Father of the Bride
Hardworking, honest, insanely humble and a man of few words. He may say that his children are his pride, but he has no clue how much he is ours. Special to all those who know him. You're a gift, Dad. 🖤
Mother of the Bride
Beating the mother of the groom by 1 SOLID inch... standing at 4' 9",.... the one, the only, Minerva Razoooo! (insert cheering crowd) I still call her mommy and I'm unashamed. Her laugh, her kindness, her wisdom... she's my rock, my tiny treasure, and I would be absolutely nothing without her.
Father of the Groom
Selfless, loving, and caring. Glad to call this man my father, dad, and friend.
Mother of the Groom
4'8" of an amazing woman, mother, and friend. Has the sass and life of the party of a 6'4" woman.
Brother of the Bride / Escorting Mother of the Bride
Such a simple and humble man. One of the most hardest working men in my life. I'll always be the little girl looking up at my big brother amazed at how he does it all. So dang proud of who he his and continues to be.
Brother of the Bride / Escorting Mother of the Bride
Forever my baby brother. Even at 10 years apart, we used to be inseparable. He's got a serious face on most of the time, but he's always made us laugh like crazy. Equally proud of the man he's becoming as well. To both of my brothers - no matter the physical distance, I’ll always have your backs.
Padrinos de Honor o Matrimonio/Primeros Padrinos
Padrinos de Matrimonio are traditionally the wedding sponsors that serve as witness to the marriage and sign the marriage certificate. Most often, this is the couple that was chosen as the primary godparents to the bride during baptism. This couple will spiritually guide the bride and groom through conflicts and provide support throughout their marriage. Joe & Lupe baptized me (Samantha) as a baby and brought me into the Church with my parents to receive one of the sacred sacraments of our Catholic faith. Now, they'll be bringing me again (with my parents) to give me away to my husband. This is truly so, SO special to me. With sincere love & respect, we couldn't be more proud to have these two as family, mentors and dear friends throughout this new chapter. It's such an honor!
Padrinos de Velacion
In some cases, the Padrinos de Velacion are considered the same as the Padrinos de Matrimonio. We knew that both meanings meant a lot to us so we wanted them as separate roles. Many symbolic meanings seem to exist but two have always stuck in mind. During the ceremony, these sponsors light two outer candles and with those, the bride and groom light the larger 'Unity Candle'. This symbolizes the sponsors blessing and sponsorship of the marriage. To many, this also symbolizes that the light of Jesus Christ shall remain in each of us individually and in our life together. For this we chose Javi's grandma and uncle, both whom sponsored his baptism. This choice went without question; Abuelita Beatriz & Tio Victor have always supported us and truly show us that family and faith always come 1st.
Padrinos de Lazo
The lazo, called a lasso in English, is usually a ribbon, rope or double-wedding rosary constructed in a figure-eight to symbolize eternity. These Padrinos host the lazo unity ritual by purchasing the lazo and placing it on the shoulders of the couple during the ceremony to bless and bind the marriage. Yolanda is the only sister to my (Samantha’s) mom. She has always been a 2nd mother and means the WORLD to me. Her wisdom, her guidance and her devotion to God & our faith have always been of great help and support to not just me but now Javi. She has always pushed me to be my best, right alongside my parents. We knew that Tia Yoli & Tio Kino deserved one of the most important roles in our wedding & we truly wouldn't have it any other way.
Padrinos de Cojines
The Padrinos of the Cojines, or cushions, buy the prayer pillow that the couple kneels on during the nuptial mass. It’s been said that these kneeling cushions symbolizes the comfort and support that they will receive from friends and family during their marriage. With absolutely no doubt, we chose Sylvia and JJ to be our Padrinos of the Cojines. They have embodied throughout our relationship what we would hope to have during our marriage. They not only have strived to support each other as Christ has called husband and wife to, but they also have supported us and comforted us in times of need and have always offered the shirts of their back for us. We can only pray to have an eternity of life with them by our side as friends to see us through the ups and downs in our marriage.
Padrinos de Arras (Coins)
Arras in Spanish means "Pledge". Thirteen gold coins are given by the groom to the bride during the ceremony. Some say the coins represent 13 words: Love, peace, commitment, trust, respect, joy, happiness, nurturing, caring, harmony, wholeness, harmony, & cooperation. Others believe it represents the 12 Apostles & Christ. The Padrinos purchase these coins for the couple, and this signifies that they've shared their wealth of knowledge with the bride and groom prior to the wedding concerning life and marriage. With much thought, we chose Luisa and Robert because they've always shown what it means to give of yourself to your spouse, selflessly. They place their children, family & God at the center of their lives & embody the 13 words; this is truly what we hope to be in our future together.
Padrinos de la Biblia
The Holy Bible signifies the couple's dedication & promise to discuss & learn about God & spread his message to the world. It's also the man's role to lead the family in spiritual practices such as going to church, helping out in the church community & serving in the church. It also symbolizes the religious guidance & wise counsel for life’s decisions—the spiritual element. Our Tios are so special to both Javi & me, and Tio Rick & Tia Carmen are no exception. As a little girl, Rick & Carmen looked after me, often taking me to the movies or shopping, or just played with me outside. They taught me many things growing up, but prayer & dedication to church & family is probably my most favorite. Now, I get to share them/this with my husband & it makes my heart dance.
Padrinos De Los Rosarios
Our Catholic faith has the blessing of the Bible and rosary, which means the foundation & the cultivation of spiritual life to Christian marriage. Most often La Biblia & Rosario are given together but we knew we wanted differently. We opted to separate them and choose Tio Jesse & Tia Lorena as Padrinos. We also wanted to have individual rosaries for prayer throughout our journey as husband and wife (His and Hers). I read once that married couples live out this blessed sacrament by the way they care for one another, love one another, & are enthusiastic for one another as husband & wife. I've always known Jesse & Lorena to push each other towards growth for themselves & their family. We pray to remain enthusiastic in this same way towards each other for the rest of our lives.
Padrinos de los Anillos (Wedding Bands)
The rings symbolize the unity, completeness & eternal love for one another. Physically, they're a reminder of faithful commitment to the marriage. While many traditions like the ones listed here on our site vary across cultures, the tradition of the wedding ring is the one universal tradition; the exchange that remains the same throughout the world. It’s a love to last eternity, symbolized by a ring that has no end. We absolutely adore Michael and Monica. Together they remind us that God has a plan & it’s just marvelous. They continuously cultivate this love that they’ve found in one another, this type of completeness, and show us what it means to truly enjoy each other & life’s moments. We could never thank them enough for the belly laughs, the advice, & the genuine friendship.
Madrina de las flores para la Virgen
Madrina of the Bridal Veil
Sister of the Groom / Madrina of the Toss Garter & Bouquet
Matron of Honor
At first glance we couldn't be more opposite - she’s tall, thin, model-like... and well I’m short and a little fluffy. However, there isn't another soul on this earth that mirrors mine like hers. If I've got a secret, this girl knows it. My person; My ride or die. College roomies for a summer leads to friends for a lifetime. She's my kindred soul, yall.
Matron of Honor
Jessica started dating my brother when I was around 12 years old. She's been in my life since. She's watched me grow into the woman I am today, and aside from Katie, Jess is my go-to. She's my sister, and she's given me the greatest gifts of my life - my nieces and nephew. It doesn't matter where, when or who... I know she's in my corner.
Bridesmaid
Lyannet came into my life a few years ago, as the niece to our Padrecito Gustavo and girlfriend to my cousin Danny. I happen to view Danny as another brother figure, so by default, Lyannet quickly became a good friend and part of our family. She's sweet, considerate and funny, but stay on your toes because she'll get sassy if she needs to! I'm so happy to get to have her as part of my bride squad on this very special day.
Bridesmaid
Javi and I have MAJOR love for Janie and Vicente (see groomsmen). We view them both as younger siblings we never had, and being blessed with their friendships is just icing on the cake! Janie is one of the most considerate friends I have. She's real and genuine, with a type of intelligence you just don't want to miss. You want a person like Janie in your life because she'll challenge you and make you see different perspectives. She promotes growth in all aspects. I love our chats, our laughs, and it's never a dull moment when we're all together. So grateful for what I hope will be an eternity of this type of friendship that is family.
Bridesmaid
This here is THE Ana Ortiz! When I say I keep my crew small and real, I mean it. I can count on honesty from my circle, and Ana is no exception. I'd wager to say that she may be the one that would tell us how it is the most, and I love her for it. She and her husband Ralph (see groomsmen) are very important friends to Javi and me, in terms of marriage, but also as young adults just taking the days as they come, enjoying each other, and growing alongside each other. I appreciate you Ana, and I can't wait for spending the rest of our lives/friendship as true Comadres!
Junior Bridesmaid
Oh my sweet Jordan! When I was 19 years old, I learned of a love so special and so one-of-a-kind when I became an aunt for the first time. Everyday since has been so special to watch Jordan grow into her own - just super loving, responsible even at just 10 years of age, and a sweet big sister to her other siblings. I'm not ready for all the tween sass but I'll be here at every step to catch you when you fall, cheer you on when you rise, and all the in-between.
Junior Bridesmaid
Emery, my spunky little piece of joy! I have loved Emery (and her twin Jordan) in a way that no one understands. Becoming an aunt for the first time introduced me to a different kind of love, and a love and happiness I wish on everyone! Emery makes us laugh, surprises us almost daily, and will keep us on our toes for the rest of time I'm sure LOL. I will be here day or night for my girls, and I hope they never forget it!
Junior Bridesmaid
This here is my sweetest Natty-bug. My love for her runs deep and just as special. Natalie is different from her big sisters, and in every way, beautiful in her own skin. Natalie is my girly-girl. The one that will bring out her makeup bag when she sees Tia doing her makeup; the one that asks to take a ride with Javi and I every chance she gets. She's sweet, so pure in heart, and what radiates most is her kindness and humility even at a young age. I can't wait to watch her continue to grow, and I hope that our future children get to grow alongside her and learn from her.
Best Man
Crazy to think we went to the same high school but did not meet until our time in college. Blood couldn't make Eli and I closer. I've known this old spirited gent for the better part of my collegiate experience. Spent some crazy and fun times since I've known him, from shutting down bars to trips to different destinations to me beating him in any athletic competition. So young and so wise, but be careful, he will throw out his back if he sneezes too hard...
Groomsman
Adonay has been there since I first met Samantha and has been a true nurturing friend to us as individuals as well as a couple. That's my quarterback (T.O. crying voice) . . . My long time / long lost Mexican (he is really Salvadoran) brother from another mother . . . The friend I can never get rid of, and I couldn't ask for it any other way.
Groomsman
Luis has been an integral part of my life throughout college as my big brother in the fraternity as well as after graduating. He has tremendous passion for Texas A&M, Dallas and the sports teams, and enjoying life. Even though nobody knows how he does it, in the blink of an eye he can be hundreds of miles away from home; he represents to the fullest. Blessed to have him stand by Samantha and I on our big day.
Groomsman
Vince was the first person to meet Samantha. Even though he was gullible and thought Samantha was 30 at the time I met her (she was 23 at the time), he has been there since the beginning of our relationship. We have nothing but love for Vince and his beautiful wife, Janie (bridesmaid). Enjoyed being there for their special day and glad to have the both of them on our big day. Hands the size of an infant. Heart the size of a the Grand Canyon. Glad to call him the middle eastern little brother I never had.
Groomsman
Ralph and his wonderful wife, Ana (bridesmaid), have known Samantha and I since we started dating. Ralph has been a true friend to Samantha and myself. I've enjoyed our fun filled nights at the Gates of the North in College Station, fishing, game nights, playing sports, as well as beating him countless times in FIFA and Madden. He has always been there to lend a helping hand, even though he stands at a whopping 4'10". We know we can always count on him.
Ring Bearer
Ring Bearer
Flower Girl