Wedding Party
George Merlos
Officiant
Growing up, my younger brother George was my anchor. It always felt like it was the two of us against the world, and there was so much comfort in knowing I had him by my side. Whether we were in new places or unfamiliar situations, his presence gave me a sense of security that I carried with me through every stage of life. And as I got older, that feeling never changed, he continued to be my safe place, my constant source of reassurance. I remember getting my first flat tire in the middle of the night, and without hesitation, I knew exactly who to call. It didn’t matter the time or what he had going on the next day, he showed up, just like I knew he would. That’s who George is. He doesn’t just show up when it’s convenient; he shows up when it matters. Throughout my life, he has been there not only in the moments I needed him most, but also in the moments worth celebrating. He’s supported me, encouraged me, and stood beside me through it all. The bond we share is hard to put into words, it’s built on trust, loyalty, and a love that has never faltered. Having him officiate our wedding is more than just an honor, it’s a reflection of the role he’s always played in my life. There is no one I trust more to stand with us as we begin this next chapter, and it means everything to have him be such an important part of this moment.
Stephen Glowacz
Father of the Bride
Stephen became my dad when I was nine, and every day since, he has shown me what a father truly is; steady, loving, and endlessly supportive through every chapter of my life. He taught me what unconditional love looks like, not just in words, but in how he shows up day after day without hesitation. His support has never wavered, and from the very beginning, he chose me fully, showing me that family is built by love, not just blood. Some of my favorite memories are the simplest ones, Saturday mornings spent getting donuts and wandering through Kmart, or laughing while watching Martha Stewart videos about DIY home decor and perfectly made beds, even though we never followed her advice. It was never about what we were doing, just that we were together. During my hockey years, he was my biggest supporter, signing me up without hesitation and showing up in every way that mattered. And even though he’s never claimed a football team of his own, he’s always been right there cheering on the Dallas Cowboys, celebrating every rare win simply because it mattered to me. As I grew up, I realized the love he gave our family was the kind of love I wanted in my own life. I wanted a husband who loves his family the way he does, with loyalty, selflessness, and a full heart. And in finding that kind of love, I know it’s because he first showed me what it looks like. His love is constant, his support unwavering, and his presence in my life is one of my greatest blessings.
Yuni Hernandez
Matron of Honor
Yuni is my sister-in-law and my go-to for wedding advice, the one who listens to every wild idea without judgment. When she married my brother, I didn’t just gain family, I gained a true sister. In her, I have a sister that enjoys murder shows and serial-killer docs as much as I do. More importantly she’s given me the greatest gift (my niece). What I admire most about Yuni is how steady, thoughtful, and selfless she is. She’s the kind of person who always goes the extra mile without ever looking for recognition. She remembers the little things that matter to people and shows up quietly, fully, and wholeheartedly for the ones she loves. Watching her blossom into a patient, sensitive, and deeply adoring mother has been incredible. Before Meredith, Yuni was different, she has always been caring and loving, but becoming a mother transformed her in the most beautiful way. While she still appreciates a good outfit and her love for fashion will always be part of her, her priorities shifted completely once Meredith came into her life. She became the kind of mother who lives for her child, willingly making sacrifices big and small, even if it means giving up the name-brand jeans and fancy shoes she once loved. Everything she does now comes from a place of love for her daughter, and it’s been beautiful to witness. I’m so grateful to have Yuni by my side not only on my wedding day, but in life.
Liz Glowacz
Maid of Honor
Liz is my younger sister, by 14 years. Somehow, despite the years between us, we’ve always met exactly where we needed each other. She’s the only one who will binge audiobooks with me for hours and happily wander Target, just to end up sitting in the patio section talking, laughing, or quietly reading side by side. She’s my steady counsel and my soft landing, the one I call when I need to be talked off the ledge and reminded of who I am. She’s also the one I call when I’m bored, when I need someone to make me laugh, or even when I just want quiet company while doing the most ordinary, adult things. We’ve spent countless FaceTimes saying absolutely nothing, yet somehow saying everything at the same time. Even though we aren’t close in age, we are close in every way that truly matters. She’s the person I trust with my most embarrassing moments, knowing she’ll laugh with me, never at me. When I’m overwhelmed or stressed, she doesn’t just listen, she feels it with me, as if she’s walking through it right by my side. Having her stand beside me today as my maid of honor is a beautiful reminder of her constant love and support. As I step into this new chapter, it means everything to have her by my side, not just as my sister, but as someone who has always uplifted me, believed in me, and continues to walk with me through every moment.
Paris Supry
Bridesmaid
Paris is my ride-or-die and the sister I chose; she’s seen every side of me, the messy and the beautiful, stood with me through the lowest lows, and celebrates every step up. When we didn’t have a car, she bought an e-bike and we rode all over town—because with Paris, “no” or “I can’t” isn’t an option. I was honored to stand next to her on her wedding day, and now she’s here for me. She's my late-night call, truth-teller, biggest laugh, and the one who shows up with snacks and tough love. It’s hard to fully put into words how special she is to me. There’s a comfort in her presence that can’t be replaced, a reassurance that I’ll never face anything alone. Having her stand beside me today isn’t just meaningful, it’s grounding, it’s emotional, and it’s everything I could have hoped for. I truly can’t imagine this moment without her.
Brett Yennie
Best Man
I first met Brett in my senior year English class. We weren’t “friends” at the time, but we were cool with one another, and our class had a lot of personality, which made it fun. It wasn’t until after we graduated that we became friends through mutual connections. We moved out of our parents’ homes and got a place together at 19, along with another friend, and that’s where our real 25-year journey began. As the years went by, there were countless stories we could share, endless laughter and memories. We went to college together, where the most exciting thing was playing ping pong against each other between classes. We’ve been through the good, the bad, and the ugly in our younger years to the extent that even our parents didn’t think it was a good idea for us to hang out. Despite what they said, they could not break our bond. As the years went by, we came to see each other’s families as our own. We have held each other accountable and can talk to each other like brothers, with the trust we’ve built over time. There is no person I would want by my side on this special day other than not only my best friend, but my best man, Brett.
Robert McDowell
Groomsman
Robert has been a father figure in my life for the last 36 years. Words can’t describe what this man has taught me throughout the years. He has ingrained a strong work ethic in me, taught me what it means to be a man, and at the same time shown my brother and me so much love. When we were kids, he was our soccer coach, and when we weren’t playing soccer, he would be out in the middle of the street playing hockey with us. No matter what my brother and I needed, he would do whatever it took to make it happen, while also holding us accountable for the things we got, because everything was earned, not given. Now don’t get me wrong, I pushed this man to the limit at times. Being a teenager with an attitude, I found out the hard way: don’t piss this man off, because to this day he is still the scariest human being when pushed to the edge, lol. But one thing is certain, you never mess with this man’s family, because he will do anything to protect us. One of the greatest joys he has given us is my little sister, Ashley, who I absolutely adore. She and I have always shared a special relationship growing up. Robert has not only been a father to me, but also one of my best friends over the years. I always look forward to our time together, whether it’s playing basketball in the pool, playing backgammon, or just hanging out watching our favorite football team, the Los Angeles Chargers, play. It is an absolute pleasure to have this man by my side on this special day.
Matt Townsen
Groomsman
My brother Matt and I grew up very close. I was the typical big brother who liked to pick on him and roughhouse, usually with my mom or Robert yelling at me to leave him alone. As we got older, we discovered that we had a lot of similar interests. We became die-hard Los Angeles Kings fans when we were 9 and 7, and through that, we both fell in love with the game of hockey. We spent countless hours every day playing street hockey, to the point where my mom had to drag us back into the house. We eventually played together in a league, and one of my favorite things was being able to play alongside him. We had that special brother connection on the rink and were usually tearing it up together. As we got older, we transitioned to ice hockey, where we spent several seasons on the same team. My brother and I, who are, yes, very different (he was definitely the more responsible one, lol) have always shared a special bond. He has had my back countless times, no matter the situation. I am so proud of the person he has become, and he has given me two beautiful nieces. It’s especially meaningful that he is part of my wedding, just as I was part of his. Having my little brother by my side on this special day means the absolute world to me.
Meredith-Grace
Flower Girl
Our flower girl, my beautiful niece, may only be two years old, but she has filled my heart with more love than I ever knew possible. From the moment I held her for the very first time and looked into her tiny newborn face, I learned what unconditional love truly felt like. As my only niece, she holds such a special place in my life. She is full of energy, keeps me constantly on my toes, and has brought out my inner child in the best ways. Watching her grow, learn, and discover the world has been one of my greatest joys. Her sassy little personality mixed with the sweetest heart makes everyone around her fall in love with her instantly. Whether she’s giving random kisses just because she wants to show love or proudly practicing her walk down the aisle, every moment with her is a reminder of just how lucky I am to have her in my life, and having her be part of this special day makes it even more meaningful to me.
Stephen Glowacz
Escort of Honor
There’s something incredibly special about having a much younger sibling, and from the moment Stephen was born, he completely stole my heart. Being 11 years older, I didn’t just gain a little brother, I gained a real-life baby doll that I adored endlessly. I was so excited when I found out I was finally getting another younger sibling, and from the day he arrived, we formed a uniquely special bond. Because of our age difference, I had the joy of helping homeschool Stephen until he was eight years old, teaching him everything from his ABCs and numbers to reading, spelling, and math. Those years created a closeness between us that has lasted throughout our lives. Out of all my siblings, Stephen is probably the most like me, which is maybe why we’ve always understood each other so well. Stephen has always had an incredibly creative mind. As a child, he spent hours building elaborate Lego creations, and as he’s grown older, that creativity has continued through his love for cosplay and the amazing costumes he brings to life. He’s also one of the funniest people I know, with a lighthearted spirit and a tender heart, especially when it comes to children. Watching the bond between Stephen and our flower girl melts my heart, which makes it especially meaningful to have him escort her down the aisle on our special day.
