Wedding Party
Kiersten Shew
Maid of Honor
Janelle and Kiersten met in Honors English their freshman year of high school and have been inseparable ever since. They were the kind of friends who always matched on Twin Day—and even when they didn’t plan to, they’d somehow show up in identical Juicy Couture fits. A true fitness enthusiast, Kiersten is up at 6 AM crushing workouts at Orangetheory or Barry’s. She’s a proud dog mom to a Cane Corso named Kekoa and works in luxury eyewear sales with Tom Ford. Total boss babe energy!
Alyssa Alcon
Bridesmaid
Alyssa and Janelle met in Honors Geometry in high school and almost got suspended for (boldly) sharing answers for an upcoming Honors Biology exam—right in front of the teacher! Alyssa is adventurous and loves exploring national parks. The two bond over hot girl walks and coffee dates, making every catch-up feel like a mini adventure.
Melissa Klaparda-Alcantara
Bridesmaid
Melissa and Janelle met while working together at the City of Santa Fe Springs as the main office duo for Parks & Rec—and they’ve been besties ever since. Melissa is an HR analyst expert who has worked with several city governments and agencies. She has a deep passion for the arts, especially film and all things Disney. Fun fact: both Melissa and Janelle are 2025 brides!
Brianna Lagunas
Bridesmaid
Bri and Janelle met in German class in high school—and yes, they actually completed AP German. As President of the German Club, Bri organized fun activities to help everyone connect and celebrate German culture. That’s Bri in a nutshell—she brings people together and celebrates friendship, especially at her iconic themed parties. A proud USC graduate, Bri now teaches Biology in NorCal. She’s a nature lover, EDM enthusiast, and an amazing cook!
Angelica Lopez
Bridesmaid
Angelica and Janelle met in German class back in high school—and her love for Germany stuck! She now lives in Munich and continues to embrace her passion for travel, fitness (shoutout to F45), and nature. When she’s back in town, you’ll likely find her and Janelle catching up at the beach or grabbing boba.
Samantha Ortega
Bridesmaid
Samantha and Janelle met during freshman year of high school and have been besties ever since! They started college together at CSUF before Sam followed her dream and headed to New York. Sam and Janelle share a love for pop culture, all things girly, and sushi dates. Sam is one of the most loyal and thoughtful people you’ll ever meet—and now she’s a proud new mommy to her beautiful baby girl, Sofia!
Janet Vasquez
Bridesmaid
Janet and Janelle met while working together at the City of Santa Fe Springs – Parks & Rec. At the time, both were taking nursing classes and supported each other while juggling work and school at SES. Janet is now a dedicated RN at PIH Health, a proud wifey, and a loving dog mom to her pup, Leo.
Joel Guizar
Best Man
Joel and Nico met in law school and instantly became besties—dubbed “Noel.” Joel’s sharp sense of humor guarantees laughs wherever he goes. A devoted fan of the Raiders, the Celtics (we know…), and all things lightning bolt, Joel balances his life as a software engineer with adventures across the Bay Area and around the world.
Shaya Braverman
Groomsman
Shaya and Nico met while living in Hollywood and have been festie besties ever since. They bonded over their shared love of travel, live music, and lavish dining experiences. Shaya is a real life LA real estate mogul and is now a proud husband and girl dad.
Juan Cueto
Groomsman
Before Janelle, there was a legendary roommate era—enter Cueto. Nico and Cueto met in law school and went on to be roommates for over eight years in Brentwood and Culver City. Cueto is all about sports, his friends and family, and his beloved USC. Ask him to have a drink with you. Fight on!
Kaleb Lane
Groomsman
Kaleb and Nico met in a college acting class and have been besties ever since. Their bond was cemented through a shared love of EDM—and surviving two back-to-back years at EDC Las Vegas. Kaleb is passionate about mentoring and shaping young minds, having previously taught middle school history. These days, he’s an athletic director, so chances are you’ll find him under the Friday night lights, cheering on his student-athletes.
Max Minea
Groomsman
Max and Nico’s paths crossed on Hollywood and Vine in the summer of 2015. A true Minnesota native, Max is one of the friendliest people you’ll ever meet. He’s a die-hard Vikings fan with an eclectic taste in music. When he’s not on his annual pilgrimage to California, you’ll likely find Max at a concert, watching a film you haven’t heard of yet, or relaxing at his family’s stunning lake house cabin. Skol!
David Pourshalimi
Groomsman
Need an attorney? Better Call David. The friend group’s resident legal eagle—and TikTok sensation—David met Nico in law school, and they’ve been cracking each other up ever since. Bonded by their love for music and bold humor, David always brings the energy. He’s also a proud soon-to-be newlywed. Let’s go!
Sammy Scherr
Groomsman
Sammy and Nico met in law school and brought the energy to every class and bar review. Known for starting the dance party wherever he goes—our reception will be no exception—Sammy reps Raider Nation with pride. He’s also the OG girl dad and husband.
Ben Tomastik
Groomsman
Ben (aka “Boom”) and Nico met through mutual friends, and Ben quickly became an honorary law student during Nico’s time in law school. While DJ Boom may be retired, you’ve almost certainly heard his Emmy Award-winning sound mixing work on TV ads—or even during the Super Bowl!