Olenka & Steven
Wedding Party
Silvia Vilela
Maid of Honor
My sister and my best friend. I can't do life without this one by my side, let alone my wedding! She's the hardest working and yet the most relaxed person I know. She's the one who knows me best and has helped shape me into the lady I am today. My sister and I have an odd bond but we understand each other and that's what matters. I know whatever this life brings me she will be there with me to comfort me or probably make fun of me. No matter the circumstance, I am thankful everyday that our parents gave us each other.
Meshach McKnight
Best Man
Meshach and I met at Emmanuel College back in 2013. We played on the same volleyball team and over the years, we became the closest of friends. We can talk to each other about anything and everything. Not only is he one of the smartest people I know, but he is also the most genuine, kind hearted, and down to earth person. Meshach, Olenka, and I have countless memories together from weekends in Athens to visits in Miami, we both know we have a lifelong best man when it comes to Meshach "el negro" McKnight.
Krysta Smith
Maid of Honor
Krysta and I met about 10 years ago but I feel like we’ve known each other forever! She may seem a little shy at first but she's everything except that! She has the most amazing personality and is always up for an adventure. Over the years, Krysta and I have made so many memories that we are constantly talking about them and wondering how we got so old! She's also the friend that I have to hang out with at least twice a week because we just end up missing each other too much. We’re the kind of girls who can talk for hours, relax, or have a party for for just us two (2000's hip-hop, thanks). So thankful to have such a real and loving friend like her, who puts up with me and goes to Flanny’s with me every week. Not a doubt in my mind that she'll still be my person 50 years from now.
Gilberto Cervantes
Groomsman
He goes by “G2” and although we have a huge difference in height we have so much in common. We met along time ago in my high school days by playing against or with each other at local open gyms or tournaments. G2 also joined the Emmanuel team a little later on for my senior season and I’m so glad he did! Our friendship really grew in that one year that we played together. He’s definitely someone I can count on for a good laugh, as most of our conversations are spent making fun of each other or one of the boys! Even though he still can’t admit that I beat him on a game of one on one, we’re in each other’s lives for the long run!
Kristen Puga
Bridesmaid
Most people know her as "Puga." She is definitely the fashionista and the wild one of the group. She speaks her mind, and that's what I love most about her. Puga and I have such a similar sense of humor, we are always laughing about something. Sometimes we tend to say the exact same thing at the exact same time and it just makes moments a lot better. We recently have traveled to Machu Picchu together and made it a goal of ours to travel the seven wonders of the world! So excited to take on more journeys with one of my best friends and I'm so glad she'll be part of my big day! Fun fact: don't let her fool you, she definitely speaks Spanish.
Alex Barbosa
Groomsman
Mostly known as "Barbie." We met down in Miami just before we both decided to make the move up to Georgia to chase our dreams of playing college ball. We both experienced a complete culture shock when we moved to Franklin Springs/Emmanuel college and man was that a crazy ride! Barbie is definitely one of the funniest and wildest people I have met, as well as one of the greatest “hype man” a teammate could ask for. He’s one of my best friends from college that has turned into a brother. I’m so glad we got to share all those fun memories together and continue to create new ones as the years go by!
Jenna Nelson
Bridesmaid
Although her new last name is Nelson, she will always be Jenna Lamont to me (first and last name kinda gal). We met back when I was still living in Georgia through mutual volleyball friends. Our friendship really bloomed when Steven and I started dating because of how close Steven is to both her and her husband, Nik. I am so glad that Jenna and I have become such close friends because she's really someone that I can count on for anything. She's so caring and always knows how to put a smile on my face with one of her work stories... She's a behavioral therapist, so imagine. This taco loving girl is one of a kind! Steven and I were also lucky enough to be part of their wedding a couple of months ago!
Nik Nelson
Groomsman
When I first met Nik, he couldn't lay his eyes off me... When I asked him what he was looking at, he responded "I'm trying to figure you out," which explains his whole personality. Our friendship hit it off and we became inseparable throughout our time at EC. We worked out together, played fifa together and even when he started dating Jenna, I would tag along on their dates! Nik has become like a brother to me, he is someone who I look up to and can always count on for a good conversation. So glad that we get to be part of each other's special day!
Ally Kane
Bridesmaid
Ally and I met in Georgia as well, but she's actually from Illinois! We also had the opportunity of living together during our time at EC. Ally and I are the shorties of our friend group, and also the craziest ones. She is my little meatball, as I am hers. Ally is full of energy and also a brave soul for being able to teach tiny humans. She's the one I can count on for a good time or if I just need someone to eat a pint of ice cream with. I know Ally will always be one of my best friends because even though we live in different states and we are great at playing phone tag, when we see each other it feels like not one day has gone by. Steven and I are so happy we get to have one our closest friend by our side during this special time!
Jordan Funk
Groomsman
Jordan was always my go-to guy during our college days! There wasn’t a time where he wasn’t down to hangout and have a good time. On our last year at Emmanuel, we were roommates and created memories that will last a lifetime. It feels like just the other day we were burning down our apartment, throwing ragers, having pool days every weekend, and giving each other haircuts every Friday. He's my white friend but he's basically Hispanic by now. Thankful to have this hermano for life.
Rachel Tolleson
Bridesmaid
Rachel and I met in Georgia and from the moment I met her I knew she was going to stick around forever. While still attending EC, we had the opportunity of living together and getting to know each other through our life stories and daily Spanish lessons! From late nights in Athens, to Spring breaks in Miami, and getting adjusted to this adulting lifestyle, this girl has been very special to both Steven and I. Rae is so supportive, encouraging, and always knows the right things to say. Her goofy and loving personality is something that can brighten anyone's day. I can't imagine going through this special day without her by our side!
Luke Fountain
Groomsman
Luke is definitely one of a kind, let's just say he's a different breed. He’s sarcastic, outspoken, and opinionated. No one will ever know what he's really thinking and tends to run away from you when given too much alcohol. But on a more positive note, he is definitely one of the most loyal people I have met. He has been there through the good and the bad times. I know I can always count on him to have my back. Get ready for an epic dance battle!
Adri Garcia
Bridesmaid
Adri and I met during my first year of high school, back in 2008!!! Since then, she hasn’t been able to get rid of me. We’ve gone from riding the bus to school together, to dancing together for years, to moving away to different states, to moving back home and growing into adults. Our friendship has been through it all. The craziest part is how much we have in common with each other. If something happens to me and I go to tell her, there’s a 90% chance the same thing has happened to her already. This freaks us out, but it’s also one of the many reasons our friendship is so great. She’s definitely one I will always be able to count, nothing like having your best friend as a neighbor too!
Josue Fonseca
Groomsman
Josue is my literal Day 1! From middle school softball and baseball days at miami lakes park, to winning a district championship in high school for volleyball, to now having him as one of my groomsmen. We’ve always been really close friends and I love him like my younger brother! We have so many fun memories together and he is one of the funniest guys I have ever met. I can’t wait to see where life takes both of us 10 to 20 years from now, but I know I can always count on my boy for anything in life! Much love my guy