Tomas & Venessa Jo
Wedding Party
Venessa Jo Soto
Bride
Venessa is a mother to 10-year-old Sheeba and 5-year-old Bear, her lovely pups! Venessa has been employed with the Department of Family and Protective Services, Child Protective Services division for almost 15 years and loves her current role in leadership. Venessa is so happy she swiped right on her honeybee and looks forward to celebrating this very important day. She's waited long enough!!
Tomas Martinez Jr.
Groom
Tomas, also known as Tommy is a 39 year old male who is the proud father of Sophia Grace Martinez, his 11 year old daughter. Tommy has worked in the oil and gas industry for the past 11 years and is currently working out of North Dakota. Although you can take Tommy out of Texas, you can’t take the Texas out of Tommy! He enjoys bbq’ing with friends and family, and driving his Jeep around in the mud. Tommy had all but given up on love, but when he saw Venessa buzzing around his page, he was instantly stung!
Sophia Grace Martinez
Daughter of the Groom
Sophia is the 11-year-old daughter of Tomas Martinez Jr. Sophia loves anime mangas, movies and action-filled things. She enjoys dancing and singing, although will pretend she’s shy about it. Although Sophia wanted to be the flower-girl at this wedding, we felt her role as “Daughter of the Groom” was just as important.
Delia Soto
Mother of the Bride
"Mommy" is the bride's best friend. She's been there for all of her high's and low's and has been her biggest supporter. Venessa & Delia share a very close bond and often spend lots of days shopping together! I'm sure Delia was worried that Venessa would settle for someone not as great as she was, or would never settle down, but when she met Tommy, she was very happy with her decision. Delia looks forward to inviting her new son-in-law and Sophia into our very big Valdez family and wishes them nothing but the best!
Valdez-Nieto-Soto
Father of the Bride
Standing in for Venessa's father are her backbone and biggest supporters. Walking her down the aisle are her four maternal uncles, Domingo Valdez, Richard Valdez, standing in for the late Robert Valdez is his wife, Oneida Valdez, and Javier Valdez. Venessa and her maternal uncles share a close bond full of happy memories. Also by her side, Mr. David Nieto, Venessa's step-father who has been a part of her life for the past 20 years. Finally, walking her to the altar alongside her mother is her only sibling, Jose Luis Soto Jr.
Noemi & Samuel Alcocer
Padrinos
Noemi (Martinez) Alcocer is Tommy's big sister. She is married to Sam, and together they have 2 handsome young men, Jonathan & Sebastian. The Alcocer family is from Minnesota, but distance cannot tear the family bond apart! Noemi & Sam graciously accepted the role as the witnesses for Tommy and Venessa's marriage! The Martinez sisters, Noemi, Laura & Diana give their blessings in marriage as they stand in for Tommy's late parents, Tomas & Juanita Martinez.
Diana & Ruben Ruelas
Padrinos
Diana Ruelas is Venessa's maternal aunt, but Venessa sees her as a second mother as they share a close and loving relationship! Diana married Ruben Ruelas in September 2022 and Tommy & Venessa were honored to be part of their big day! Ruben has demonstrated to be a great uncle and brother to the Valdez family. Tommy & Venessa asked them to be padrinos of the cross since they have a deep connection with God and if they ever needed guidance, they know they could always turn to them.
Guadalupe & Gerardo De La Rosa
Padrinos
Guadalupe De La Rosa is the paternal aunt of Venessa. Since Venessa can remember, her "Tia Girdie" and "Tio Jerry" have loved and demonstrated the true meaning of family to her through her adulthood. Guadalupe & Gerardo were asked to be padrinos of the unity cross as they have demonstrated the true meaning of family by staying united with Venessa and Tommy through their relationship. Guadalupe & Gerardo are from the State of Washington and are honored to be back "home!"
Michael C. Flores
Officiant
Mike and Venessa reconnected after primary school in Edinburg, during the wedding of a mutual friend on South Padre Island. They were quick to friendship, once again, and as Mike moved back to Edinburg during the height of the pandemic, Venessa inspired (forced) Mike to join her at daily CrossFit classes. She quickly introduced Mike and Tommy and shenanigans ensued – most cannot be recounted in respectable company. Mike happily accepted their invitation to serve as the officiant in their 2023 wedding. He hopes the Martinez family is filled with the same motivation, love, and inspiration they constantly share with the rest of the world.
Madeline Jude Avalos-Soto
Flower Girl
Madeline Jude "Maddie" is the 3-year-old niece of Venessa, daughter of Jose Luis Soto Jr. and Ruby Avalos. Maddie has grown fond of her Tio Tommy and has fun at their house playing with Bear Bear and Sheeba. She enjoys jumping on their couches and playing with her door gate. If Maddie could speak clearly, we know she'd say that her Tio and Tia are so patient and loving to her since she's their favorite niece... and only niece. Madeline enjoys playing on her Tia Nene's phone and watches her favorite cartoons. (Peppa Pig) Maddie enjoys when her Tia Nene and her dance to her favorite country songs. Tia Nene and Tio Tommy love Madeline Jude to the moon and back! Twinkle, twinkle little star!
Noe Perez
Ring Bearer
Noe Perez is the 11-year-old nephew of Venessa, son of Ruby Avalos and Jose Luis Soto Jr. Noe has the best memories of the fun places we have gone to, especially because they are places that he always wanted to go to but never did before. Noe's happiest memories are at the jump park and at the swimming pool with his Tia Venessa, Tio Tommy and Sophia. Noe believes that he has a Tio and Tia that really care about him and love to spend time with their favorite nephew.
Telisa Evanna
Maid of Honor
Friend: It all started in 1996, when we had a few classes together in 6th grade. Our friendship continued into junior high, where we joined the dance drill team and stayed active in athletics. We joined marching band in high school, but we didn’t stop there. In 2000, I was a dama in her quinceanera. In 2002, I was her colorguard member in her Drum Major audition. But being friends wasn’t enough… Sister: In 2004, we decided to become founding sisters of Delta Xi Nu Multicultural Sorority Inc.’s Delta Chapter at UTPA; a long process that brought us closer together. We graduated from UTPA together in 2006 as (Greek) sisters, and ventured off into our careers. But that wasn’t enough…
Telisa Evanna PART II
Maid of Honor
Maid of Honor: In 2007, Venessa was my not only my friend, my sister, my neighbor (yes, our apartments were next to each other), but also my maid of honor. Now it’s my turn to return the honor. Officially, Unofficial Tia: In 2009, she held my hand, put my hair up in chongo, and kept me entertained during a 21-hour labor, waiting for my son to make his debut. She’s there for my children as much as she is there for me. She is the fun Tia who picks them up from school, lets them eat all the ice cream in her freezer, cheers for them at their events, and spoils them for their birthdays and Christmas. Soul Sister: I used to think friendship was hanging out, lunches, and sleepovers. Now I know it’s not. We may not share the same blood (our mothers couldn’t handle us if one of them was blessed with both of us as siblings), it’s 3am talks over pancakes at Whataburger. It’s 3pm laughing so hard you’re crying at the corny joke for the third time today. It’s love in the strangest ways when all else is lost. Even though we are fire and water, we balance each other just right. Side by side or miles apart, we are always connected by heart.
Joshua Noel Garcia
Man of Honor
"Venessa and I met back at our favorite honky-tonk way back around 13 years ago. She’s the reason why I can spin a wooden dance floor. But most importantly she has become the sister I never wanted, Haha! She has been there for not just me but for my family thru thick and thin. She has supported and encouraged me in everything I do in my life! She has been there to hear me vent, cry, celebrate but most importantly, she’s been there when I just needed a good ole Wing Barn outing! It is with such honor and joy that I get to stand beside you today as your man of honor in celebrating you marrying the love of your life! I love you seesstterrr!!"
Janette Flores
Bridesmaid
Venessa and I met about 10 years ago at what was once our home away home, Hills. We had mutual friends & instantly became friends. It wasn’t much longer that we learned we were “Nurillo neighbors” too. Venessa has become one of my bestest friends. She truly has a heart of gold. She is my shopping buddy (especially for groceries), confidant, & the friend everyone needs in their life. I wish I could choose one favorite memory, but there’s just too many. The road trips we’ve taken, the concerts we’ve attended, the drinks we’ve had, the food we’ve ate & most importantly our game nights are just a few of them. I am so happy for my friend that she’s marrying the love of her life. Tommy has brought out the best in our beautiful friend. I wish you two the best in your marriage & thank you for including me in your special day. Cheers to more memories together!
Jomyra Hinojosa
Bridesmaid
“A picture is worth a thousand words, but a memory is priceless” For anyone lucky enough to make endless memories with Vee is completely blessed. I will always treasure our road trip concerts regardless of the destination, many vacations and family gatherings I got to participate in, so many memories I have and many more to go. Our love for Tejano and Country music brought us closer together, going dancing and to concerts. She soon figured out right after we met that I wasn’t going anywhere, so it was easier for her to just keep me around. As the years have gone by, I have learned so much from our friendship, we have laughed, cried and even just sat in silence for a while. She has never turned down a hug when needed, an ear when I needed to be heard and a hand to reach out towards me when I didn’t know my way anymore. It’s difficult to choose just one favorite memory with her because as we all know, every time she is around it is always a great time. But if you ever see us in the car, just enjoy the show, because once Miranda Lambert, Selena, or any other artist we enjoy comes on, we will give you a free concert at no charge, we might even throw in some dance moves here in there, you’d be surprised how loud we can get. What can I say other than I can’t wait to keep making endless memories with the soon to be Martinez Family. I am so excited to be part of your wedding!
Monique Montenegro
Bridesmaid
Monique is the only bridesmaid that can say she's known the bride since she was in diapers! Monique is Venessa's cousin, as their mothers are sisters. Only God knew that their mothers could not handle them as siblings, so this was the next best thing he could have done! Venessa stood in at Monique's wedding 12 years ago, and now she's happy she is able to have her participate in her big day. Monique and Venessa's relationship consists of funny memes, inappropriate jokes and the latest family "chisme!"
Ariana Blanco
Bridesmaid
"Venessa and I met just over a year ago and instantly connected. She is my boyfriend’s best friend, sister, and confidant. Although our friendship began because of Josh, she very quickly became one of the most important people in my life. She is now one of my closest friends and is the one I know I can lean on when times get tough. She is always there to lend an ear when I need to vent, or a joke when I need to laugh, and always has a glass of wine ready to go. The memories we’ve created in this last year are just the beginning of an amazing friendship. Watching the love she and Tommy have for one another is truly inspiring. He can calm her down (and wind her up) like no one else. I am incredibly blessed to have them both in my life and I can’t wait to see them start the next phase of their lives together."
Gaby Patino-Diaz
Best Woman
Gosh, what can say about Tomas? I’ve known the guy since we were young teens. We first met through a church youth event, where several different churches from surrounding towns gathered. He was throwing a football around with a pal. I said something super sarcastic, and he got me back with the same sarcastic humor. Lol yeah. Our sarcasm connected us. I didn’t know then, but we’d be amigos for life. Story time: he had, for an instant, given up on “love” so he began to focus on other things. And then he purchased a house. When he told me the news, the first thing out of my mouth was, “Yep, you’re gettin’ married”. He laughed. And well…we all know that I was right. The story didn’t end there but has now continued. When I first heard of this gal, I was a little scared for him at first. But the more he talked about her, the more peace I felt for him. At some point, I knew, she was his, “one”. I was finally able to meet Venessa when they attended my and my husband’s 13th wedding anniversary party. I felt so much joy seeing them together and w/ Sophia. What a perfect little unit. She is everything he never knew he needed. Life has a funny way of catching us off guard like that. As much as you plan your life, life itself will surprise you with unexpected things…in this case…an unexpected someone…who will make you happier than you could have ever planned or imagined. To Venessa: Thank you for bringing his smile back, l love you for that. I love you both. I love you three.
Jesus "Chuy" Ramon
Groomsman
Tommy and I grew up together in Crystal City, Texas. When I was in kindergarten, I remember seeing Tommy everywhere I went. He was the first person in the classroom when I walked in. We immediately started playing and haven’t stopped since! When my mother passed away, I was adopted by another family. My adoptive mother went to church a lot and took me with her. The first time I stepped in the church, I didn’t know where I would sit or what I would do. But who do you think was there... Tommy! We played a lot of basketball in middle school and high school together. I still remember starting every season with him there by my side. When we left to college, guess who my first roommate was... Tommy! He’s been attached to my family and I from the beginning. So much so, I think my dad liked him more than me. My dad ended up putting his name on Tommy's first cell phone line. My dad didn’t just do that for anyone. It shows what kind of guy Tommy is. Congratulations on your marriage, bro!
Trisha Salazar
Groomswoman
Before Tommy and I were friends, we were colleagues working for PSJA ISD back in 2013. We quickly realized that we had a mutual friend in Elsie (another groomswoman). That’s where the 3 amigos first banded together! We have remained close, being present and supportive for each of our achievements. I am really excited to be here celebrating Tommy and Venessa’s big day.
Elsie Garza
Groomswoman
Tommy and I met over 8 years ago through a family member, and who would have guessed he would become one of the most important men in my life. Tommy is now one of my closest male friends whom I consider my brother from another mother. He is always there to lend an ear when I need to vent about stuff that irritates me or just to talk and catch up since Tommy works away from the valley. Sooo many memories I have with Tommy, but game nights will always be my favorite memories since we always kill it at the rhyming games lol(jk). The best thing is he is always down for dinner and drinks. I wouldn’t trade any of our shenanigans we’ve made over the years. I’m so happy for Tommy to have upgraded to someone who loves him the way he loves her. Vee, you came into Tommy’s life at the right time. These two are from the same pod and I can’t wait to share many more memories with y’all. I’m blessed to have y’all in my life and thank you for including me in y’all’s wedding party. Love you forever and always!
Fidencio De Leon
Groomsman
Tommy hasn't been around too long in my life, but he has grown to be a very important person who I deeply consider a great friend. He is a person who could brighten a room and honestly seems like no matter what is going on around, he manages to always carry a contagious smile. But aside from all this, he is amazing to my great friend Venessa. She is a person that I have admired so much in life and always wished she could find herself some one that would just love her as much as she loves. No one ever came close to the man Tommy has been in her life, treats her like the queen she deserves. And not to mention it reflects how Tommy is HER LIFE. These two were meant to be together and everything they do shows that. So, to a HAPPY MARIAGE and MANY YEARS OF JOY TO THE TWO OF THEM!!!!
Meadow A. Manzano
God Daughter
Who knew that in 2008 Venessa’s life would change with the birth of Meadow A’mor. Aka “Fairy God Mother”, Venessa has been a part of Meadow’s life spiritually, in person and even virtual! From attending out of town volleyball games to sending gifts via USPS, Venessa is always a short hop and a skip away from her godchildren. If Meadow needs a new pair of RED converse she knows where to turn to!
Stefan Weber
God Son
Stefan and Venessa have a close bond that no boy can ever replace. Stefan feels comfort and love when she’s around.
Isla Weber
God Daughter
Venessa didn’t realize that the youngest Weber would be more rambunctious than Venessa is. Though quite the handful this Baby Isla is always ready for cuddles and love from Venessa. Keep an eye on these two as in each other’s arms they are planning their next adventures and shenanigans!
Jorge Segovia
God Son
Jorge, also known as "Jorgie" to Venessa is Venessa's godson. Shortly after his birth in 2011, he was baptized at San Martin de Porras in Weslaco, Texas. Although Venessa may not see Jorge on a regular basis, he is loved, thought of, and prayed for on a regular basis!
Sheeba Marie Soto-Martinez
Honorary Maid of Honor
Sheeba is the 10-year-old Beagle-Mix who Venessa rescued from going to a shelter back in 2013. She only has one eye but can catch flies faster than a frog! She fights with strangers like a toxica, is very territorial and mean but loves to get belly rubs, long walks and cookies. Sheeba is loyal to Venessa and her new daddy, but for anyone else, watch out! She bites!
Bear-Bear Soto-Martinez
Honorary Best Man
Bear, also known as Bear Bear for his kind nature is the 5-year-old, 130-pound Rottweiler of Venessa, recently adopted by Tommy and Sophia. Bear is a gentle soul who follow's Sheeba's lead in anything she does. Bear loves belly rubs, cookies and snout kisses. Bear is not fond of children because he's low-energy, slightly overweight and can't keep up with them. He also loves naps and sun-bathing.