Lizzy & Joe
Wedding Party
Elizabeth Ana Wheeler Castillo
Bride
Elizabeth, who has gone by Lizzy since high school, was born in Ventura, CA. She grew up in Oxnard, CA. She has lived several places in Southern California, and also lived in Portland, OR for six months. Lizzy was a respite caregiver for almost ten years, working with special needs children and adults. Although learning a lot from being a caregiver, she moved to Hollywood in May of 2014 to chase her dreams of being in the film industry. She found her passion in being a Producer, and has Produced music videos, shows, and features. Lizzy is definitely a super hero, I mean, have you seen the hair. Blue & purple, absolutely a super hero, or at least a magician of some sort. She lives in Hollywood, CA with her incredibly talented soon to be husband Joe.
Joseph Nicholas Wakefield
Groom
Joe is originally from Dearborn, MI. He moved to Los Angeles in 2012. He works in many parts of the Film Industry both on and off screen, but is primarily a screenwriter. Joe studied film & Screenwriting at various schools throughout his education including Columbia College Chicago and The Los Angeles Film School. He is the winner of several screenwriting awards as well as a laundry list of other achievements in Film. Legend has it that Joe is actually the reincarnation of an ancient anthropomorphic Platypus Warrior King, who’s full story has been lost in the sands of time. But considering the author of that legend is Joe himself, historians have their doubts. He currently resides, with his amazing future wife Lizzy, in Hollywood, CA.
Corinna Adams
Maid of Honor
Corinna and Lizzy have been best friends since high school. Together through thick and thin, and many shenanigans. Corinna is hands down one of the funniest, bestest people Lizzy knows. She has been there for Lizzy through the good times and the bad and has well earned her spot as the Maid of Honor. Corinna & Lizzy moved out to Hollywood together in 2014 and lived in a little studio apartment for a year. She is a certified LVN (licensed vocational nurse). Corinna lives in Mission Viejo, California with her boyfriend Frank, and their dog Trixie.
Ryan Lang
Best Man
Ryan is one of Joe’s oldest friends. They met at Dearborn Youth Theater when they were in between fifth and sixth grade. These lifelong buddies have shared many adventures together. We can neither confirm or deny that they have slain more than one orc in pursuit of an ancient relic containing the soul of an unfortunate and misunderstood necromancer from the 13th century. But I digress, what’s important to take away from this blurb is Ryan is one cool dude who is more than earned his spot as Joe’s best man.
Lourdes Kreil
Honorary Mother of the Bride
Lourdes lives in Oxnard, CA. She has know Lizzy and her family since Lizzy was a baby. Lizzy has many fond memories of Lourdes, including when Lizzy and her siblings would hide Lourdes' keys so she would stay over longer. Lourdes studied at the University of Puerto Rico. Lizzy's mother, Ana, passed away when Lizzy was eight years old. Lourdes is loving holding the role of Honorary Mother of the Bride.
Lawrence "Terry" Wheeler
Father of the Bride
Lawrence, who goes by Terry, was born in Bloomington, IN. It wasn't easy being a single parent, but Terry excelled at the challenge raising three amazing and bright children. He has been extremely supportive in all of his kid's lives. Terry made sure they had a solid foundation growing up, focusing on instilling a love of books and always working to expand their knowledge about the world. Lizzy especially owes so much to her father for helping develop her skills and passions as an artist. He currently lives in Oxnard, CA with his sweet black lab named Cocoa.
Debora Pierson
Mother of the Groom
Deb is the most supportive mother in the history of mothers. She’s put up with a lot of crap through the years, but somehow managed to raise two awesome kids. She supported Joe by putting him through acting classes when he was young. She made sure he had every advantage possible. She even helped him cover rent during some of his poorer times throughout his film career. Everyone say something nice to her at the wedding, she deserves it. Best mom ever.
Kevin Pierson
Stepfather of the Groom
Kevin started dating Debora when Joe was 12 years old. Even before they got married, the two of them provided a wonderful upbringing for Joe and his sister, Erin. Kevin frequently took the family camping. They got to see the Devil's Tower, and Yellowstone National Park. He’s been very supportive of Joe throughout his film career, it should go without saying all of the support Deb has provided, was equally thanks to Kevin. He’s an awesome stepdad, and he loves Dunkin’ Donuts coffee. Just FYI.
Renee Wakefield
Stepmother of the Groom
Renee is Joe’s stepmom. She’s a fun loving free spirit who is always down for a good story, and ready to laugh at any lame joke. She is a practicing Wiccan. She is a unique and interesting individual we encourage all of you to get to know. It’s also important to note that Renee is also an animal lover. Cats, dogs, rabbits, you name it, at one point she’s had it.
Kevin Wakefield
Father of the Groom
Kevin is Joe’s father. Joe gets a lot of his adventurous spirit from his dad. Kevin has traveled all over the country and seen amazing things along the way. Joe is particularly fond the memories of them going to the Renaissance Festival together, and other awesome moments spent at Camp Dearborn, carnivals, etc. Not to mention Kevin and Joe both share a healthy interest in The Ancient Astronaut Theory. For real though, it was aliens.
Cristina Sara Castillo-Nelson
Bridesmaid
Cristina is Lizzy's older sister. She is a lovely, sweet, caring person. Cristina would cure the whole world if she could, and in a way she is, one person at a time. She studied Medicine at the University of California Irvine and at the University of Minnesota Duluth. Cristina lives in Duluth, Minnesota with her husband, Patrick, and their two young daughters, Ana Sofia & Catalina Sage.
Alec Foster-Pierson
Groomsman
Alec, Joe’s brother, is a very smart guy. He goes to the University of Illinois, and plans to go onto world politics. Or at least, the last time Joe checked (lol). Alec can be described as a world traveler; he studied abroad in Japan for a semester and plans to study abroad more in the future. It’s entirely possible that he’ll grow up and be put into some political position that will benefit us all in the future. He’s a great example of what a millennial can be, so the rest of you take notes.
Tessa Philbrick
Bridesmaid
Tessa is a creative genius. Joe and she met in 2012 at a shared living space in North Hollywood. She’s a phenomenal production designer and make up artist whose work appears on several feature films as well as most of Joe’s filmography. She also lends her services as grammar editor for Joe’s screenplays. It goes without saying that she is an amazing human being that has significantly helped both Joe and Lizzy in their careers. She’s a practicing Wiccan, and Joe is fairly certain that she is more than capable of slaying a dragon if the situation ever comes up.
Mike Harris
Groomsman
Mike Harris and Joe met around sophomore year of high school. Mike is one of Joe‘s oldest and best friends. He is a video game master, an amazing carpenter, and from what I hear a great husband and father. I mean, his kids do seem pretty cool so we have to assume he’s doing something right, along with his wife Dani Harris of course. Mike can be a bit of a gruff individual but that’s all just part of his charm. If you are ever stuck in a post apocalyptic situation, Mike is definitely someone you’d like in your colony. He’s a realist, a great strategist, and I’m fairly certain he would have no problem killing a zombie even if they once were someone very important to us. That’s what we call survival skills people!
Audrey Lejarde
Bridesmaid
Audrey has been dating Lizzy's younger brother, Lawrence, for nearly ten years and they are currently engaged. She is an incredibly sweet, caring person. Lizzy has considered Audrey her sister for a long time. She studied Child and Family Development at San Diego State University. She lives in San Diego with her fiancé, Lawrence, and their adorably stubborn dog, Herbert.
Lawrence Wheeler IV
Groomsman
Lawrence is Lizzy's younger brother. He lives in San Diego with his fiancé, Audrey, and their dog, Herbert. He studied Mechanical Engineering at San Diego State University. Lawrence is the fifth "Lawrence Wheeler" in our family, so he better have a son one day because, you know, tradition and such. He had a love for good beer, great food, and awesome music. He is one of the most wonderful and chillest people you'll ever meet. Lawrence is Lizzy's favorite brother.
Erin Carroll
Bridesmaid
Erin is the greatest sister on the planet, according to Joe. It’s true… 1st off, she’s incredibly smart. Erin works at Intel doing smart people smart things! Along with her husband John, they made another John. As far as I know he excels at being a baby, and a potential ring-bearer. Everything else is classified, but the making of an awesomely functional human, that’s the 2nd thing. The 3rd thing can only be described in a supernatural banshee wail, that quite frankly I don’t know how to spell. So we’ll have to skip that one. But the 4th reason is she’s loyal. Finally, she’s always got Joe’s back! Seek her out and prepare to gain knowledge! She lives in Portland, Oregon with her husband John and their son John Jr, who was born in January.
Vincent Trotto
Groomsman
Vince is Joe’s cousin. Much more than that, Vince is the closest relative he would consider a brother. Vince is a constant in Joe's life. When family moved, or sold houses, Vince is always there to fill the ever-changing air with a sense of constancy. Vince grew up in Dearborn Heights, a stone’s throw from Joe. The result of which was a close friendship with a member of the family who is normally reduced to an acquaintance at best. But all that aside, Joe loves Vince for the simple fact that he’s weird. He’s weird just like Joe is. It’s a rare thing in this world to have an actual kindred spirit in one’s family. And that’s who Vince is. Please ask him about his music and his art. He could be one of the most creative people you’ll ever meet.
Lillie Fischer
Bridesmaid
Lillie met Joe a couple years ago while working on a short film “Bunkmates”. Lizzy met Lillie last year, when they worked together on the "Fuzz & Malloy” web series. Lillie is an incredibly talented filmmaker. She currently attends “The Los Angeles Film School”, the same school Joe himself graduated from. Her talents have flourished, as she is recently had the opportunity to work on international film projects as well. She is an incredibly caring & wonderful human being. She is unbelievably sweet and funny. Lizzy is very thankful to have Lillie as her friend. Lillie lives in Los Angeles with her husband Luke.
Luke Fischer
Groomsman
Luke and Joe met while Luke was working on the post production sound for Joe's short film "Bunkmates". They quickly became good friends. In 2018 Joe, Luke, and Lizzy, all went to the Laughlin International Film Festival to volunteer. Volunteer they did, in fact they kicked that festival’s butt. Most recently, Luke has worked on Joe and Lizzy's web series "Fuzz & Malloy". He's an awesome guy, who is really smart. Everyone at the wedding should seek him out and talk his ear off. He won't feel overwhelmed at all I promise. (Possible Sarcasm). Luke lives with his wife Lillie in Los Angeles.
Lynda Rivera
Bridesmaid
Lynda met Lizzy & Joe when they all worked at the souvenir shop, LaLaLand, on Hollywood Blvd. As traumatic as working in that place was for everyone involved, two amazing things came out of it: Joe and Lizzy met, and Lynda’s existence became known to the future couple. Just as the prophecy foretold. Lynda was one of the first people that loudly voiced that Joe and Lizzy were perfect for each other. She was right. A little too right according to Joe. For a while he suspected Lynda was clairvoyant, but after a four year study the results came back inconclusive. She studied at Santa Monica College and is a chef. Lynda lives with her boyfriend, Brian, in Culver City, California.
Caleb Thomas
Groomsman
Caleb and Joe met in 2014 when they both shared an apartment building. In fact, they were almost next-door neighbors. The two quickly became close friends. The first short they did together was called “The Working Actor’s Audition”. That piece of magnificent art you may have seen on YouTube. It was just the first in many projects that they’ve made together. If you find yourself looking at this man, thinking you might know him, you might be right. He’s an actor. Caleb’s been in Nickelodeon shows and feature films. But all that aside, he is a good person and a wonderful friend. He’s a man of his word, and always finds the time to do what’s important. Plus, he’s an amazing animal owner, ask him about his dog Sadie.
Ana Sofia Nelson
Flower Girl
Ana Sofia is Lizzy's niece and will be six in December. She is a bright, adventurous, highly observant kid. Her parents are doing an amazing job raising her. She's going to save the world one day and show us all how it's done. Ana may invent some advanced recycling system or maybe a new sustainable food source. But whatever it is, you better believe this kid is going to do incredible things! Fun Fact: Ana Sofia and Joe have the same birthday.
John Gordon Carroll
Ring Bearer
John is Joe’s nephew. Erin Carroll‘s child. And he is a baby. Jon shares the same name as his father. Therefore, if you ask me, he’s John Junior. So we should all call him JJ. Seriously, I’m trying to get this to catch on. Everyone at the wedding call the baby JJ. I don’t care if my sister likes it, this is what I want to do. lol. Not much is known about John yet, so let’s speculate. I can’t be certain but I’m fairly sure this kid will be some kind of warrior type defending humanity in some form of future war. But not against machines, I’m not saying John is John Connor… Although… They do share the same name…
John Carroll
Bearer of the Ring Bearer
John Carroll, the bearer of the bearer! Joe’s brother-in-law, and husband to Erin Carroll. He has been entrusted to carry the baby which holds the rings. Keep in mind, it’s his baby, so we’re pretty sure he can handle it. We’re excited to have him involved in the wedding, because John is a pretty extraordinary dude. In fact, did you know he once was a game tester for Final Fantasy 9. His love for games surpass those of the video variety. John and Erin both have an extensive board game collection and host monthly game nights. Like Erin, John works at Intel doing smart people things! So if the world eventually gets taken over by sentient AI, we all know who to blame. Make sure to spark up a conversation with him, and bask in his dry humor.
Joan Martinez Philbrick
Day of Coordinator
Joan Philbrick, the Joan-y-ist of all the Philbricks, is Tessa's (bridesmaid) mother. Beyond that she's a really cool person. She's a caregiver for elderly/disabled people, and she does her job very well. Joe met Joan and Tessa at the same time, in a shared living space in North Hollywood. Joan was the house manager. She kept the place clean, defused conflicts among tenants, and made fresh biscuits every morning. Joan has been a large part of Joe's life for the past five years, offering advice and help whenever she can. She has lovingly agreed to be one of the Day of Coordinators for our wedding.
Delia Mendoza Lejarde
Day of Coordinator
Delia is Audrey's (bridesmaid) mother. She grew up in the Guagua, Pampanga, a province of the Philippines, with four other siblings. Her father worked all throughout Asia as a metal sheet worker under the Philippine Guerillas. As a result, she planned accordingly to help raise her siblings at a young age. Later, she migrated to the US to raise a family of her own. With three children and a large, extended family, there is always something to celebrate. From her delicious cooking to the logistics of party planning. Delia is a force in making any milestone a grand celebration. She lives in Oxnard, CA with her husband Arnold.
Michael J. Renda
Officiant
Michael Renda and Joe met in acting class sometime between fifth and sixth grade. The two, along with Ryan Lang, soon became epic friends. However, a constant thorn in the acting teacher’s side. Mike Renda is an amazing actor who has a laundry list of credits to his name. For real, serious movies. Yet he always finds the time to work on Joe’s films. Even though Joe has come to understand, he cannot believe any promises Mike makes concerning his hair. Film continuity be damned. Mike is one of those lifelong friends that will stand by you through anything. Joe and Lizzy couldn’t be more honored to have him officiating the wedding. Prepare to be entertained.