Wedding Party
D'arce and Limon
Ring Bearers
D'Arce and Limon are the beloved adventure pups of Siera and Ricardo. Limon, 5, is the life of the party (watch out for kisses) and can’t wait to bring the rings to mom and dad—just as long as we avoid being to close to the clifts edge, since we learned he is scared of heights while at the Grand Canyon! D'Arce, 7, is the sweet, shy one who loves a good bouldering hike and will definitely support Limon if the edge is nearby. Though a little reserved, he’s always up for a challenge. Both dogs will be thrilled to collect pets from our loved ones at the wedding and are great with kids, too!
Alana Bernalez
Flower Child
Alana is the perfect blend of sweetness, kindness, intelligence, and beauty. Though she can be a bit shy at times, you can always count on her to light up the dance floor and bring a smile to your face. At 5 years old, Alana is the daughter of Ricardo's sister, Lina. Siera and Ricardo share a special bond with her and are beyond thrilled to have her as their flower girl. Siera, who was very much like Alana as a young girl, couldn’t imagine anyone else guiding her down the aisle to Ricardo at the ceremony. Having Alana in this role makes the day even more meaningful and full of joy.
Bobby Smith
Groomsman/Co-Officiant
Bobby is Siera’s ten-year-younger brother. As a big sister and second mom, Siera helped raise him—guiding him through homework, attending his football games, and even dressing him for school. She taught him to snowboard and took him on his first rollercoaster. In return, Bobby taught her invaluable life lessons. They couldn't think of anyone better to unite them on their big day. Over the years, Bobby and Ricardo’s bond has grown, Ricardo, being the youngest child, now has a younger brother to bond with, support, and mentor. Bobby even got ordained to officially unite them.
Santi Bello
Groomsman/Co-Officiant
Santi is Ricardo's brother-in-law, married to his oldest sister, Andrea. As Ricardo’s first in-law brother, he’s been part of the family for over 15 years. With his kindness, warmth, and fun-loving spirit, Siera and Ricardo have shared many adventures with him, from Italy to NYC and beyond. Most importantly, they cherish going through life with such a complementary couple they love deeply. Santi is also an amazing Tio/Uncle to their pups, spoiling them and giving them a second home! He will be supporting Bobby in officiating the ceremony in Spanish and is also a groomsman.
Taryn Ortlip
Maid of Honor
Siera and Taryn’s friendship began in 2013. Taryn, along with her husband Kyle, entered Siera’s life during a pivotal time; with them always having her back and looking out for her. After Siera’s family moved to Florida, Taryn and Kyle became her local support system, making her feel like she still had family close by. What Siera values most about Taryn is her warmth, kindness, and mindfulness toward everyone. Their friendship strikes the perfect balance of being a safeguard while helping one another to step outside their comfort zones. They also really love cat robes, and all the cat things especially if they're soft.. even if that means they looked dressed like 80 year old cat ladies.
Rinaldo Smith
Best Man
Dino is Siera's two-year-older brother and her lifelong best friend. While Siera has always tried to "mom" everyone, including Dino, he’s taught her to be creative, open-minded, and to enjoy life, that it's too short to always be intense. "Don't be a square"! Dino played the "tough brother role" when meeting Ricardo, but that couldn't last long at all as they quickly hit it off and became best buds, it was hard for them not to. They bond over art, music, and countless shared hobbies, which sometimes leaves Siera jokingly jealous when the three hang out and she doesn’t get a word in. It's truly special, and so Ricardo asked Dino to be his best man, an honor Dino takes very seriously.
Lina Vargas
Groomswoman
Lina is Ricardo's six-year-older sister who helped him navigate his way when he moved to the United States from Colombia when he was in his early 20s. Together, they explored New York City, and she provided the support he needed to feel safe, at home, and loved. Ricardo has cherished watching Lina become a mother, admiring the way she has raised such a well-rounded and caring daughter. Siera has loved bonding with Lina, who has become not only a sister to her but also a source of inspiration. Lina's ability to balance motherhood with kindness, strength, and love has deeply impressed Siera, and she feels incredibly loved by her as well.
Andrea Vargas
Groomswoman
Andrea is Ricardo's eight-year-older sister, making him the "baby" of the family. Growing up, Andrea loved to tease Ricardo but quickly became his lifelong best friend, alongside Lina. They've always been each other's confidants, supporting one another through both big and small life decisions. Over the years, Siera has developed a special bond with Andrea, sharing many similar interests, making having a sister even more meaningful. The couples (with Santi) has enjoyed many adventures together, from snowboarding and trips to Italy to buying homes in need of remodeling at the same time. Their "furry babies" also love each other!
Ashley Freeland
Bridesmaid
Ricardo’s “sister Tequila” and he is her “brother Tequila” – it's so beautiful to see how two in-laws have bonded in such a special way, they get each other.. You'll have to ask them about this story, it involves snow and tequila. Ashley is Bobby’s high school sweetheart and the first sister Siera gained and cherishes deeply. She is a warm, loving, and thoughtful person who has always made Siera feel welcomed and loved as a big sister to her. We are overjoyed to see that Bobby has found someone who shares a love so similar to the one Grandma and Grandpa had at a young age. It’s a rare and beautiful bond, and we feel so fortunate to witness it.
Danielle Jonas-Staveckas
Bridesmaid
Siera and Danielle became friends in 2013, after Danielle, a close friend of Siera’s brother Dino. But Siera, of course, couldn’t resist stealing this amazing person to become one of her dearest friends as well. Danielle married Mike, Siera’s closest guy friend. These two are the perfect balance of sass, intensity, and kindness. Whether Siera needs someone to match her energy or provide a shoulder to cry on, Danielle is always there. Their bond is built on mutual understanding and support. Danielle and Mike have always been the first to step up for the Smith family.