Vanessa & Mika
Ceremony Crew
Vivian
Mother of the Bride
Vanessa's mom/twin, Vivian has never been like a regular mom; she's a cool mom. Mama, you are the perfect example of everything a mother should be. You've taught me selflessness and generosity and a million other things I will go on to teach our children. Thank you, my bird, for helping me become the person I am today, for being a superwoman in my life, for being my mom.
Orlando
Father of the Bride
Vanessa's dad and biggest encouragement, Orlando, escorted her down the aisle. Daddy, instead of putting me on your shoulders to do stunts in the pool, you locked arms with me and lead me to a new chapter of my life. Because of you, I am strong, determined, and following my dreams and every day I hope to make you proud. Other dads...not so inspiring. But you..you inspire and teach us every day.
Alex
Officiant
He is the greatest of all the wizards, he's a hero and a role model. Vanessa is lucky to call Alex her brother, and even luckier that he was such a major part of the big day. Dr. Bru, you've always been so loving and supportive of not just me, but Mika & me together. You guys were my minister guinea pigs, so it only makes sense that we'd be yours! Thank you for adding this title to your already very long resume for us!
Emele
Grant's Chaperone
Although her hands were full, her role was to be a jack of all trades. She did a great job keeping the ring bearer under control, even when he lost a shoe, and was a great co-makeup artist for both brides. Vanessa owes extra thanks to Alex for finding you and bringing her another sister! Em, thank you for being the border patrol of our relationship; you were the first one to meet Mika (via FaceTime when we were in Copenhagen) and give her the thumbs up and we still talk about you singing Beyonce when we think about our beginning.
Kristi
Vanessa's Maid of Honor
The OG partner in crime to Vanessa, her sister Kristi was not only the makeup artist, but kept her in check on the big day. Jel, I couldn't get through each day without our ridiculous memes and pictures back and forth and I couldn't get through each day without you as my sister. Thank you for being by my side (in matching outfits) when we would watch Mary Kate & Ashley movies all day, and thank you for being by my side now, on my wedding day, and making sure I wasn't being a brideszilla!
Rachael
Mika's Aisle Escort
Mika's former teammate, long-time roommate, and best friend, Rachael walked her down the aisle on the big day. Mika is filled with such gratitude that she had such a wonderful friend-turned-sister to accompany her. It's not a small request to ask someone to travel overseas for your wedding but you made the request easy with your love and support; not just for me, but for Vanessa and I as a couple too. Thank you for being a part of what was one of the best days of my life.
Jianna
Mika's Maid of Honor
The OC (original Cuban) in Mika's life, Jianna was there to keep her on track, which if you've ever tried to get Mika somewhere on time, you know is no simple task. Jianna, from the minute I mentioned the wedding to you, you immediately made sure I knew you were here for me; for whatever I needed and wherever I needed you to go. I don't know another person to whom loyalty and family mean more, and with all of our memories and stories, I'm honored to say that you are my family. Thank you for always having my back.
Deidre
MOH Chaperone
Jianna's fiance and a fellow Aquarius to Mika, Deidre was backup to Jianna in making sure Mika sticks to the timeline, because yes, it takes more than one person for that. Deidre, thank you for always spreading happiness and love whenever you're around and for sharing it with us on this special day.
Grant
Ring Bearer
The newest member of the family; Alex & Emele's little one! This was his very first trip abroad, & he was the least emotional and best behaved wedding guest; but that could be because he was asleep most of the time. Thank you for being such a good ring bearer Grant, even though you lost a shoe in the process. Aunt Ness & Aunt Mika love you!