Wedding Party

Artemia Tamayo

Bride

Miguel Bates-Mendoza

Groom

Joan Bates

Mother of the Groom

Robert Bates

Father of the Groom

Alba Tamayo

Mother of the Bride

Samuel Tamayo

Father of the Bride

Jessie Tamayo

Maid of Honor

My first time on a plane was when I was 15. I had to go to Florida for my grandfather’s funeral. My parents and my other sister had left as soon as possible but Archie and I had to wait until the end of the week so I could finish my finals. We were on the plane and about to take off when all of a sudden a beeping sound goes off right above us. Archie looks at me and says, “Uh-oh!” I had just taken off my seat belt and the beeping started at the exact time and would not stop. Archie continues by saying, “Ooh Jessie, you’re in trouble.” Super scared of what I might have done wrong, I hurried and put on my seat belt. By then, Archie could not contain her laughter any longer and she busted out laughing. Of course, it was then that I realized she was just kidding. 😂😒

Kyle Edgerton

Best Man

Michael and I have known each other for over 18 years. We first met in Plattsburgh, NY during Michael's Sophomore year at Plattsburgh State University (SUNY Plattsburgh) and since then have gotten to know each other really well. My favorite memories of Mike are really about the breadth and longevity of our friendship; from being brief college roommates, fun night outs, learning to play tennis, playing soccer, running races, watching games, going to games, and lunches. It's really hard to pick just one favorite moment.

Isabel Gomez

Bridesmaid

Brooke Holloway

Bridesmaid

I have so many memories of five years of friendship with Artemia. In those five years, we’ve forged a friendship through laughter and tears (mostly on my side…) and adventures. We’ve been travel companions, colleagues, workout buddies, fellow ministers, and--most of all—friends in these years. I treasure the times we spend together. From the time we nearly hit a bird on a road trip to Kentucky with a rental car with a rogue cruise control...to the time her former car poured rainwater down my back...to the time at the beach when she soaked in the sun and I “toasted,” quite literally... to the many many times I occupy the chair in her office to pour out my struggles, joys and tears to her attentive, honest, wonderful self. It’s a joy to share all the moments together.

Katherine Jimenez

Bridesmaid

Attentive Reliable Thoughtful Encouraging Mature Inspirational Amiable I met Artemia “Archie” back in ‘03 and quickly decided that I was going to stick to her, like gum to hair (probably in the same annoying way too). I remember her smile, personality, attitude, confidence and shining for Jesus. 15 years of life together and God’s allowed us to share so many experiences. The best times by far have been sharing & doing life with her, the encouraging and proud moments as a Camp Counselor, Missions team leader, Graduate, Ordained Pastor, and now soon-to-be-Bride! I can say that your friendship has helped me grow in ways I never thought possible. Thank you for reflecting and maturing the love of Jesus in me. The ways you have invested in our friendship are countless, and I could never repay.

Katie McKown

Bridesmaid

I am overjoyed to stand beside Artemia, my friend of 12 years, as she marries Michael.  Simply put:  Artemia is one of the best people I know.  She is full of integrity, grit, wisdom, and grace.  Her love for the church is unmatched.  Her love for Celine Dion and Michael Buble is also unmatched.  Countless are the meals, parties, conversations, retreats, and walks (we surely walked 1000s of miles in Arlington) we've shared.  It is a complete gift to be her friend.

Alba Tamayo

Bridesmaid

To everybody else she’s Alba but to Archie, she’s Miss. Tamayo. An elegant and classy woman in her own right. Miss. Tamayo is Archie’s “next sister”. They are team players, dance partners and “dieting” companions... ok sometimes, when it includes ice cream. Miss. Tamayo joins the wedding party with her longtime love and high school sweetheart, Adam Anderson.

Clarissa Zies

Bridesmaid

Clarissa and Artemia met at the age of 3. Both born in 1983, a mere 2 days apart... growing up not only were they inseparable but so were their mothers. Weekends were dedicated to shopping at the outlets and building a Barbie empire in the Zies household. Today, they somewhat still behave the same the only difference is, “they have grown taller and have jobs!”

Cecilia Felix

Junior Bridesmaid & Bible Bearer

I am Cecilia, Archie’s goddaughter. We always have lots of fun together. Like that one time when we walked and walked all over Manhattan.  We can always laugh and let loose.  Most of all, she inspires me to love God first and over all. Recently, I had my first preaching experience following her godly example.

Adam Anderson

Groomsman

Adam first met Michael during a double date with Artemia's sister, Alba, at the Springfield Town Center. Since then, they have gotten to know each other better during their weekly dance class, where they continue to double date with their respective ladies, Alba and Artemia. Adam's favorite memory of Michael is getting rolled ice cream at The Panda Tea House in the Springfield Town Center. It was a deliciously good time.

David Bates

Groomsman

Mike is my younger brother and we enjoyed our time growing up in Vermont. My most favorite memory of Mike is when I was a teenager. I had fallen through the hay door in the loft of a barn and broke both my ankles. Soon after we took a trip to a park and I had to be wheeled around in a wheelchair and Mike offered to push me. We came upon a small hill and Mike lost grip of my wheelchair so I was on my own with a pond at the end. Luckily, our father caught me or I would have gone straight into the pond. That is my number one memory of my brother. Ditching me into a pond. LOL We both grew up. My ankles healed. Mike and I had a great trip to New York where he showed me where he went to college. It was really cold but we both had a great time.

Andrés Escobar

Groomsman

My favorite memory of my friendship with Mike can be briefly summed up or go as long as the Pacific Ocean. To sum it up, we were at church making small talk and as I was introduced to him, a friend of ours I call “Mom” introduced him as Miguel to which he said, “My name is actually Miguel” and he then starts talking in Spanish like it’s nothing. It was the most mind blowing moment I have ever had, not only that but he opened up telling me his whole life story and I couldn’t but observe him in awe and say...”you’re my new friend and we’re going out for lunch like today”. Since then we’re always doing our Spanglish thing and learning more about each other. We always run in Latino/Filipino time, so it kinda works. Until the moment I have to turn in my blurb. I can’t wait to see what’s next.

Jim Holway

Groomsman

The day Michael became my brother is one of the best days of my life. Even in his youth, Michael held my admiration as a smart, independent thinker whose sense of humor and care for others top the qualities I appreciate most about him. I have many memories of family gatherings where time shared with him made the events more enjoyable. Whether he was playing basketball with my kids, sharing life updates, cracking jokes, or I was “borrowing” food from his dinner plate while I got him to look at some nothing in another direction, (Mike has proven to be the personification of the word “brother”) Michael is now the kind of grown-up I hope to become if I ever mature. I wish Michael the best throughout his life, wherever it may take him as well as wishing this marriage all the best!!

Ryan Namata

Groomsman

Ryan first met Michael during a joint National Association of Asian American Professionals DC Chapter (NAAAP DC) and the Filipino Young Professionals (FYP) event. Ryan recruited Michael to join the NAAAP DC board when he served as its President. Ryan’s favorite memories of Michael are from their battles on the basketball court each Wednesday.

Yasantha Pereira

Groomsman

Michael always likes a challenge. When we first met, we were both in the mindset of getting in better shape. We ran a 5k together about a year ago, he smoked us all! It was a fun experience and, to this day, we continue to challenge each other to “be and do” better. #TeamDontPlayYoSelf

Joey Kauffman

Ring Bearer

Joey is Artemia's nephew and is spoiled by Tita Artemia. Tito Miguel and Tita Artemia have enjoyed watching him grow into a little boy who has a ton of personality and is also very smart. Tito and Tita can't wait to see what new adventures he will have as he continues to grow.

Gabriella Mangieri

Flower Girl

a.k.a. #SweetGabby