Wedding Party
Israel Martinez
Groom
Israel is a hard hitting, go look up the answer, nerd with a big head and big heart. If you ever wanted to question his loyalty just ask. However, he doesn't play games and is not someone that you would want to cross. Israel is very caring and would do anything for anyone even if it means for people to come stay over after working 24hrs in order to be ready for military weekends with the guys. Israel is dedicated to helping anyone in their time of need and not think twice of his own personal safety. Israel knew that Randi was special when she allowed him to steal gummy bears in class not knowing he was moderately allergic to coconut oil. Israel knew Randi was the one when she let him take care of Max and Emery (the pups) and also after talking her into allowing him to pick her up after missing connecting flights.
Randi Ellis
Bride
Randi is a get'er done type of person that likes to make plans and have them done the way she wants. She is ambitious, likes to stay active and loves her dogs. Highly mistaken for being a b*tch, but once people get to know her they discover a hidden gem. She has a heart of gold and would do anything for you, but don't cross her.... as she is able cut you out easily. Sometimes it takes awhile to get to know her, but once a true, trusting friendship happens you are stuck with her.... ask Israel (he wanted it though). Randi knew that Israel was a man she wanted to be with after he went out of his way to pick her up. Forever thankful that he took the time to break down walls and show his love over and over again.
Karen Veal
Maid of Honor
I met Karen in AIT in 2005, neither of us remembers how the friendship began. It was kind of just there, and has continued to grow for the past 18 years. One thing we love to do together is bake, whenever we get together that is usually what we are doing. Karen is always done for an adventure such as sky diving (her idea), snorkeling and hopefully shark diving someday. She has been with me through the good times, the rough times, the breakups and my happy ever after. Through deployments, living in different states, girls trips and much more they are each other’s person.
Ashley Drake
Bridesmaid
We met at Fort Huachuca back in 2012. We were in the same unit and naturally became friends. We had so much together going out on the town and having girls nights watching criminal minds. Together we killed it doing bake sales for the unit. We have pulled an all-nighter watching Twilight at the theater and then going to work the following day. We have had silly competitions such as how many grapes can you fit in your mouth and both have decided that Taco bell is just never going to happen again. Our friendship has had it's ups and downs, but through it all we are there for each other.
Krystal Winters
Bridesmaid
We met while I was a plus one to a Christmas party that Krystal and her husband Brandon was hosting. Upon meeting we kind of just clicked and realized that we had a lot in common and we have been good friends ever since. We both love the outdoors, Krystal introduced me to the Bisbee 1000 and paddle boarding which we do as much as possible. Krystal later helped me find the perfect house and in Feb. 2022, Krystal joined me on a crazy idea of running the Vegas Rock and Roll Half Marathon.
Jessie Thompson
Bridesmaid
As cousins, we have always been part of each other's lives. From summer trips to visit Erin, family reunions and going through high school together our love and friendship only grew. We roomed together in high school which was not without it's challenges, but we survived. I remember when Jessie was getting married, I wanted to be there, but was unable to attend due to deployment. I called her while she was getting ready and just knew that she was going to be a gorgeous bride (she was). We don't talk everyday, but when we do it's like talking to a sister I never had.
Mellie Ellis
Bridesmaid
When I first met Mellie I knew she was going to be part of the family, might have taken longer than I anticipated, but it happened. When my brother and her got married I was thrilled to have another girl in the family. I have gone to see Britney Spears, Sea World, and Disney with her. Mellie has been someone I talk to about relationships, workouts/diets, up/downs of life and just about anything else that comes up. I see how she is with my niece and nephew, and I know that they have a great mom who loves them. My brother is a lucky guy when Mellie agreed to join the family.
Shanna Epperson
Bridesmaid
I met Shanna when I moved back to AZ in 2019, I was renting a house right next door to her. She was the first new person I met upon moving back. I remember she brought cookies over and we talked for a bit. After that her and her husband Mike came over to help me with my fireplace and we found out that we had a lot in common. We started working out together and during the summer we would exchange vegetables from her garden into zucchini bread, have pool parties at my house and dance parties are hers. Since I've moved (like a mile away) we still get together for dinners, workouts and fun times.
Lisa Scalfani
Bridesmaid
I met Lisa during sophomore year of high school. She was the quiet one down the hall with a heart of gold. Being in many of the same classes and living in the dorms we learned a lot about each other. We both have a fondness for 'The little mermaid', participating in Aero's and laughing as much as possible. After high school we roomed together in college before I transferred out, but that didn't stop our friendship from growing over the years. It doesn't matter where life has taken us, we have always been able to pick up from where we left off.
Mei Li Ellis
Junior Bridesmaid
This young lady made me an aunt for the first time. I was so excited when she was born and she was such a cute baby. It is hard to believe that she is now a beautiful young lady. When we would get together for Holiday's she would ask me to curl her hair or read books. Now she is spreading her wings and growing up (way to fast).
Sam Martinez
Best Man
It all began May 8, 1984 the day Israel was born. Ever since that day Sam realized that Israel (big head) would create problems for the future. Sam not only helped take care of Israel, but also Misael when they were younger. Sam helped Israel correct any mischief that he had gotten himself into prior to their parents returning from work. Israel got away with roughly 25% of it no fault on Sam. As time has gone on Israel has switched roles with same. Israel has been trying to help Sam as much as he helped him. Sam is the better dancer though still.
Dan Coffman
Groomsman
Israel and Dan met in 2017, during a military class. Dan helped Israel become an instructor at Fort Huachuca. Dan was his coach/mentor during his first time instructing. A friendship flourished from there with hanging out socially, working on vehicles and spending time with families. Dan and Randi are in the same Reserve unit and now work together as instructors. Dan has helped make Randi a better instructor through guidance and friendship. Randi and Dan have developed a friendship outside of work through shared drill frustrations and talking crap about football. He has been so supportive of Israel and Randi and we are forever thankful that we have him as a friend.
Randy Skinner
Groomsman
What can I say about Randy Watson....... the man, the myth, the legend. Israel met Randy in 2016, during his first battle assembly coming off of active duty into the reserves. Randy asked him who he was and he was not in the correct uniform, he replied "I'm Israel" to which Randy replied "Oh, Iz, Luke's boy". Ever since then Randy has helped Israel become a member of the section in their reserve unit. Whenever Iz had a question, Randy has always been helpful finding the answer, i.e. making a funny meme/joke and getting a book thrown at him. Currently Iz helps Randy with getting teaching opportunities, coaching and badging hours and shooting at Randy's property. Just recently Iz went from AZ to NC to be Randy's hype man during a strong man competition, where he got second place within his class.
Oliver Petreuzel
Groomsman
Israel first met Oliver in 2016, at Fort Bragg NC. At first the relationship was professional as they were both going for the same position. After getting to know each other, Israel and Oliver began to work more closely within the section to improve moral for instructors. The relationship evolved into a friendship by Oliver teaching Israel about computers and Israel providing new bike trails to try. Currently when Oliver is having conflicting work/family schedules Israel helps instruct for him in AZ, since he knows that Israel will teach in much the same way.
Quentin Holder
Groomsman
Israel first met Quentin in late 2020 after completing Advanced Leadership Course at Ft Huachuca Az. After completing the course, Quentin helped Israel get climatized of expectations on working at Walker Hall as an Instructor. Whenever Israel needed help with paperwork or getting ready for evaluation, Quentin took personal time to make sure Israel was ready. Currently Israel helps Quentin with Instructor enrollment with accreditation and evaluation for courses taught at Walker Hall. Quentin, Israel and other work colleagues enjoy fine dining, working on cars/cleaning and playing games such as cornhole and bowling.
Luis Esparza
Groomsman
What else to say about Luis G. Esparza other than whenever you need someone to keep you motivated during drill or all aspects of life, then Luis is your man. Israel met Luis in 2016, during his first battle assembly coming off active duty into the reserves. Luis with his amazing personality helped Israel feel like a member of the group by speaking in Spanish and acting as a guide/mentor. Luis kept Israel's morale high with getting ready for the Annual Training together in Arizona explaining expectations, normal duty day and interaction with students. Currently Israel helps Luis with getting teaching opportunities, coaching and badging hours and looking for amazing food challenges.
David Ellis
Groomsman
David is my (Randi) big brother and is one of the best guys that I know. When we lived in the U.P. of Michigan we would ride bikes throughout town, play Sega downstairs and build snow forts in the winter (and now we both live outside of any snowfall). David set the tone for my high school career, everyone that knew us both called me lil Ellis. After Dave moved to Florida I knew he wasn't moving back North again. He found his person (Mellie) in Florida and has given me the great opportunity of being an Aunt to Mei Li and Jack. I am thrilled that he is supporting Iz and I as we start a life together.
Jack Ellis
Junior Groomsman
Jack made me an Aunt for the second time, which I was very excited about. He loves the Detroit Lions as much as I do and I am sure that he will give the incoming Cowboy fan a lot of well deserved grief. Jack is a smart talented kid who loves being active and playing sports primarily football and basketball. We are looking forward to seeing Jack continue to grow and develop all of his skills.
Levi Ellis
Usher/Groomsman
Levi is the second "middle" child of Ellis family. Randi was 14 years old when Levi was born and was very excited to be a big sister. As Levi grew up, he and Randi butted heads. However, there was always love between them. The first time Levi met Israel they connected over the military, working out and food. Watching Levi make the basketball team, gymnastics team, become a police cadet and go through basic training means more than he will ever know. We are looking forward to seeing what is next on the horizon for Levi and are so proud of what he has accomplished thus far.
Luke Ellis
Usher/Groomsman
Luke is the baby of the Ellis family. As Randi was 17 when Luke was born, there were times when it had to be noted that she indeed not his mother but rather his older, wiser sister. As Luke grew up there were times when Randi had to put him in his place aka the infamous headlock that made Luke cry and Randi getting in trouble. That wouldn't happen today as Luke has surpassed Randi in size and strength, but she had to get it in when she could. During the pandemic Luke came and stayed with Randi for just over six weeks and for his birthday he got to choose between sky diving or a helicopter ride, he picked the helicopter ride, little does he know that more adventures await lol. It has been a pleasure watching Luke grow into the man that he has become and we couldn't be more proud of him.