Kristen & Ryan
Wedding Party
Marjaneh Espinosa
Maid of Honor
“Kristen and I met in a Whitney Prep class during the 6th grade. She told me she liked my bracelet & was just always super nice. Then when I moved schools for 7th grade, on my first day I hear someone call out my name. I turn around and there was Kristen! We have been friends ever since. We enjoy doing pretty much everything together- from scream singing at concerts, perusing flea markets, drinking boba by the light of her car's virtual fireplace, or simply running errands. It's difficult to choose specific memories because when you have grown up & lived through so much together, even the little moments feel like a story. Kristen has been there to witness the entire spectrum of victories & losses. It has been the greatest comfort and joy to have each other's friendship all these years.”
Alyssa Llamas
Bridesmaid
“I am Ate Alyssa, Kristen’s older sister. Kristen is one of the top reasons why I moved back to California. I love that we are near one another and can spend more time together, especially those small, seemingly mundane moments – like sitting around the house and watching our dogs (the citrus cousins) play/fight. Even though I’m the older one, I often go to Kristen for advice about all sorts of things. We also love eating sushi together and are on a quest to try as many omakases as possible. What are some of our fondest memories? Texting random emojis, such as the octopus and porcupine, to each just to signal that we’re there for another. This was especially comforting when I felt homesick.”
Jenna Llamas
Bridesmaid
"I'm Jenna, Kristen's younger sister, so yup, I've had the honor of bugging her my whole life! Growing up, we shared a lot of things: a room, bunk bed, clothes, you name it. We had the classic little sib, big sib relationship. I would sneak into her closet to try on her clothes and would tag along to see what she was up to with her cool teenage friends. Nowadays, I find myself really missing those times as she is busy with work and I'm hustling as a grad student. It's really hard to pin a favorite memory, but I have to say that our bike rides, long talks over coffee runs, and road trips are a few of many. I'll always admire her work ethic and all of her accomplishments, but most importantly, her compassion, empathy, and thoughtfulness toward her family and friends. Love you, Ate! "
Shermaine Cruz
Bridesmaid
“I met Kristen when I was in high school. Ryan invited her over to the house and she became a familiar face. He denied anything more than a friendship between them, (and me being the annoying little sister I am), I always made fun of him- I knew deep down he really liked her, and predicted that one day they would end up together. I think it’s safe to say-I was right! I have gotten to know Kristen really well & she has become the sister I’ve never had. Some of my favorite memories come from our adventures together exploring Spain, wilding out at Coachella, or nights when JR & I just invite ourselves over to their house to talk or play games. I am so grateful that she is part of my life & I am so excited to be able to stand next to her as she finally becomes an official part of our family.”
Eileen Tran
Bridesmaid
“Hello! My name is Eileen & I have the absolute honor of being one of Kristen’s bridesmaids. Kristen and I met in high school, where we sported the infamous side bangs, worked on tedious video projects, and played Just Dance until we were out of breath. We never had class together so our friendship was built on long talks after school at a friend’s house or during boba runs. Now we’re a pair of old souls with joint pains and lactose intolerance, but our hobbies and interests have never been more aligned. I love talking to Kristen about Korean music, anime, astrology, traveling, plants, & the list goes on! We love to pour our hearts out, whether in conversation or at karaoke, because when we spend time together, we always have a good time. I cannot wait for the new memories we’ll make!”
Arianne Mae Cubillo Santos
Bridesmaid
“Hi! I’m Mae, I’m one of Kristen’s many cousins, but to me she was the sister I didn’t have. Growing up, our parents drove up and down from SD/OC practically every weekend so we could hangout, bowl, roller skate (and eventually this list grew to include talking about boys). One of my favorite memories with Ate Kristen is our first unsupervised trip to the mall as preteens — we felt SO COOL.”
JJ Cruz
Best Man
JJ is Ryan’s cousin! “I’ve known you for most of your life, but didn’t really start hanging out with you often until high school. I'd say you're considered a brother to me. We’re usually doing hoodrat things with our hoodrat friends.”
JP Cruz
Groomsman
“Ryan has been an older brother figure for me. From his tough love at a young age I learned that nothing comes easy and you have to earn what you want. Ryan was a businessman by his teens. He would charge me all the lunch money I saved to copy and upload his iTunes library into my iPod knowing that I couldn’t do it myself. Who else earns an income from their family so young?” “In all seriousness, I love this man. Growing up with him was a blessing. I will never forget the summer vacations we would take, memories we made- and I am glad that we continue to make more. As he has become a self-made millionaire he has also become a giving person. There is no limit to his thoughtfulness especially to his loved ones. He has become a great man I will look up to. I am honored to be his groomsman.”
Marlon Cruz
Groomsman
" pretty much grew up with this guy. my first ever best friend. we did everything together growing up. those days that we were at Lola's house every weekend and now our weekly meet-up with our cousins. happy that we stay close and now you’re getting married. congrats to you and Kristen. love y’all."
Jo Vincent Ruiz
Groomsman
“If you told me cracking jokes in PE would have led to such things like going to musical festivals, meeting by chance in London, or one day calling this friend family I would have never believed you. If you know Ryan, you know good times are always nearby, and it's been a pleasure sharing them with him.”
Jacob Craig
Groomsman
“If we haven’t had the pleasure of meeting just yet, my name is Jacob and I have the honor of being one of Ryan’s groomsmen. Although Ryan and I attended the same high school we weren’t well acquainted at the time–he was too cool–however, that would later change when our mutual friend David reintroduced us and we’ve remained close ever since. Ryan and I enjoy eating out together, shooting the shit, and the occasional adventure. Our adventures have included white water rafting and camping under the stars, to sailing, stargazing, and traveling to Japan together. Over the years we've become much more than friends--Ryan has been like a brother to me and I'm tremendously proud of the man he's become.”
David Kim
Groomsman
“If you haven’t suffered my presence yet, my name is David and I’m better than you AND have the honor of being one of Ryan’s groomsmen. Ryan and I attended the same high school and jump-started our STRONG and alpha male friendship through games and airsofting, remaining ever so close since, and evolving to a mutual appreciation for (borderline) alcoholism, guns, and more games. We enjoy camping, shooting, and the occasional testosterone-filled intense workout. My fondest memory with Ryan is when we decided to hike up to Inspiration Point (while I wore a 50lb rucksack), where we started like any other normal hike - by getting lost and going on an epic rock climb that could’ve resulted in our untimely deaths. Ryan is now like a brother to me and I'm proud of the man he's become.”