Oralia & Kirk
Wedding Party
Kirk Shepard
Groom
Kirk was born in Cleveland, Ohio and will eagerly tell you how amazing the city and people of Cleveland are. The groom is a lifelong Cleveland Browns fan and consequently has developed a good sense of humor. He loves being outdoors, spending time with friends and family, and traveling the world with his fiancée. Kirk finished up nine years of medical training in June of 2019 and is thrilled to be working as an allergist and immunologist in Chicago.
Oralia Rivera
Bride
Oralia was born in Cicero, Illinois and raised in Burr Ridge, Illinois. The bride is someone who tries to find the beauty in things. She loves to cook with her family, dance with her friends, and travel the world with her fiancé. Oralia has dreamed of her wedding since she was a little girl. She is completing her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology and specializes in Trauma. She regularly engages in self-care, so you can find her doing yoga, riding her bike, or drinking tea.
Devin Shepard
Best Man
Devin is the second oldest of the Shepard boys. Growing up, Devin and Kirk were best of pals and did everything together – from Nerf wars in the woods to reciting lines from Chris Farley movies. One of their favorite pastimes is complaining about the Cleveland Browns (there’s always next year.). Devin knows Kirk better than anyone and is someone Kirk can turn to for honest advice. Devin currently works as a psychotherapist in Northern Chicago.
Hannah Frank
Matron of Honor
Hannah and Oralia have known each other since grade school and consider themselves to be sisters. As kids they spent many summers by the pool, had endless sleepovers, and went to Broadway shows. They loved dreaming about their future husbands and families! Today, you can find them brunching and antique shopping around the town. Hannah is a working mother and always has the best advice for the bride-to-be. Oralia was Hannah’s MOH and now it’s her turn!
Alethea Appavu
Bridesmaid
Alethea and Oralia shared a couple of classes together in high school. Their friendship really began to flourish during college over their love of gooey chocolate chip desserts and everything Chicago. Today, you can find them downtown sharing a delicious charcuterie board and drinking a fine glass of wine. Alethea also lived in Florida and graciously hosted Oralia before she moved there. Alethea is a doctor in Chicago and has great health tips.
Pierce Shepard
Groomsman
Pierce is Kirk’s youngest brother. They share a similar sense of humor and can make each other laugh for hours. Pierce is currently a senior at Purdue University where he is president of his fraternity and affectionately known as "Big Iron." When Pierce is not at school and home on break, you can find Pierce and Kirk battling it out on the basketball court or sitting down for an intense board game. After college, Pierce is planning on entering a career in analytics.
Alyson Olson
Bridesmaid
Alyson and Oralia sat next to each other during a class in high school. Fast forward a couple of years and they were carpooling together to college at Loyola University in Chicago. One summer, they traveled to Hawaii together and swam with sharks, cliff jumped, and snorkeled! Today, you can find them discussing the best shows on TV and sharing stories about Alyson’s beautiful baby boy via FaceTime. Alyson lives in Arizona where she is a loan officer.
Ruben Rivera
Groomsman
Ruben is Oralia's older brother. He is always willing to lend an ear and offer sage advice. Ruben and Kirk have made great memories vacationing in Mexico, hitting up downtown Chicago, and, of course, orchestrating Kirk's surprise engagement proposal to Oralia. Most recently, Ruben has been renovating his home in Western Springs. He enjoys bike rides and plays in a hockey league. Ruben works at Mars in Chicago as an Information Security PMO Analyst.
Taylor Larson
Bridesmaid
Taylor and Oralia were the new girls in middle school during the 6th grade. Over the years they became good friends and shared their love of dance and country music. From school cheerleading and dance parties to country concerts and cycling on trails together. Today you can find them hosting a delicious pasta dinner and laughing nonstop at comedy shows. Taylor is a talented nurse and mother of two cats and the sweetest baby boy.
Raziel Rivera
Groomsman
Raziel is Oralia's younger brother. He is kindhearted and has a great sense of humor. Raziel and Kirk have made great memories vacationing in Mexico, rewriting game 5 Bulls vs. Cavs '89 on the backetball court, and, of course, orchestrating Kirk's surprise engagement proposal to Oralia. After graduating from UIC, he worked in India, Colombia, Panama, and Mexico. Most recently, Raziel moved back to Illinois and started working at Aspen Dental.
Jazzerelle Puno
Bridesmaid
Growing up, Jazzie and Oralia lived down the block from each other. They reconnected in college at Loyola University. Oralia spotted Jazzie on campus and reached out to her. They picked up right where they left off and have shared many memories over the years. They have played flag football, kickball, and ran a 5K for the Lincoln Park Zoo together. Today, you can find them at game night or singing karaoke. Jazzie is a creative graphic designer in the city.
Richard Cerullo
Groomsman
Rich is one of Kirk’s first and closest friends from high school in Connecticut. Rich and Kirk share fond memories of playing on the high school football team and celebrating victories with their friends until the early hours of the morning. One of Kirk's favorite adventures was road tripping across the U.S. with Rich during their college years. Rich now lives in New York with his beautiful wife Jessica and their gorgeous baby Maya.
Natalie Cain
Bridesmaid
Natalie and Oralia have known each other since middle school. They are passionate about traveling and living in the moment. Both speak Spanish, have lived in Florida, and love the ocean. There is never a dull moment between the two and they can make any dance floor fun. Today, you might find them sharing a delicious acai bowl or at a yoga class. Natalie currently lives in Los Angeles, California and is a medical doctor at UCLA.
Brianna Piano
Bridesmaid
Brianna and Oralia are childhood friends and trust each other with their lives, quite literally since they have based each other in cheerleading. They are most in their element when lounging at home, ordering take-out, and watching RomCom movies. They are always planning the next destination Girl's Night. Today, you can find them relaxing by the pool or biking to the beach. Brianna is a fabulous aesthetician in Sarasota and always shares her beauty tips.
Kiel Melkus
Groomsman
Kiel is one of Kirk’s closet friends and was his roommate during medical school. They’ve worked summer jobs cleaning up and preparing the anatomy lab cadavers, spent time at the country music bar perfecting their finger-pointing dance moves, and backpacked around Europe on a medical mission trip. More recently, they’ve hiked through Costa Rica and Canada. Kiel lives in Colorado with his beautiful wife Kelly, their new baby Jackson, and their dog Denny.
Rochelle Amiscaray
Bridesmaid
Rochelle and Oralia met at Loyola University. They instantly connected in a Psychology course during their senior year. Their friendship has blossomed into a sisterly bond that knows no limits. Many laughs and shenanigans have been shared from Costa Rica to Columbia. Today, you can find them planning their next international trip, taking a yoga class, or attending a local artisan craft festival. Rochelle is a social media manager in Chicago.
Ruben Rivera
Father of the Bride
Ruben is Oralia's father and hero. He is very charismatic and charming. Known in the family for his grilling skills, hilarious jokes, and impromptu singing. Ruben enjoys dancing in the kitchen with his "princesa" and checking her car's oil. Today, you can find them running outside or drinking piña coladas on the beach. Ruben is a medical doctor in Durango, Mexico and a teacher for Chicago Public Schools for over 20 years. He loves children and can't wait to be an Abuelito.
Lourdes Rivera
Mother of the Bride
Lourdes is Oralia's mother and best friend. She is a patient, compassionate, and loving mother of three. Lourdes enjoys shopping, getting manicures, and cooking with her only daughter. They also love eating gelato! Today, you can find them traveling to Mexico and planning for Kirk and Oralia's wedding. Lourdes is a medical doctor in Durango, Mexico and a teacher for Chicago Public Schools for over 20 years. She loves children and can't wait to be an Abuelita.
Kirk Shepard
Father of the Groom
Kirk, Sr. is Kirk's father and hero. He is a charismatic, wise, and loving father of four boys. He's also responsible for introducing Kirk to the Cleveland Browns and Kirk wouldn't have it any other way. Some of Kirk's best memories with his father involve fishing at the family cottage in Atwood Lake, Ohio. Kirk's father trained at the Unviersity of Chicago and is a hematologist/oncologist. Look for Kirk, Sr. unleashing his epic dance moves on the dance floor this summer.
Nadine Shepard
Mother of the Groom
Nadine is Kirk's mother and "shero." She is a strong, compassionate, and loving mother of four boys. Kirk's best memories with his mother include baking delicious cookies and the awesome birthday parties she planned. Before raising her boys, Nadine was an audiologist on staff at the University of Chicago. She's been a steadfast volunteer in her church and community. Lately, she’s enjoyed helping plan Oralia and Kirk’s wedding and can’t wait to celebrate.
Samuel Curtin
Ring Bearer
Samuel is Kirk’s cousin once removed and son of John (Kirk’s cousin) and Shannon. Samuel has an adventurous spirit and loves going on hikes with his big sister Amelia. Samuel also loves reading, painting masterpieces, and building the tallest skyscrapers. Lately, Samuel has been learning how to play the piano and will be taking requests soon. Oralia and Kirk look forward to hearing Samuel play in one of his upcoming piano recitals!
Amelia Curtin
Flower Girl
Amelia is Kirk’s cousin once removed and daughter of John (Kirk’s cousin) and Shannon. Amelia is charismatic and outgoing with a big smile that lights up the room. She’s a wonderful big sister to her brother Samuel. Amelia loves reading Harry Potter books and eating pancakes with Nutella. She also enjoys ballet and recently picked up playing the drums this year. Oralia and Kirk look forward to catching Amelia’s first big drum solo soon!
Bailey Hernandez
Ring Bearer
Bailey is the son of matron-of-honor, Hannah, and her husband Eric. Oralia first met Bailey the night he was born at the hospital. Bailey is a sweet boy who loves to play catch and watch Disney movies! He also enjoys being outdoors with his two dogs and going on shopping trips to Target with his mom. Currently, Bailey’s favorite stuffed animal is Mickey Mouse. He is anxiously awaiting the arrival of his baby brother.
Desmond Martello
Usher
Desmond is Kirk’s cousin and son of Desmond, Sr. (Kirk’s godfather) and Yvonne. Desmond is currently finishing up his junior year of high school as a high honors student. Two of his favorite courses are math and science. Outside of starring in the classroom he’s also a star on the basketball court. As a junior he was a pivotal piece of the 2019-2020 varsity basketball team. Oralia and Kirk will be cheering Desmond on as he looks to lead the varsity team as a senior this fall.
Henry Martello
Usher
Henry is Kirk’s cousin and son of Desmond, Sr. (Kirk’s godfather) and Yvonne. Henry's in eighth grade and will be starting high school this fall. He's one of the nicest people you’ll ever meet, but an absolute monster on the football field. Besides football he enjoys fishing, watching movies, and battling his brother Desmond for bragging rights on the basketball court. Oralia and Kirk are excited to watch Henry on the football field this year, and feel sorry for whoever tries to block him.
Samuel Scott
Reverend
Father Sam was the Shepards' pastor at St. Joseph's Church while they lived in Connecticut. During this time, the Shepards became close friends with Father Sam and have remained close ever since. Father Sam performs mass with charisma and intellect, connecting ancient scripture with modern day life. Oralia and Kirk are very grateful that Father Sam will be preparing them for the sacrament of marriage and ultimately marrying them on their wedding day.
Stephanie Cook
Wedding Planner
Stephanie and her assistant, Kate, have been by the bride and groom’s side since day one. Stephanie was highly recommended by several families in Lake Forest, Illinois for her professional and imperturbable demeanor. She is extremely knowledgeable about Chicago weddings and has great relationships with talented vendors. Stephanie is creative, always has a positive attitude, and continues to go above and beyond for Oralia and Kirk’s dream wedding.