Wedding PartyWedding Party

Tom DonkoTom Donko

Groom

Michelle PapaMichelle Papa

Bride

Gavin ContrerasGavin Contreras

Officiant

Gavin and Michelle have shared a friendship that spans more than 18 years, beginning when they met while working at Crate & Barrel. Over the years, Gavin has become much more than a friend to Michelle—he’s like the older brother she never had. Together, they’ve traveled to more than eight countries, creating countless memories and continuing to add new destinations to the list. Last year, Tom joined them for an unforgettable trip through the Czech Republic and Germany, adding another special chapter to their adventures. Tom and Michelle are truly honored to have Gavin officiate their wedding and play such a meaningful role in their special day.

Maddux Cruz AlvaradoMaddux Cruz Alvarado

Ring Bearer

Maddux Cruz is Michelle’s nephew and the son of her middle sister, Jesseka, and Crisanto Alvarado. At just two years old, this rambunctious and adorable little guy will serve as the ring bearer. We can’t wait to see his joyful laughter and sweet personality as he makes his way down the aisle.

Amanda WolarikAmanda Wolarik

Maid of Honor

Amanda “Mandy” and Michelle first met when they were six years old, living next door to each other. What started as childhood days spent playing Barbies, skating up and down the street, and repeatedly watching Dirty Dancing quickly turned into a lifelong friendship. Even after Michelle moved away, the two always stayed in touch. Years later, Mandy even helped Michelle land a job under her boss, and the two have now worked at the same company together for the past 14 years. In another twist of fate, Mandy had actually known Tom long before Michelle met him—they attended the same Catholic school and high school, and her brother was close friends with Tom’s older brother, Robert. Sometimes life really does feel like the invisible string theory at work. Having Mandy as her Maid of Honor feels both fitting and incredibly special—after all, she has been by Michelle’s side through nearly every chapter of life.

Robert DonkoRobert Donko

Best Man

Robert “Bob” is Tom’s older brother and best man, and someone Tom has been trying to keep up with his entire life. With seven years between them, Bob naturally stepped into the role of big brother, role model, and occasional professional teaser. Tom has always looked up to him, and over the years that admiration only grew as he watched Bob become an incredible husband, a devoted father, and an all-around great guy. Bob also gave Tom one of his favorite roles in life—being an uncle to his two sons, who mean the world to him. After all, big brothers like Bob are the ones who show you how it’s done.

Gregorio ZunigaGregorio Zuniga

Father of the Bride

Gregorio "Greg" is Michelle's stepfather, but in every way that matters, he has always been her dad. He has been part of her life since she was two years old, stepping into the father role with love, support, and a willingness to share his extended family as if Michelle (and her older sister) had always been one of his own. Over the years, Greg has been a steady presence in Michelle's life, and she is honored to have him walk her down the aisle alongside her mom-- just as a father should. Greg has also warmly welcomed Tom into the family, quickly forming a bond over their shared love of the Pittsburgh Steelers and their mutual dedication to keeping their tennis shoes extremely white and spotless... for reasons Michelle still doesn't quite understand.

Gina ZunigaGina Zuniga

Mother of the Bride

Gina, Michelle’s mom, has always been one of her biggest supporters—encouraging her, cheering her on, and sharing her excitement in every chapter of life. Her warmth, enthusiasm, and unwavering love have been a constant source of strength and joy. From the moment she met Tom, she welcomed him with open arms and quickly began treating him like one of her own. The love and support she has shown both Michelle and Tom means the world to them. Michelle is especially honored to have her mom walk her down the aisle alongside her dad, a reflection of the important role both of her parents have played in shaping the person she is today.

Andy DonkoAndy Donko

Father of the Groom

Angela DonkoAngela Donko

Mother of the Groom

Josh DonkoJosh Donko

Groomsman

Josh is Tom’s youngest nephew and godson, and he will be standing beside him as a groomsman. From the time when Josh was little, Tom played a big role in his life, coaching him in sports like baseball and soccer. There were even moments when Tom had to pause his refereeing duties during soccer games to scoop Josh up and comfort him after a tough moment on the field. Tom also loved spending time with Josh and his older brother Matt when they were kids, often taking them to places like Dave & Buster’s for games and fun outings. Over the years, that uncle–godfather relationship grew into a genuine friendship. Now in his twenties, Josh and Tom share a love of baseball and often take trips together to visit different stadiums around the country. From the sidelines of youth sports to road trips and ballparks, Tom has loved watching Josh grow into the young man he is today-- kind, handsome, funny, and smart are just a few ways to describe him. It means a lot to have him standing by Tom's side as a groomsman on such an important day.

Matt DonkoMatt Donko

Groomsman

Matt is Tom’s oldest nephew, the son of Robert and the older brother of Josh. He will also be standing beside Tom as a groomsman. Growing up, Matt spent a lot of time with Tom. Tom would take him everywhere—from coaching him in sports to fun outings that Matt still remembers today. One of Matt’s favorite memories was when Tom picked him up in a fast car from the rental car company where he worked and took him for a fast ride—something little Matt thought was the coolest thing ever. On many nights when Matt stayed at his grandparents’ house, he would stay up late waiting for Tom to get home so they could play video games together. Over the years, that close bond only grew stronger. Now as adults, Tom says the two share a similar sense of humor, a competitive spirit, and an easy friendship. Matt is the kind of person who always tells you exactly how he feels—honest, straightforward, and genuine. He’s also smart, driven, handsome, and someone Tom is incredibly proud to have standing beside him on such a memorable day.

Julius MedranoJulius Medrano

Ring Bearer

Julius—also known as “Noodles”—is Michelle’s nephew, the son of Jazmine, and one of the couple’s ring bearers. He’ll be helping his cousin Maddux with the important task of getting the rings safely down the aisle. From the very beginning, Julius has been an incredibly kind, thoughtful, and sweet kid. He has a big heart, especially when it comes to animals, and is always looking out for others. He stays busy playing baseball and flag football and does great in school as well. But Julius also marches to the beat of his own drum or shall we say saxophone (yes, he plays it). He loves music and concerts (yes, he’s already been to a few hard rock shows), enjoys dyeing his hair fun colors, and isn’t afraid to express his own unique style. In every way, Julius is a complete original—and everyone around him knows this kid is going places. Together with his cousin Maddux, he's been entrusted with the very important task of delivering the rings...and everyone is feeling pretty confident about it.

Addy AlvaradoAddy Alvarado

Jr Bridesmaid

Adalynn "Addy cakes" is Michelle’s niece and the middle sibling between DJ and Maddux, and she will be serving as the couple’s Junior Bridesmaid. From the very beginning, Addy has always been Michelle’s “little miss independent.” Even as a baby she had a strong personality—so much so that Michelle jokes she never quite got all the cuddles she would have liked because Addy was already determined to do things her own way. These days, Addy continues to impress everyone around her. She’s involved in cheerleading and is incredibly smart, even joining ASB (student government) at school. She’s also the ultimate girlie-girl who loves all things makeup, clothes, and style. In fact, Michelle often shops for Addy’s Christmas gifts first because she’s the easiest person to buy for—if Michelle loves it, she knows Addy will too. Addy truly is the perfect mix of beauty and brains, with a kind heart to match. And just as importantly, she’s an amazing big sister to Maddux.

Jazmine MedranoJazmine Medrano

Bridesmaid

Jazmine is Michelle’s baby sister and one of her bridesmaids. Although there’s a significant age gap between them, it’s something that has never really mattered. Over the years, the two have grown especially close as adults, discovering just how much they have in common—from style and travel to music, humor, and just about everything in between. There was never any question that Michelle would have both of her sisters by her side on her wedding day. Jazmine and their sister Jess were the two people Michelle trusted most to join her when dress shopping, especially since the experience made her a little anxious. When it comes to style advice, they’re still the first people she calls. Maybe all those late nights spent watching 'Say Yes to the Dress' together finally paid off.

Jesseka AlvaradoJesseka Alvarado

Bridesmaid

Jesseka—playfully known to Michelle as “Small Fry”—is Michelle’s middle sister (and second youngest) and one of her bridesmaids. Growing up, their sister dynamic included everything from Michelle dragging Jess along on dates, to sharing a room, to the occasional sisterly dispute over Jess “borrowing” Michelle’s clothes and things without asking. As the years went by, Michelle began to see Jess in a new light and found herself relying on her more and more. Today, Jess is one of the first people Michelle turns to for advice, opinions, and the kind of honest feedback only a sister can give. These days, Michelle can hardly go a day without texting or calling her sisters to ask their thoughts on something—big or small. Having both Jess and Jazmine standing beside her on her wedding day means the world to her.

Dohnovan AlvaradoDohnovan Alvarado

Groomsman

Dohnovan “DJ” Alvarado is Michelle’s godson and teenage nephew, the son of her middle sister Jesseka and Crisanto. Michelle has been in DJ’s life since the day he was born, and for the first four or five years of his life they all lived together... making him her constant little sidekick. In those early years, the two shared plenty of adventures together, from trips to Disneyland to fun outings around town. Michelle admits that when she first learned she would be a godmother to a boy, she felt a tiny bit disappointed—only because she had imagined a little girl she could play Barbies with. What she didn’t know then was that becoming the godmother to the sweetest little boy she could imagine would enrich her life in ways she never expected. DJ quickly became the closest thing she has to a son. Today, Michelle is so proud to watch DJ grow into an amazing young man—passionate, smart, kind, and sensitive—as he prepares for his next chapter in college. Having him stand in the wedding as a groomsman makes the day even more meaningful.

Olive Papa DonkoOlive Papa Donko

Unofficial Flower Girl

Olive is Tom and Michelle's beloved (and very spoiled) little baby. While she was briefly considered for an official role in the ceremony, it was quickly determined that Olive might take her responsibilities a little too seriously. Known for expressing her feelings through enthusiastic howling, the grand acoustics of San Francisco City Hall could easily turn her performance into a building-wide event and possibly interrupt a few other weddings along the way. So, in the interest of keeping the ceremony on schedule and the other couples happy, Olive will be supporting the celebration as the unofficial flower girl, cheering them on in spirit. Rest assured, though, she will still fully expect to be treated like the star of the day when everyone gets home. Of course, she remains slightly suspicious that she wasnt invited to City Hall, but is willing to forgive her mom and dad in exchange for extra treats and belly rubs afterwards.