Irene & John
Wedding Party
James Royals
Best Man
Born Five years ahead of the groom, James has spent his days passing down the knowledge and wisdom of what it means to be an older brother, a playmate and a man to John. From summer mornings sitting outside the local pool "going to swim practice" to ordering Dominoes and playing the LOTR Return of the King video game, to Army/Navy games in the dead of winter, to sharing a few "Cold Ones" and to now chatting about how either one is preparing their BBQ meat of choice for dinner that night. James has been a constant companion and an example of leadership to John throughout the years. There is no one better in the wild west to ride along with for adventures.
Priscila Rosa
Maid of Honor
Priscila, aka "Prissy LaLa" is the youngest of Irene's siblings, but has more personality than the elder three combined. She is witty and brutally honest, has wonderful style, highly motivated and disciplined. Irene has loved seeing her grow up to become such a strong and beautiful woman, and see her blossom in her love of dance. Irene wouldn't want anyone else standing next to her as her Maid of Honor.
Thomas Royals
Groomsman
Tom is the second oldest brother of the groom and has been another constant example of leadership to John throughout the years. Whether seeing him play soccer at The Heights School his senior year and leading the field or helping to lead his fellow plebes scale Herndon at the end of Plebe Summer. Despite showing John how to be a man of action and a leader through action, Tom also showed how to be a man who could lead through gentleness and service. Whether that was gently assisting our sisters or his daughters with a difficult task or giving advice to John, who wouldn't be half the gentleman he is today if it were not for his brother Tom. There is no better man to ask for advice or who can help clear a front walk of snow better than Tom.
Abigail Rosa
Bridesmaid
"Abby" Rosa is the Bride's closest cousin, having grown up together, they were nearly sisters. After a brief time apart in highschool/college, they reconnected in their love for Texas Red Dirt, two stepping, and traveling, specifically to breweries and small Texan towns. Abigail Rosa is quite the Texas Connoisseur, constantly keeping the Bride grounded in her Texas roots. God bless Texas and Abigail!
Charles Acevedo
Groomsman
Only a few months behind the groom, Charles has been a close cousin and thick as thieves in any activity these two would get up to. Many family events had been spent together playing card, games or creating scenarios both would enjoy. Charles has been an great example of friendship and loyalty. John is slowly making his way to curating his own Suit of armor to join Charles in renaissance festivals. Look no further for someone to have a great and fun time with.
Sydney Dunavin
Bridesmaid
Sydney "Syd" Dunavin, A best friend to the Bride, once shared in their love for America until Sydney spent a year in Australia and came back an Aussie! Preceding Australia, they had traveled across the US 3 times saving babies lives, were roommates, traveling to the beach overnight on multiple occasions to watch the sunrise, obsessing over "The Greatest Showman," the bride crashing family holidays (Thanksgiving, Christmas) and spending many a night in El Paso Restaurant. Life doesn't get much better than that.
John Shifter
Groomsman
Joooooohn Shifter. Another close cousin and a great dancer. John and John have grown closer over the past several years and John has been a great example to John of what it means "to be there for family" Family First is one of the mottos of John and that is a quality that John has learned greatly from. John has learned from the many acts of service John has performed for his family over the years. Need someone to smoke ribs for 19plus hours? John is your man.
Eddie Haddad
Bridesmaid
Eddie Paul Haddad and the Bride met in 2015 and walked across the US together. Many tears were shed, and laughs were had over iced bottled cokes and cigarettes, lets not forget that time they were almost hit by a car... yikes. The bride is overjoyed to have Eddie, a legacy, stand as a bridesmaid.
Charles "Chuck" Fochi
Groomsman
One of the closest friends of groom, Chuck was the brief roommate of John in college. Their brains were so in sync that at one moment in time they had advanced in language so greatly that they were able to communicate with perfect understanding through grunting alone. If you need an ab workout just hang out with Chuck, you will end up crying from laughter.
Elizabeth Correa
Bridesmaid
Elizabeth but goes by "Liz" (sometimes) is a dear friend from college. She and the Bride's friendship began at a SEEK FOCUS Conference, staying up until 4am exploring the Gaylord Opryland. They survived Camp Counseling summer of 2016, and have experienced their reversion alongside one another. Elizabeth is definitely the voice of reason in that group of friends, but does take calculated risks. Her devotion to her family is quite admirable, as is her loyalty to her friends. The Bride is grateful to have Liz be part of the bridal party.
Chris Meehan
Groomsman
A fellow heights classmate Chris and John reconnected after college for happy hour shortly after new years and went six months straight making a happy hours at least once a week with the typical HH crew. Over the years and many a sniper Chris has become one of Johns closest friends. Come find us during the festivities, we will be singing old Heights songs and a few Barbershop tags.
Gracie Cabrey
Bridesmaid
DUVALLL. Yea, the bride doesn't get it, but Gracie will explain if you ask. Gracie and the Bride met when Sydney called us both to drive an RV cross country (it became a tradition, until it wasn't). All the Bride sees when she see's Miss Cabrey's name is her belting out "Courtesy of the Red, White, and Blue" on our first trip CC. And that's all you really need to know. Gracie loves America, as we all should.
Taylor Schlagenhauf
Groomsman
A fast and close friend of the groom, Taylor is cut from the same goofiness and humor as John. They have spent many an hour punning off one another much to the delight of others in the room. Taylor has also crafted a few items with John, of which John is deeply sorry that he didn't wait to get the right stain for the bar. Looking to watch hockey, have a good time or for a great friend look no further than Taylor.
Meghan Mueller
Bridesmaid
Meghan Mueller now a Bad A nurse, met the Bride when she was a FOCUS missionary at UT Tyler. She invited the Bride to a retreat in Austin 3 weeks after they met. The Bride, having experienced such a pivotal moment on this retreat, and receiving Meghan's mentorship/friendship (don't get me wrong, it took two years), is grateful to know Meghan and have been challenged by her throughout her reversion. All the Bride has to say is cookies, bible study and bear handing ;)
David Kiernan
Groomsman
A close friend from college, David and John have been rooming together throughout Northern Virginia for the past few years. David has been a great companion sharing many happy moments and struggling through many tough moments throughout the years. David is a wonder to behold in the kitchen, cutting through meats and vegetables like a professional chef, a professional chef who famously once said "It's not dinner until there is at least five different cheeses in it" David's loyal and strong friendship throughout the years has been a great influence on John. Strength and Honor.
Katie Radcliff
Bridesmaid
Katie and the Bride became friends through their love of dancing (Texas Two Step), and became better friends through their discussion of Faith and God and relationships. The Bride admires, Katie's strength, courage, and trust in God's will for her, and is grateful to have a friendship with her that can pick up wherever they leave off. Also don't let that sweet smile fool you, Katie can literally kick your hiney. #Krav
Stephen Kubanda
Groomsman
A college roommate, a college friend, a coworker, a rugby teammate a one of the closest friends John has ever had. Stephen and John have been through it all. One of the deciding moments where John and Stephen were to be lifelong friends was the first day of school of our sophomore year of college. In the dorm room with Chuck, Stephen and John we all decided to do crunches. Needless to say the ab workout was not from crunches but from the laughter that we all shared for about a half hour. Look no further for someone to have a good time with.
Rachael Dickson
Bridesmaid
Last, but definitely not least, Rachael Dickson #KWEEN: Composed, steadfast, ambitious, God fearing, faithful. A friendship the bride hadn't initially anticipated upon first meeting, but is most grateful she has. Rachael is the definition of soul sister. The Bride thanks you for being someone she can look up to. The bride also learned, that if you hit someone (even playfully) be ready to be roundhouse kicked in the gut..
Stephen Lombardo
Groomsman
Stephen is one of John's closest friends. first meeting in college they shared a brief friendship as Stephen being the old man that he is, was a few years above John. However that initial friendship was strong enough to last the few years it took for Stephen and John to reconnect. Stephen has been a good example of someone who is always willing to help out or say a prayer for a specific intention if needed. John has learned that despite how much time passes a close friendship will never suffer, no mater the peaks and valleys.