Sean Kirkwood - Man of Honor
When I think about my friendship with Sean, I think of the simple joys that have always brought us together—the music that moves us, the anime that fuels our imaginations, and the snacks we’ve shared over the years. We met at a kandi picnic, where a simple piece of string sparked a connection that has since been woven into something beautiful. Through every phase of life, Sean has been there, a constant reminder of loyalty and kindness. Whether it’s navigating the highs or holding strong through the lows, he’s always shown up with an open heart, ready to offer his unwavering support and wisdom. I truly can’t imagine this day without him. Sean’s been part of the journey from the beginning, and I’m filled with gratitude knowing he’ll be here, standing by me as I take this step. A true friend, a constant companion, and a man who brings light into every room he enters. Sean has been a gift in my life, and I’m so thankful to have him by my side on this special day.
Geena Bakotich - Maid of Honor
From the very moment I met Geena, I was drawn to her energy, her magnetic, vibrant, and full of life ways. Over the years, Geena has shown me what it means to be a loyal, strong, and true friend. Through every season of life, she’s been there rooting for me, standing beside me, and reminding me that together, we can handle anything. Her spirit is infectious, and she’s the kind of person who makes life feel like one big, beautiful adventure.
She’s someone I can trust with all my heart, and I feel so incredibly lucky to have her by my side. As I stand here today, about to marry the love of my life, there’s no one else I would want by my side more than Geena. She’s been a guiding light in my life, and I’m overjoyed to share this magical day with her. From our shared moments of laughter to the wild adventures that have shaped our friendship, I know we’ll keep creating memories that light up the years to come.
Kayalani Santos - Bridesmaid
Kayalani is more than just my cousin; she’s been one of my very first friends, a constant presence in my life from the very beginning. From childhood to adulthood, she has always looked out for me. Brave, hardworking, and endlessly full of life, Kayalani brings a spark to everything she does. She has this remarkable ability to turn even the most ordinary moments into something special, making every day feel brighter with her infectious energy. As we’ve grown older, we’ve faced life’s ups and downs together, growing even closer as we’ve learned to navigate whatever comes our way. I love Kayalani with all my heart, I truly believe that not many are lucky enough to have a cousin who is not just family, but also a best friend, a sister, and a partner in life’s journey. I am beyond thrilled to share this day with her, and I know that the memories we create today will be another beautiful chapter in the story we’ve written together over the years.
Jenn Lieskovan - Bridesmaid
The first time I met Jenn, I knew something special was about to unfold. In the whirlwind of retail life, amid the chaos of long shifts and even longer days, our paths crossed, and I instantly had this feeling, " yeah, we’re going to be best friends one day" and it’s been a journey of laughter, growth, and shared moments ever since. Jenn has always shown up for me, just as I’ve tried to show up for her, through every high and low. Friendships like Jenn’s are rare, the kind that feels like a quiet force of nature; steady, constant, and always there when you need it most.The bond we share goes beyond just the fun moments—it’s built on a foundation of trust, loyalty, and the kind of connection that doesn’t need words to be understood. It’s the kind of friendship that makes you realize how lucky you are to find someone who just gets you.
Having Jenn by my side today, on the most important day of my life, feels like the perfect continuation of the beautiful friendship we’ve built.
Teddy Ayres - Bridesman
Teddy is the kind of friend who has not only shaped my life but has also pulled me out of my comfort zone in the best way possible. From the moment our paths crossed, he’s been a source of endless laughter, joy, and meaning in my life. Although we’ve known each other for a long time, it’s in these last five years of friendship that we’ve grown so close, and now, I can’t imagine my life without him in it. He’s a constant reminder that life is better when you have someone to laugh with, someone who understands the quiet moments just as well as the loud ones. He is truly more than a friend; he’s a brother in every sense of the word. His loyalty, his support, his humor, and the way he’s always there make him irreplaceable. Teddy has been there through it all, and I am so incredibly grateful to have him with me today. There are so many moments, so many memories, that I’m so thankful to have lived with him, and I know there will be many more to come. Teddy, I love you like a brother, and I couldn’t be more honored to have you by my side on this special day.
Michael Hurley - Best Man
Michael Hurley (or Hurley) as he is known, has been my friend and partner-in-crime since the summer of our freshman year of high school. Our shared love for music and cars brought us together, and we spent countless hours at Don Bosco, learning how to take apart an engine and even how to stuff someone in a trunk without getting caught (all in good fun, of course).
Michael’s influence didn’t stop there. During our senior year, he got me into running, a passion I’ve continued to cherish. His encouragement and support have been unwavering, pushing me to achieve things I never thought possible.
Now, as I stand on the brink of one of the most important days of my life, I couldn’t imagine my wedding without him. Michael’s loyalty, humor, and friendship have been a constant source of strength and joy. He’s not just a best man; he’s a brother, and I’m incredibly grateful to have him by my side.
Ricky Lopez - Best Man
Ricky Lopez has been a close friend since 8th grade, when we met through another friend. Living close by, we hung out all the time, starting with paintball games and then cleaning out my garage to create a hangout spot that felt like a second home. The countless memories we made there are all thanks to Ricky.
During his time in the Air Force, Ricky developed into the remarkable man he is today. He has an incredible job, a loving wife, and they just welcomed a child. Ricky is going to be an amazing father, and I couldn't be happier for him.
Having Ricky by my side on my wedding day is a testament to the lifelong bond we've shared. He's not just a best man; he's a brother, and I am incredibly grateful to have him here today.
Brian Brubaker - Best Man
Brian Brubaker is one of the few people who shared my passion for longboarding. Through falls, scrapes, and long days of pushing, our friendship developed and strengthened. We took it to the next level by longboarding across the country with a few friends. Spending a month together in a car taught me a lot about Brian and cemented my belief that he would always be a part of my life.
Brian is genuine, caring, and the kind of person who would give you the shirt off his back without a second thought. He was there with me during my worst times, so it's only fitting that he is with me at my best. His unwavering support and friendship mean the world to me.
Thank you, Brian, for everything. Having you by my side on my wedding day is an honor and a testament to our incredible bond.
Andrew Yanez - Best Man
Andrew Yanez and I attended high school together, but it wasn't until our senior year retreat that our friendship developed. Through deep spiritual growth during our senior retreat, we forged a strong bond that has withstood the test of time. We've stuck together through both good times and bad, and his unwavering support has been a constant in my life.
Keeping me in check is no easy feat, and it takes someone strong to do that. Andrew has always been that person for me, providing guidance and support when I needed it most.
Having Andrew as our officiant on our wedding day is not just an honor; it's a testament to the profound friendship we've built. He’s more than a best man; he’s a spiritual brother, and I’m incredibly grateful to have him play such a pivotal role in this special day.
Thomas Puebla III - Best Man
Thomas Puebla III has been a part of my life since freshman year of high school. We may not have had the same classes, but we shared the same bench every day at lunch, where our friendship truly began. During our senior year, we both played varsity football, and Thomas lived close to school. I practically lived at his house that year, feeling like part of his family.
Our shared taste in music took us to countless shows, and we even traveled for a good number of them. Through thick and thin, Thomas has always been there for me. He's not just a friend; he's a brother.
Thomas has an amazing job with Amtrak and recently started a family, and I couldn’t be happier for him. Having him by my side on my wedding day is a testament to the incredible bond we share. Thank you, Thomas, for joining me on this special day
Adrian Verduzco - Best Man
Adrian Verduzco has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. Growing up down the street from each other, we went to the same high school, and our friendship deepened during and after our senior year. We spent countless hours hanging out at each other's houses, raiding the fridge, and creating forever memories.
Adrian went on to pursue a career in law, attending college in Oregon. Despite the distance, we kept in touch through our shared love for video games whenever we had the time. Adrian has now started his career as the Deputy District Attorney for San Bernardino County, and I couldn't be prouder of his accomplishments.
Having Adrian by my side on my wedding day is a testament to the incredible bond we've shared over the years. He's not just a best man; he's a brother, and I am incredibly grateful to have him as a friend and an integral part of this special day.
Mark Nix - Best Man
Mark Nix has been a constant presence in my life for over 23 years, making him the friend I've known the longest. Our bond was forged through countless hours of playing video games at his workplace, where we first met. Over the years, Mark has taught me invaluable life lessons and become the older brother I never had.
As two adopted kids, we found a unique connection and understanding in each other. Mark is always up for a good time, no matter the circumstances, because he truly believes that the company you keep is what matters most. His positive outlook and unwavering support have been the source of strength and support I didn't know I needed.
Having Mark by my side on my wedding day is not just an honor; it's a testament to the incredible friendship we've built. He’s not just a best man; he's family, and I’m incredibly grateful to have him with me on this special day.