Maid of Honor
Daphne and I met in Catalina in 1991. Both only children with dads much older than most, we shared a special bond from the get go. Having had the opportunity to fly to Taiwan with Daphne at age 11, I am forever grateful for the desire to travel and explore unfamiliar cultures that was instilled in me. As adults, we have climbed to the top of Kilimanjaro, sat on the edge of the Isle of Man TT track, and explored the fjords of Iceland on my dad's final journey. With our friendship enduring 30+ years with many miles of distance between us at times, Daphne has been there for me for every milestone in my life and can’t imagine her missing this one. There was no question that Daphne would be my maid of honor. I am truly lucky to have her in my life, as my chosen sister and life long friend.
Best Man
Darin was there the day I was born 33 years ago. I can't remember a time Darin hasn't been there for me. We may live some distance away from one another, but that doesn't stop us from seeing one another. I always look forward to our times together. Darin has taught me many life skills over the years, including making me tougher. I attribute my work ethic and my ability to get the job done to him. I have always admired and looked up him. We enjoy many of the same hobbies. He is the only person I can sit and talk for hours on end with. He is not only my favorite cousin, but my favorite person, so there was no question he’d be my best man.
Bridesmaid
Elena and I met on the crew team our freshman year at UC Berkeley. On top of being a stellar athlete and an award winning student, Elena has been the most compassionate and caring of friends in the 16 plus years we've known one another. As Elena has pursued numerous academic and athletic endeavors, I've had the opportunity to visit her from Northern California to the East Coast, the Midwest, and abroad. Along the way, we've had a countless number of adventures together throughout the years, including numerous trips to Catalina, American river floating excursions, running half marathons, going to the Kentucky Derby, and traveling to Mexico and Ireland together. No matter where we in the world we are, we always look forward to our times together.
Groomsman
Joey and I met our 8th grade year in Garden Grove. We became closer in high school when we started surfing together. In our adult years, we have enjoyed building and making things together. We always enjoy a challenge while of course having a beer or two in hand. We both enjoy dogs, guns, and being American!
Bridesmaid
My dad met Madison's parents while sailing up to Alaska on his Robb 35 sailboat in 1986. This chance encounter led to making lifelong family friends with the Elliotts. Madison didn’t come into this world until I was 7 years old. Not even the large age gap between us nor being a country apart could keep Madison from becoming the little Canadian sister I never knew I wanted or needed ;) When Madison graduated from high school and could have chosen anywhere in the world to travel to, she chose to come visit me in Long Beach. This was her first solo trip and was the start of many more trips and adventures to follow in the years to come. Whether we meet in Canada, California, or somewhere in between, there is always laughter and good times to follow. I'm very happy to have her be by my side.
Groomsman
Jose and I met in 8th grade, but at first I was scared of him. Living in the same neighborhood; however, brought us together and we eventually became friends. We have had many adventures together over the years. Ever the jokester, Jose could really get under my skin. But with that being said after 15 minutes, we’d be closer than ever. Jose has always had my back and I’ve always had his as well. I was honored to be the officiant at Jose and his wife’s Leilani’s wedding and I’m honored to have him by my side for my mine.
Bridesmaid
Alissa and I met in 4th grade when her family first moved here from Texas. Throughout the years we have attended Campfire Girls, cotillion, tennis lessons, outrigger canoeing, and crew together. Even though we were “sisters” long before, I officially became part of Alissa's family when I was asked to be her son Jack's godmother. Honored to have stood by her side during her wedding day, I cannot imagine not having her there for my big day. I’m very happy and thankful she’s agreed to be my bridesmaid despite having her 2nd son’s due date being 2 weeks before we say I do!
Groomsman
Tommy and I met in high school. Our love of RC cars and the beach initially brought us together. We connected further over our love of classic cars. Tommy had a Ford Falcon and I had an old Z car. After high school, we moved in together. We had tons of fun biking, surfing, and just hanging out. When we lived together in Long Beach we spent many nights barbecuing and going to our favorite hangout The Pike.
Bridesmaid
Caroline and I originally met in sixth grade. We didn't become close friends until we joined Long Beach Junior Crew in 8th grade. We share many fond memories of crew trips, high school formals, doing homework together, and fighting over boys in our youth ;). Caroline has always treated me like family. In inviting me to events near and dear to her heart, she is single handedly responsible for exposing me to the art of theater. Every Christmas season I had the pleasure of being invited to the premiere of A Christmas Carol at South Coast Repertory where Caroline's father starred as Scrooge. Caroline has always been there for me, offering not only her sound advice, but her stellar organizational skills. I am forever grateful for her friendship and thankful for her presence on my wedding day.
Groomsman
Andres and I met in 8th grade. He used to make fun of the yellow helmet I wore when I rode my go-ped around. We became close friends after that and hung out everyday after school. We skateboarded, biked, and generally messed around. I also became close with his dad during this time. Both Andres and I had our first jobs working for his dad sanding and refinishing cabinets in his garage. We constantly joked around and never took anything too seriously. We were around for many of eachother's firsts in life and worked on many projects together, including furniture making and art projects. In fact, these endeavors led us both to our future careers. Andres continues to impress me with the work he does and I’m sure we will be lifelong friends.
Bridesmaid
I met Christi 8 years ago when she was hired as a petroleum engineer for Termo. I somehow convinced Christi to start training for a triathlon with me and we soon became close friends. We competed in numerous races together, including several sprint triathlons and a half Ironman in Oceanside. Besides putting ourselves through rigorous training and misery, we also enjoy taking lots and lots of pictures and doing crafty things together. Christi and I share a love for the outdoors and traveling. Basically we are the same person, except somehow I didn’t get the whole engineering part of the brain! I was honored to have stood by her side on her wedding day this past June and I am honored to have her by my side this December!
Groomsman
I met Javi the day a motorcyclist crashed into his garage. Javi was older than me and I looked up to him since day one. Javi was the first of our friend group to have a drivers license. He would pick me up from school and drive me and our buddies around. Javi was always into cars and he definitely inspired me to get into them as well. He has always helped me on projects. We have been to countless track events and go cart outings. He has been so generous to me over the years and I’m so appreciative for all he has done for me. We have always enjoyed hanging out, drinking a beer, and talking cars.
Bridesmaid
I met Tatiana about 8 years ago thru our mutual friend Brian Cruz. Tatiana shares my sense of wanderlust, adventure, planning, and DIY projects. Forever on the go and seeking out our next big adventure, we both still find time to take leisurely strolls, float at the bay, and explore new local restaurants together. Our bond has been strengthened further by our adventures in Tanzania, an epic road trip up the Oregon coast, and hundreds of miles of hiking throughout California in the last few years. Tatiana excels at everything she puts her mind to and is an inspiration to not only me, but all that have the pleasure of knowing her. I am honored that she has agreed to stand by my side on my wedding day!
Groomsman
I met Big Shaf when I lived in Long Beach in my twenties. At the time I was building custom motorcycles and Shafer happened to ride a chopper. We started hanging out in the alley. This led to skateboarding and eventually many memorable camping trips together. We’ve ridden dirt bikes thru the desert and have shared great adventures over the years. Shafer and I both love vintage cars and badass trucks. We always have a lot to talk about. Shafer is just overall a great guy.
Bridesmaid
I met Lindsie about 6 years ago thru our mutual friend Alissa. We became fast friends thru our love for hiking, camping, and adventure of all sorts! Lindsie is always down for trying something new and there are plenty of laughs to follow. She has definitely taught me over the years that even though it is important to plan for the future, it is equally as important to give oneself downtime. Lindsie has self appointed herself as godmother to my dog, Comet, and really there is no one I would trust more than her to care for him! Lindsie has been incredibly supportive and kind to me in the years we’ve known one another and there was no question I’d ask her to be by my side for my wedding day!
Groomsman
I met Steven in high school. Steven used to pick on me, making me tougher mentally and physically. At the end of the day, I knew he always had my back. We were neighbors for years and have enjoyed skateboarding, bicycling, and countless trips to the beach. We bonded further over being nerdy and our love of fireworks.
Flower Girl
Cali is Renae's niece. Her father Matthew Brimlow is Renae's stepbrother. Cali recently started Kindergarten in Nashville, Tennessee. Cali loves singing, dancing, and playing veterinarian with her grandma Janet. She loves the character Evie from the Disney show The Descendants. Her favorite song currently is Fancy. You can often find her rocking out to it. We are excited to have her included on our wedding day.
Ring Bearer
Joaquin is Renae's first born god child. Don’t let the ‘stache fool ya ;), he only just recently started Kindergarten in Wakefield, Kansas. He loves swimming, going to the zoo, and watching Pokemon. If you have any questions about dinosaurs, don't be afraid to ask him, he has a wealth of knowledge in this department. He has aspirations of becoming an astronaut, or maybe a cowboy, or even a police officer one day! Joaquin will be playing a very important role at our wedding as he will be acting as security, making sure our rings arrive safely down the aisle as our ring bearer. We are so very happy that Joaquin and his parents can join us in celebrating our wedding. We look forward to watching him grow and going on to do great things!
Flower Girl
River is also my niece and Cali's younger sister. She recently started preschool in Nashville and joined a local soccer league. She loves watching the show Bluey and playing pretend with her sister. Like Cali, her favorite song is Fancy and you can find her frequently dancing around the house to it. As you can see, she has the most beautiful blue eyes you ever laid eyes on. We are looking forward to seeing her bright eyes walk down the aisle before we say our I do’s.
Ring Bearer
Jack is the son of Alissa and Brett Schwabenland and is Renae's second born godson. She was lucky enough to be there the day he was born 2.5 years ago. Jack loves playing at the beach, watching Mickey Mouse Club House, and washing dishes (every woman's dream!). Jack is super quick and keeps all of us on our toes as he zips by.
Dog of Honor
Renae rescued Comet (and he stole her heart) in March of 2020. Comet enjoys going on long walks and playing tug of war with his soon to be older sister Bella.
Man’s Best Friend
Bella has been by Daniel’s side for the past 8 years. She is his trusted companion, coworker, and security guard. There was no question that we would include her in our ceremony.
Officiant
Logan is an extraordinary chef, a mediocre fisherman ;), and and excellent friend. Renae met Logan through the Young Professionals of the Petroleum Club 8 years ago. When they learned they then lived one block from one another they became fast friends and went on to work together as board members, putting on numerous political and social events for years to come. Daniel became well acquainted with him through many Catalina trips, boat projects, and dinner parties. Renae had already decided she wanted to ask Logan to wed her and Daniel, but decided to ask Daniel first who he pictured in that role. To her surprise, he replied, “How about Logan?” Recently ordained by the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster, we couldn’t be more thrilled that he has agreed to ask us our “I do’s.”