Wedding Party

Erica Castro

Bride

Shawn Badal

Groom

Charlene Rapp

Matron of Honor

Charlene and Erica met one summer working together at the Mount Hermon health center. Charlene and Erica have since shared many adventures together which have included running a half marathon, backpacking, and hiking all over Northern California. Erica appreciates Charlene's devotion to prayer, her wise counsel and her dedication to staying close across the miles.

Emily Schultz

Bridesmaid

Emily and Erica met through mutual friends at the VA after having completed the same nursing and residency program several years apart from each other and relocating to East Sacramento at the same time. Erica so appreciates Emily's gift of connecting deeply people and throwing the best parties on the block!

Ann Marie Coria

Bridesmaid

Ann Marie and Erica met in the trenches of NP school and have been good friends ever since. Erica has loved watching Ann Marie's family grow over the years and values her

Christine McParland

Bridesmaid

Erica and Christine have been friends since meeting in a Spanish class at Wheaton College. Since then their friendship has grown and deepened through several seasons of life and across many miles. Christine's thoughtfulness, loyalty and creativity bring joy to Erica's life.

Betsy Walters

Bridesmaid

Betsy and Erica met at a church small group and quickly bonded over their love of dogs, Bible study and long afternoons at the pool. Betsy's gentle spirit and servant's heart make her a valued friend.

Kalen Skinner

Bridesmaid

Kalen became Erica's good friend not long after she moved to Sacramento. They share a love for gardening, running, community and Jesus and they enjoy long heart-to-hearts on Marco Polo! Erica appreciates Kalen's objectivity, insightfulness and generosity.

Adryan Caron

Bridesmaid

Erica met Adryan at a previous community mental health job where they went from colleagues to good friends. They have walked through moving to Sacramento, buying their first homes and navigating life in their 30's together and Adryan has been an outstandingly loyal, supportive and thoughtful friend. She brings fun and energy to Erica's life and Erica could not be more thankful.

Justin Badal

Best Man

Justin has been Shawn’s best man for a long time, he has always been by his side, from Houston back to California. Shawn loves his brothers attention to detail, devotion and love for his family and friends. He also is always impressed by how good a physician/surgeon he has become and how good he treats those he cares for.

Hooman Bamdad

Groomsman

Shawn met Hooman when they were still freshman in high school and have been traveling the world together since from Southern California, NYC, Albuquerque, Aruba and Alaska (2x). Hooman and Shawn enjoying cooking bbq together and Shawn values how Hooman goes above and beyond for anyone in need, friend, family or stranger.

Pradeep Hothur

Groomsman

Pradeep and Shawn first met in the humorous interpretation team meeting at Leland High School Speech and Debate, where they were inseparable and often annoying. Since then they have bonded over shared musical interests and enjoy spending quality time together. Pradeep is deeply passionate about science and history, and loves those closest to him with all his heart!

Dan Zollinger

Groomsman

Shawn and Dan met their first year of graduate school at Baylor College of Medicine and bonded over football, bbq and beer (and occasionally science). Since then the two have stayed in touch after relocating back to the west coast and Shawn even officiated Dan’s wedding in Oregon.

Kameel Abi-Samra

Groomsman

Kameel and Shawn met in Mr. Miller’s 9th grade English class and have been close since. More recently, Shawn and Kameel have stayed in touch on Shawn’s work trips to San Diego. Shawn is always impressed by Kameel’s hospitality, his great cooking and his ability to explore and make memories together.

Wes Castro

Groomsman

Shawn and Wes have gotten to know each other this past year through Erica, and excited to continue to develop a close relationship as soon to be brother-in-laws! Wes has been Erica's brother for the past 29 years and has become a loyal and faithful friend in adulthood. Wes is always ready to lend a hand when needed and is a great climbing partner, dog uncle and friend!

Ron Castro

Father of the Bride

Ron is Erica's Dad. Throughout Erica's life he has demonstrated integrity, diligence and humor. Erica came into adulthood with a thorough knowledge of ham radio, politics and American history thanks to him!

Genie Castro

Mother of the Bride

Genie is Erica's Mom. She raised Erica with a love of dogs, bubble baths and other cultures. She has demonstrated unwavering care for and dedication to family and has been a consistent friend and support in Erica's life.

Samson Badal

Father of the Groom

Samson is Shawn’s Dad. He has been an example of hard work, love and dedication throughout Shawn’s life. He is an engineer at heart and loves to help those near and around him.

Carmen Badal

Mother of the Groom

Carmen is Shawn’s mom. She has been an inspiring person to Shawn thanks to her resilience, strength, compassion for others and faith in Jesus. She enjoys showing Shawn how to cook, garden and likes to take her four legged friend Walter on walks.

Will Race

Officiant

Will and Erica met while working in community mental health where they connected over their shared faith, sarcastic sense of humor and a commitment to making people's lives better. Erica and Shawn are both thankful guidance and support as they begin their marriage!

Walter

Best Pup

Walter was rescued by Shawn this past March, and has quickly made himself a fixture of the family, his proclivity for sleep and belly rubs endear him to whoever he comes across. His curly q tail perks up whenever he is happy and he loves to follow his humans around, he is looking forward to sharing the couch with his younger brother Winston.

Winston

Pup of Honor

Winston was rescued by Erica back in April, and found his forever home with Erica. He loves to cuddle, get pats and occasionally, when he is in the mood he’ll play fetch like it’s going out of style and then he’ll go back to napping. He’s currently in training to be a therapy dog and can’t wait to have a regular 9-5 with mom.