Wedding Party
Alexia Costandy
Maid of Honor
Alexia and I met the summer before my college freshman year. We were both part of the first generation scholars program at Biola University. We shared many amazing laughs, memories, some cries and even some anxiety attacks as we struggled to find our footing in college and discern where God was leading us in our respective career paths. Since then we have grown to be amazing friends and a support system that encourages one another but most importantly pushes each other towards Christ!
Selena Garcia
Bridesmaid
Selena and I met at a bible study in the 6th grade. Just a pair of little kids in the very awkward and uncomfortable stage of puberty. We have shared so many incredible moments from family trips, late night conversations about what we hoped our future would be, to the birth of her son, (my nephew!) Arturo. Through the highs and lows of life she has always been someone who I know I can come to for anything. We have lived so much life together and I feel so happy that she can stand by my side on Ethan and my very special day.
Daniela Mendez
Bridesmaid
Daniela and I met freshman year of high school through a mutual friend. Sophomore year she became one of my closest friends and sort of adopted me into her friend group and family. I admire her bravery and her ability to make people feel known. She gave me the tough love I needed when I was too afraid to do simple things. She was there for my first high school dance, my first football game, my first school fair, our sad COVID-19 drive through graduation and so many other experiences. Since then she continues to be someone that I care deeply for! I am honored and thrilled that she will be standing alongside me on this special day!
Eveling Rodriguez
Bridesmaid
Eveling is my oldest sister but definitely the smallest and cutest one of my 4 siblings. There are many things that I admire about my sister, one of the first things I can think about is her resilience. Her life has not always been a nice cup of tea but I have seen how she has held hope and allowed God to work things in her life. She has always been a person I can come to for anything and has been of great encouragement and support in my life. My sister has seen me at my worst and had seen me at my best, yet despite it all she loves me and that fills my heart! I am so happy she gets to be alongside me as I walk through this huge life milestone!
Mildred Crawford
Bridesmaid
Mildred is my older sister and according to some people I'm her twin. Although as young kids our similarities caused some friction between us as we got older we became good friends. In many ways my big sister has been a great inspiration to me, she has helped me navigate many life milestones like applying to college and comforted me when I was frustrated with all the changes that came while living in collage and being away from family. She has been my adventure buddy, my dancing buddy, fashion inspiration, and now she gets to be my bridesmaid!!
Susanna De la Peña
Bridesmaid
Susanna Is Ethan's oldest sister and although the living distance has not allowed us to dive deeper into a friendship I am honored to have her as a bridesmaid. I am so excited for the union our our families and the many family gatherings to come. I am thrilled for sharing life milestones with her and look forward to deepening our connection as family!
Erick De la Peña
Best Man
Erick is my older brother and, though when I was younger Erick gave me a hard time. I always looked up to him, especially in his knowledge as a believer. As we got older, we got closer. Erick would go on to introduce me to many movies, watch funny memes together, attend the same college and meet up weekly for lunch, and many other really fun, brotherly things. As my Best Man, Erick has been a huge help in wedding plans, working in conjunction with the Maid of Honor to have a super fun time!
Yahir Alvarez
Groomsman
Yahir is Jasmine's younger brother, and he and I have been cool since the beginning. He's super chill and relaxed, easy going and calm, and I've enjoyed that presence from his side of the family. He loves his sister very much, but was happy to have me take her off his hands, so she would stop jumping on him and smacking his butt. It is an honor to have him in my party, and I'm psyched to have him as a brother soon!
Lawrence Chang
Groomsman
Lawrence was one of my first friends at Biola University. We met at Freshman Orientation, and my earliest memory of him was at La Mirada Park, where Lawrence held my hand as I (tried) to slackline! During COVID, Lawrence reached out to me every day, and we soon began to FaceTime, chat, watch movies together and just pour into each others' souls. When we got back on campus in 2021, Lawrence and I became inseparable, and grew an amazing community, going on to be roommates the next year. No matter what, Lawrence is there for me, even with both of our extremely busy schedules. I owe so much to what God did through Lawrence in my life!
Jalen Cabrales
Groomsman
Jalen was originally one of the bride's earliest friends, but soon became well liked by me. Jalen's laidback, island vibes have been a good influence on myself. As a younger student, I wanted to pour into Jalen as a friend and to attempt to be a leader in his life. As time went on, Jalen would occasionally ask me for advice, and eventually we would go on to be a part of a successful student bible study meeting on Thursday nights. I hope to continue being friends with him for a long time, and to be able to be a light to him as a leader.
Hayden Clines
Groomsman
Hayden dropped into my life randomly, through a mutual friend. Hailing from Texas and appearing at Biola in 2021, Hayden attended a few meetings of the outside worship night many students living on campus new about, GatherOC. There, we met, and a few days later went on a hike with our amazing friend, Anna. After that, Hayden was deeply engrained in the friendship group that blossomed between myself, Hayden, Lawrence, Anna, and a few others. Hayden has been a charismatic presence in my life, always willing to pour Biblical truth and joy into me.
Johnny Susoeff
Groomsman
Johnny is one of my oldest friends, so old in fact that I can't remember when we met! Johnny has been there through everything with me, right up until I left for college. In elementary school, junior high, and high school, we remained close through church and a common friend group. Tied together by God, Johnny was and still is a joyous presence in my life, and always is so excited to see me whenever I come to town. Johnny has been a key part of my growth.
Angelica Melendez
Mother of the Bride
Mom, wow is she a strong woman. She has shown me the importance of love, generosity, hospitality, and self sacrifice. She is a close example to me of the life changing work of the Holy Spirit. She is a prayerful woman and someone who has showed me much wisdom in certain times of need. Her love for me I know goes deeper than I even understand and I am so honored that she can witness this next step of life. Words to Mommy: Mom, no sabes que tanto estoy agradeciada por tus oraciones y tus ensenansas. Siempre he admirado el corazon que tienes. Un corazon que ama y sierve a su familia. Un corazon que es perseverente y fuerte. Has sido un gran ejemplo en mi vida y espero que puedas reconoser cuanto te amo. Gracis por todo lo que has hecho por mi y nuestra familia.
Roberto Alvarez
Father of the Bride
Dad, otherwise known as "Lucas" courtesy of my mom, has been of huge impact in my life. My dad has pushed me to grow up to be a strong, smart, perseverant, and adaptive young woman. He has showed me the importance of loving family and loving those you care for with intentionality and with lots of yummy food. My dad has always been one of my best friends and has held my hand when I am celebrating great news and has comforted me when I have broken down. He has always made me feel safe and loved. I am so incredibly blessed that he is here and well to walk me down the aisle! A word to Lucas: Papa, aunque me estoy casando, yo nunca voy a dejar de amarte y quererte con todo mi corazon. Gracias por las ensenansas y las oracionces que has hecho. Gracias por tus esfueros y por tu gracia. Todo ha trabajado junto paraque yo este aqui, Y se que ver a tu bebe casase no es facil pero espero que puedas sentirte confiado que con Dios estoy en las mejores manos posibles y el Senor me ha regalado un gran hombre con que puedo confiar. Te amo mucho.
Susan De la Peña
Mother of the Groom
This my mama! Thank you mom for being an ever-present voice of reason and calm, even in the most difficult of times. Thank you for exemplifying what it means to be a Woman of God, and for stewarding your six children well (even if I think that's a ridiculous amount of children to have). You have been a good foil to dad's stronger personality, and every single friend I have that has ever met you loves and adores you. You were supportive of me even when I didn't want to hear it, and I am thankful for the sacrifices you made to be able to provide for and love your family.
Erick De la Peña
Father of the Groom
What's up Dad! Thank you for working so hard to provide for your children and wife, and thank you for your devotion to God. It rubbed off on your children, even if that seems hard to believe sometimes. You raised good, contributing members of society, but more importantly, people who imperfectly strive towards christlikeness. You have developed in us a good sense of right and wrong, and have allowed theology and the Bible to be written on our hearts and minds (with a little - okay, a lot - of help from the Holy Spirit). You stewarded us well, and continue to do so, generously giving of your money and self for those you aren't even related to - yet.