Jena & Mario
Wedding Party
Jena Carter
Bride
Jena is NC born and raised, and loves just about everything particular to her home state. From App State and the mountains, to UNC (go heels!) and the Bull City, Jena will always call NC her first home. She has worked for The Summit Church, North Durham Campus this past year, and will cherish many memories made with lifelong friends. Jena can't wait to settle in VA with her new hubby!
Mario Zaldivar
Groom
Mario is from AZ but relocated to Durham, NC as a child. He too has a love for NC, the mountains, hiking (y'all-he hiked the Appalachian Trail straight through in 5 months!), Carolina Panthers, candy, and...batman :) Mario loves his family and is a best friend to most people he meets. He works for the US Army, just outside of DC, but is most of all looking forward to a life with his new wifey!
Kristen Carter
Maid of Honor
Kristen is Jena's baby sister, her "person." She has always brought fun and excitement, spontaneity, and joy to every sister get-together. Kristen loves to travel and found herself taking her nursing profession on the road as a traveling pediatric nurse, moving to Hawaii for her next adventure! Kristen also shares a LOVE for Monuts, and they make a trip every time she visits. Jena can't wait to also celebrate Kristen's wedding this year!
Rafael "Raf" Zaldivar
Best Man
Raf and Mario first met when Mario was brought home from the hospital in March of 1985 :-) Raf has always been a protective big brother since Mario was born and continues to this day. They both shared some hard times growing up but have many more wonderful memories that they share. Raf and Mario get together any chance they get and Mario enjoys every minute of it. Both are really excited to celebrate this awesome day!
Stephanie Muma
Bridesmaid
Stephanie is a childhood friend of Jena's. Meeting at church as preschoolers, Jena and Stephanie grew up having sleepovers, going on trips, celebrating life moments, and eventually rooming together. They still stay in touch, and although they live hours apart, every get together and phone call is like they haven't missed a day together. Fun fact: Stephanie and Jena have had a Christmas get together with "The Girls" every year for the last 20+ years!
Michael Chansley
Groomsman
Michael is one of Mario's long time friends from childhood. They grew up alongside one another in Arizona, and have remained in contact over the years, even from afar. Mario and Michael still get together for adventure trips, and recently shared a week of hiking the Grand Canyon and rafting the Colorado River. Michael is a wedding photographer in Arizona, but gets a break from behind the camera to stand beside one of his best friends.
Kelsi Barton
Bridesmaid
Kelsi is Mario's younger sister, and the one who convinced Jena she should meet her brother. Jena first got to know Kelsi through her service in Summit Kids at their church. This eventually led to a conversation about Jena meeting her brother, which went something like this, "JENA, I want you to date my brother!!". She is Jena's future crafting partner, and loves making DIY things. Kelsi is also close with Mario, talking on the phone often, and taking turns visiting one another. Kelsi is such a good friend to Jena, and both are really excited to become family.
Brian Coley
Groomsman
Brian and Mario first met in Mrs. Appolt's 4th grade class. They became friends and grew closer, eventually becoming best buds. After Hillandale Elementary, they both went to Brogden Middle and Riverside High together. Brian enjoys hockey (Colorado Avalanche), football (Tampa Bay Buccaneers), and scuba diving among other passions. He is engaged to Lindsay Croom and they are planning to tie the knot in late October, and Mario is excited to be one of his groomsmen at his wedding. Brian and Mario remain close and visit for lunch whenever Mario is in town.
Jeannene Pacheco
Bridesmaid
Jeannene is a friend of Jena's from church, and the wife of the campus Kids Pastor, Gus, who Jena now works alongside. She is one of the most gracious and hospitable friends (and cook). Before Jena came into her full time role at the church, Jeannene opened her home many times for Jena to come over for kids planning dinners and meetings since Jena worked at the school during the day. She is one of the sweetest people you'll meet, and the best at keeping up with the life crazies of all of her friends. She has been a constant encouragement for Jena and Jena is excited to have her share her day!
Michael Heard
Groomsman
Michael and Mario met in Basic Training at Fort Sill, OK. They proceeded to get to know each other when they both went to Advance Individual Training at Fort Huachuca, AZ. They became close when Michael decided to follow Mario over to the Pacific to Fort Shafter, HI...it was quite a "coincidence" that they would continually be placed in the same locations. After their first term, Michael left the Army and found a job in DC, exactly where Mario's new duty station was located! Crazy how God has allowed them to serve in the same cities from the time they met! Michael has remained a true and loyal friend and they continue to hang out to this day.
Abby Chansley
Flower Girl
Abby is the the daughter of Michael (one of Mario's groomsman and best friends) and Jen Chansley. She is very energetic and loves to play "Wolf Game" a.k.a. "iPad." Abby loves to play, swim, and keep Michael and Jen super busy during the day! She is cute as a button, loves wearing dresses and is excited about her special role. Abby is a big Mario fan and loved to play tag with Mario when he visited last Fall.
Benjamin Carter
Ring Bearer
Benjamin is Jena's nephew, the cutest around if you ask her! He is the life of any family get together, and loves giving hugs and kisses. HIs favorite animal sound is "Rawwrrrrrrr," and you better clap when he does something new, funny, or cute-otherwise he'll give you a look and wait for you to join in! Benjamin will be 2 in April, and is the youngest wedding party member.
Gwen Carter
Mother of the Bride
Gwen is Jena's mom...momma. She is the biggest fan of all her kids, and is likely to tell them how proud she is at least one time during any family get together, vacation, or holiday. She is a real estate agent (let Jena know if you're looking to buy or sell!) and loves helping her clients find the perfect home for their family. Momma makes incredible desserts, and used to make wedding cakes as a hobby. She's even coming out of "retirement" to make the cake for the wedding!
Mary Zaldivar
Mother of the Groom
Mary is Mario's mom. She is THE best single mom ever. Not only did she demonstrate how to sacrifice, but she also demonstrated love! She has been there for the good times, and also for the bad. Most of who Mario is today is because of her example she set and the love of God she bestowed in her children. Fun fact-Jena met Mary at church almost 7 years ago when they worked in the same kid's class, in consecutive services. They spent many Sundays catching up between services! Neither realized at the time how they would become related in the near future.
Randy Carter
Officiant...and Father of the Bride
Randy is Jena's dad, also known as "Daddio." He has lived a life in ministry and along with Jena's mother, both parents have taught the family what it means to be devoted to the Lord and to love well. Mario has big shoes to fill because Jena's dad gives quite the example of a husband! :-D One of Jena's favorite things about her dad is when he tells "dad jokes" followed immediately by a, "get it, get it" or a "hottt dawg!"