Robert & Michelle
Wedding Party
Kaelyn Burlic
Maid of Honor
Michelle and Kaelyn met 8-years ago at a women's networking group in West Hollywood, California. They became instant friends with their Midwestern roots, long blonde hair, and free-spirited outlook to Los Angeles & life. Michelle is blessed to be called God Mother to Kaelyn and her husband Tommy Burlic's son Luka David Burlic (Ring bearer).
Diana Popick
Bridesmaid
Diana and Michelle met through their mutual friend Kaelyn Burlic (Maid-of-Honor) over 7-years ago. Diana is a beautiful actress & social media influencer in Hollywood, California. Michelle admires Diana's strength, humor, and confidence, and feels lucky to have her by her side on her big day and every day.
Dara Merino
Bridesmaid
Dara is Michelle's gorgeous sister-in-law. She is married to Michelle's older brother Matthew Reid Merino (Groomsman) since 2014 and lives in Michelle's hometown of Springfield, Illinois. Dara is a very talented drummer, caring Kindergarten teacher, and loving mother to Remington Jean Merino (Flowergirl).
Cristine Neff
Bridesmaid
Cristine and Michelle have known each other since they were babies and lived across the street from each other in Springfield, Illinois. Cristine is a fabulous mother to 1 daughter and 2 stepsons and married to her husband David Neff. Even though Michelle & Cristine don't see each other that often their friendship is as strong as the first day they met.
Nikki Nation
Bridesmaid
Nikki and Michelle have been friends since Middle school where they enjoyed Cheerleading and going to see live music. Nikki now lives in Denver, Colorado with her boyfriend Chris Miele, and is a successful jewelry designer and business owner. Michelle loves Nikki's smile, sense of humor, and dance moves, and visits Nikki every year for Phish concerts.
Kristin Villalpando
Bridesmaid
Kristin is Michelle's cousin by her mother's sister Kimberly Villalpando. They share many family memories growing up in Illinois, enjoying holidays & time that was spent with their Nana & Papa. Kristin lives in Prescott, Arizona with her fiance Kyler Weaver, and is a new mother to Harper Nicole Weaver, who is Michelle's Goddaughter.
Matthew Manson
Best Man
After moving to San Francisco after he was termed out as the major of Chico, Ca. Matt took up sales and marketing of alcoholic beverages (good guy to know). His lively and kind nature announces itself wherever he is and the groom considers himself lucky to have him as a brother and a friend.
Damian Hites
Groomsman
Robert met Damian when he was chosen to fill in for another interviewer at a startup company in the Bay Area. Since then they've worked at various startups together, Damian playing the Bono to Robert's The Edge. After working together on two different coasts together Robert and Damian went off to work at rival startups in the on-demand storage business, where Robert ultimately triumphed, ending all discussion. Damian lives in Denver with his wife Liz and three beautiful children.
Andrew Seigner
Groomsman
Having bonded at a dive bar in San Francisco called Boomerang (the 'Rang) one night after work, Robert and Andrew became good friends sharing their passions of travel, music and dining. 2020 will be the first year they have not made their annual pilgrimage to Barcelona, however their relationship remains strong. Andrew is joined by his longtime partner Connie, a fellow globetrotter and mother to the instagram celebrity/good dog, Pancakes.
Jordy Cohen
Groomsman
Robert met Jordy over a friendly match of Bust-a-Move (PS1) in High School and it was quickly decided that it should be the last time. However, many games have transpired since and Jordy and Robert became good friends at UC Santa Cruz, where they both attended. As a talented lawyer, Jordy helped set up the non-profit organization for the San Francisco Barcelona Supports Club (Penya). He is a talented DJ with an encyclopedic knowledge of music (amongst other subjects). Lastly he is an excellent surfer who will paddle for any wave.
Matthew Merino
Groomsman
Older brother of Michelle, Matthew lives in Springfield, Illinois, hometown of the bride. Matthew is married to the Dara and together share a beautiful child Remy.
Luka Burlic
Ring Bearer
Luka is the sweetest little boy you'll ever meet. He loves to play soccer (he gets that from his father Tommy Burlic who played professional soccer all over the world) and gets the biggest kick when he squirts you with a garden hose. Luka celebrated his 1-year birthday on June 15th where Michelle & Robert got him his first car (a red Ferrari of course). Luka is also Michelle's Godson.
Steven Merino
Groomsman
Steven just started his career as an Information Systems Specialist in Scottsdale, Arizona. As Michelle's younger brother he enjoys everything computer related, going to the gym and hanging out with friends.
Remington Merino
Flower Girl
Remi is going to be the cutest Flower Girl Michelle and Robert could ask for! Remi is the only child of Michelle's older brother Matthew Reid Merino and wife Dara Jean Merino (Bridesmaids). She is an advanced kindergarten student and loves to sing and play music like her Mother Dara, who is a very talented drummer and singer.