Wedding Party
Juan Herrera
Man of Honor
Juan is Vayo’s very best friend in the entire world. We have journeyed our 20s and 30s together through lots of talks, laughs, dancing, gym buddies, and travel companions. We have been each others support system through life’s changes, but most importantly, he’s my faith and prayer partner. The one I text or call when I need prayers. We have grown in our faith together, attend mass and brunch regularly and continue to learn about our Catholic faith from each other. We basically pray and party together. He always says he’s my annoying brother and I agree:)
Joann Escobar
Bridesmaid
Joann is my oldest sister, first born, first daughter, first granddaughter (which means she’s the favorite) and the sweetest/kindest sister anyone could ever hope for. She has a heart of gold, and always smiling. She’s also a dance mom and literally the best cheerleader you could ever ask for. Jo has 3 kids, 2 daughters and a son, and the best mom. Our nieces even call her “Mama Jojo” because she takes such great care of everyone around her. Jo is our safe space, our home and the heart of our family.
Lissette “Lupe” Escobar
Bridesmaid
Lupe is my younger sister, third in line, and has been my best friend my entire life. We are only 16 months apart so we grew up doing all the same things, same clothes, same looks (I loved matching, she hated it), same friends and same experiences. We’re still so similar but she is by far, the funniest sister. She is always the first one to crack jokes and makes us all laugh. Plus, she loves to party, so we have a ton of fun together. She has two daughters, and is the best mommy ever. We often say she mothers like our mother, which is beyond special.
Cristal “Cucu” Escobar
Bridesmaid
Cucu is our youngest sister, and such a joy to be around. She’s always so peaceful, happy and super thoughtful. I call her the best wing woman because she’s always down for whatever…going out, staying in, shopping, wine night, shots…the list goes on. She has a 2 year old son, and we’re all obsessed with him (Elias). He has her demeanor and reminds us of her when she was a little kid. She’s dependable, super loving and always down to party.
Brenda Lopez - Arrellano
Bridesmaid
Brenda is our cousin, and has grown up with us, just like a sister. She grew up in MN with us, lived close to me during college and now, we hang out as much as we can. Life has truly been so fun with her, we go to concerts together, go out, visit grandma, and support each other in everything. Brenda loves to shop, travel and the beach (just a few things we have in common). She’s also a hair stylist and beauty expert so she’s my go to for all things hair, skin and makeup.
Esther Ortega
Bridesmaid
Esther is our cool, go-getter, stylish cousin. She grew up in San Antonio, so my sisters and I looked forward to our summer vacations, visiting family, but especially, to hang out with our cool cousin. She’s always been mature for her age and taught us so much growing up, some of our core childhood memories include Esther. To this day, I continue to learn from her, she’s quick to offer advice, send clothes/accessories recommendations and always ready for a good time with us girls. She has 3 kids, a son, and 2 daughters (who are her minis) and literally superwoman, there’s nothing she can’t do in heels.
Amanda Caldera
Bridesmaid
Amanda is one of my best friends, we met over 25 years ago, through Esther (she’s Esther’s childhood/lifelong bestie) and has been part of our family since I can remember. We’ve experienced so many milestones together, but most importantly, we have a friendship rooted in Christ and a love for Mother Mary. We used to teach RCIA together, and she sent me on my first ACTS retreat over 10 years ago. Through the years, our faith has deepened and she’s the friend you can count on for prayers, love, honesty and the best laughs. She has 3 kids, 2 daughters and a son, and I’m so thankful to witness her mother. She is gentle, fun, and her kids are her treasures. The beautiful thing about Amanda, is that she makes everyone around her feel like a treasure, she’s truly the light of the world.
Nick “Feldy” Feldewerd
Best Man
Feldy is Joel’s best man and they first met in middle school and became best friends spending time with their crew at Nick’s house and on the Ranger Boat. Hunting, fishing, football and the outdoors brought them together, and sharing the same passion for wildlife has remained constant through the years. In the thick of the Covid pandemic, Nick flew to California to move Joel to Texas, driving long days, so Joel could monitor the computer for issues with his travel nurses. If someone needs help, Feldy is around the corner with two helping hands at the ready.
Alex Gust
Groomsman
Alex and Joel were introduced by another groomsman, Alec Lidstone, at University Wisconsin Madison. It wasn’t till years later and States later (California) that Alex’s mother recognized the last name McBride, and confirmed with Alex who Joel’s parents are. Alex and Joel share first cousins, Christopher and Jesse Bodell. Joel and Alex were able to get together a few times a year since Alex traveled all over CA for work. Joel took a job in NorCal and moved in with Alex in Sacramento, fall 2017. For 3 years they had adventures all through NorCal and the Sierras, mostly in Alex’s camping van, named Trudy (97’ VW euro van). These days the adventures are more relaxing, and occur mostly down in Mexico.
Alec Lidstone
Groomsman
Alec was one of Joel’s first roommates and closest friends when he moved to Madison, Wisconsin. Through Alec and the new Madison crew, Joel discovered new genres of music and was able to expand his network of friends. Alec and Caitlin even flew out to CA one year to take Joel to a Dirty Bird (Name of record label) camping festival with their crew. Alec and his wife Caitlin continue to provide Joel and Vayo with fun opportunities, travel, gatherings, music events and the genuine comfort one has when in the presence of an old friend.
Tiger Lansing
Groomsman
Joel met Tiger when he first visited LA for the 2011 Rose Bowl (2010 CFB season). Joel flew out and stayed with his Badger home girl, Reena (along with Ty and Mia), who introduced Joel to Tiger. Tiger was the most pivotal factor (honorable mention Reena) in getting Joel out of San Diego, and on to his life and his sales career that would start in LA. He encouraged Joel to make the leap and offered his support as a true friend.
Ty Oliver
Groomsman
Joel met Ty when he first moved to Madison. Similar to the experiences shared with Alec Lidstone, Ty was also apart of this Badger crew, along with his now wife Mia. Ty and Mia moved to Key West, FL after Madison. Joel and Ty were on opposite coasts but stayed friends and Joel even took a long trip across the country to see them. He had to get in a propeller plane to land on the tiny island, it was interesting. That following fall, Ty made the flight to San Diego to see Joel. There was a need, and he made it happen. A friend you can count on.
Rene Escobar
Groomsman
The brother of the Bride, Rene is the strong and quiet type. He lets his actions and work do the talking for him. He has been a helpful and supportive brother in law since Vayo and Joel first started dating. He even gave up a Saturday to move Joel from Austin to San Antonio, NOT fun (I-35 is just as bad in TX as MN, if not worse). Rene may be the “little baby” of the Escobar siblings, but his character and accountability are much more aligned with being a “big brother.”