Wedding Party

Rani Reuter

Bridesmaid

"LaWanda and I met at a moms club, finding comfort in meeting women with similar interests and solace in support from other moms. Little did we know our friendship would bloom into soul sisters, raising our little girl Alexa (inside joke), sharing every secret and being there for each other through the craziest highs and lows. LaWanda is a ray of sunshine for all who know her and I am so lucky to call her my friend! So happy for this new phase in her life and I think Cal is the luckiest man alive to catch her shiny light."

Angela J. Lee

Bridesmaid

"Sooo, not sure how we actually met. Still puzzled about it, but it has something to do with Rani! it feels like we've known each other forever. We are the closest two people can get to being sisters without actually being blood related. I am blessed to have found someone like LaWanda that I can connect with not just by heart but by our life experiences that made us stronger and who we are today. There have been many times she has been there to pick me up and get me back on my feet and I will be forever grateful for that. I love her and am lucky to be a part of her and Cal's special day to tie their two hearts together as husband and wife"!

Shantell Payne

Officiant

The dance floor. What a perfect place to have met LaWanda! Mutual friends of ours introduced us at a venue in sunny San Diego in 2014. As we were dancing I just knew I wanted to keep in touch with this girl so we could cut a rug again. Well not only did LaWanda become my #1 dance partner, but we quickly became two peas in a pod and the best of friends. We both grew up in San Diego, had a very similar childhoods. We think/act in very similar ways, and we're both Virgos! LaWanda's an amazing, supportive friend who has a heart of gold and is always laughing & smiling. It makes me smile to think we'll still be tearing up the dance floor together when we're old and gray!

Nelly Chu

Bridesmaid

I owe it to our friend Rani for bringing LaWanda and I together about 7 years ago. I don't know the actual date we met, but I have a slew of fine recollections of our gatherings. She was always nice and sweet, with a side of spicy- just how I like it. She has a sense of adventure that is unwavering, her loyalty runs strong, and her generosity like no other. Elle is always game for a night of dancing, be it low key- hole in the wall or decked out Las Vegas style. I admire her fashion sense for any occasion and creativity. I often tell her that she is one of my soulmates as she just gets me. We’ve found ourselves on many adventures together far and wide and I can’t imagine navigating through this part of my life without her. I am so ecstatic for her journey ahead!

Leigh Villarasa

Maid of Honor

I met LaWanda through our other good friend, Rani. She's great at bringing everyone together. It was about 10 years ago. There was music and a pool involved. Our friendship grew out of a love for music, dancing and traveling. Together we have attended countless fun events and traveled many places together, like England, Spain and Amsterdam, to name a few. Though I now live in Northern California, the distance has not dimmed our restless, carefree and feisty spirits.

Marcie Smith

Bridesmaid

I met this chocolate princess thru a mutual friend many moons ago and we’ve been holding each other down ever since. Generally people have to keep up with me, but I have to keep up with her endless infectious positive go go go energy! She makes all the spaces she walks into light hearted fun, and her generosity in sharing her life with you is second to none. I’m super grateful to be apart of this beautiful union between LaWanda and Cal (who’s also become a great friend over the years.)

Alexa Reuter

Flower Girl

Alexa is the daughter of Rani Reuter, one of our bridesmaids. She is a sweet and sassy 8 year old and is in second grade. LaWanda has been there since Alexa became a Reuter and thinks of her as family, sometimes as her love child. Alexa loves swimming, gymnastics, wrestling with her brothers, and anything fancy.

Hudson and Oliver Bishop

Ring Bearer