Laissa & Jordan Ellis
Wedding Party
Jaileessa Casimir
Maid of Honor
Jaileessa is who Lai calls her "sister-cousin" because the word "cousin" doesn't fully capture their relationship. Nothing could break the bond Jai and Lai have whether it's distance or age. Only 2 years apart in age, Laissa believes Jai just needed some time to bake but she was sent here especially for her (sorry Tati Katia). Laissa couldn't think of a better person to be by her side on this special day.
Monica Collazo
Maid of Honor
Laissa and Monica have been best friends for over 12 years ! They met in math class during Laissa's freshman year at Choate (but they remember their first meeting very differently. Ask them both at the wedding and you'll see). Regardless, blood could not make these two any closer. Words cannot describe what Monica means to Laissa. They've grown together through so many phases so it's without question that Laissa cannot enter this next phase without Monica.
Esther Clayton
Bridesmaid
Esther and Laissa have been best friends for over 13 years. They completed Prep for Prep and were inseparable at Choate together and despite never being in the same city since, nothing has interrupted their bond. They have traveled together, visited each other in every city they've lived in, and when all else fails they FaceTime. Esther is a piece of Laissa, one she cannot leave behind especially on a big day like this.
Samantha Watson
Bridesmaid
Laissa and Samantha have been best friends since they were 12 years old and struggling through Prep for Prep together. Samantha has always been a key part of Laissa's support system since then. As her foodie partner-in-crime, 1/3 of the T.V club, and the person to put the quickest smile on Laissa's face, Sam has always kept Lai sane near and far. Luckily, Lai will have her close on the wedding day !
Ines Anguiano
Bridesmaid
Laissa and Ines have been friends since the 3rd grade ! As any childhood story starts, they met on the playground on Ines' first day of school. She was from Milwaukee (and clearly put a Midwest spell on me) and was unlike anyone Laissa had ever met before so they became quick friends. All these years later, Laissa can't wait to share a day they once spoke about as 8-year olds.
Bella Kebede
Bridesmaid
Bella and Laissa met as interns at Facebook. Though they were on the same teams from interns to full-time employees, "co-workers" never accurately described their relationship. Bella has always been someone Laissa can discuss future plans with, get advice from, and speak to about anything from their relationship with God to music and of course our annoyances at work. Bella has been an important figure and major support system since the day they met, so Laissa is more than looking forward to stepping into this next chapter with Bella by her side.
Kellisha James
Bridesmaid
Kellisha and Laissa were in Prep for Prep together and went to Choate for high school. They were close then but only got closer over the years as they made the intentional effort to see each other and even travel together across Italy for 10 days in 2022. Kellisha and Laissa's friendship is marked by love and support that has endured the test of time as both has cheered each other on through every milestone. As one of each other's biggest cheerleaders, Laissa couldn't imagine her special day without Kellisha in her corner.
Jhazel Odutola
Bridesmaid
Jhazel is Laissa's cousin where despite growing up in different cities have never let that stop them from forming a bond. They've always cheered each other on through life's biggest wins and couldn't be prouder to be family. Laissa cherishes every opportunity she gets to spend with Jhazel, and having the opportunity to have her there on the wedding day is a blessing she doesn't take lightly.
Brooke Ellis
Bridesmaid
Brooke is Jordan's sister, who quickly made Laissa feel like hers since the day we met. Brooke welcomed Laissa with open arms and excitement to add some more girl power to the nearly all-boy Ellis clan. Laissa couldn't be more excited to be able to become Brooke's sister officially and can't wait to share this day with her.
Bradley Ellis
Best Man
Bradley is Jordan's older brother, and the memories they share are what makes Jordan the man he is today. Many of the activities Jordan loves most are because of nostalgic moments they shared when they were kids. From walks in the woods, enjoying a pool day, making fires, playing games, and skateboarding on a driveway. Jordan has always looked up to his older brother and has gleaned many insights and words of wisdom from witnessing Bradley take first steps in his own life that Jordan will soon seek to replicate. Jordan wouldn't want to have this special day without his older brother by his side, as they support each other in building their own families, crafting lives they've dreamed of since they were kids.
Jackson Ellis
Best Man
Jackson is Jordan's younger brother, and ever since they met their lives have never been the same. One of Jordan's greatest privileges in this life is being an older brother to Jackson, helping him find his own path that feels authentic and absent of the pitfalls his older brothers have endured in their own journeys. Jackson and Jordan regularly discuss life's greatest questions, as they seek to find lasting happiness that contrast well with their shared unwavering ambition. Jordan feels blessed to have Jackson by his side on this special day, as he's been an invaluable support system for Jordan and Laissa in their relationship. On the day of, Jordan and Laissa can't wait to see Jackson share one of his many talents on the dance floor.
Marcus Charles
Groomsman
Marcus is Laissa's little brother and has quickly become Jordan's favorite bonus brother as well. Their bond has grown over countless moments together, from shared adventures, to important coming-of-age conversations. Jordan feels privileged to have witnessed Marcus's growth over the years, just as Marcus has seen Jordan and Laissa's relationship blossom. As they prepare to officially become family, Jordan is excited to continue this brotherly bond that has been a cherished part of their journey. Marcus's presence on this special day means everything, symbolizing their unity and love that has always felt like family.
Wyatt Schroeder
Groomsman
Wyatt is one of Jordan's oldest friends and has been a key part of his support system since childhood. Jordan and Wyatt share a love of skateboarding, and have taken it with them from house driveways in the midwest to the hilly streets of Seattle. No matter how strange life gets, or how far apart they live, their friendship remains unshaken. When they can't meetup in person, they connect regularly through group-chat and late night Discord calls. These moments keep Jordan grounded and bring a sense of home wherever he is in the world. Jordan appreciates Wyatt's constant presence in his life and is thankful for a friendship that has remained solid over the years. Wyatt's presence at the wedding is a reminder of the lasting bond they share.
Bryan Newbold
Groomsman
Bryan has been a consistent friend of Jordan's through many of life's strangest phases: middle school lunch tables, night walks past curfew, experiencing the freedoms of the open road, and having a first adult apartment to look back on it all from. Their friendship has stayed strong over the years, thanks to group chats and late-night gaming. Bryan was also the first of Jordan's friends to meet Laissa, and it's been special to watch the friendship between Bryan and Laissa grow. It's like seeing two important parts of his life come together. Jordan deeply values Bryan's unwavering friendship and the unique connection he has with him and his future wife, making his presence at the wedding even more meaningful.
Drake Walker
Groomsman
Drake and Jordan have been friends since middle school, sharing a bond that has only deepened over time. As one of the core members of their friend group, Drake has never failed to bring a smile and a laugh to Jordan's face. Drake and Jordan have bonded over the complexities of life's many chapters, and have always been there to offer words of wisdom to each other. Jordan deeply values how they have grown into their manhood together, witnessing each other's journey and celebrating the milestones along the way. Drake's presence at the wedding is a testament to the enduring and meaningful connection they've nurtured through the years.
Jason Burch
Groomsman
Jason and Jordan's friendship began at college orientation, and Jason quickly became like an older brother to Jordan. Jason played a pivotal role in their college game team, Bear King, where they tirelessly worked to learn and build under the pressure of infeasible deadlines. Jason has given Jordan advice on life’s challenges, helped create a home away from home in Washington, and has always provided a presence of comfort and joy. Jordan admires Jason's relationship with his wife Jenna, seeing it as a model of love and partnership that he seeks to replicate. As Jordan steps into this new chapter as a husband, he feels grateful for Jason's wisdom and friendship, looking forward to applying the lessons he's learned from their bond.
Austin Brunkhorst
Groomsman
Austin and Jordan's friendship began during their college years at DigiPen, where they were not just roommates but also teammates, creating video games together for their college team, Bear King. Their bond has only strengthened over time, evolving from late-night coding sessions to sharing life's milestones. Jordan has always admired Austin, as both an engineer and support system for his friends and family. Austin and Jordan have endured some of their life's hardest challenges together. With Austin's recent marriage, both are now entering a new and exciting phase of life. Jordan is thrilled to continue this journey alongside Austin, embracing the new "team" they are now part of, and cherishing their enduring friendship.
CJ Payne
Groomsman
CJ and Jordan's friendship began during college on their game team Bear King, where CJ helped bring structure and creativity to their work. CJ and Jordan continued to work together after graduation where they shared a passion for entrepreneurship, wanting to create something entirely their own. They faced plenty of challenges, but through the ups and downs have always tried to provide each other with support, advice, and an open ear to listen. Jordan truly appreciates the role CJ has played in his growth as an adult, helping him feel empowered to seek out what excites him most. No matter the distance or how busy life gets, Jordan hopes their friendship continues to stay strong, and that they find ways to continue enriching each other's lives.
Ori Shimony
Groomsman
Ori and Jordan's friendship began in 2018, and everything changed forever. Taking a leap of faith, they decided to build dOrg together, prompting Jordan to move cross-country to sleep on Ori's couch in New York. Just two weeks later, Jordan met Laissa, marking the start of another significant chapter. Throughout the ups and downs of building dOrg and later Polywrap, Ori has been more than just a business partner; he's been like a brother to Jordan. Ori's advice during tough times, their shared travels, and the deep bond they share all stem from that fateful meeting at a conference in Prague. Jordan is profoundly grateful for Ori's presence in his life and looks forward to celebrating this special day with him.
Cesar Brazon
Groomsman
Cesar and Jordan first connected through work at dOrg and Polywrap, but their relationship quickly grew into a close friendship. Cesar has been instrumental in helping Jordan and Laissa build a supportive and vibrant community in Madrid. Whether they're enjoying runs together or bonding over late-night gaming sessions, the time they share is never without laughter and joy. Jordan deeply values Cesar's friendship and the positive impact he's had on their lives, making their experience in Madrid even more special. As they celebrate this big day, Jordan is grateful to have Cesar by his side, as both a friend and a key part of their journey.
Nestor Amesty
Groomsman
Nestor and Jordan's paths crossed through their work on dOrg and Polywrap, but "co-workers" hardly captures the depth of their friendship. Nestor has been a close friend, someone Jordan deeply admires both professionally and personally. His knowledge about practically anything (especially about history-be sure to ask him at the wedding!), is impressive and always enlightening. Nestor has also played a pivotal role in making Madrid feel like home for Laissa and Jordan, fostering a community that has been incredibly welcoming and supportive. Jordan is grateful for Nestor's friendship and the invaluable influence he's had on his life.
Rambo
Dog of Honor
Rambo was adopted in 2021 in the place Jordan and Lai created their first home and has been the apple of their eye ever since. Rambo is an essential piece to their little family and cannot wait to watch his parents get married !
