Michael & Makenzie
Wedding Party
Molly O’Brien
Maid of Honor
I met Molly 15 years ago the summer before 6th grade, and we instantly clicked. From that point on we went through middle school and high school side by side. After graduation, we ended up going different directions for college—I went to Arizona and she went to Madison before eventually transferring to Notre Dame. When she was trying to decide if she should transfer, Emma and I literally drove three hours in the middle of the night with her to visit Notre Dame and help her figure it out. It’s one of the many core memories we’ll always have the three of us. Even with the distance, nothing has ever changed with us, and our friendship has never skipped a beat!
Emma Suchla
Maid of Honor
I met Emma the summer going into middle school too, and we instantly became inseparable, doing just about everything together from that point on. In high school, we were both captains of the cheer and pom team, and some of my favorite memories came from being an honorary member on the Suchla family vacations! After graduation, we ended up at rival Arizona schools for college and went back and forth to visit each other often. We’ve stayed just as close ever since and there is never a dull moment when we’re together. I feel so lucky to have Emma in my life!
Chloe Weigel
Bridesmaid
Chloe and I met going into our sophomore year of college while working as community assistants in the leasing office of our apartment complex, and our friendship formed almost instantly. What started as coworkers quickly turned into the kind of friendship where we were spending most days together. After graduation, we became roommates—along with her dog Oakley—and lived together for about three years. Along the way, we also discovered a shared love for boxing workout classes, which quickly became our favorite thing to do together. I am so thankful for the friendship that Chloe and I have!
Gracie Killeen
Bridesmaid
During our freshman year of college, Gracie reached out to her sorority sisters to see if anyone wanted to walk to our chapter meeting together. I was eager to make new friends in a new state, so I joined her—and the rest is history! From that first walk, we quickly became more like sisters than friends. We spent most of our college days together, going on adventures around Arizona or hitting up frat parties, always having each other’s backs. Gracie has always given the best advice and been such a constant support, making her such a special part of my life.
Lauren Espinoza
Bridesmaid
I met Lauren during the summer of 2019 when I visited California, and even from that first visit with the Vaca family, I immediately felt so welcomed. Over time, I realized she wouldn’t just be my future sister-in-law, but also a lifelong friend. With only a two-month age gap, it’s been so easy for us to blend our friend groups and make memories together. One of my favorite memories is going to Nashville for Lauren’s birthday one year. From family trips to time spent with her son Mason—who I’m completely obsessed with—Lauren has been such a constant light in my life!
Lindsay Moakler
Bridesmaid
I met Lindsay during freshman year move-in when we were paired as suite-mates through a roommate-finding Facebook page, and we instantly clicked. I honestly couldn’t imagine going through all four years of college living with anyone else. We built our class schedules around each other, walked to class together every day, and cooked dinner together most nights—so we were basically never apart. We also definitely had more movie nights than most roommates! Over time, our families became close too. I truly feel like we were put in each other’s lives for a reason, and I’m so happy to have Lindsay by my side on my big day.
Lexi Hernandez
Bridesmaid
Going through sorority recruitment freshman year was on my “must try” list for college, but if it weren’t for Lexi, I probably wouldn’t have gone through with it! She was the first person I met outside of my roommates when we were placed in the same rush group. We went through recruitment together and ended up in the same sorority. Our friendship grew through drives to chapter meetings, road trips to Disneyland, and more recently, me proudly stepping into my auntie role to Lexi’s beautiful daughter, Ayla. I can always count on Lexi to be there whenever I need her!
Tatiana Corona
Bridesmaid
Tati and I met in 2021 through a mutual friend, and we immediately clicked! We realized we had way more in common than we thought and made it a point to call and FaceTime a few times a week, even with the long distance since she lives in Vegas. I cherish every trip we take to see each other, and we always make the most of our time together—hitting workout classes, grabbing coffee, shopping, and just laughing. I honestly couldn’t imagine a world without Tati in it!
Julian Chacon
Best Man
Julian and I have known each other since kindergarten and went to school together through senior year of high school. Even though we met back in 2003, it somehow took him about seven years to realize how cool I was, and we really became close in 2010. After I went out to Arizona for school, we’d make sure to visit each other on breaks and pick up where we left off. Not long after I graduated, he moved out to Arizona and we continued to hang out like old times. It means a lot to have him standing next to me on my big day.
Michael Morales
Best Man
Michael and I have been friends since we were five years old and immediately bonded over sports. We have so many great memories from middle school, whether it was playing on the field together or going to games. Even with the distance now between Arizona and California, our friendship hasn’t skipped a beat, and we always have a great time when he comes to visit. I’m glad to still have him as a great friend after all these years!
Steven Escalera
Groomsman
Steven and I have always been close. As my oldest brother, I’ve always looked up to him and admired all the brave things he’s done throughout his life. Even though he and his family live in North Carolina, we make it a point to stay in touch regularly by FaceTiming or calling to talk about life updates or what’s going on with the Dodgers. Over the years, he’s been a constant source of support and guidance, and I’m grateful to have him in my life.
Brandon Escalera
Groomsman
Brandon and I have shared countless laughs and brotherly moments over the years. Whether it was him being my football coach or me being his “vocal coach,” I’ve always known I could count on him as a big brother. We also share a love for movies, and some of my favorite memories are naming the movie whenever he says a certain phrase. He’s been a constant presence and support in my life, and I’m grateful for all the memories we have!
Michael Espinoza
Groomsman
Michael and I first met in the fall of 2014 when my sister Lauren invited him over for a birthday gathering. At first, he was pretty quiet, but over the years he’s become one of my favorite people to hang out with and I’m now proud to call him my brother-in-law. We share a love for UCLA football, and I always enjoy breaking down the game with him play by play. He’s been an amazing friend, and I’m lucky to have him in my life.
Bennett Spolar
Groomsman
Bennett and I first met when he came out to visit Makenzie in Arizona for Thanksgiving in 2019. He wanted to join us at the ASU football game, and I immediately knew we’d click over our shared love of sports. Over the years, we’ve grown closer playing rounds of golf together, going on a family trip to Florida, and bonding over baseball—despite him being a Brewers fan. I’m excited to call him my future brother-in-law!
Ben Polston
Groomsman
Ben and I met in the spring of 2018 at Arizona State when we joined Sigma Nu fraternity in the same pledge class. I spotted his Diamondbacks hat and immediately knew I’d found someone I could give a hard time about his questionable choice of ball club. In 2023, he moved into my house and we became roommates, which brought us a lot closer. I’m lucky to have a friend like him!
Tyler Peterson
Groomsman
Tyler and I first met in the spring of 2018 at Arizona State while we were both in Sigma Nu. We quickly became close friends and have shared countless laughs over the years. After college, we lived together for four years, spending way too much time on the golf course or at a Buffalo machine, but making some priceless memories along the way. He’s been a constant friend through it all!