Wedding Party

Matias Leiva

Groom

Matias was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina and his family emigrated to Sacramento, CA when he was 4 years old. As a kid Matias enjoyed legos, computers, and sports, especially soccer. Matias had the opportunity in his teens to play on the US soccer u-17 National Team. His passions include business, fitness, exploring the outdoors, and farming (if he didn't have to work tomorrow, he would become a full time farmer!) Matias feels that Melody is his forever partner in crime- a beautiful woman, amazing cook, and great future mom. He is excited to share a life with her, building a farm, creating a family (with little soccer players) and exploring the world.

Melody Mericle

Bride

Melody grew up in Reno and attended the local university, attaining her nursing degree in 2013. Since then she has specialized in cardiac nursing at Saint Mary's Hospital. In the future she hopes to pursue her master's degree in nursing education, to follow her passion for teaching. Outside of work Melody loves to do yoga, go hiking with her dogs, and experiment in the kitchen. During the summer she enjoys gardening with Matias and exploring nearby Graeagle and Lake Tahoe. Melody could not have asked for a better life partner than Matias- he is kind, light-hearted, adventurous, and loving.

Andrew Kagan

Best Man

Matias and Andrew first met freshman year of high school. Andrew has been a great mentor and influence. The Kagan family has welcomed Matias with open arms. Andrew and Matias both share a love of business and sports.

Lorraine Mericle

Best Woman

As Melody’s sister, it has been such a blessing to grow up with her and transition from being just sisters who simply tolerated each other to great friends. From studying abroad together, fun camping trips, and hour long phone conversations, we have truly lived life together! Distance has never dictated the strength of our friendship, and I am so lucky to have such a caring, loving, and goofy sister. It is such a joy to see the happiness she shares with Matias, and I cannot wait to share this special day with them!

Christopher "Topher" Schulte

Groomsman

I met Matias back in 2009 when I married his sister, Jessica , and Melody in 2017. I am excited to be apart of their wedding day and welcoming Melody into the family, officially. Matias is a wonderful uncle to his 2 nephews, Ethan and Lucas and niece, Emma. I am happy that he has found someone to spend the rest of his life with.

Jessica Schulte

Bridesmaid

Matias and I met back in 1989 when I was first born, and for many years he told me I was found under a rock, because that’s what brothers do right? Ha! I have always admired my brothers hard work, consistency and his will to never give up. I am thrilled that he has found the one, the one to spend the rest of his life and create his happily ever after with. Melody’s a catch, a gal with a huge heart and an even bigger giving hand. I am beyond happy they found each other and that I get to spend their amazing day along side of them.

Ivan Ojeda

Groomsman

Close cousins, Ivan and Matias both come emigrated here from Argentina and reconnected in Sacramento. They share interests in web design, computer programming, and soccer.

Jessie Gray

Bridesmaid

Melody and I met when I started working as a nurse at Saint Mary's Regional Medical Center back in 2015. She was one of the main people training me when I was new to the unit. As my training ended we became fast friends - taking our dogs out on hikes together, shopping, and having girls nights. Melody is such an amazing friend and person, I am very grateful to have her in my life. I am so excited that she and Matias found each other and can't wait to see them tie the knot this year!

Cody Scarlett

Groomsman

Cody and Matias first met as neighbors when they lived next to each other on West 11th Street near the University of Nevada, Reno. They enjoy sports, business, and most importantly, good sushi!

Abby Heywood

Bridesmaid

I met Melody back in 2015 when I started as a new nurse at Saint Mary's on Cardiac Tele. Melody was one of the nurses that helped trained me and I knew very quickly not only was she smart but someone that has the qualities for a lifetime friendship. I knew right then and there that she would always be one of my best friends. Melody and I often try and get together even with crazy schedules and find ourselves having game nights with my kids Bella and Logan, the occasional hike, going to events like the Rodeo together, and really just finding anyway to support one another in this beautiful life. I am so happy that Melody went on Match.com and met Matias, he compliments her personality well and they will definitely have a lifetime full of laughs and love. Cheers to the beautiful couple! ❤️

Fernando Leiva

Father of the Groom

My son, what can I say!!!! A good person with a great heart, studious, lover of life.. a great thinker.. enterprising.. I am so proud of him. A fighter of his beliefs.. kindly.. and an excellent soccer player.. (hahaha).. my son and my daughter are one of the best of things in my life.

Dale Mericle

Father of the Bride

Melody arrived when I was 50. I did not know that she would be such a blessing. It has been my deep pleasure to watch and help guide her to become the lovely, capable, and caring person that she is. I love that we can talk medicine. I shall be a little misty and sad when I ‘walk her down the aisle’.

Beatriz Leiva

Mother of the Groom

I have no words to describe how proud I am of my son Matias. We immigrated to this country when he was 4 years old, it was difficult to adapt to a place where the language was different and many more things. But he showed that if you want YOU CAN.. And today he is a man full of ambitions, passions, dedicated to his work, soccer, thinking on his family and God put in to his life, his other half, Melody, who she's amazing person also... And i know hes a Man with dignity, respect, very honest, will be come to make Melody very happy.. Wish the best !! Love you Matias

Patricia Bouweraerts

Mother of the Bride

Early on the first day of Kindergarten, Melody announced, “This is the day I’ve waited for my whole life.” I treasured that she was eager to learn, just like me. When I taught music lessons, my daughter had her own piano time, just like the other students, and she wanted to coach her little sister in notes and chords. “This is the day I get to teach Lorraine,” she said. I cherished that Melody loved music too. And she gathered all of her allowance for weeks to donate it for the medical needs of a homeless dog at the shelter — her gift saved Snowy’s life. Many years later, yet only a heartbeat away, she’ll wake and say, “Today I marry the best man I know, a great soccer coach, who’s generous with gifts, and truly loves me.”

Frank Monastero

Officiant