Michelle & Lorenzo
Wedding Party
Joanne Olaes
Matron of Honor
From rollerblades, first piercings, and being neighbors growing up, Joanne has been my childhood best friend since we were 11 and 12. We have shared so many memories and firsts together. Joanne has been there for me on so many levels throughout my life. She knows me best and isn't scared to tell me like it is (I need that!) She is my rock and the strongest person I know. I love her for so many reasons but mainly because she is the sister I never had and I can't imagine this next step without her.
Frank Dominguez
Best Man
The brother from another mother. 1/5th of the Glenaven Crew. The Odds Master. From childhood memories of water balloon fights or carpooling to Saints Felicitas & Perpetua with donut holes as a snack to visiting him at UCSB that one EPIC time to all the countless memories we've created in adulthood while visiting each other in Santa Monica or San Diego I am truly blessed and honored to have Frank as my best man (just don't let it go to his head LOL). Catch him on the dance floor!
Jane Carin
Matron of Honor
Jane and I knew each other in high school but never hung out until college. One day we turned to each other and said, "why have we never hung out?!" Ever since, Jane has been there for me through the good times and the bad. She is always so caring and thoughtful with everything she does. When we were roommates, she always bought me flowers and brought breakfast with coffee to my room. She has such a tender and loving heart but somehow still puts me in my place when I need it most. She goes out of her way to make sure everyone around her is taken care of. With everything we have been through from our backpacking trip in Peru to just lounging on the couch watching Friends, I couldn't imagine my wedding day without Jane by my side.
Steven Gray
Groomsman
Oldest Brother of the Bride. DJ Stevage. The Mixologist. I met Steve for the first time when Michelle invited me to a downtown LA warehouse party (what a night). When Michelle and I were long distance dating for our 1st year Steve would always allow us to spend the weekend at his loft and was/is an amazing host. For this we are eternally grateful. He always has such a warm glow, a true goofy spirit, and provides excellent advice on any topic. I feel so honored and excited to call this man my future brother-in-law and look forward to creating more memories together. (Where's Porg breh?)
Haley Ballard
Bridesmaid
I first met Haley when I started as a New Grad RN at Rady Children's Hospital. Haley, Vanessa, and I became the "CU" crew and have been inseparable since. I couldn't have imagined a better crew to start such a stressful journey into Nursing. Haley is such a sweetheart and doesn't have a mean bone in her body. Our bond started at work when we would relieve stress by cracking jokes, making silly faces at each other, and start funny dance moves. She was always there for me inside and outside of work. We have had many nights out on the streets of SD, camping, and hanging out singing and making music with her bb Vic. Haley has an infectious laugh and an ANGELIC voice that will make your hairs stand up. With her new move to NYC, she is living her dream being the broadway nerd she is!
Victor Borges
Groomsman
The Producer. Master of Logic. World Traveler. He's been to Italy. Victor and I grew up on the other side of the block and our families have always been close. We would always go to Casa de Borges on Halloween to enjoy their custom mazes filled with unique touches such as "Here lies Sallie Alvarez - she talked too much" and "Here lies Louie Alvarez - he listened." Customarily his family would always come to our 4th of July party to see Purple Rain! Our bond has grown closer over the years to brotherhood from visiting him at UCSB (again one time) to Santa Monica shenanigans to countless comedy shows at the Laugh Factory. Plus he is the BIGGEST DODGER FAN I KNOW! I am honored and blessed to have such a wise, strong, and compassionate brother in Vic. Did I mention he's been to Italy?
Vanessa Trujillo
Bridesmaid
I first met Vanessa at Rady Children's with Haley when we all started our journey into Nursing. Vanessa has such a strong and drawing presence to her that made the start of our friendship fluid. I don't know how else to say it but Vanessa is just a badass. She is confident, witty, brillant, understanding, and kind. What makes her a great nurse makes her an even better friend and role model. I looked up to Vanessa when we first started and I still do. She is always doing great things and maintains her relationships and for that I am grateful. We have always shared our love for camping and are always joking and laughing. I swear, I get abs just being around her from laughing so much. She has an infectious personality and I couldn't imagine my wedding party without her!
Brian Contreras
Groomsman
He who gives the best hugs with grand entrances. Music deep diver. Guaranteed to make you crack a smile. Brian and I met at Loyola High School and never looked back. One of the hardest working and mentally tough person I know, I am lucky to call him my brother. From our days dominating the dance floor at Don Bosco Tech to wild nights visiting Frank and Vic in Santa Monica to long talks sharing new music we always shared plenty of laughter (queue Bernie Mac voice). Plus as a fellow ardent Los Angeles fan he will always remind you "LAKERS IN 6 BABY!"
Priscilla Ontiveros
Bridesmaid
Priscilla and I were cubicle buddies when we both worked at Covance Pharmaceuticals 9 years ago. I knew she would be my buddy outside of work when she left me cute sticky notes at my desk when I was away. We would laugh so hard to where I was in tears hiding behind the walls of my cubicle. When we moved on from Covance, we grew closer going on hikes, camping, and trying the best whiskey or beer. Priscilla is one of the most well rounded souls I know with a creative mind. I love her infectious laugh and strong will.
Simon Maharai
Groomsman
My brother and close friend from Loyola High School where we were among the co-founders of the Modern Poets & Composers Club (MPC). We've known each other for 15+ years now (TIMES FLIES). The stories we share seem endless from The People Under the Stairs 10 year anniversary show at The El Rey to late night Korean BBQ ventures to the monthly poker nights to discuss national and international politics, the global economy, and pop culture. We all owe a debt to this man for inviting me on that fateful trip down to San Diego back in February 2017 to celebrate Curtis's birthday where I met Michelle.
Meryl Wong
Bridesmaid
I first met Meryl when I planned a camping trip to Zion 7 years ago. Meryl was dating my good friend Jason (who are now married!) who used to be Priscilla and I's supervisor at Covance. Since then we have gone on many camping trips, snowboarding trips, and she has been my personal fashionista! Meryl is such a sweetheart and has always been so thoughtful to me and Lorenzo when he first moved from LA to SD. Meryl was the first friend of mine that met Lorenzo before we started dating and they went back and forth on Celtics vs the Lakers and continue the bets to this day. I am very appreciative and grateful to her for not only being there for me but including Lorenzo and making him feel at home in SD. She has the best fashion sense and thoughtful gestures!
Jason Wong
Groomsman
Local wave walker. Quickest Point Guard. True Laker Fan. I met Jason through Meryl, who are now happily married. As I began to spend more time in San Diego culminating with my move to the city, Jason has been a great friend and brother in making me feel at home by always including me. Whether it be inviting us over to watch the Game of Thrones finale while serving his world famous Korean style street tacos (SO DELICIOUS) to always having us over to watch the Lakers pummel the Clippers (Meryl - any bets?) or just setting up some chairs and the grill at the beach for a nice beach day BBQ. May we look forward to more Lakers Championships and more beach days!
Mayanne Atanacio
Bridesmaid
Mayanne and I first met through her sister Meryl and she had such a warm presence about her. We both connected on music for our love of hip hop/R&B which led us to our first music festival, Camp Flog Gnaw! From traveling, vibing out to music, deep talks, and being neighbors at one point, I am grateful for her friendship. She has such positive vibes, an intuitive soul, a curious mind, and a kind heart. She has always been really gracious to Lorenzo as well when he first moved down to SD by always including him and inviting him to things (the Atanacio sisters are the best!). I love her energy and how she knows a little about everything.
Niko Cordova
Groomsman
My true partner in crime - from rocking the best home-made costumes on Halloween as kids to dancing the night away under the beautiful desert night sky at EDC Las Vegas there isn't a moment where we don't find a way to share memories. My cousin, my primo, and my brother all wrapped in one. OH he also has the most joyful infectious laugh you will ever hear! GO RAIDERS!
Priyanka Gray
Bridesmaid
The newest edition to the Gray family! I of course met Priyanka through my one of my brothers Christopher and knew immediately she was the one for him (because we got along so well, duh!) I would love to have her by my side as my sister in law.
Jherray Babida
Groomsman
I met Jherray working at TransAmerica in my early 20's and we became good friends largely discussing how great the Lakers would be if WE were the GM (this was back when the Lakers were really bad - terrible times indeed). I am greatly appreciative of how our friendship has grown from memories of poker nights (watch OUT he is a shark) to dominating in Verdansk (real ones know) and to nerding out with 40k. #TeamMerrillLynch
Ashley Alvarez
Bridesmaid
Ashley is not only my future sister-in-law, but has become one of my dearest friends. From the first time we met, she was so welcoming and made me feel at home! We've shared many memories from picking on Lorenzo to walking the streets of NYC. I am looking forward to more memories since her and her boyfriend Will just moved back to LA! She has such a beautiful smile and always makes me laugh with her charming wit.
Paolo Fortades
Groomsman
The creative soul. Your photographer's favorite photographer. Paolo and I met at Loyola High School and bonded over our love of fashion, style and pop culture. One of the most generous and loyal people you can meet. From his early days of taking late night photos of our friends when we were out eating Korean BBQ to flying to New York City to shoot in the infamous MLK Studio and having his work featured in The Rolling Stones I am happy to call this man a dear friend and can't wait to see what the future holds for us both.
Teny Chen
Bridesmaid
I have known Teny ever since I was 17 years old. She was the roommate of my brother Chris in college and she was always so nice to me when we would visit. We reconnected at Chris and Priyanka's wedding in Hawaii 4 years ago. After the wedding she moved back down to SD and we have grown close. We have had brunch dates, deep talks with wine, and have gone snowboarding together (she is the queen of snowboarding!) She is always so thoughtful and gives great advice. I look up to her like a sister and still can't believe how long I have known her! I am grateful to have Teny's friendship and now part of my wedding. She has an outgoing and friendly personality that lightens up any room.
Lamar Curry
Groomsman
Drone Operator. West Coast Traveler. Bio-Tech know-it-all. Lamar and I met at Loyola High School and stayed connected on a 10+ year friend group chat. When I moved down to San Diego he reached out to ask for advice as he was in the process from relocating from outside Portland, Oregon to San Diego. Since arriving in San Diego we have created a closer bond and he has been a part of our life seeing Michelle and I grow closer leading up to the proposal. Lamar's warm and inquisitive spirit is always present no matter the scenario. I can always rely on Lamar with his ever sound advice with a smile, discussing current events, working out together during COVID, and rooting on the Lakers. Congrats on the MASTERS PROGRAM! Just an FYI he will talk smack during a hand of poker or two HAH!