Marjan has been one of those "ride-or-die" friends for both Adam and me. She and Adam both work in healthcare as respiratory therapists. Once upon a time, Marjan was Adam's boss!
She has been a solid girlfriend to me and always keeps it real. We've spent many nights drinking wine on the patio and talking late into the night. She is loved by all who meet her and our families embrace her as one of our own.
Marie and I are cousins and have been close since childhood. We spent many years visiting each other during NorCal/SoCal road trips. We used to send letters full of Bop magazine cutouts and our teenage woes. We are fortunate to remain close as adults with our children and partners formed strong bonds too. I only wish she didn't live on the other side of the country and am grateful to have her in our lives with the unique perspective she brings to every occasion.
Growing up I used to beg for a baby sister. They delivered on that promise in a really big way with Jane. As the bookends in our sibling squad, we couldn't be any more different. We've been through all the sibling rivalry, love, heartache, and crazy family drama. I've embraced that we are sisters for life and our differences are each other's strengths. I am in awe of her zest for life, and how she faces challenges and she can always rely on my guidance and perspective. They say opposites attract and that even applies to sisters.
Larah has been my Sister-in-law in spirit for longer than I can remember. She has always been a part of the Andaya clan whether she likes it or not. Larah has been a rock in our family, always displaying steadfast loyalty and grace under fire. She is an amazing mom to my two nephews and Tita to Andrew. Raising our children together has been a blessing and I know I can always count on her to come through.
I'm the lucky one that when I marry into Adam's family I also gain a sister. Lisa's strength and understanding of family bonds are remarkable. I can always rely on her to share embarrassing stories of Adam as a kid and give me the background on decades of family history. She has been a guiding light in the overwhelming wedding planning and always reminds me to focus on the things that Adam and I want. We are so lucky to have her as our boots-on-the-ground partner in Monterey.
When I first met Raven she was a teenager just becoming a woman. One of my earliest memories is when Adam and I recruited her to babysit Andrew when he was still a little guy. Now she's a wife and mom of three little ones of her own and she is the epitome of #supermom. It takes a certain kind of strength to balance so many things at once with so many people and I think she handles it well. It isn't easy, but she makes it look that way.
Matt, we've been friends for close to 30 years. Brothers from another mother, we have been through everything together. It's been an amazing journey riding our bikes through the neighborhood, borrowing your mom's car, cruising the Bay Area, and being the best man at your wedding was an honor. I'm so excited for you to be by my side for the next stage in my life. I love and appreciate you and the friendship we have built.
There are people in the world that come into your life that just make you a better person to “seize the day”, according to Henry. From epic camping trips, cigar afternoons, and amazing food and drink experiences, to Sunday movie and cocktail night. Its been an honor to be at the hospital when your son was born and to trust Misha and me to watch your son so you can receive countless awards for your career.
Andrew, I can’t believe how big you've grown and how intelligent you are at such a young age. You’re a leader in your school, a talented saxophone player, an active boy scout, a dad joke teller that absolutely excels in academics, and yet you are still shorter than me. I've had the honor to watch you grow from a little boy to a fully grown teenager. I'm so proud of the person you have become and I'm excited to see where life will take you next.
Mercury, I can’t believe how much you have grown.!I remember holding you in my hands and now you've grown into a man I can barely get my arms around to hug. I'm so impressed with the journey your life has taken. You've accomplished what so many have only dreamed of, a career playing professional football. You are a kind, loving person and an example of what hard work looks like. I'm so excited to see where life will take you next. I love you and I'm so proud to be your uncle.
Joe aka “the Physique Freak” is probably the most disciplined person in the Andaya family. From maintaining a great diet to consistently going to the gym, Joe has no equal. Joe is a person who is always smiling, rarely has a negative attitude, and always makes time for his two boys. He is a great positive influence and I already consider him my brother-in-law.
Marc is the calm rock of the family. Any time we need an ear to listen and give thoughtful feedback, that's Marc. He’s always the first to lend a helping hand and does so without complaint. He is a music lover and sports enthusiast who can always be counted on. Glad to call him my brother-in-law.
The rest of the Andaya boys will be part of the wedding and will be the first to greet everyone to the day's festivities. These boys are the pride and joy of their Grandpa's eyes and we couldn't get married without them having a part in our big day.
The family's youngest boys are Adam's adorable great-grand nephews Orlando and Emmett. Both love dinosaurs and superheroes and spend their days roughing each other up and keeping mom and dad on their toes. We are excited to have them a part of our wedding and can't wait to see them in their suits, which probably won't stay on for too long.
Lauren and Macie are Adam's little cousins from Paso Robles. They both LOVE drawing and creating. Lauren’s very quiet, sweet, and funny & Macie is really outgoing and caring. We are so excited to have them as part of our wedding and can't wait to share our special day with them.