Grace & Nathaniel
Wedding Party
Morgan Sakomoto
Maid of Honor
Morgan is one of the best friends a girl could ever ask for. She is one of the strongest and most resilient people I know, and she inspires me every single day. We are always getting into some kind of mischief, and if you ask Nate or Austin, they would strongly recommend not leaving us unsupervised. We met in our later teen years and have grown side by side through countless life milestones. From college, nursing school, and grad school, to soul sucking college jobs, dating our now and soon to be husbands, weddings, birthdays, holidays, and life’s greatest joys and sorrows, Morgan has been there through it all. She is my rock, and we truly just get each other. We have so much fun and make endless memories, but our bond runs much deeper than that. Morgan is my soul sister and has become family over the years. From jumping off waterfalls and epic hikes to questionable adventures and lots of laughter, she always goes along with it, smiling even when she is internally cringing. I cannot imagine this day without her and cannot wait for the lifetime of memories still to come.
Jonathan Clarke
Best Man
Jonathan and I met freshman year of high school in 3rd-period World History, where I’ll admit I copied his answers sometimes. We quickly became friends and annoyed most of our teachers with our sarcastic humor. My favorite memory is when we went fishing in Newport Beach, a storm hit, lightning struck a power pole, and we ended up “storm chasing” in his old ’98 Ford Ranger. After high school, we stayed very close and always made time to see each other. Even when we go long stretches without talking, we pick up like no time has passed. I knew he’d be my best man back in high school, and he knew I’d marry Grace when, two months into dating, he asked “so what do you want to do for your bachelor party?”.
Nikol Pritsky
Bridesmaid
Nikol has been my best friend since seventh grade, when we met at laptop camp and immediately hit it off. From middle school mischief in journalism class to late-night adventures, three-hour FaceTime calls, and endless dilemma solving, Nikol has always been there for me. She has seen every version of Grace, from my very worst to my very best. We grew up together through awkward teenage years, college, Nikol heading to medical school, and me to graduate school, watching our middle school Pinterest dreams slowly come to life. Nikol knows me better than anyone and is the person I would call if I were in jail, though realistically we’d probably both be there. Even living across the world, when we come back together it feels like no time has passed. From the top of the Empire State Building to rainy nights camping in Yellowstone, our memories are some of my absolute favorites.
Anthony Braun
Groomsman
I like to think May 28, 2001 was Anthony’s favorite day in history because he met me. He’s always been the best older brother I could ask for, even if he loves to bug me. Growing up he would “accidentally” break my Lego. I’ll give him credit, he always helped me when video games got tough, even if Mariokart battles nearly tore the Braun household apart. I eventually got good enough to beat him in the newer Mariokart, but he just shrugs and says, “eh, this isn’t as fun as it used to be.” Anthony and his wife, Madalyn, now live in Philadelphia, where it’s always sunny, and they’ve started a tradition of hosting Thanksgiving for the cousins. As we get older and begin our own lives, we’ll always have that brotherly love.
Melanie Ervin
Bridesmaid
Melanie is truly a one in a million friend. We met in high school and shared several classes, but our friendship grew even closer during college. She is the kind of person you can call at any time of day, knowing she will show up no matter what. Melanie has a heart of gold, gives the best advice, and always makes sure everyone around her feels cared for and supported. She has such an adventurous spirit and is always eager to try new things, encouraging those around her to step outside their comfort zones. From traveling the world to relaxed backyard hangouts, Melanie has a way of making every moment more fun. It has been so special to watch her accomplish her dreams, become an incredible nurse, marry the love of her life, and embrace every adventure along the way. Even though we live far away from each other now, when we get back together it feels like no time has passed. I know we will always be besties for life! I feel so blessed to have her in my life and cannot imagine this day without her.
Jacob Braun
Groomsman
Jacob is the third of the Braun trio, and with his red hair and freckles, he’s definitely the most memorable. After meeting Grace’s parents, her mom kept saying, “I like that Jacob kid, he’s a cool dude,” which took me a while to accept. Even though I was the monkey in the middle growing up, Anthony and Jacob always made sure I wasn’t left out. Jacob is fiercely passionate about two things: Packers football and insisting he can fully rebuild the Anaheim Angels. I’d never say it to his face, but Jacob’s a cool kid with all the lingo (no cap) and a way of making every moment with him feel like a laid-back backyard hangout, no matter how twisted it gets.
Puneet Sidhu
Bridesmaid
Puneet is one of the sweetest and most down-to-earth people I have ever met. We met early in college, even though we attended different schools, and it didn’t take long to realize she is truly one of a kind. She is kind, intelligent, and an absolute joy to be around, and she continually inspires me to be a better version of myself. We have made countless memories together, from traveling the world to late-night shenanigans, competitive games, and endless laughter. One of my favorite memories is a late-night heart-to-heart conversation on the beach in Bali, when I knew Puneet would be one of my best friends for life. She is always a thoughtful listener and offers the best insight in any situation. She is a true soul sister and I am so grateful to have a best friend like her in my life! From rappelling down waterfalls and traversing jungles to coffee dates, game nights, and long talks, Puneet and I share so many incredible memories, with many more still to come.
Gabe Patin
Groomsman
If Hank Williams, Jr. ever wrote a country song about the Lone Ranger riding off into the sunset in a Ram truck, it would be about Gabe. Since high school, he’s been the cowboy with a story for every occasion. I’ve been there for more than a few while they were being written. Whether he was swinging by my parents’ house to drop off his Yeti so I could impress Grace on our first date or driving to Santa Maria at midnight just to grab breakfast with me at a truck stop the next morning, Gabe has always been ready for any adventure. Any time, any place; just make sure the coffee refills never run out.
Eileen Situ
Bridesmaid
Eileen is one of the best friends I have ever had. We met through mutual friends early in college and have been inseparable ever since. No one makes me laugh quite like Eileen does. She has a true zest for life and is always up for an adventure, keeping everything fun and exciting. When it comes to holidays, Eileen and I go all out. We fully commit to the festivities and happily rope our friends into elaborate celebrations, complete with Easter egg hunts, Minute to Win It games, Saran Wrap balls, and anything else you can imagine. True to her adventurous spirit, we once found ourselves on a thrilling ATV ride through the jungles of Bali, which is now one of our favorite memories. Eileen also loves to travel, and we have shared so many adventures together, always eager to make new memories. She has a heart of gold, has always had my back, and brings so much joy and laughter into my life. We have shared countless milestones, holidays, trips, and endless laughs. Eileen is truly family to me, and I can’t wait for all the memories and celebrations still ahead of us.
Joshua Peterson
Groomsman
Joshua is Grace’s dependable younger brother and the guy you can count on for a Broncos hot take at any moment. When he’s not dominating his fantasy football league or unwinding on Xbox, he’s usually outside perfecting the yard or making sure his truck is spotless. Loyal, laid back, and always down for a good laugh, Joshua brings steady energy and plenty of fun to the wedding day.
Alyssa Siegel
Bridesmaid
Alyssa is truly the best friend a girl could ask for. We met at UCSB through our Bible study, and our very first hangout was a group road trip to Big Sur when we were placed in the same car. We hit it off immediately, and from that moment on, Alyssa made my time at UCSB some of the best years of my life. Alyssa has enriched my life in countless ways. We are always laughing, and I treasure every adventure we share. She is also the reason Nate and I met, which alone changed my life forever. Her testimony and wisdom continually inspire me and strengthen my faith. Alyssa is such a bright light, not only in this world, but in my life. She is uplifting, endlessly supportive, and radiates love, joy, and sunshine wherever she goes. Most of all, we have the most fun together. There is truly never a dull moment. If we are not climbing mountains, dancing the night away, or having a deep conversation, we are probably on the floor laughing.
David Shackelford
Groomsman
David is my first cousin, and growing up we could turn any day into a full-blown Nerf war in his house. We’ve taken several Thanksgiving trips to Philadelphia together to visit Anthony, which always made for good memories. Baseball has always been David’s world, and I was there when his team won the CIF championship, a pretty awesome moment to witness. I’m very blessed he’s family, and even more blessed he’s here to celebrate with us.
Iliana Owen-Alcala
Bridesmaid
Iliana is truly the best. We met at UCSB through our Bible study, and even before we met, Alyssa told me she had a friend I was absolutely going to love. She could not have been more right. Iliana is an absolute icon. She is so much fun, deeply faithful, effortlessly elegant, and wonderfully adventurous and spontaneous. She lights up every room she walks into. Even though I have only known Iliana for a few years, it feels like we have known each other for a lifetime. Some of my favorite memories with her are the many adventures we shared in Santa Barbara and visiting her in Paris while she was studying abroad. Iliana has brightened my life in countless ways, and I am so grateful to have her as a soul sister and best friend for life. She has shown me the true meaning of friendship and how to live with joyful spontaneity and a deep, grounded faith.
Gage Wagner
Groomsman
From the moment Gage and I met, I knew we were going to be good friends. What began as conversations about faith over cigars quickly turned into backpacking adventures behind TAC and even a camping on a rainy New Year’s Eve. Gage has always been a true brother in Christ. We regularly catch up on the phone, no matter how busy life gets. He’s also the only guy I know who owns a portable, questionably functional sauna. It’s perfect for warming up after our cold plunge in the creek at TAC.
Lupita Estrada
Bridesmaid
Lupita and I met at UCSB, where she led my Bible study and served as the FOCUS missionary on campus. Lupita has truly changed my life. Through her friendship and mentorship, my faith has deepened and my relationship with Christ has grown in ways I never imagined. She has taught me how to genuinely live out my faith while having so much fun along the way. We have countless special memories together from our time in our group and with Andrew and Nate as well. Lupita is the full package. She has deep faith, infectious joy, and a true sense of adventure. One night at UCSB, Lupita and I went on a prayer walk and prayed together for our future husbands, their faith, and the friendships we hoped they would share. Just a few months later, we both met our husbands. Soon after, Andrew and Nate became close friends, and now we are all standing in each other’s weddings. It has been such a gift to walk through these milestones together and to witness Lupita’s love story, marriage, and now motherhood. She is a constant inspiration to me and a best friend for life. Lupita is radiant and truly a gift from God in my life. It is so clear that we were meant to be in each other’s lives.
Andrew Estrada
Groomsman
Andrew and I met through his wife, Lupita, and my soon to be wife. We began dating our spouses around the same time and the four of us would go on double dates. Both Grace and I were involved in Andrew’s proposal to Lupita and they played a big part in our engagement. Grace and I were even in their wedding too! Its been such an honor to have Andrew to go thought all these mile stones together with and I cant wait to see what life brings us.
The Amazing Parents
Parents of the Bride and Groom
Chris and Tina are the parents of the groom and Andy and Kelly are the parents of the Bride. Chris and Tina have been married for 33 years and they live in La Habra, California. In their free time they enjoy traveling, wine tasting, and hosting delicious meals for friends and family. Andy and Kelly have been married for 26 years and live in Clovis, California. In their free time they enjoy going on cruises, watching "Survivor," and trying new recipes. Both of our parents are amazing! We are so grateful for them. Both of their marriages are sources of inspiration to us and we would not be who we are without them.