Sister Maid
Ali is my kind, courageous, creative oldest sister. We lived together numerous times in adult life; adventuring together through rough and tumble times. Whenever anxious, scared, or unnerved, I always crave the presence of my big sister. My favorite memory with Ali is when we were living together in SLO, Ali and I shared a room. Both with twin beds on the opposite side of the large master. Often, when going to bed, lights off, waiting for sleep, we would chit chat. One particular night, we discussed what last name we would choose of our future husbands. It wasn’t long before we were both in fits of giggles over the suggestions the other would give (hate to say it but Jimenez wasn’t even in the running). This is sisterhood with Al, even in the dark times, we find ways to giggle and imagine.
Sister Maid
Margo is my brilliant, brave, considerate middle sister. I was always her shadow, looking up to her and following where she went. We are often told how similar we are and it makes my heart swell; what an incredible human to be compared to! We have even tricked Leo into thinking one is the other, just by our voices! She makes me feel like an equal, not just her baby sister. Whenever we are together, we find ourselves in some sort of ridiculousness. On one such occasion, while visiting her in St. Louis, music was on in her apartment. Because it was just us two, we danced freely, not caring who saw our horrible dance moves. The dance moves soon became quite odd; such as "The Sea Star" and "The Crab." This is my sisterhood with Marg, mundane things somehow become magical when we're together.
Bridesmaid
Sydney is my most sincere, dearest, humble friend. We have known each other since preschool and over those 25 years have become the bestest of friends. We have partaken in many shenanigans together that include throwing peanuts into strangers' drinks, sleeping on the Courcier's front lawn, and spending the night in river rafts. Through all the silly enterprises we have experienced, our yearly "Best Day Ever" tradition is the most special. Each year, Syd and I wake up early and head to Sand Harbor Beach right when it opens. We spend the day swimming, eating, playing cards. The day does not end until 14 hours later when the sun has set and the rangers kick us out. We don't have to talk on the phone or see each other often to know that Syd always, without a doubt, loves and supports me.
Bridesmaid
Julia is my brilliant, fierce, sarcastic cousin. We grew up like she was my younger sister, which obviously pleases me as I am the youngest. Julia is incredibly honest and assured. We have a lifetime of memories. The most formidable being at elementary age when we were entitled to drive golf carts. Being older, I was deemed the driver and Julia was my passenger. I was cruising far over the speed limit (nothing has changed) and Julia was frolicking about beside me. I was not accustomed to turning such a vehicle and I took a curve too fast. Julia went flying from the cart, tumbling through pavement and grass. I realized how much I loved and valued her as my younger cousin/sister as she catapulted through the air. Fortunately she endured no major injuries and I only suffered a bruised ego.
Bridesmaid
Adrianna (AD) is my fearless, passionate, loyal friend. We met on the first day in the dorms at Cal Poly. Since then, she has been an unwavering force of support in my life, constantly showing me what it means to be a bad ass female. Whenever we are together we are sure to get into some sort of adventurous trouble. Like the time, freshman year at Cal Poly where we attended an Afroman concert. We walked to downtown from the dorms, thinking we were just the coolest cats around. It took no time at all to realize that was not the case. But to us, it didn't matter! That's what it feels like to be with AD; not caring what people think and feeling like the coolest people ever.
Bridesmaid
Jamie is my incredibly intelligent, civic minded, capable, committed friend. Jamie was my first friend at Cal Poly, we met as little babies during orientation. Jamie's mom and my dad chatted as Jamie and I awkwardly interacted. 4 months later, we are placed right next door in the dorms. Jamie constantly teaches me. She is my dictionary, my encyclopedia, and my reference book. Jamie graduated from Cal Poly a year early and got a job at a nearby bank. As we all proceeded to go to class 4 hours a day she worked a career job 8 hours a day, then would participate in all the college shenanigans right along with us. I look back at this and . think what a boss career woman she was and continues to be.
Bridesmaid
Leah is my bold, witty, one-of a kind friend. Leah and I met shortly after arriving at Cal Poly. Leah's energy and wit are contagious. When with her, we all end up adopting her dry humor and no nonsense energy. I’m constantly inspired by her independence and badass-ness. Leah and I always find ourselves on the same page. Including one such incident that has gone down in our friendship history. After Jamie's wedding, the party moved to the hotel/casino we were all staying. Leah and I somehow found ourselves cruising around the casino in our bridesmaids dresses, winning $250 on craps tables and feeling entitled to bringing a champagne bottle on the casino floor. This is Leah, consistently showing me not to care what people think, making my life richer, and bringing out the badass in me.
Bridesmaid
Shelby is my kindhearted, charitable, compassionate college friend. In the 10 years that I have known Shelby, I would have to search the depths of my memory, for a time that Shelby spoke maliciously of anyone. I met Shelby at Cal Poly, we became roommates and then soon became friends. When I think of Shelby, warmth fills my heart! She is lovingly nick-named Little Bear, not only for her stature but for her ability to comfort, inspire love and bring light and laughter to us all. Shelby’s bravery and strength are incomparable. She is a self-starting career woman. Not to mention she got through a night of being locked out of our house and having to sleep on a thrift store destined couch in our garage!
Groomsman
Brett is a loyal friend of mine, that I've known since middle school. Although our first encounter was not filled with instant friendship (in fact it ended with a trash can over Brett's head and him walking away with the sympathy of countless girls), our relationship has only grown. Through the years we have left sweat, blood, and tears on the softball diamond and have come with two championships. Through all this Brett has become my brother.
Groomsman
Cesar can only be described as my lifetime friend. Cesar and I have endured the very best times of life and certainly the very worst. We have been known to wreak havoc on the town, living life to it's fullest. From adolescents riding bikes away from the local Sherrif, to hiking Machu Pichu together, Cesar and I have seen each other in our most vulnerable states, making us brothers for life. We have always stuck together, even when as roommates, he left my window open, resulting in the tragic death of my ex-girlfriend's hamsters. Leaving the hamsters frozen to death and leaving me girlfriend-less. Cesar truly is my brother for life.
Groomsman
Technically, Isidro (EC) is my nephew, but we were raised as brothers. Through thick and thin, we’ve been there for each other. As a trio, myself, EC, and Joey paraded around town on our BMX bikes, played Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle turf wars with neighborhood kids, and talked about our girl crushes. As the older brother, I imparted knowledge about how to give a woman flowers. EC didn’t quite get the message and threw them at her like a grenade. Since then, I have continued to share life lessons. But something I couldn’t ever teach is EC’s generosity of spirit. EC is a guy that will always take his shirt off his back, always lend a helping hand, and be there for you when you need it. EC you taught me what it means to be an older brother.
Groomsman
Although Joey is my nephew, I consider him my younger brother. We were raised together our whole lives, which have been filled with adventures. Dumpster treasure hunts, BMX riding (where Joey, the youngest, had to keep up on his tiny wheels), and countless hours of army men in the woods, Joey and I grew up a little trio, rat pack with EC. Not only was Joey my bodyguard growing up, he’s continued into adulthood. He’s consistently bailing me out and keeping me safe on the snowmobiles as we’ve traveled the untouched Tahoe wilderness. Whether in bars or in the wilderness, I know Joey always has my back. You are my brother Joey, I love ya.
Groomsman
Kyle has been my friend through childhood, college, and into adulthood. Kyle is the type of friend where we don’t have to talk on the phone or see each other but when we do, we pick right back up like no time has passed. He has definitely been my boozin' buddy; there have been countless nights where we have gone to bed at sunrise. We’ve been through it all. Even when I blamed him for cutting my fingers, severing three tendons in my right hand. But it’s time to come clean. Sorry buddy, it was me who cut my own hand with a butter knife. Thanks for taking the blame all these years, you truly are my brother.
Groomsman
Tony is my nephew although I’ve always seen him like my youngest brother. I moved in with Tony and his parents at eighteen years old when he was six years old. As I was young and irresponsible, Tony felt the wrath of having an older brother in his life. From sox boxing matches with his siblings to cooking dinner and reading books to him before bed, Tony has been my younger brother. Since that time, I’ve tried to be there to give brotherly advice. Although at one point, it seemed like I failed him when he attempted to catch a fly softball with a bare hand. I’m incredibly grateful to Tony for carrying the Jimenez name and imparting it onto his newborn son.
Groomsman
Jesse is my childhood friend, who through all the ups and downs has always remained my brother. Although he’s a grumpy bear, he has the biggest heart. When I was broke and living alone, Jesse would bring over Thanksgiving leftovers so I could feast like I wasn’t alone. Although Jesse is a homebody and he doesn’t often like to socialize, when him and I get together, we pick up right where we left off; chopping it up and giving each other a hard time. Through it all, Jesse still remains one of my best friends and will always remain my brother.
Groomsman
Kevin is my cousin Agrora’s husband. From the first day I met Kevin, I knew he was a solid guy and he would fit right in with our family. Even as life got busy and Kevin had kids, they always prioritized spending time in Tahoe. Even when they lived in Vegas, they would fly to come visit. This has allowed our relationship to grow. From being snowed in and trapped in my house, to countless hours of the board game Risk, to watching his wife carve a turkey with her bare hands, we’ve had great times. After years of visiting, we finally got Kevin his size 13 snow boots, a curse came along with them and he wasn’t able to wear them until the 4-year drought was over. Kevin and his family have always been comfortable people to be with; nothing fancy required just good times being together.
Ring Bearer
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