Laressa & Julian
Meet our Tribe
Jasmin Waisburd
Maid of Honor
The Cece to the Bride's inner Jess. The two met in 6th grade, when Jasmin very unapologetically confronted Laressa re her frequent crying sessions. Who knew a 6th grade bully would turn into the brides best-friend and longest relationship! (est. 2003). These two have that once in a lifetime kind of friendship - the drop everything, call in the middle of night, always there no matter what. ( We think the groom is a little jealous) Safe to say she isn’t going anywhere.
Gerson Lopez
Best Man
From military base bros to roommates to each other’s wingmen, this bromance runs deep. This is another one who is here to stay. #liveyourlifepapi
Marla Villalobos
Bridesmaid
“I didn’t like you when I first met you”… pretty much how every great love story begins. Marla & Laressa met when she crashed one of the bride's epic house parties. Dirty looks quickly shifted when they found out they were both Colombian. Since then, Marla has practically taken on the role of the fourth Villa sister.
Dexter Thomas-Payne
Groomsman
The Kindergarten Kings, Dexter & Julian have ruled the playgrounds and theater stages together. These two have been in each others lives longer than most aged wine.
Frances Chamorro
Bridesmaid
The un-stationary friend. The Christina Yang to Laressa’s Meredith Grey ( Not solely because she is half Asian, although it does play a significant role). We all need a "Frances", The friend who will get you home and tuck you in after a night of heavy drinking, then continue to party without you. These two met in Grad School, when she befriended Laressa during a much needed crying session in one of the clinic therapy rooms. They have been attached to the hip ever since. Crying seems to be an underlying theme with the bride. Hmm, Someone be sure to bring extra tissues to the ceremony!
Marc Anthony Martinez
Groomsman
Julian’s hype man and off the books therapist ( No, Really!) These two always seem to get into some sort of trouble, that is before Marc goes missing. Someone keep an eye on him at the wedding please!
Jessica Villa
Bridesmaid
1/4th of the Villa gang & the bride’s littlest & oldest sister. These two have a love-hate relationship, possibly due to Laressa taking most of Jessica’s belongings for much of their childhood. In the brides defense, who didn’t want to rock their older sister’s butterfly clips to 5th grade picture day? Duhh!
Greg Desffose
Groomsman
Love at SOI check-in. ( Military talk) These two where Mortar-men by day & Jake’s Beer Pong champs by night. Together, Julian and Greg the snowflake beat their first Sargent at setting up the gun. Greg was also held responsible for intoxicating the groom off Bourbon to the point of no return at his 30th birthday. (Let’s say the bride was not happy & they are both still apologizing for it) If this isn’t a match made in militia heaven we aren’t sure what is. #BourbonBoys
Tatiana Villa
Bridesmaid
1/4th of the Villa gang, let’s call her the brides second mom since she refused the duties of a Matron of Honor ( who does that?) Tatiana can be found reading a book, prescribing medication ( she’s a FNP relax! ) or telling people “ you better recognize”! She may look quiet but she’s a feisty one. #youbetterrecognize
Tony Pizarro
Groomsman
When Julian decided to pursue Laressa, he automatically inherited her circle of friends including Tony! He really had no choice since he and the Maid of Honor, Jasmin are a package deal. Now, although Tony was Laressa’s friend first Julian intercepted and reeled him over to the dark side, (thief much)! This bromance quickly flourished into private messages, double dates, man-dates & even photo-shoots! Yes! Those jaw dropping pictures on our website are courtesy of Tony. Who loves him more is still in question, but one thing for sure is, this kid has skills! #BokehandFlash
Khloe Villa
Junior Bridesmaid
The littlest bridesmaid, no seriously she is 4.5” and 10 years old. This nugget is one of the bride & grooms biggest blessings. Although she isn’t their child, she might as well be & she knows it. She sees it, she likes it, she wants it, Tia Lala & Julián got it! Sounds like a pretty lucky kid to us!
Nelio
Groomsman
Nelio is that one friend who, will one moment be with you at the bar, the house party or the Sunday morning brunch & the next moment he's not. Nelio has mastered the “Irish Exit”, so if you catch a glimpse of him at the wedding, Lucky you!
Christian Villa
Ring Security
They say big things come in small packages & Christian is a prime example. Standing at 3 feet 2 inches, Christian is small but mighty. Don’t be fooled by that smile. Come too close to the bride & groom and you might be on the receiving end of a kick to the shin. No one is getting past this sour patch kid on the big day.
Jimmy Elkhatib
Ring Security
Jimmy is another security agent who takes his job very seriously! Regardless of being paid in sour cream and onion chips ( and no 401k plan), Jimmy will be ready to face whatever comes his way. The bride has known this little guy since he was a mere one month old, so it’s only right that he would be one for the job.
Madeline Elkhatib
Flower Girl
Sugar and spice and everything nice, that's what little Madeline's are made of. Mani, as the bride likes to call her has known the bride since she was a tiny tot. The two enjoy Saturday bagels, crafts & bakeoffs. Not only will Madeline be walking down the aisle with flower petals but if you are lucky enough, you may catch some of her and her sister's infamous Tik-tok routines during the reception.
Vivian Elkhatib
Flower Girl
Vivian and Laressa have the ability to go from arch enemies to bestfriends for life at the drop of a dime (now that's true love.) Laressa has known Vivian since she was two years old & if we are being honest here, she is part of the reason Julian proposed. A little back story, Vivian and her sister Madeline recorded a video telling Julian all the great "qualities" Laressa possessed, including * I quote* "Quality eyebrows". There you have it folks, find a partner with quality eyebrows and according to Vivian, you are set for life!
Byron Andres Villa
Officiant
The bride's baby brother and the only male sibling in the female dominated Villa Household. Byron Andres (Andy-Pandy) is Smart, Funny, Handsome and Charming... sounds like the whole package. ( I mean he is a VILLA !) The Bride and Groom are honored to have him be the one to marry them. They are also aware, that he will likely hold this over them for the rest of their lives.