Elizabeth & Mark
Wedding Party
Natalie Ortiz
Maid of Honor
Meet my little sister Natalie, she is a caring, intelligent, hard-working person, and there is nobody else that I would want to have as my Maid of Honor! To me, Natalie will always be my baby sister, the girl who I tried to dress up with my doll's dresses. The girl that I will always protect to the best of my abilities. Natalie, how did you get so lucky to have me as a sister? :) I am so happy that you will be a part of this crazy journey of mine because sharing it with you is a dream come true. When you see Natalie at the wedding, go talk to her. She may seem shy, but you won't regret sparking a conversation with her because she is super hilarious (I guess she gets that from her big sis, LOL).
Susana Estrada
Bridesmaid
Meet my cousin Susy. Being that she is my older cousin, I remember wanting to be just like her and thinking she was so cool! We had such an amazing childhood together, Susy was basically the older sister I never had (although I was the one getting her into trouble most of the time haha). Susy has the kindest spirit and is one of the most caring people I know. I remember when she moved to Mexico, I felt like I had lost a part of me. However, that did not stop us from creating these CRAZY memories when I'd visit her in Mexico. All I remember is my Tia getting so angry at us for coming home late and screaming at us because we wouldn't let anyone sleep due to us talking and laughing so hard. I am so happy that you will be a part of this incredible journey with me!
Brenda Estrada
Bridesmaid
Meet my cousin Brenda. Like Susy, I have so many childhood memories with Brenda. However, our definition of "fun" didn't start until we were in our early-mid 20's (drinking age LOL). If I could describe Brenda in a couple of words it would be "The Life of the Party". She is a free spirit and will liven any room she walks into! Brenda is also one of my best friends and she is someone who is incredibly loyal. She is someone who can bring a smile to anyone's face, but most of the time it is not just a smile, it is full-on laughter which is one of the many reasons I love her. I will always remember THAT summer vacation, those memories will forever live on! If your find yourself with nobody to dance with, go find her she has awesome dance moves. Thank you so much for being a part of my journey.
Sandra Lopez
Bridesmaid
Meet one of my longest friends Sandra. We met in our early elementary school years and we just clicked, our friendship was meant to be. My memories with Sandra are so full of laughter and shenanigans, from our first elementary school crushes, middle-school dances, and to being Anthony's madrina (Sandra's son). I will never forget our endless sleepovers at each other's houses. We never expected that those days would come to an end so soon! I am so lucky I got to grow up with you, and thanks to you I have the best childhood memories a person can have. Sandra is kind-spirited person who gets along with everyone and she is super funny too, make sure you say hi to her at the wedding (I bet she has a lot of embarrassing stories about me). Thank you for embarking on this special journey with me!
Denisse Ramos
Bridesmaid
Meet Denisse, our friendship was inevitable! I met her when we were stationed in Germany while in the Army. She was "the new girl" and I remember she was eating alone, and I remember going up to her and asking her to sit next to my friends and me. From then on, I declared that we would be friends (she really had no choice at that point)! We never knew that we were going to create memories that would last a lifetime and that we would have a bond that nobody would understand. Eventually, Denisse and I deployed to Afghanistan, many trials and tribulations tested our friendship. We went through things that not many would have survived. BUT we stood by each other through thick and thin, through the good, the bad, and the ugly. I am so happy that once again you will be a part of my journey.
Yahayra Martinez
Bridesmaid
They say that God puts people in your path for a reason, and Yahayra was definitely one of them. When I met her, I never thought our friendship would grow in the way that it over the years. I love Yaya's free spirit and her will to keep going when things get tough. Yaya is a person who can be counted on and she definitely goes out of her way to show you she cares. Yaya is one of the strongest people I know and I am lucky I was able to cross paths with her, but, can you guess where we met? Instragram, how crazy is that? Yaya, thank you for all of the great adventures, from our trips back and forth from California to Chicago and even our trip to Puerto Rico. I can't wait to keep traveling with you and creating more memories with you. Thank you for embarking on this journey with me.
Kristal Mendiaz
Bridesmaid
Meet Kristal, my newest friend! I met her while we were studying at SDSU and although our friendship didn't start out so great (LOL), I can say that hands down she is someone who I absolutely adore. There is nothing that I wouldn't do for this woman. She is definitely a breath of fresh air and has done so much for my being and soul! She brings out the goofy, crazy, and the kid inside of me, which is something that not many can do. Around Kristal, I can be exactly who I am without feeling judged and most importantly she accepts me for who I am. Kristal has the most kindest and beautiful souls I've ever encountered, and her smile has the power to brighten any room. Kristal, our crazy adventures will always live within me and once again thank you for being part of this one.
Louis Carrano
Best Man
The first time we met was in 2011, I was enjoying a long weekend in San Diego. He called me on the phone and stated I needed to report back to 29 Palms for a training exercise ASAP. Naturally, I hated him and his stupid face. A couple months passed and we were both assigned to bring our platoons to Afghanistan. Affectionately called Tweetledee and Tweetledum by our bosses, we were attached the the hip. We trained, deployed, and came home together. He was there for the good times and bad times (with a beer, pre-workout, and an unnatural desire to squat in the gym). SF
Sean Graham
Groomsman
The most mature, level-headed person in my circle. He is also the finest wing-man I have ever served with. We scoured the bars and clubs together with an astonishing 84% success rate. We also share the initial disdain for Louis Carrano for making us go to the field last minute with no prep time. Honest and reliable, he never fails to remind me I am always stepping over this imaginary "line." (Then why the hell do the even make lines?!) From both my professional and personal life, Graham has been a positive constant. SF
Jeffrey Ferrer
Groomsman
My longest and oldest friend; Jeff and I met in 5th grade. We spent hours playing outside and days gaming inside. From Mario Kart 64 to Magic the Gathering and a laundry list of other things, we always had fun. Jeff has introduced me to so many things I appreciate today: Scrubs, good movies, improv comedy, Lupe Fiasco, Tide detergent, taking 6 shots in a row is not a good time, and skin-tight jean shorts. "Is it high tide or low tide? You'll never know..."
Kyle Ruark
Groomsman
Ruark and I met in 2016. He transitioned from active duty to the reserves and I was assigned as his sponsor to help him with his transfer to the unit (an extremely poor choice on our leaderhip's part). Overtime, he slowly became my field bae. If you ever wondered if you can fit two people in a one-man sleeping bag, the answer is yes. In 2018, we competed in a food challenge consisting of a humongous burger topped with 5 types of cheese and piles of french fries and onion rings. I lost, but he continued eating even more food. He won a shirt and I won diarrhea. SF
Jorge Mora
Groomsman
I have come to know Jorge as a genuine, caring person. I also have come to know that he can out drink Elizabeth, which is no easy feat. Thanks for welcoming me into your family and thank you for giving me the honor of being one of my groomsmen. SF
Eduardo Estrada Mora
Groomsman
I met Lalo the same day I met Elizabeth's dad. Since then, he has treated me like one of his own and welcomed me into his family. I appreciate all the beers and the generosity you have given me. I also appreciate all the future beers you'll be getting me.
Eddie Fernandez
Groomsman
The youngest one in the group, but the most compassionate. I've only known Eddie for a few years, but he's turning into an exceptional man. Thanks for playing with my son whenever we came over and teaching us card games that Elizabeth always beats me in ( I let her win--don't tell her).
Tulasi
Helped us with our Engagement Photos
Tulsi has been there for Mark and I from the beginning. Tulsi has captured so many beautiful photos of us. Tulsi has never asked for anything in return and I (Mark) am lucky to be gaining Tulsi as a family member. Tulsi muchas gracias por habernos tomado las fotos de engagement. Tu fusite una de las primeras personas en saber de mi compromiso con Mark y fuiste muy supportive! Mil gracias por siempre ser parte de nuestros gran momemtos. If you see Tulsi at the wedding please say hi. Oh, the picture cover of our wedding website was taken by Tulsi! We are excited that you have embarked on this journey with us. -Mark & Liz