Maxwell & Rayanna
Wedding Party
Rayanna Smith
Bride
Rayanna grew up in Spokane, Washington. She studied Special Education at Gonzaga University, where she met Max. She then moved to Los Angeles for graduate school in 2020. Rayanna loves traveling, hiking, and photography. She is now an elementary Special Education Teacher in Long Beach, California, where she lives with Max their cat Murphy.
Max Torres
Groom
Max is from San Jose, California. He majored in Broadcast Studies and Spanish at Gonzaga, where he met Rayanna. He then got a graduate degree in Journalism at Oregon. He's an avid sports fan that also enjoys reading, the outdoors, and traveling. He is a Sports Reporter and Podcaster that covers Oregon Ducks Football and recruiting for On3. He lives with Rayanna and their cat Murphy in Long Beach.
Jessa Smith
Maid of Honor
Jessa is Rayanna’s sister and best friend. She has been a constant support through every chapter of her life. She inspires her sister and others with her strength, grace, and never ending kindness. The number of shared memories continues to grow every year as they encounter more life alongside one another. The bride’s sister is selfless, kind-spirited, and joyful. Jessa is a talented hairstylist based in Roseville, CA.
Michael O’Brien
Best Man
Max and Michael met while playing T-ball growing up in San Jose and have known each other for over 20 years. Michael lives with his wife Tatiana and their two cats in Portland and works for On3 Running. He's an unapologetic Cal Bears, Raiders and A's fan.
Reese Ortega
Bridesmaid
Reese met Rayanna as a roommate in grad school. The two quickly became close friends. They lived together for four years in California. Rayanna shares many memories with Reese that include traveling, hiking, and a countless amount of yoga flows. Reese is a joyful and loyal friend who will always show up. She is a teacher in Prague, Czech.
Natalie VanConas
Bridesmaid
Natalie met Rayanna in grad school. The two were roommates and currently live up the street from each other. The two girls have many memories from road-trips to spending lazy days in Long Beach. Natalie wears her heart on her sleeve and is a steadfast friend. She brings joy into the room. Natalie is a high school teacher and cycle instructor.
LaShantay Walls
Bridesmaid
The girls met through the Act Six Scholarship program while attending Gonzaga. From birthday visits, and summer trips, their friendship has carried them across long distances, creating meaningful and fun experiences. Rayanna is deeply grateful for their lasting friendship. She is a loving and dependable friend. LaShantay works in Cancer Research and lives in Chicago.
Emily VandenBrink
Bridesmaid
Emily and Rayanna were roommates for four years at Gonzaga, and remain close friends today. Though life has taken them far from one another, their commitment to their friendship has never wavered. Emily is a dedicated friend, no matter the distance or circumstance. Emily is very giving, empathetic, and supportive. She works in tech and lives in South Florida.
Jose Murillo
Groomsman
Max and Jose met in 2020 through Rayanna and Reese's friendship in grad school. Jose and Max have gone on many trips together including Thailand and camping trips like Banff and Glacier National Park. Jose is an avid reader, runner, and movie fanatic. He's currently in grad school studying public policy in Prague.
Dorian Nguyen
Groomsman
Max and Dorian met on the Bellarmine swim team in high school. They were also managers for the Bellarmine football team for two seasons, traveling with the team throughout the Bay Area. Following high school they were freshman year roommates at Gonzaga. Dorian lives in San Jose and works in HR.
Nolan Del Valle
Groomsman
Max and Nolan met while visiting Rayanna in Southern California. Nolan was Max's first roommate in Long Beach. While living together they would go to run club, watch Netflix's "Drive to Survive" Formula 1 show and talk all the latest moves around the MLB. Nolan is a high school counselor in Portland.
