Wedding Party
Theresa Gomez
Bride
Bryan Gomez
Groom
Mary Joseph
Maid of Honor
Sister and perpetual confidant, Mary has been a North Star in my life for many years. Through every transition, she has met me with an extended hand and an open heart- always offering understanding without judgment. She became a second mother to my son, Keanu, when she was just 14 years old—a role she stepped into with a kind of love and selflessness that most people spend a lifetime learning. Keanu took his very first steps from her arms, and today, they are the very arms I reach for when I need grounding, honesty, or simply someone to hold space for me. Mary is fiercely loyal, has a quiet strength that seems to renew itself each day, a playful spirit, and a quick wit that brings light into any room. No matter what she may be carrying, she will set it down without hesitation for the people she loves. Standing beside me at one of the most important milestones of my life, it is truly an honor to have Mary as my maid of honor.
Clare Schneberger
Bridesmaid
For every sentence of this bio, I could write 20 more about Clare. In short- she’s everyone in my family’s touchstone. She’s the first born- paving the way for my younger sister and I and the reason my parents are such wholesome parents. She spent a few years fine tuning their patience and skills before Mary and I breezed in to enjoy the environment she helped to create. With no shortage of hard work, dedication and grace, she wears many many badges. She is the person each of us, individually, look to for grace, grounding, a perfectly told story, a laugh, and unconditional patience. She offers love, support as well as loads of advice constantly. She is the structure, the glue, and all of the beautiful sparking details that has made each of us better and more connected to each other. She may not hold the title of maid of honor today, but I have the honor of calling her my sister for a lifetime.
Lindsey Hightower
Bridesmaid
Lindsey has an energy that greets you before your hands meet. I met her over 20 years ago.. my hair fushia pink and black, and Lindsey walking around like Lara Croft, everyone wanting to be her friend and soak up her kindness. She cares so deeply about the people she loves and it’s felt right away.. real hugs- you know the kind.. every time. She finds joy, in everything. A flower opening, a breeze, the opportunity to serve someone and get every detail right. She doesn’t skimp on anything, she is an appreciative and thoughtful wife and a friend that, without knowing where she would be at in the world in November didn’t hesitate to say yes to standing at my side. I couldn’t be happier to have her as a bridesmaid!
Shantia Gomez
Bridesmaid
From the very first time I met Shantia, she greeted me with a kind smile and effortless conversation. I immediately knew she was someone special—someone who felt like both a friend and a sister right away. After meeting just once, she invited me to her family’s home in Jacksonville while I was visiting my sister for her son Liam’s second birthday. I had already fallen in love with the Gomez family, and being so warmly welcomed into her mother’s home made that connection even more meaningful. The closer Shantia and I have become, the more she inspires me. In just a single year, she has completed school for phlebotomy, learned to drive and earned her license, purchased an investment property, and competed in—and crushed—two obstacle races. She is an incredible mother, wife, and friend, and I am so excited to have her as a bridesmaid and soon-to-be sister-in-law!
Gilberto Matute
Best Man
Gilberto Matute is my best man and has been my brother for over 20 years. Since high school he’s pushed me to be better mentally, physically, and intellectually and I've always looked up to him (even though I'm older). Over 20 years ago, we promised each other that we would be each other’s best man—and seeing him stand by my side now is the fulfillment of that promise, a moment I’ve carried in my heart all these years. There’s nothing I wouldn’t do for him, and I’m so honored to have him with me on our big day.
Johnny Gomez
Groomsman
My brother has always been someone I’ve looked up to—not just because he’s my big brother, but because of the life he’s lived and the strength he carries. From him, I learned what resilience truly means—how to keep moving forward no matter what stands in your way, and how to stand tall even when things aren’t easy. As a Marine and a war hero, he’s faced challenges most people will never understand, and yet he carries himself with humility, purpose, and quiet strength. But beyond that, he’s a devoted husband, a loving father, and a son our family can always count on. To me, he’s more than a brother—he’s an example. Of perseverance, of responsibility, of what it means to show up for the people you love no matter what. Having him stand by my side as a groomsman means more than words can really capture. It’s not just about this moment—it’s about everything he’s shown me that helped shape the man I am today.
Brian Restrepo
Groomsman
Brian Restrepo is more than just family—he’s been a lifelong friend and someone I’ve always been able to count on. Growing up together, we’ve shared countless memories, and that bond has only gotten stronger over the years. Como buenos colombianos, siempre hay risas, buena energía y lealtad de por vida. I’m truly grateful to have him by my side as a groomsman and can’t wait to celebrate this next chapter together.
Chase Caldwell
Groomsman
Chase Caldwell may not have been my friend forever, but it feels like it. We met through dance, bonded over running, anime, and fiction books, and somehow even ended up seeing each other at work. An anxious over-thinker with quiet confidence, he’s basically the brother I got to choose—and I’m thrilled he’s standing with us on our big day.
Samantha Peoples
Officiant
Samantha is our officiant, and from the very first moment I saw her on the dance floor, her energy was impossible to miss—she has a way of bringing warmth and joy into any space she’s in. She’s someone who leads with love in everything she does. No matter what life puts in front of her, she shows up with strength, grace, and a genuine belief in the beauty of connection and commitment. In a world that can often feel divided, she’s a true community builder—someone who brings people together and reminds us how much we need one another. Having her guide us through such an important moment in our lives feels incredibly special. There’s no one we’d trust more to stand with us and help tell our story on our wedding day.
Liam Gomez
Ring Bearer
Liam Gomez is our adorable ring bearer and my energetic godson, who just turned three! He loves dinosaurs, trucks, and playing the drums, and every meal is better with a little ketchup. Curious and full of wonder, he adores his Aunt Theresa and has a big love for animals that swim and fly. We can’t wait to have him leading the way down the aisle!