotte, Michigan, and graduated with Kayla in the class of 2020. She is currently serving while exploring various career options for her future. Kayla and Jazlyn’s friendship began through a mutual friend group in middle school and grew into one of the most genuine relationships. The laughs and memories they share range from the cringiest to the most authentic. They are the kind of friends who are perfectly content in each other’s presence without saying a word. Jazlyn and Kayla have been part of almost every traumatic story there is to tell and nearly every impulsive decision either of them has ever made. These two used to love taking risks—ones that, without fail, led to instant regret. Now, they spend their days doing nothing more productive than binge-watching shows, ordering takeout, or spending four hours on the phone discussing whatever random topic comes to mind.
Austin Piehl
Groomsman
Born and raised in Findlay, Ohio, and now calling Lima home, Austin works as a heavy equipment operator and is a true ride-or-die friend. His bond with Juan began in the wake of a shared loss — the passing of a mutual friend — which led to Austin reaching out to hang out with Juan and Fabian. That moment sparked a deep and lasting friendship. Some of their best memories go back to Liberty-Benton days, when Austin became one of Juan’s first friends from the area. From singing La Bamba and learning to dance bachata, to picking up Spanish slang, Austin embraced every wild, hilarious, and unforgettable moment. Think parties at Dalton’s, middle school and high school football days, and of course, the legendary college block party where Kayla was introduced — and within an hour, found herself funneling a beer from Austin’s chest. Austin was also involved in taking hand fulls of Natty Light cases at the block party in Columbus. Thinking of it now, he may have been the one who came up with the idea. Austin is the kind of friend who’ll check in no matter how much time passes. Once you’re one of his boys, you’re always one of his boys. Loyal and genuine — Austin is a cornerstone of Juan’s life and a proud part of this wedding party.
Sydney Tarnowski
Bridesmaid
Sydney grew up in Wyandotte, Michigan, and attended school with Kayla from preschool through graduation. She has furthered her education in various ways and is currently enrolled to study law while also working at their favorite party spot in downtown Wyandotte. Sydney and Kayla’s relationship is another one of Kayla’s “first friendships.” This friendship began with early memories, like when Kayla tried to tell Sydney every detail of a pointless story during reading time in elementary school, which resulted in Kayla flipping her behavior card to orange and having to meet one-on-one with the teacher. From field trips and sleepovers to sharing one of the biggest next chapters of Kayla's life by each other’s side, their bond has grown through the years. Throughout the years, other friend groups formed, but their friendship and memories will be some of the many Kayla brings up forever.
Kaiden Raider
Groomsman
Kaiden was born in Findlay, Ohio, but grew up in Leipsic, where he and Juan first crossed paths on the football field. They played side by side as running backs from youth league all the way through high school, and that’s where the foundation of their friendship really took off—built on trash talk and way too many inside jokes / slang. After high school, they continued to grow stronger. Kaiden moved in with Juan for a few months after graduation, and those nights quickly turned into some of their favorite memories. Picture endless Rick and Morty marathons, video game binges that lasted until sunrise, and more fast food than either of them would like to admit. Honestly, they still fall into those same habits every chance they get—despite Kayla and Kaiden’s fiancé doing their best to pull them back to reality. Kaiden was actually one of the first people Kayla met when she and Juan started hanging out, and he’s been part of their story ever since. Kayla and Juan’s cat, Kodak, was also gift from Kaiden when he moved out—which Kayla probably wouldn’t have taken a different answer anyways. Kaiden’s the goofy, unpredictable wild card of the group—the kind of guy who keeps everyone on their toes and never fails to bring the energy. He’s been by Juan’s side through it all, and there’s no way this wedding would feel complete without him.