Izzy and b
Wedding Party
Joe Fajarillo Almares
Matron of Honor
From the moment I met my sister-in-law, I felt an instant connection. She’s one of those people you just can’t help but love—so generous, with a heart that seems to hold everyone she cares about. She’s been my rock through some of the hardest moments of my life, always there with the best advice and a bottomless well of support. Somehow, she knows just what to say, and when to just sit with me and let me vent. Watching her as a mom is inspiring; she makes it look effortless, full of warmth and love. I feel so lucky to have her in my life, and I hope that one day I can be half the mom she is.
Buyannemehk Tsogtbaatar
Best Man
Nemekh is my older cousin, but he’s always felt more like a big brother. I can’t even put into words the love I have for him. We grew up side by side, sharing clothes, a bed, and just about everything else. He’s been my rock, picking me up when I was down and guiding me with his advice and wisdom. He’s truly a great role model, someone I’ve looked up to my whole life. And beyond all that, he’s just so much fun to be around—it’s like he knows how to make every moment memorable. I’m incredibly grateful to have him in my life.
Karen Garcia
Matron of Honor
Karen and I go way back starting from our days together in the Philippines more than 10 yrs ago. From the start, I looked up to her like the big sister I never had, admiring her style, her strength, and that incredible, soulful voice of hers. We’re like two peas in a pod, both massive foodies who can turn any meal into an adventure. There’s just this magic when we’re together—traveling, eating, and laughing like we’re living in our own little world, as if nothing else matters. She’s been my rock, my cheerleader, and my unpaid therapist all rolled into one. I’m forever grateful for her positivity and resilience, and I honestly can’t imagine life without her by my side.
Munkhhuslen Tsogtbaatar
Best Man
Ulaanaa is my little cousin, but he’s always felt more like a little brother. Growing up, we did everything together—whether it was splashing around in the pool or staying up late watching horror movies (and him getting so scared he’d end up wanting to sleep by my side). Watching him grow up has felt like watching a younger version of myself, and I couldn’t be prouder of the person he’s become. He’s grown into such an amazing guy, someone I’m proud to call my little brother. I know Grandma would be beaming with pride too.
Mary Jane Bruno
Bridesmaid
I met Jane at work, and from day one, I was drawn to her infectious laughter and caring heart. She’s one of the most genuine people I know—always making sure I’m well-fed and never hungry (it’s like she has a sixth sense for snacks!). Talking to her feels effortless; she just has this magic way of making me feel safe and heard, without even a hint of judgment. She’s the kind of friend who makes work feel less like work, and I honestly can’t imagine surviving the day without her. I look forward to every chat, every laugh, every break spent just hanging out with her.
Altan-od Baatar
Groomsman
Zarcus is one of my oldest friends, the kind of guy who genuinely wants everyone around him to share in his joy. He’s got this endless enthusiasm for volleyball and video games, and he’s always roping us into his latest hobbies. I’ll never forget when he wanted me to join him in gaming so much that he actually gave me his PS4 so we could play together. He even built my PC and is always there to help me out with any tech troubles—my personal computer genius! Having him by my side on this special day means a lot, and I couldn’t be prouder to call him my friend.
Janet Dollard
Bridesmaid
Janet and I go way back to our days in the military. She took me under her wing when I was just an inexperienced airman, making me feel welcome right from the start. I learned so much from her—not just about work but about life, too. We bonded over shared meals, travel adventures, and endless stories that left us laughing or deep in thought. She’s an incredible mom and a total badass Baltimore cop, and I feel lucky to know her. With Janet, it’s always a blast; she brings this energy that just makes life more vibrant and fun. I know I wouldn’t be the person I am today without her influence, and I’m forever grateful for every moment we’ve shared.
Enkhjin Baasandorj
Groomsman
NJ is another one of my oldest friends, and we first met through soccer. Neither of us had much natural talent for it, but what he lacked in skill, he made up for in sheer determination. NJ’s commitment is something else—he’d drive hours just to hang out with the boys, balancing time between home, school, and friends without missing a beat. He’s one of those friends who quietly inspires, showing me what true dedication looks like. I’m grateful to have him in my life, as a friend who’s been such an example of resilience and accomplishment.
Abigail Foxx
Bridesmaid
I met Abby in the military, and I knew right away we were destined to be bestfriends. The moment I discovered her love for food and her hilarious sense of humor, it was like finding my soulmate! We spent most of our time at the unit cracking up, snacking, and watching funny videos of The Bachelorette. Abby just gets me in a way few people do—sometimes even better than I understand myself! She’s one of the most supportive and loyal friends I’ve ever had, and even though we live on opposite sides of the country now, I know I can always count on her. Whenever we connect, it’s like no time has passed; we just pick up right where we left off. She’s truly left a lasting mark on my life, and I’m so grateful for the amazing memories we’ve made together.
Enkh-od Baatar
Groomsman
Ecko is another one of my oldest friends, and since we’re the same age, we pretty much grew up side by side. We did everything together—basketball, volleyball, video games, you name it. Playing with the boys was always a blast, but it was the wild parties that really made for unforgettable memories. We’d party hard, maybe draw on a few faces, and then somehow manage to never get invited back! Those were the days, and I wouldn’t trade those hilarious, reckless moments for anything. I’m so grateful to be growing older with him, with all those crazy memories in tow.
Rikki Hufford
Bridesmaid
I have the utmost admiration for Rikki. We met in the military, and from day one, she’s been not just my mentor but one of my bestfriends. Rikki is hands down one of the most thoughtful people I know—she has this huge heart and cares so deeply for those she loves. I’ll never forget my first real medical evacuation mission; I was a total bundle of nerves, but Rikki was there, guiding me every step of the way and somehow making me believe in myself. Her wisdom, mixed with her sincere concern, is like nothing else, and she inspires me every day to be a better version of myself. She’s a true friend who makes the tough times easier and the good times even sweeter, and I’m so grateful for having her in my life.
Jantsannorov Damdinsuren
Groomsman
Jay is another one of my oldest friends, and he’s definitely someone you can’t judge by the cover. Growing up with him, he’s always been one of the funniest people I know, constantly roasting everyone around him—sometimes even roasting himself without realizing it! But he’s so much more than just the funny guy; he’s incredibly responsible, handy, and one of the smartest people I know. Even though we don’t hang out as much as we used to, he’s always the one rallying the group, keeping us connected and planning our meet-ups. I know we’ll be sharing laughs for a lifetime, and I can’t wait to share a few more with him on this special day.
Rebecca Juarez
Bridesmaid
Rebecca was the very first friend I made when I moved to California, and from the moment we met, she welcomed me with open arms and that infectious, joyful smile that made me feel like I’d known her forever. She’s like the little sister I never had—always there to cheer me on and celebrate every little win, even when I barely notice them myself. At work, we basically trauma-bonded, sharing our stories and leaning on each other through the ups and downs, somehow managing to laugh our way through it all. With Rebecca, no conversation feels too heavy; she has this incredible way of making you feel truly heard and seen, creating a safe space for even the hardest topics. I can always count on her to show up for me, whether it’s a deep heart-to-heart or just making the everyday moments brighter. She turned a new place into a second home, and I feel so lucky to have her by my side on this journey.
Gankhuyag Ganbaatar
Groomsman
Khuygaa is another one of my oldest friends, and I remember meeting him as this die-hard Cleveland Cavaliers fan straight out of Cleveland. Back in the day, he moved to an apartment in Pleasant Hill, and we’d bring our laptops over to play Dota together—those were some of the best times, memories I’ll always hold onto. We’ve shared so many adventures, from going to raves to all-night parties. As we’ve gotten older, I’ve watched him grow into this responsible, dependable friend who’s always there with great advice when I need it. I hope we keep up our workouts, keep our minds and bodies strong, and grow old together, still sharing all these moments.