Wedding PartyWedding Party
Annette MedinaAnnette Medina
Officiant
Annette is Maid of Honor Lucy Tanksley’s mother. She has always been a a mother figure in Monique’s life since meeting is 2005. Monique would describe her as “always being an adult that made her feel safe and someone she can talk to about anything” Annette truly is an incredible woman and mother of 5, she is the definition of being selfless, strong, kind and brave. There are no words to describe how much Monique appreciates the bond they have created throughout the years, even as time goes by she is always a phone call or message away, ready to give the best advice or kind and loving words. It is an absolute honor to have her as the Officiant for Ramon & Monique’s wedding.
Ty YalzadehTy Yalzadeh
Matron of Honor
Ty and Monique met post covid, a random dm for lunch turned into the two of them become family. Monique always says “Ty is one of my favorite blessings Vegas gave me” The two of them are known for their wine nights, rooftop hangouts and random foodie adventures. They both value their low maintenance friendship, I mean who doesn’t enjoy a good movie, food, a cozy couch and your best fiend lol. You know the bond is real when even their dogs Arlo & Blue are also besties. Fun Fact: Ramon proposed to Monique on Ty’s rooftop.
Lucy TanksleyLucy Tanksley
Matron of Honor
Lucy and Monique have known each other since 2005. They are what you called best friends at first sight. When you’re around the two of them you just know you will find them laughing until they can’t breathe and usually it’s at something that wasn’t even funny to begin with lol. They have been by each other’s side through happy times and sad times and now Lucy will join Monique on one of the most important days of her life, still right by her side.
Lorena PeraltaLorena Peralta
Bridesmaid
Lorena is Ramon’s younger sister. The two of them have such a strong sibling bond that many people look up to and now she will be adding a sister to her life. Lorena and Monique are building their sisterhood from miles away but have been blessed to have shared special time together when Lorena has visited the couple in Vegas. Monique says she loves her soon to be sister in law’s bubbly personality, creativity and how much she loves her family. She is excited to gain another sister and Ramon is just as excited to watch their relationship blossom.
Nia GeraldNia Gerald
Bridesmaid
Growing up as cousins, Nia and Monique have always been close, they share a sister like bond. Monique has always said Nia is the younger sister she always wanted. If they aren’t laughing hysterically at something, catch them at a family party doing the latest social media dance trends or singing and doing a whine to their favorite Caribbean music. Nia has been part of so many of Monique’s favorite memories so it’s only fitting that she’ll join her as a bridesmaid on one of Monique’s greatest adventures.
Marisa BrownMarisa Brown
Bridesmaid
Marisa and Monique met in 2014 through a mutual friend and the rest is history. They are the textbook definition of opposites attracting in a friendship. Marisa is quiet and can be shy, while Monique is the exact opposite lol but that’s what’s so special about their bond. They have been there for each other during the amazing memories and a shoulder to lean on during difficult times. There maybe 1000s of miles in between them but the connection and love they share will never be impacted by the distance.
Natalie AcostaNatalie Acosta
Creative Director
Natalie and Monique met freshman year of high school in The Bronx, NY. Their friendship has always been filled with constant laughter, and jokes. If you ask Monique her constant hallway songs she would make up and sing at random were probably Natalie’s favorite parts of high school lol. Throughout the years they have kept in touch and while they didn’t talk every day or see each other too often they always knew when it was time for a hangout a great time would be had for sure. Their bond has blossomed the last couple of years with Natalie taking a few trips to stay in Vegas with Monique & Ramon. Some of the things Monique admires about Natalie is her determination, self awareness, creativity and free spirit. Natalie isn’t an afraid to speak her mind and take risk. The bride and groom cannot wait to see Natalie’s artistic vision come alive on their big day.
Ezzat AliEzzat Ali
Best Man
Ezzat and Ramon are cousins who grew up together in New York and while Ezzat eventually moved to Vegas with his family he and Ramon have always made it a point to stay in touch and visit each other over the years. Ezzat has always been very influential, especially in the present with Ramon and Monique now living in Las Vegas. Back in the summer of 2018, Ramon went to visit Ezzat and the rest of the Vegas family, but it was one final conversation with Ezzat that culminated in Ramon giving himself one final year to enjoy New York then make his move into a new city. With Ramon and Monique making that ultimate transition out of New York City and making their way to Las Vegas, it has been a move that they do not regret and are grateful that Ezzat has been by their side throughout their journey here today.
Francisco PerezFrancisco Perez
Groomsman
Francisco and Ramon met on the Lehman College Swim Team, when Francisco joined the team in his later years at Lehman College and Ramon was an assistant coach for the team after he graduated from Lehman College. Ramon and Francisco have continued to grow their friendship throughout these years as they both got to know each other outside of the pool through eating food all over New York, as well as traveling, and keeping up on the latest anime show. Francisco got married to his wife Christina last year and Ramon was able to attend his wedding as one of his groomsmen and have the opportunity to share that moment and now as Ramon enters this new journey Francisco will be right by his side.
Dakim VanterpoolDakim Vanterpool
Groomsman
Dakim and Ramon met each other back in 2007 in Bronx Leadership Academy, but it wasn’t until their junior year of high school, taking Mr. Weissburg’s U.S. History class that the both of them started to grow their brotherhood. From the both of them driving Lorena to prom, to Ramon making it in time to hospital to see Dakim’s twin girls after they were born, to continuing to always being there for each other even after Ramon moved out of New York, their friendship continues to thrive off the amount of laughter, support, and motivation they give each other to continue forward in their lives.
Giovonni GifftGiovonni Gifft
Groomsman
Giovonni and Ramon in January 2022 when Ramon joined the Physical Education staff at Coronado High School. It took about the rest of that school year as Monique would imply lol, when Ramon and Giovonni finally started to hang out outside of the work place and develop a great friendship here in Las Vegas. From motivating and supporting each other, to catching New York Knicks vs Miami Heat games on the strip, to having Giovonni show Ramon around the different areas and spots in Vegas, they continue to build on their friendship through genuine conversations, music and sports, and letting their dogs Bruno and Arlo run around.
EnesEnes
Groomsman
Enes and Ramon first met during the Apex Swim days, but it wasn’t until Enes’s freshman year and Ramon’s junior year at Lehman College that they developed a great teammate and friendship bond that has continued to build over the years. Ramon and Enes, along with the Lehman College men’s swim team fought a tough battle to win the CUNY Swimming Championship that season. They continued to work hard as teammates pushing each other to the next level, but also developed their friendship outside of the pool with gatherings and team outings. Over the years, Ramon and Enes both went on to complete their grad school at Manhattanville College and became Physical Education teachers.