Wedding Party
Joshua Aaron Rench
Officiant
Imagine a bonfire crackling under the starlit sky, laughter echoing into the night - that's where you'll usually find Josh, the life of the party and the master of mischief. With his infectious sense of humor and his love for a good joke, he can turn even the most mundane moments into unforgettable memories. Growing up with Josh was like having a built-in best friend. Whether we were cruising around town in his cool blue car or getting into harmless trouble, he was always there, making life a little more exciting. And now, as he steps up to officiate my wedding, I couldn't imagine a more perfect person for the job. Sure, he might have broken a TV or two trying to defend my honor, and I may have chased off a few of his high school crushes, but that's what siblings do, right? Through it all, Josh has been my rock, my partner in crime, and my biggest supporter. Having him officiate my wedding is like bringing all those cherished memories full circle. It's an intimate moment shared between us, a chance to celebrate our bond and the love that binds us together. With Josh at the helm, I know it's going to be a day filled with laughter, love, and maybe just a hint of mischief. So here's to Josh - the brother, the officiant, and the friend who's always got your back. I couldn't imagine this journey without him by my side.
Rhonda Rose Rench
Mother of the Bride
Rhonda embodies capability and autonomy. With her two hands and determination, there's nothing she can't do. Wise and sometimes overly cautious, she’s a graduate of life’s school of hard knocks, having lived through many experiences and come out stronger each time. Her resourcefulness is unmatched; she can create something beautiful out of anything. Rhonda’s selflessness is her hallmark. She doesn't hesitate to put her needs aside for those she loves. While we may not always see eye to eye, I know she’s there for me without hesitation, offering unwavering support. It’s not just for me; it’s her nature to ensure everyone around her is happy and content. She understands the value of a good laugh, a drive around town, and the satisfaction of crafting something with her hands. Eric and I have learned more from my mom than she might realize. Her company and guidance have taught us the extent of a mother's sacrifice. Becoming a mom at a young age, she has always put her children first, a debt we can never fully repay. Despite hardships, she remains positive, making the best of every situation. From her, I’ve learned that no matter where we are, we can always create a home—a place where we are safe. One of my favorite memories with my mom is our trip to Graceland when I was 16. The drive there and back, just the two of us, was filled with bonding and shared moments that I cherish. It was a time of laughter, stories, and a deep connection that I hold dear.
Joseph Laverne Rench
Father of the Bride
The first word that comes to mind when thinking of my dad is "ornery." He’s raw, natural, always up for a good time and a joke. With a big heart and a smart mouth, he’s soulful and down-to-earth, uninterested in life’s frills. Nothing beats sitting by the fire with a beer and close friends, a mindset Eric and I cherish. My dad has been there through all our ups and downs, offering wisdom, a shoulder to cry on, and comic relief. Despite what he might have you believe, he’s very patient. He enjoys the small things in life and loves seeing others do the same. There's very little he can't do or find enjoyment in. My dad had me later in life, and because of this, I feel like I have always had his appreciation of life—something some people don’t understand until they age. He notices the world around him, like how the dew lays on the grass and what shapes the clouds make. We’re still working on our sky hook so we can sit up there someday. If you’ve heard my dad tell a story, you know he’s a good storyteller and could keep you occupied for hours. I can't tell them all here (for fear of trouble), but a few honorable mentions are Mr. Reed Heard, Cockroaches in the Drone, and his million-dollar investment. Do yourself a favor and ask him about these at the reception. Ever since I was a little girl, I have dreamed of my daddy walking me down the aisle. No words can describe how grateful I am to him as a person and as a father. My wedding day would not be the same without him.
Jennifer Andrea Mierez
Mother of the Groom
Jennifer embodies strength, perseverance, and love in every way. There's nothing she can't do for herself, and even less she wouldn't do for others. She’s the kind of person who not only teaches you how to fish but gives you a basket full to start, ensuring you’re well taken care of. Classy and always the life of the party, Jenn arrives ready to make every moment special. Jenn's advice is unmatched, always clear-eyed and unbiased. She can DIY anything, often “voluntelling” others to join her projects. Jenn shows up for her loved ones without fail, binding our family-near, extended, and adopted-with her strength and kindness. Our relationship with Jenn is one of open doors and heartfelt conversations, filled with motherly love and an easy friendship. One of Eric’s favorite memories with his mom is a road trip to Las Vegas when he was 6 or 7. He dozed off in the car, so she stopped at a gas station to buy him a pillow and a blanket with a funny, regal design, calling him her prince for the rest of the trip. He says he has never felt more royal in his life. Our wedding wouldn’t just be different without Jenn—it simply couldn’t happen. She’s moved mountains for us, and we’d do the same to ensure she’s there to celebrate our marriage. Jenn is the glue that holds our family together, a source of unwavering love and joy. Her presence is a gift we deeply cherish, and we are profoundly grateful for her boundless support and the beautiful blessing she brings to our special day.
Ian Courtney Mierez
Father of the Groom
Ian is a man of quiet wisdom and intellectual depth, known for his analytical mind and adaptability. Despite his thoughtful nature, he maintains a surprisingly carefree attitude that endears him to everyone. His words, though few, carry profound meaning, and his advice is always reliable, grounded in logic rather than emotion. Eric, his friends, and “the world at large” fondly recognize Ian as the quintessential "whitest guy you'll ever know." Possibly the curator of Spotify's top playlist, "White People Turnt," Ian’s taste in music is appreciated by many, especially Ashley. Their car rides together, filled with Ian’s carefully curated tracks, are always a joy. Despite living far from family, Eric and Ian effortlessly pick up where they left off during visits, showcasing a deep and enduring bond. Their friendship is built on mutual respect and love, evident in every conversation. Eric fondly recalls their time building computers together, transforming their garage into a "computer graveyard" where they pieced together marvels from mismatched parts. Music has also been a significant bond between them, shaping Eric’s life and worldview from an early age. Ian’s wisdom, humor, and unwavering support make him an indispensable part of our lives, enriching our wedding day with his presence and love. Hispresence at the wedding is crucial; he holds a cherished place in our family dynamic, his support and involvement adding depth and joy to our celebration.
Kai Jacob Mierez
Witness
When asked about Kai, Eric likened him to a "bull in a china shop," though Kai is more nuanced than that. He's courteous, respectful, kind, strong-willed, and yes, a bit hard-headed. As the youngest in his family, he often wears his heart on his sleeve, bursting with emotion that stems from a deep well of love. Kai is fiercely independent, living life on his own terms with exuberant joy. Like a sturdy tree with deep roots, he stands tall and proud, unwavering in his beliefs. While he doesn't seek reassurance, we want him to know: we believe in him, stand by him, support him, and love him unconditionally. Our table isn't complete without him. His childhood stories often revolve around his fiery temper and being the baby of the family, which sometimes made him the target of teasing from his older brothers. They may laugh at tales like the time Sanjay locked him in a dark bathroom, but Kai might not recall it as fondly. Sorry, Kai... Kai embodies family. When he arrives at a gathering, laughter, love, and lively conversation ensue. He brings warmth and camaraderie, creating moments to cherish and memories to treasure for generations. With Kai around, every occasion is filled with an extra dose of joy and love.
Lizeth Guadalupe Mierez
Witness
Liz is the embodiment of fun, energy, and warmth. Always working on a new project, she’s a master of many crafts, though she keeps her trade secrets close. The end results, especially her baking, are always shared with love. Her fudge cookies and jam thumbprints are legendary, and you’d be a fool to turn them down! Despite her culinary skills, Liz is endearingly clumsy. If you hear a distant bump or crash followed by a cheerful "I'm okay!" during the wedding weekend, it’s undoubtedly Liz. Liz’s welcoming nature made Ashley feel like she had found a built-in best friend upon joining the family. Liz has a way of making everyone feel at home. As an amazing aunt to our daughter, a loving mother to our nephew, and an unbelievably patient partner to our brother, Liz enriches our lives with her kindness and joy. One story that perfectly captures our bond with Liz involves a memorable trip to David's Bridal for a dress emergency. Without giving too much away (though it’s a tale you might hear after a few drinks at the reception), it’s a testament to how sisters always have each other’s backs. We’re so grateful to have Liz in our lives. Liz is lively yet tender, representing heritage and core family values. She and Kai have set a beautiful example of marriage, one filled with love, compassion, and fun. It’s an honor to have them by our sides as witnesses to our union. We look up to the wonderful marriage they embody and hope to bring the same joy and love into our own.
Suzanne Valina Kalfut
Giver of Blessings
With every quilt stitch and piece of advice she offers, Grandma Suzanne embodies practical wisdom and boundless care. She values quality over quantity, teaching us that if we cherish what we have, it will last and hold value. Her deliberately proper nature reflects her dedication to all she holds dear. Our relationship with Grandma is one of comfort and trust. Even in moments of disagreement, her advice is a light of unbiased wisdom. She and Grandpa are always our first thought when we seek life’s guidance. More than a grandmother, she is our treasured mother hen. If you know Grandma, you know each of her quilts is a testament to her nurturing heart and deep love for her family. They will be treasured for generations. For Eric, the holiday season will always bring back cherished memories of Grandma. The song "Little Drummer Boy" takes him back to her home in Dana Point, driving through neighborhoods adorned with Christmas lights, and ending the evening with a walk through the Ritz Carlton’s enchanting displays. These moments are forever special because of her. Having Grandma Suzanne pray over us as our celebrant is a privilege we deeply cherish. Her presence isn’t just an addition to our ceremony-it’s the heart of it. As Maya Angelou once said, we must respect those who have lived and survived. Suzanne has done so with grace, always putting her best foot forward for her family. We are so grateful for her love, wisdom and the blessing she brings to our wedding day.
Thomas Peter Kalafut
Celebrant
Grandpa Tom is a man of wisdom and punctuality, his studious nature evident in everything he does. Always on time, he finds it irksome when dinner is even a minute late, a charming quirk that makes us smile. He's been our go-to for advice on life's biggest decisions—starting a business, buying a home, navigating the complexities of adulthood. Grandpa Tom doesn’t just give advice; he takes the time to educate us on the ins and outs of every topic, ensuring we understand the full picture. Witnessing his long and beautiful marriage with Suzanne has been one of the greatest blessings in our lives. Through them, we've seen all the beautiful and not-so-beautiful aspects of marriage. They’ve shown us that marriage is a true partnership, a bond where fun and joy are accompanied by steadfast support through life's ups and downs. Their relationship has taught us that choosing a spouse means choosing someone who will always stand by you, care for you, and catch you when you fall. Grandpa Tom's presence in our lives has been a constant source of warmth and wisdom. Having him as our Celebrant to pray over our marriage is truly special. His blessing carries the weight of experience and love, and it means the world to us to have him there, guiding us with his prayers as we embark on this new journey together.
Magnolia Rose Drake
Flower Girl
Magnolia, our beloved flower girl and daughter, embodies boundless energy and charm, with a mischievous streak and a heart as big as her laughter. Quick-witted and adventurous, she inherits traits from both sides of her family—Renchs' orneryness and the Drake/Mierez joy in debate. Lord, help us. She's endlessly curious, eager to explore new passions, and isn't afraid to speak her mind—a quality we admire deeply. Her courage and fearlessness mirror the strong women in our family, a testament to her future as a trailblazer. We cherish our open, respectful relationship with Maggie, celebrating her uniqueness and nurturing her growth into a remarkable young woman. The day she entered our lives remains a cherished memory, filled with an overwhelming sense of love and joy in a moment where time stood still that only parents can understand. Music connects us deeply; whether she's requesting calypso in the car or singing her heart out to Savage Daughters barefoot in the backyard, her love for music brings us closer together. Having Magnolia as our flower girl is more than an honor—it's a symbol of the love and unity that surrounds us. Her presence at our wedding, surrounded by 3 generations of family preceding her, is a testament to the beauty and wonder of life, reminding us of the incredible journey we're on together.
Emmett Joseph Rench
Ring Bearer
Emmett J. is a spirited little guy, brimming with happiness and mischief—a true embodiment of the Rench family’s lively spirit. His infectious joy is unmistakable; you can hear his laughter from miles away! As his fun-loving aunt and uncle, we’ve cherished our times together—splashing in the pad, playing at the park, and cozying up at Grandma’s house. Watching him grow from a spirited kid to a goofy teenager and beyond fills us with excitement and pride, even if his mischievous grin occasionally tests our patience (Wedding Trivia: How many items has Emmett J. tossed out of my car window WHILE driving?). The day we learned about Emmett J. remains etched in our hearts—a moment of sheer joy for Josh, Molly, and us. We prayed and hoped for Emmett J. as fervently as we did for our own child. He’s loved beyond measure, and we hope he always feels at home at Aunt “Ashey” and Uncle Eric’s, where he’s not just family but also our daughter’s best friend. Seeing this little dude strut his stuff in his suit at our wedding fills us with pride and joy. It’s an honor to be his aunt and uncle and to have him play such a special role in our celebration. Emmett J. brings boundless energy and love wherever he goes, making our wedding day even more memorable.