Cynthia & Leonardo
Wedding Party
Jeannette Moreno
Matron of Honor
Cynthia and Jeannette have been sisters for Cynthia's whole life. Though Jeannette often hated Cynthia in her teen years due to Cynthia constantly stealing her clothes, they are now best friends. Jeannette is her go-to person for EVERYTHING and they are in contact constantly, despite the distance. Jeannette helps Cynthia process and laugh through school stress, family drama, womanhood, relationships, and memes. Cynthia loves being a tia to her niece and nephews, even though Delaney likes Leo more than her own flesh and blood, oh well. SISTERS FOREVER!
Joseph Torres
Best Man
Joey is one of Leo's hometown friends. Leo is so lucky that Joey and he crossed paths in high school. Being new to the area, Leo didn't have any friends starting high school. Then one day (can't remember when), Leo met Joey and since then, Joey has always been a call away. From going to backyard shows to partying in Santa Barbara and from celebrating Joey's marriage and newborns to supporting Leo through school, Leo has always appreciated Joey for being the constant presence in his life. Although, Joey and Leo have not lived in the same city since 2008 but have always found a way to stay in each other's lives.
Mayra Mercado
Maid of Honor
Cynthia and Mayra met in Santa Cruz Hall as freshmen at UCSB. After a shared night of supervised drinking, Cynthia discovered Mayra's kindness, recklessness, and fascination with White men. They were polar opposites but became the best of friends, serving the community, studying, and partying through colleges. Mayra rode her bike to drop off heart-shaped sandwiches at Cynthia's work and was by her side instantly in times of need. Mayra is a Respiratory Therapist and enjoying her new career. Beauty and brains!
Gustavo Orellana
Officiant/ Groomsman
Gustavo has been by Cynthia and Leo's side since the beginning of their relationship. In fact, if you ask him, he might say he is the reason Cynthia and Leo are together. Leo met Gustavo in college working together supporting students through their first year of college. During that time, Gustavo invited Leo to play soccer with some of his friends including Cynthia and the rest is history. Since then, Gustavo has continued to work in supporting students through college and supporting Leo and Cynthia in their love. Who better to lead our special day than the man who might have kicked it off?
Cristy Carrera
Bridesmaid
Cristy and Cynthia also met in Santa Cruz hall as freshmen at UCSB. Cynthia thought Cristy was rich because she had a car. They became long-time roommates a couple of years later, when Cynthia was almost scared off by Cristy's sleep paralysis but decided that it added to Cristy's mysteriousness. They bonded through running and chipotle. One day, they even ran a marathon together. Cristy is the go-to gal for adventure. She recently became a master and school psychologist. Beauty and brains!
Jesus "Memo" Hermosillo
Groomsman
Aside from being Leo's on-call doctor and many other people's actual health provider, Memo has always had Leo's back and truly helped Leo grow up. Since Leo's early days in college, Leo looked to Memo for guidance in school and life. From staying up all night working on who knows what class to having hard conversations about life, Leo appreciates Memo for always pushing him to be a better human and partner. . While Memo might be the one to end the party early, he's always willing to go the extra bit for his friends and family.
Edith Jauregui
Bridesmaid
Edith and Cynthia met towards the end of their time at UCSB. Edith and Cynthia were brief roommates during one summer where Edith sold her bed too soon and spent many nights sleeping on the floor. Cynthia was a bridesmaid in Edith's wedding this summer and Cynthia introduced Edith to her groom. Edith is an LCSW and earned her master's at USC. Beauty and brains!
Crisostomo "Joey" Lejano
Groomsman
This is an actual image of him. Don't let The Rock convince you otherwise. Leo met Joey early in college when Leo was rushing for his fraternity, Theta Nu Kappa. Joey was always the stoic, intimidating dude in the back who need to say much to scare someone. That is, until you talked to him and learned that he's really a caring person who looks out for his family and friends. So much so, that when Leo didn't have a place to live his Sophmore year of college, Joey and another fraternity brother, invited Leo to move in with them. From then, Joey has always had Leo's back. Whether it is introducing him to new amazing Filipino food, training him in the gym, or just reminiscing on life in the 818, Leo is grateful for his friendship.
Samantha Valencia
Bridesmaid
Sammi is the baby of the family. 11 year-old Cynthia was so excited to have a baby sister. Sammi was a diva from day one. She purposely broke rules as a toddler to see how much she could get away with, which was a lot. She has grown up to be an intelligent, beautiful, and hilarious young lady. She won't admit it now, but she wants to follow her big sister's footsteps and attend UCSB. Her sass is going to get her very far in life.
Daniel Hernandez
Groomsman
Danny is Leo's little, big brother. While 9 years apart, Leo and Danny were the last ones at home when our older siblings moved out and grew so much closer because of it. Since a young age, Danny has always been a sweet, charismatic man who constantly looks out for others. He carries that over into his work as a lifeguard in Santa Barbara. While Leo and Danny are no longer roommates or housemates, Leo knows he can always call on Danny for help in or outside of the water. Danny is currently studying in Santa Barbara and hopes to either create food in the kitchen or in a lab.
Melissa Ayala
Bridesmaid
Melissa is Leo's little sister and also his twin. She recently became a new mommy to a beautiful baby girl and is loving motherhood. Cynthia met Melissa and the rest of the family at her sister's quinceanera in 2013. Melissa was so welcoming, kind, and so much fun to be around. Cynthia is excited build stronger relationships with her new sister(s), because you can never have too many.
Richard Valencia
Groomsman
Richy is Cynthia's older cousin who follows Cynthia like her little brother. Early on in Leo and Cynthia's relationship, Leo learned that Richy is part of the package. While initially apprehensive of Leo, as any older "brother" would be, Richy was always welcoming and respectful and Leo quickly wore him down with shared music interests. Now, Richy is Leo's go-to for family and relationship support and it's Cynthia who is stuck with us.
Delaney Moreno
Flower Girl
No one needs to describe this toddler as a diva because look at this picture.
Nathan Moreno
Scripture Reader
Nathan is Cynthia's first nephew and her godson. He is adventurous, kind, and loud. His only flaw is that he can't keep his hair done for more than an hour. He is following in his tia's footsteps and is beginning to love all things creepy and horror.
Alex Moreno
Ring and Flower Girl Security
Alex is Cynthia's nephew; they share the curse of being the middle child. Alex loves his baby sister, action figures, and Jack Skellington so he is automatically the coolest kid. He has gotten into trouble for keeping it too "real." His grunts are unmatched.