Wedding Party
Edem Oladele
Best Man
Met: in 2019 while both students at the University of Chicago Divinity School. What nurtured their friendship was a mutual desire to grow in their faith and look more like Jesus. Over the years, Edem and Jair have been blessed to fellowship together in many different spaces—first, at the same church in Chicago; later, on the same men’s retreat to Spain; and more recently, on the same weekly Bible study on Zoom. Edem is overjoyed to see his brother Jair enter this next chapter of life—to God be the glory!
Arianna Lawrence
Matron of Honor
Met: At Princeton when Bri was a sophomore and Arianna was a visiting prospective student. What started off as Bri coming to give Anna a warm welcome to Princeton when she was choosing colleges blossomed into a lifelong sisterhood. Anna and Bri shared life stories between classes, pep talks during meals, late night study sessions and support for each other at every major milestone since: from college graduations to weddings, and everything in between. Their friendship has stayed rooted in their love for God and each other. Bri was Arianna's maid of honor when she got married last year, and Anna is excited to serve as Bri's Matron of Honor as she marries the love of her life!
Phillip Sanchez
Co-Best Man | Father of the groom
Phil is Jair’s dad. This is the man who raised him—taught him how to fish, hunt, box, care for animals and children among other things. He absolutely loves to talk about boxing and entrepreneurship, so don’t be afraid to approach him.
Ki’Rah Tyus
Maid of Honor
Met: in middle school and the rest was history. Their relationship has withstood the test of time because of the genuine love as sisters they have for each other. What Ki’Rah appreciates most about their friendship is that even if they don’t talk everyday, when they do find time it picks right back up from where they left off! They've been there for each other during the greatest highs and lows of life. This friendship is genuinely built on the love of God. They both love talking about God and having special sister conversations over good food! They have always talked about this special day happening for each other and now it’s here for Briana, and Ki’Rah is super excited about being apart of this journey. Ki'Rah is a Detroit born, Farmington raised minister of the gospel and graduate of U of M's Nursing School. She plans to go back to school for her doctorate in nursing and divinity.
Zachary Swartzendruber
Groomsman
Met: in high school through Young Life (YL) in Clackamas where Zach grew up. After Jair graduated high school he joined Clackamas YL as a leader, and eventually was ministry coordinator for 4 (of 7) years as a volunteer leader. After Zach graduated from Oregon State University he joined Jair as a YL leader—they became closer as they served teenagers alongside one another. Zach and Jair both enjoy playing board games, soccer, and spending time with friends. Zach appreciates being able to always have fun with Jair and also share meaningful conversations about God and vulnerable conversations about our lives. Zach currently lives in Milwaukie, Oregon working as a civil engineer married to one of Jair’s other long time friends Sarah (who is a pastor at Cascade Church in Portland). They have 2 daughters Zoey and Kinsley.
Dr. Kristene Tadese
Bridesmaid
Met: Bri's freshman year at Princeton when Kristene was a sophomore. Bri and Kristene were a part of the same friend group from Bri's very first year of college, and went on to be leaders in ministry together and sisters for the long run. They bonded over their love for God and hearts to serve their communities through law and medicine respectively. Bri and Kristene have walked together for more than ten years and counting, supporting each other through life's ups and downs. Kristene is honored to stand by Bri's side as she says I do this summer.
Eliar David Sobalvarro Perez
Groomsman
Met: 2015 in Nicaragua, when Jair was doing a summer internship through Young Life—interpreting for brigades that came from the USA to serve for a week at a time. During two of those weeks in Nicaragua, Jair just worked with the staff at the YL camp in Jinotega; one of those weeks he and Eliar were on a two-man project together all week and got to know each other well. “Eres mi amigo,” Eliar told him early in their friendship, and they stayed in contact over the years. In 2021 Eliar moved to Chicago and has been living with Jair like a brother since.
Syedah Cabell
Bridesmaid
Met: when Bri was volunteering at Syedah’s job at Chicago Scholars. A simple hello/greeting quickly turned into their first of many long life talks, and the rest is history! Though they always have a GREAT time when they go out, and though their friendship conversations often last into the early hours of morning, Syedah’s favorite part of their friendship is the genuine sisterhood that allows them to enjoy each other’s company regardless of the activity (or their energy levels). Syedah is a South Side Chicago native, and she enjoys being creative, being active, learning about the world, learning about God, and supporting her friends Briana and Jair on their big day!
Austin Orosco
Groomsman
The charismatic, charming, 38-year-old cousin of the groom who has stuck close as a brother. When they were ~9 and 12 years old, Austin, "AO" suffered a scary dirt-bike accident, ripping open part of his leg, and Jair ran as fast as he could to locate a telephone (remember the 90s when we didn't all have phones?) to call 911; a simple surgery later and all turned out alright. AO lived in the same home as Jair through high school (and was a senior at Clackams HS when Jair was a freshman). With a successful career as a Finance bro, he is known for his sharp wit, and unwavering support for his family. A gentleman with a heart of gold, AO brings laughter and joy wherever he goes. He loves his wife, Emily, and his kids. Jair and Austin have both enjoyed weightlifting, running, and exploring the great outdoors. As Austin stands by his cousin's side on this joyous occasion, AO is excited to raise a toast to love, happiness, and a lifetime of cherished memories.
Demi Sandridge
Bridesmaid
Met: at East Middle School in Farmington Hills, MI. They’ve grown and maintained their friendship through many various geographical, mental, and emotional changes through the years. Briana is more than a friend to Demi, she is a sister. Demi appreciates Bri taking time for her out of her very busy work, school and volunteer activities to check in and catch up–it means the world to her. Demi is so glad she gets to stand next to Bri when she says “I do” to the love of her life and be there with her forever after.
Jarret Angbazo
Groomsman
Met: at a Thanksgiving party while student-members of Graduate Christian Fellowship at the University of Chicago. At this party, Jair, very tongue-in-cheek, mentioned to a friend of his that Jarret was fluent in French, despite the two having met just moments earlier. Little did Jair know this was actually true. This lighthearted moment started their friendship. Their friendship would grow when they discovered a mutual love for soccer and running, joining pick-up games in Hyde Park and participating in running events together. Jair ran alongside Jarret in the last miles of Jarret’s first marathon, offering both support and encouragement to propel him to the finish line. Their friendship would take on a new dimension as roommates when Jair purchased a house in 2021. Jarret and Jair’s friendship has been filled with many lighthearted moments. They’ve also been able to reach depth through meaningful conversations on their faith journeys, relationships, and day-to-day lives. Jarret is excited to witness Jair and Briana enter this new stage in their lives!
Ashley Crockett
Bridesmaid
Met: 9th grade, in AP English at Farmington High School and quickly became inseparable. During freshman year it was difficult to find one without the other. The endless laughter, inside jokes & dance breaks became staples in a relationship that has morphed over the years but always stayed true to the joy it started with. No matter the time or distance Briana and Ashley are always able to connect and share goals, hopes, and accomplishments like it was just yesterday. Ashley admires Brianas tenacity and focus in her academic and professional career but what truly resounds is her heart and kindness. Ashley has been honored to be a part of Briana’s journey and is elated to celebrate beside her friend as she walks into this beautiful new season of love. & it’s still Till the World Blows (Ka’BOOM) <3
Joseph A Morrison
Groomsman
Met: 2016 at the orientation for new students at the University of Chicago Divinity School, then later bumped into each other at a Bible study on campus. They became friends through taking classes together and through Graduate Christian Fellowship ministry. They lived together for three years from 2018 to 2021, during which time they had many adventures together exploring the city, playing games, and learning about life, [ancient] Greek, theology and growing together. Joe continues to live in Chicago and is studying for his doctorate in religion and philosophy. He grew up in the Boston area and is a big fan of their sports teams.
Kayla Fletcher
Bridesmaid
Met: Church youth group Kayla and Bri went to church together at word of faith when they were kids, and reunited to strengthen their bond at Farmington High School their freshman year. Bri, Kayla and Ashley became a friend trio that boosted each others' confidence and sense of belonging in the crazy world high school can be, and have stayed good friends even after Kayla moved off to Indiana. 10+ years of friendship have brought lots of change for Kayla and Bri, but their love for each other has remained steady. Kayla is honored to stand beside Bri as she marries her "broda" Jair on 7/13.
Raul Saenz
Groomsman
Met: 2008 at a Young Life training for Latino Student Staff in Lake Tahoe. Raul clearly remembers the moment they met because JR walked into the cabin and he shouted “have no fear JR is here!” Raul & JR (Jair) remained friends long distance even though Raul lives in Phoenix and JR lives in Chicago. They have managed to visit each other almost every year. In 2018, they took a road trip together to Mexico when they learned that they both have family and roots in Mata Ortiz, Chihuahua (a town of less than 1,500 people, but gained recognition for its famous pottery; google it!). After a decade of friendship they learned that their great grandparents knew each other; it’s very possible they are biologically related!
Naudia Harrison
Bridesmaid
Met: in high school through Teen Hype. Naudia is Detroit-born, West Bloomfield raised, a nursing school graduate with honors and Home Health business owner. Briana and Naudia share a love for Jesus Christ and a desire to be great representations of Christ in how they live their lives. Briana has interceded for Naudia in prayer many times. Naudia’s favorite part of her friendship with Bri is knowing that she has a friend that can uplift her spiritually—a genuine sister who is truly, unconditionally there through anything despite trials and tribulations and has never given up on her. Naudia feel’s humbled to be part of such a beautiful milestone in her journey.
Brian Hempel
Groomsman
Met: through the Graduate Christian Fellowship at UChicago and bonded over games and conversations both shallow and deep, staying friends after both of them graduated. Their friendship even outlasted Brian's (apparently precarious) birthday swim in 2022 when Jair went missing in Lake Michigan just after sunrise, nowhere to be seen. Jair did eventually make landfall alive, a fact we are sure Briana is thankful for!
Maddie Ziegler
(honorary) Matron of Honor
Met: in college at Princeton when they were part of the same campus ministry. Their authentic sisterhood in Christ evolved into a beautiful friendship that has stood the test of time! Maddie grew up in the Philadelphia area and has also lived in New York State. She now lives in Maryland with her husband Judd and three children, Judah (6), Penelope (4), and Seth (8 weeks), where their family is heavily involved with their local church. Maddie is a lawyer and in her spare time you’ll find her running, reading mystery novels, and writing. Maddie most appreciates that she can call Bri about anything and knows she will get solid and godly advice and prayer!
Alex Pinedo
Groomsman
Jair’s older brother. You will not see Alex at the wedding because he died this year on February 23rd due to a traumatic brain injury. Alex was Jair’s first memory and Jair’s closest companion through childhood. All the way through the moment Jair watched him die in the hospital, he never stopped loving his brother. We honor him and those others we’ve survived who could not be physically with us today.
Venezah St. Louis
Wedding Performer
Met: their first year of grad school at UChicago, Bonding quickly over a shared love of a cherished television show and a shared love for Jesus. Venezah and Briana grew in friendship leading them to become roommates for the next 5 years. She also met Jair during this time as they were both involved with, and eventually on leadership team for Intervarsity's Graduate Christian Fellowship chapter at UChicago. Venezah’s favorite part of her friendship with Bri is being able to talk about faith and life and enjoy the simple things together while sharing space each day. Venezah is originally from Augusta, GA but has called Chicago home for the past 6 years. Venezah is currently a child and family therapist and can be found writing poems, eating voraciously, and laughing with reckless abandon.
Ahmani Joseph
Wedding Performer
Ahmani and Bri met in grad school at the University of Chicago. Ahmani was leaving class one day when Bri walked over and, in classic Bri fashion, confidently introduced herself and invited Ahmani to an event for black students. From that point on, Bri continued to help Ahmani feel connected and accepted at UChicago. Unknowingly, Bri showed Ahmani how to unapologetically take space and to always be who you really are. After graduation, they maintained a long distance friendship, as Ahmani moved back to Florida. The two have grown closer as they relate to one another through their faith in Christ. They have been able to have very in depth conversations about all things God, while also staying relatively up to date on one another’s lives. Bri has continued to be a beacon of light and God’s love in Ahmani’s life. Ahmani is honored to be singing a song based in their shared faith at Bri and Jair’s wedding ceremony.