Nicole Stephenson & Nicholas Garcia
Our Beloved Wedding Party
Christina Stephenson
Maid of Honor
Christina is the bride’s little sister. If you know us, you know: “Sisters don’t need words. They have perfected a language of snarls and smiles and frowns and winks - expressions of shocked surprise and incredulity and disbelief. Sniffs and snorts and gasps and sighs - that can undermine any tale you’re telling.” - Pam Brown Christina and the bride have countless tales of growing up together, which may very well be turned into a movie one day (if Christina chooses to write a movie script because, as she will tell you, she’s the only reliable historian in the family). If you want to know what happened on the bride’s Christmas 2008, ask Christina. She’s the only one who knows! Christina recently became a full-fledged pharmacist, and is now living and working in San Diego, CA.
Emily Elguera
Bridesmaid
Emily is the bride’s littlest “sister” (aka cousin). In 1995, the bride’s auntie gave the family a living and breathing babydoll and her name was Emily. In typical ‘baby of the family’ fashion, she’s the life and soul of every party. If you know her, you know she has always been her own special mix of chaos and magic - and there truly is no spirit quite like hers. Surprising no one, Emily was the first of our bunch to get married (shout-out to Isaac - we love you!) and has recently blessed our family with a sweet little boy we call ‘Oti’, who will undoubtedly give her a run for her money in the ‘havoc wreaking’ department as soon as he’s toddling around!
Nicole “Niki” Goossen
Bridesmaid
Niki was the bride’s "roommate before Nick" after they were randomly paired as roommates their 1L year at Pepperdine Law School – Niki having just graduated from USC and Nicole from UCLA. (There was no rivalry - perhaps as a result of their mutual lack of concern with the world of sports.) The bride and Niki were fast friends and became inseparable in a matter of days. (Not exaggerating!) The memories this pair made during their three years at Pepperdine are the type that will be relived and retold at every reunion from now until the end of time. For those of you who don’t know, after law school, Niki became a powerhouse District Attorney, married her love (shout-out to Trevor!), and recently blessed this world with the cutest baby ever (shout-out to their sweet Hannah girl!).
Nichole Bartlett
Bridesmaid
Nichole was another one of the bride’s law school friends, but the pair became even closer after law school. She and the bride have leaned on and supported each other through the roller coaster of being young female litigation attorneys in Southern California. If you know Nichole, you know she is a kind, supportive, and genuine person, whose social calendar is always booked months in advance. The bride always jokes that Nichole hasn't seen an event she didn't like, but in reality, Nichole is the down-for-anything friend that we all need in our lives! Over the years, Nichole has roped the bride into various escapades in the name of adventure - and the pair have so much fun trying new things together. (This photo was taken during a trip to Banff, Canada for Nichole's 30th.)
Paolo Garcia
Best Man
Paolo is the groom’s brother from the same mother. He’s six years younger, and the baby of the family. Paolo is full of jokes, always down for a good time, and has a sneaker collection that rivals DJ Khaled’s. He’s up on all the pop culture and current trends, which never fails to remind the groom just how old he is! And though he (like any baby of the family) can be challenging, the groom loves him for the constant reminder to not take life too seriously. Paolo (semi) recently graduated from CSUN with a degree in Business & Marketing. Since then, he’s been fortunate enough to have met his now girlfriend (shout-out to Eli!), who is an angel on Earth for putting up with him. Though Paolo is currently working, he dreams of a marketing job, so do give him a holler if you know of anything!
Steven Lee
Groomsman
Steven is one of the groom’s besties from Westie (Hills, that is). Steven and the groom met in high school, but really bonded during Ms. Landis’ summer Chemistry class and at various (unsanctioned) parties the groom threw at the groom’s parents’ house when they were away (sorry Mom and Dad!). After college, the groom, Steven, (and Saman) got an apartment in Santa Monica, where they proceeded to live out their glory days until their girlfriends (now wives) came on the scene. For those who don’t know, Steven is now a super talented ad executive, homeowner, husband to his wife, Daryn (We love you!), and dad to two precious boys (shout-out to Hudson and Camden!). The Lees generously host the bride and groom for brunch, lunch, dinner - you name it - at their epic home on a regular basis.
Saman Arjmand
Groomsman
Saman is another one of the groom’s besties from Westie (Hills, that is). The pair met in high school and remained close throughout their college years. Following college, the two (and Steven) enjoyed their late twenties (possibly a little too much) in their Santa Monica apartment. Saman is a humble and kind soul, an actual rocket scientist that works on top secret projects at Boeing, and a constant travel companion of the bride and groom. Over the years, he has become known amongst the friend group as the ultimate hobbyist, recently getting super into music production and photography. In fact, he was the talent that captured the bride and groom’s Christmas-themed engagement. Also, Saman proposed to his girlfriend (now fiancé), Kelsey, shortly after the groom proposed to the bride!
Shane Tortoloni
Groomsman
Shane is yet another one of the groom’s besties from Westie, errr, Woodland (Hills, that is) and so, of course, they also met in high school. Shane is, and has always been, a trailblazer. He was the first to move to Santa Monica, letting the groom spend way too many weekend nights on his couch. The rest of the crew soon followed him to the westside. In typical trailblazer fashion, Shane has never feared the non-traditional path. He is crazy intelligent, and has spent the last decade splitting his time working as an attorney (another Pepperdine Law alum!) and a big time screen writer. (You’ve probably seen some of his shows on Netflix!) Naturally, Shane is thoughtful, and not afraid to speak his mind. You can always count on Shane for scintillating conversation!
Yllana, Sloan & Emi
Flower Girls
Yllana and Sloan are the daughters of the groom’s cousins, Jennifer and Ryan Sabado. Yllana is eight years old and already wise beyond her years. She loves card games, board games, and anything strategy, and will probably beat you at most of them! Her sister Sloan is six years old and a total ham. She has a heart of gold and jokes for days, and loves her sweets. Much like the bride, she’d probably choose dessert for breakfast, lunch, and dinner if it was allowed! Emi is the daughter of the groom’s cousins, Mary “Mitzie” and Michael Strauss-Kahn. She is six years old, lives in Paris, France, and already speaks French and English perfectly. She’s both a fashionista (work it girl!) and world-class Lego architect.
CJ aka “The Ceej”
Ring Bearer
The Ceej is brought to you by the bride’s cousins: Christopher and Eloura Phelps. Equal parts athletic and smart, The Ceej is one rockin’ nephew. He has the most lovable personality and the best evil laugh! He and the groom were best buds straight away - playing all the sports in their backwards caps. The Ceej also has a precious, happy-go-lucky baby brother, John Clifton (JC), whose resume was lacking one critical skill - walking - which prevented him from landing the job of co-ring bearer, but we love him tremendously as well!