Lauren & Erik
Wedding Party
Amanda Carrillo
Bridesmaid
One of my first and fastest friends in middle school. We proved VERY early on that we couldn't sit next to each other, especially in Spanish Class. Whenever I wanted my parents (read: my Dad) to let me go out in high school, I would say "I'm going with Amanda" and I would basically be allowed to go freely ha! But truly, she's been the same stable, hard-working and loyal confidant since those days! I look forward to eating Swedish Fish with you for many years to come.
Katelan Dunckel
Bridesmaid
My cousin-turned-bestie: You'll usually catch us singing a duet to a random Disney song or finishing each other's sentences. The Jasmine to my Aladdin (The Gerety Family knows...). I was so lucky to have connected so whole-heartedly with someone special early on in life. All of my favorite parts of my self are probably because I copied Katelan's way. As I shamelessly copied almost everything she did back then from Claire's chokers, Aaron Carter infatuation and Abercrombie tanks. You were the first of the cousins to get married and I'm forever grateful for the example you've set!
Austin Gerety
Bridesman
He said it best when I asked him to be in the wedding "The way no one could've predicted this when we were kids". Irish twins tend to butt heads but luckily he forgave me for making him sit in the backseat when I got my license and I, too, forgave him for the numerous grapes he threw in to my room. There is no sweeter soul than my little bro and I'm so happy to have him as part of the big day!
Dr. Megan Ishibashi
Maid of Honor
We've been friends since 4th grade, experiencing multiple birthdays, proms, trips, graduations, life events and now, weddings! Megan and her fiancé Dom are getting married Feb. 2023! Almost nothing about her personality has changed since I first met her: radiating confidence, unwavering self-assuredness, and a rare ability to be unapologetically herself. I learn from her everyday and have loved being part of her crew since Joseph Sims and CDI days.
Amanda Stayton
Bridesmaid
Erik isn't the only long-distance relationship I partook in. Amanda and my friendship has defied the odds of time zones and area codes. From meeting in high school and becoming my first roommate to Long Beach and Washington D.C. and Nashville. She's remained a constant force in my life- thoughtful and generous with friends, dedicated and steadfast in commanding her own business. I'm grateful for her and her encouragement of me to take delight in all things wine, British novels and running.
Chris Vazquez
Best Man
Chris and I met in graduate school. It’s really hard to relay the intangible of how difficult graduate school is but Chris was there with me. We are both products of immigrants and both first generation Americans. He truly understood my upbringing and the plight of being different. We both had to navigate life that differed from conventional perceptions of what a normal upbringing is. Chris helped me get through one of the most difficult experiences of my life. If I were in trouble I know Chris would be there. He is a true friend and brother for life.
Brandon Barretto
Groomsman
Brandon and I have been friends since high school. We wrestled and got along. We automatically connected with similar interests in grappling and 80’s and 90’s media trends. I eventually bumped into him in Hawaii randomly and reconnected. He’s a friend for life in that he understands what it’s like to grow up in the bay as an Asian American.
Stefan Gomez
Groomsman
Stefan and I went to the same high school. He was always ahead of the game, put together, and knew what he wanted in life. His motivation and fervor for life always inspired me. We’ve been through a lot growing up in San Francisco. Stefan knows how to enjoy life, he works hard and is a positive light in my life. I’m happy to call him a friend and a brother.
Phil Herrera
Groomsman
Philip and I have known each other since kindergarten. Phil’s heart of gold was always a quality that he’s had and I gravitated to his kindness and benevolent soul. His mother Lois always took care of us and he has the same caring heart as her and I’m happy he carries on that trait she left him. He’s the kind of person who always sees life in a positive light and has always kept that positive attitude since I’ve known him. We grew up playing as children in San Francisco and our friendship has endured the sands of time to this day
Dwight Narruhn
Groomsman
Dwight and I have been friends since we were 4 and 5 years old. We’ve navigated growing up in San Francisco, in fact he lived down the street. He and his family took me as one of their own. His father always called me his other son. Dwight and I have been through a lot together and he truly is a brother to me.
Richard Pearson
Groomsman
Richard and I have known each other since high school. We had a lot of the same interests. While we were studying our perspective studies, we would surf almost everyday and enjoy life in our 20s. Richard always had my back and I will always have his. Richard is a positive person with a good heart. I’m happy to call him one of my best friends. He’s truly a brother from a different mother.