Misleidy & Luis Simon
Wedding Party
Naylan Alvarez
Maid of Honor
Naylan is Misleidy's older sister who has grown into one of her best friends. Naylan's compassion for others and determination to be her own boss and go after her dreams are some of Misleidy's favorite things about her. Misleidy has had a front row seat throughout the years as Naylan became a successful business owner and perfected her skills as a hairstylist. Besides benefitting from free hair cuts and treatments since she can remember lol, Misleidy has also had the benefit of always having someone to lean on when she needs it. At the end of the day, Naylan is always there for Misleidy and always encouraging her and standing by her in life's ups, downs and plateaus and Misleidy couldn't be more grateful to have such an incredible sister. Naylan is also Misleidy's spontaneous adventure buddy and favorite traveling partner... even when she's getting her lost in the NYC subway system.
Ramon Alexis Mendez
Best Man
Alex is a great mentor and friend to both Misleidy and Luis. He has served with them in student ministry, and has become the leader of a young adult small group that they now attend in a time when Misleidy and Luis were both looking for a Christian community, and has spent countless hours pouring into both of them as they mature together as a couple and as individuals striving to get closer to God. Along with his wife Ana, they are a great example of what a loving, God-centered marriage is all about. Alex is also incredibly talented at wood working and his creations never fail to amaze, as well as his cooking skills which he puts on display every week by providing the whole small group with delicious home cooked meals. Misleidy and Luis are very thankful for him and the impact he has had in their lives, and are excited to enter into this new stage of life with such a great mentor in their lives.
Ines Fuentes
Matron of Honor
Ines is Misleidy's eldest sister, and the person who she looks up to the most. Ines is kind, funny, encouraging, and strong. She is the only person who Misleidy thinks is as straight forward with those she loves as Misleidy is. Despite being born 14 years apart, Ines always made it a priority to be in Misleidy's life and be the best big sister she could be and this has led to the unbreakable bond they have today. Ines is also wonderful mother to Misleidy's nephew Mattias and watching how she loves him and teaches him brings so much joy to Misleidy's heart. Ines has modeled for Misleidy what it means to boldly follow Jesus through her journey as a missionary with her husband and has shown her what a God honoring marriage looks like through her own marriage. Misleidy feels so blessed to have her as a sister and an example of the kind of person she aspires to be.
Alex Fuentes
Groomsman
Alex Fuentes is Misleidy's Brother in Law, he was there as Misleidy grew up and he was her first example of what a Godly man was and how men should pursue the Lord in everything they do, especially in leading and caring for their wives. The way he loves Misleidy's sister Ines, leads their family and relies on God each day is an inspiration to the Misleidy and Luis. Alex and Ines are also a great example to everyone around them of what it looks like to serve God with your whole life, they recently moved back to the states from Tunja, Colombia after being missionaries there for 9 years and planting 2 churches there. After bonding over their mutual love for F1 racing and being asked a hundred and 1 questions Luis decided to ask Alex if he would be his groomsman at his wedding.
Ana Belen Mendez
Bridesmaid
Ana Belen along with her husband Alex are Luis and Misleidy's small group leaders and mentors. They have made a huge impact on the couples lives by being there for them as an example and as friends. Ana is a strong, faith filled woman of God who encourages Misleidy to take more leaps of faith. Ana is always kind and helpful to those around her and is a great servant for the Lord. She moved here from Argentina and married Alex in 2019 after dating long distance for over 2 years. Her story of coming to the US and starting a new life here and learning to rely on God daily always inspires Misleidy to rely on God in every season. Misleidy and Luis are both so grateful to Ana and how she has poured into their lives with her love and care. Her nurturing nature is evident and always brings peace to everyone around her.
Arnold Ruiz (Chino)
Groomsman
Chino has been one of Luis’s best friends for the last couple of years. When Luis changed schools going into his senior year he was nervous at the idea of having to make a whole new set of friends. Thankfully, Chino was part of a group of people that instantly accepted him and became great friends with him. He was one of the highlights of Luis’s high school experience. Through all the after school baseball practices, winning the state championship, the classes that they took together, and the time they spent playing Play Station together, they became really good friends. Although new life stages have made it harder to remain in contact as often as they'd like, it is always a great time when they get to reconnect and catch up with each other about how life is going. Luis is very thankful to him for all the laughs and all the great memories and for making his last year of high school so memorable.
Amy Yvette Acevedo
Bridesmaid
Shortly after Misleidy accepted Christ she began to pray for new friendships that would honor God and bring her closer to him and Amy was an answer to this prayer. They met towards the end of 2021 when they both began to attend Iglesia Familiar Greenacres. While bonding over breakfast and taking a walk through Okeeheelee Park where they discovered their mutual love for space, they instantly clicked and just like that, Amy was Misleidy's first friend as a new believer. She has helped Misleidy walk closer to Christ over the past few years and Amy is now one of Misleidy's best friends. Misleidy is so grateful to God for placing Amy in her life and for the special friendship they share. When choosing her bridal party and who she wanted standing next to her on one of the most important days of her life Amy instantly came to mind. Misleidy's walk with Christ would not be as steady without her and Amy redirecting each other towards Jesus.
Jesus Adrian Orta
Groomsman
When Jesus and Luis first met, Luis was one of the leaders in the student ministry, and Jesus was excited to find a way to start serving God. He started shadowing Luis in tech for student services every week, and began learning the ropes. Over time, what started as a mentorship blossomed into a meaningful friendship. Once Jesus graduated, they remained close, eventually becoming part of the same small group, edifying each other and helping each other walk closer to God. Through the years, Jesus has always shown himself to be an incredible friend. His kindness and genuine heart have made an impact on everyone who’s had the privilege of knowing him. To Luis and Mis, he’s more than just a friend—he’s like the younger brother they never had, who they can help and who they joke with whenever given the chance. Luis is grateful for their friendship, for how their bond continues to grow, and he looks forward to seeing where God takes their friendship in the years to come.
Daniela Linett Olivera
Bridesmaid
Although Dani and Misleidy have only known each other for about a year, their friendship has grown so quickly and they have formed such a beautiful bond. She is a such a strong, loving, hardworking, and God fearing woman, who Misleidy looks up to. Her positive attitude and humor were the missing piece that God knew Misleidy needed in her life. Dani moved from Cuba to America about 2 years ago and has made a significant impact in helping Misleidy reconnect with her Cuban roots and culture. Because of her accent and her humor Dani is often referred to as the Sofia Vergara of their friend group, she is constantly making everyone around her laugh and she always brings so much joy to everyone around her. The way Dani shows the light of Christ to everyone around her always inspires Misleidy to do the same.
Lenny Diaz
Groomsman
Lenny has become a great friend to and Luis over the short time they have known each other. He is a very intelligent, and mature person. He is also a very kind hearted individual always willing to help in anyway that he can, always giving his 100% on everything that he does. Luis met Lenny when he joined their small group and since then they have become good friends. With Lenny being a few years older than him, Luis always finds himself learning from the valuable wisdom he has to offer, both during group and in everyday life he often has very insightful comments, whether it be about the Bible and its truths or about life as a whole. Luis is grateful to call Lenny a friend and to be able to edify one another to better live out their faith.
Keiliany Ines Sotomayor
Bridesmaid
Keiliany is a wonderful friend, wife, and new mother to her adorable baby Lucas! Keiliany and Misleidy met in middle school and became friends in a gym class they had together. And have been friends ever since. They walked through high school together... and honestly Misleidy doesn't think she would've made it through high school without her. Keiliany was Misleidy's voice of reason and peace in a time where her life was full of chaos and brokenness in various areas. Keiliany has been Misleidy's shoulder to cry on, confidant and concert buddy (their love and tears shed over one direction will always bond them), and Misleidy is beyond grateful for her love and friendship throughout the years! They always talked about being in each others weddings and they are both so excited that it is becoming a reality!
Bruno Buzaneli
Groomsman
Bruno and Luis first met in high school back in 2018, introduced through a mutual friend. What started as a casual acquaintance quickly became into a close friendship. They’ve shared countless great memories together, but it was during the pandemic in 2020 that their friendship grew even stronger. Whether it was spending hours playing games, watching movies, or just talking, they helped each other through those long days. Even now, when they don’t get to hang out as much, their friendship has stayed solid. For Luis, having Bruno here today was never a question—he’s someone who's been by his side through thick and thin and he is so grateful to have him as a friend.
Yanel Quinteros
Bridesmaid
Yanel and Misleidy met while they were both attending Iglesia Familiar Greenacres. Their friendship began as more of a mentorship because Misleidy was Yanel's small group leader. After Yanel graduated and began college, her and Misleidy became summer interns for Family church and that is when their friendship truly blossomed. They shared a dorm room together and helped each other through the highs and lows of the summer, often staying up late, having deep conversations, praying, and singing worship songs together. Misleidy is extremely grateful for Yanel's friendship and how they always point each other towards Christ. Yanel's story of coming to the US, along with all of the things that God has done in her life and through her family for his kingdom since they arrived always reminds Misleidy of the goodness of God and she feels so blessed to know Yanel and to be a part of each other's lives.
Amy Machado
Flower Girl
Our flower girl is someone very dear to the groom—his quiet but wonderfully sweet little sister, Amy. While she may be a bit shy, she has a heart full of love and a gentle presence that brings warmth to everyone around her. Whether it’s through her love for creating art or the exhilarating moments she finds while winning her swimming competitions, she has a quiet strength that shines through in everything she does. She’s always been a source of laughter and joy for her big brother, and during his wedding, she will definitely add her own special touch to the day as she walks down the aisle and there’s no one more fitting to lead the way for her new big sister on such an important day.
Pastor Clifford Saenz
Officiant
The man, the myth, the legend. Pastor Cliff was there from the beginning rooting for both Luis and Misleidy individually and helping them walk closer to Christ while they served under his leadership in Student Ministry at Iglesia Familiar Greenacres. He was the one who pushed both of them to go as adult leaders on the Advance Student Mission Trip and although he claims he no idea they would begin a relationship, the couple believes he knew exactly what he was doing by sending them both on the trip. Cliff is an incredible father to his 3 kids and a wonderful husband to his wife Thais, who all moved to Brazil in January of 2022. Although he now lives miles away he will always hold a special place in the hearts of Luis & Misleidy and they couldn't imagine anyone else officiating their marriage.