Sandra & James
Wedding Party
Vena Elizondo
Maid of Honor
Vena and Sandra met when they were 18, and were quickly joined at the hip. For 10 years straight, it was impossible to find one without the other. Their bond was built on a shared love of music, dancing, the arts, and a carefree view of life. More than friends, they call each other sisters - and they've supported each other through all the growing pains of adulthood. Although the balance in their life has shifted from party to professional, they're forever in sync. Vena is a hair stylist and color specialist living in Claremont, Ca. She loves to travel and educate other stylists.
Humphrey Kiuruwi Jr.
Best Man
James' older brother, Humphrey, has served him as a constant guide. James has looked to him for advice on everything from how to navigate college life, building equity, and being a strong leader of one's household. Though their personalities differ, their bond is strong; growing deeper each day as they work together to push the Kiuruwi dream forward. Humphrey recently moved from Oakland, Ca to Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania with his wife and 4 children, and works in education.
Carmen Williams
Bridesmaid
After meeting each other in high school, Carmen became one of Sandra's best friends. Her multi-instrumental talent and beautiful voice have always made her the life of the party, and her vibrant energy fills each room she's in. Sandra and Carmen have truly grown up together - with their friendship evolving from meet ups to discuss dance routines, to playdates with babies. Whenever they get together it's guaranteed to be a good time, filled with laughter and positive vibes. Carmen works as a microbiologist, and lives in West Covina, Ca with her husband and 3 children.
Catories Cameron
Groomsman
Since first meeting in 2nd grade, James and Cat have built a brotherhood that is is unrivaled. Spend five minutes in a conversation with them and you're sure to be bombarded with stories of how they were the style gods of their high school, or wild nights that somehow seem to always end in their favor. Forever a social butterfly, Catories works in marketing and real estate. He lives in Los Angeles and enjoys spending time with his two daughters.
Ferriss Mason
Bridesmaid
Ferriss and Sandra met while working together at a photo studio. They share a vision of diversifying their industry, and support each other through the shared struggle of being black in fashion. While work brought them together, a true sisterhood developed. They turn to each other for advice in all areas of life, and motivate each other to keep pushing forward. Over the years, they've worked together on creative ventures and love to get together to dance to some Afrobeats. Ferriss lives in Los Angeles and is the founder of ComeUp LA, a monthly marketplace promoting small black businesses.
Eric McDermott
Groomsman
Eric and James have been friends since the 4th grade, when they played on the same basketball team. As 1/4 of the childhood crew, Eric is the calm in the storm. While the others are in the midst of a loud debate, you'll find him standing back with a smile. His calming energy is one of many qualities that's made him a pillar in James' life. Eric lives in Los Angeles, and is Assistant Dean For Admissions and Program Relations of Pepperdine's School of Public Policy.
Jamuna Priti
Bridesmaid
Jamuna and Sandra met 10 years ago while vending at local markets in LA. They share a large circle of friends made up of artists, and love supporting each others various endeavors. They can spend hours on the phone discussing the most random subjects, and enjoy visiting any vegan eatery they can find in LA County. An artist to the core, Jamuna has had success as a DJ, and mural artist. She owns a nail shop named KLEUR located in Long Beach, Ca, where her #LOVENOTE murals can be found all over the city.
Michael Martinez
Groomsman
Mike and James have been friends since grade school. Their shared love of music and DJing has led to creative partnerships, including ReFresh and their Beats of All Nations podcast on Dublab. His history with Sandra also goes back to childhood as his parents were the football and cheer coach of the Ontario Outlaws - a little league team that she and her brother were on. Mike radiates a positive energy that brings a sense of comfort to everyone that's around him. He's a friend that always shows up when needed, and James' partner for life. Michael lives in the Inland Empire with his wife, where they own and operate a popular bakery.
Molly Edu
Bridesmaid
Molly and Sandra have been friends since high school, and have grown together through all phases of life. What started in a school party crew, turned into a sisterhood that has stood the test of time. As first-gen American children of parents with high expectations, Molly and Sandra could relate to each other on a different level. Coming from a large Nigerian family, Molly's personality is very straightforward. But she is also the friend that's always down for whatever adventure you place before her. Molly is a teacher, and lives in Upland with her son.
Ramar Green
Groomsman
Ramar comes from a large family that treats James as one of their own. Brothers from another mother, the two met in the early 90's when they lived one block away from each other. They share the same birthday, a love for all things athletic, and most notably, a competitive drive. Ramar is a passionate about achieving his goals, and has been there to motivate James throughout their lifelong friendship. Being so similar, they fight hard - but love harder. Ramar works for a restaurant group, and lives in Los Angeles with his wife and daughter.
Nicole Murr
Bridesmaid
Nicole is Sandra's cousin, so naturally, they've been close all their lives. They've shared a lifetime of great moments with family - prepped to carry their linage though hours of bonding with their mothers in the kitchen. Sandra sees Nicole more like her little sister since she babysat her for most of her childhood. Nicole has a very sweet disposition, that counters Sandra's sense of reckless abandon. The Yin/Yang qualities of their personalities has never put a strain on their relationship, and the two have always had a deep love and respect for each other. They love spending time together with all the cousins for game nights, creating memories with their nieces and nephews. Nicole lives in Riverside, Ca where she works in property management.
Ruben Morales
Groomsman
Ruben met James over 15 years ago through mutual friends, Eric and Ramar. Ruben has a rich, joyful presence matched by his bright smile. He comes from a large, close-knit family that both Sandra and James view as an extension of their own. They've built traditions of sharing birthdays and Friendsgivings together. Ruben has always been there to give James sound advice as they've grown together from boys to men. Ruben works in finance, and lives in Los Angeles with his wife and daughter.
Rosa Guzman
Bridesmaid
Rosa and Sandra met over 15 years ago when they were connected by mutual friends. Their story could be a tv show on HBO about friends building careers and dating in LA. They've coached each other though growth phases, and can count on each other for support. Both music heads, they love to go to shows and spend summer together at day parties. If it's the place to be, you'll probably find them dancing like no one else is there. Rosa is a social advocate who loves to educate those around her on causes that need their attention. She is vocal when it comes to subjects she's passionate about, and fights for change. Rosa lives in Los Angeles, and currently works as an Immigration Counselor for a non-profit organization. She is also hard at work pursuing her M.B.A.
Ryan "Paelon" Miller
Groomsman
James met Paelon when he started college and they were connected through their love of skateboarding. He mentored James as he grew more deeply rooted in skate culture. Their shared interest in education and youth mentorship has led them to helping the kids that came up after them. They call themselves "Claremont Legends", and still meet up with friends for a skate sesh regularly. Ryan is an elementary school teacher, and lives in Pomona, Ca.