Melissa & Kwame
Wedding Party
Julie Jones
Matron of Honor
We started out as college roommates, refugees from terrible experiences in our first year. We ended as lifelong friends. Julie is my oldest, and dearest friend. She's been through all of the trials and celebrations of my life. She is intelligent, kind, loving, and cares for people, friends, and family. She's the loving wife to her husband Kiley, mother to her son, Carson, and two feisty beagles, Woody and Lola. Julie's heart has a generous spirit and has volunteered for charities she believes in. We've explored everywhere in Vegas, Napa, Scottsdale, and San Diego together. She has always been there when I need her and I am so excited she will stand by my side as I say my vows to my partner in life.
Claudia Gomez
Creative and Artistic Director
Claudia is one of mydearest friends. We met the first day of law school orientation. We sat next to each other as Prof. Leary explained to us how 1/3 of us wouldn't be there at graduation. According to Kian, Claudia is very nice. She is also kind and cares about others. She values family and is always there for me as a friend. She's driven, ambitious, very intelligent, and creative. Other than Kwame, she's my favorite museum buddy. She appreciates art and culture, as well as poetry and lectures. For this reason, I have given her the special job at my wedding of Creative and Artistic Director. She has a great eye, and gave great advice on my fabulous engagement photo dress. She's been my advisor and companion in wedding shows and was there for me when I said yes to the dress.
Nicole Nguyen
IT/ Social Media Director
Nicole and I met almost ten years ago when she was training to replace my position at a previous law firm. She didn't need much training as she was already amazingly brilliant. But, I quickly learned that besides her brilliance, she was also kind and considerate, polite, and passionate for justice. She is also the friend who would move mountains for you, bring you soup when you are sick, and take care of you and your family when you've experienced a great loss. Nicole is exceptionally tech savvy and can run my social media and Instagram so that your pics get posted to the right spot!
Heidi DeGroot
Hospitality Director
Heidi is our hostess with the mostest. We've been friends since I started at my past law firm, 15 years ago! She is smart and considerate. She's a fabulous wife to Todd, mom to Kate and Emma, grandmother to Hunter and Dog-mom to Duncan and Lucy. Heidi is not only a trailblazer and a true friend, she's exceptionally strong and and amazing cook and hostess. I'm honored she's joined my bride tribe.
Marisa Commerford
DIY and Horticulture Designer
Like most of my tribe, I met Marisa after she replaced me at the same aforementioned firm. Marisa is a firecracker. She's wicked smart and is an amazing yoga instructor to boot. She always thinks about the good in people and is loyal and kind, especially to her friends. And she grows the most amazing succulents through her business, Sammy's Succulents, which you will see around the wedding. She's creative and talented, and will be creative much of the decor around the wedding. If our wedding is a third as beautiful as Marisa is, inside and out, I will be more than elated.
Cindy Cheng
Honor Attendant
Cindy is my fabulous sister-in-law. She's sweet, and smart, and conscious of the world around her. We had the best experience shopping together for my dress, even though we didn't find the one. I helped plan her wedding to my brother and now she's helping to plan mine. I am so grateful to have her as my sister.
Matthew Heckner
Best Man
More to Come...
Kian Carter Rafiei-White
Best Man
More to Come...