Israel & Sophia
Wedding Party
Adriana Nassar
Maid of Honor
Maid of Honor by default, Adriana is Sophia’s older sister who is taking bets on how many people will ask about her love life at the wedding. This is a public announcement that Adriana Nassar is single and is looking for her Prince Charming…so do not be afraid to approach her. Adriana is a hard-working, movie-loving girl who will speak more sarcasm in a conversation than you ever thought possible. She is Sophia’s partner in puzzles, Sporcle trivia, and Nancy Drew computer games so don’t mess with the two of them because you will never beat them in an escape room.
Matias Felipe
Best Man
How many people can say that their uncle is their best friend?! Israel has always looked up to his uncle since they were little kids. Matias has always been very protective over Israel and has been his #1 cheerleader since day one. They both enjoy traveling, dancing, vlogging with the family, and grandma’s Tamales. Israel’s favorite thing about his uncle is his love for the family. Tio Mati has the biggest heart and Israel is honored to have him at his side for one of the biggest days of his life. Cheers to the best man!
Cassie Lowry
Bridesmaid
Cassie and Sophia became friends in 2nd grade at Jenkins Elementary School. These two have a friendship that can never be broken. Who better than Cassie to join Sophia on zoo trips, X Factor tapings, Zumba classes, and 7-mile hikes?!? One of Sophia’s favorite parts about her friendship with Cassie is the impact her family’s Christian faith had on her. She enjoyed going to church and youth with Cassie and began having interest in pursuing a relationship with Christ because of her. Cassie’s pure heart and loving personality was a true testimony of Christ working in her life and Sophia could not ask for better qualities in a friend than these (and also throwing her body outside her car window to say hi to Sophia’s mom).
Clayton Woolard
Groomsman
One day in biology class at ECU the tallest White guy sat beside the shortest Hispanic guy…..and the rest is history. Clayton has been one of Israel’s closest friends. From family Quinceñera’s and bible studies to vacationing in California, they have done it all. Most importantly, Clayton has played a huge role in maturing Israel’s faith. Clayton is so genuine when it comes to his love for the Lord and it's contagious. Israel believes Clayton is always sharpening him and that he would not be the man he is today without Clayton’s encouragement and love.
Mikaela Palma
Bridesmaid
You probably will not find a gal this sweet! They are hard to come by but when Sophia met Mikaela in elementary school, Sophia knew she was a keeper. The girls’ mothers were actually friends first. They used to joke about their daughters becoming besties and that they did! Sophia and Mikaela were inseparable particularly in high school where they’d frequently show up to class with the same outfits…they paired their white jean jacket with just about every outfit. These girls did everything together including elementary school, college, and even wedding planning! They are so excited to share their special days with each other only 1 month apart!
Michael Ramirez
Groomsman
Israel has been there for Michael’s green mohawk phase, wedding, and amusement. One time Michael laughed in the streets of New York while Israel was being yelled at by an elderly lady for trying to hug her (Michael tells the story better). Israel’s favorite thing about Michael is the amount of care he puts into everything. He can sometimes put on a strong or mean face, but he is one the most selfless people Israel knows. Israel recalls one day when Michael drove 5 hours (well his wife drove but still) just to congratulate him on his graduation and engagement.
Courtney Sparks
Bridesmaid
Courtney Sparks also known as Chick-fila’s #1 fan, became friends with Sophia during her post-college years in Wilmington. They’re friendship took off during a small group they both were a part of (in addition to some other amazing girls). Courtney is someone who will drop everything to be by your side. She is the definition of a hype girl and will spend any night watching The Lizzie McGuire Movie with you. A friendship with Courtney is really what dreams are made of! (P.S.Ariana>T-Swizzle)
Devin Ivey
Groomsman
Israel’s brother from another mother, Devin has been one of Israel’s best friends since freshmen year of college. You can always find them laughing and cracking a good joke. Devin’s love for Español, bachata, and Bad Bunny will always earn him a spot at the carne asada. Israel’s favorite thing about Devin is his compassion. Devin is a great listener and does a great job of echoing the unconditional love of Christ. Fun fact: Devin is currently on the market and looking for a wife.
Rachel Baker
Bridesmaid
Rachel Baker…where do we begin? This girl is one of a kind. Sophia and Rachel met in Greenville at ECU and is a big part of Israel and Sophia’s story (and also a member of the SKWAD). Not only were most group hangouts facilitated by Rachel, but she was best friends with both Izzy and Sophia (until she became the 3rd wheel)…BUT that’s not where it ends!!! From Greenville to Wilmy, Rachel made her move! It’s always a good time with Rachel whether it’s jamming out to Hannah Montana, receiving her bathtub facetimes, or assisting in applying her self-tan. Jokes aside, Rachel Baker is one of the most entertaining people you will ever meet. She can make a trip to Walgreens the most fun you’ll ever have!
Zachary Crump
Groomsman
From random roommates in college to best friends with an unbreakable #bromance, this stud is and will always be the life of the party and one of Israel’s best friends. A few things about Zach 1) he will always have a miller light in his hands 2) loves to dance to "Don't Stop the Music" by Rihanna and 3) will always have Izzy’s back. Israel’s favorite thing about Zach Crump is his mom. He also believes that Zach is his most loyal friend who always makes him feel like he matters. So if you need affirmation or a good roast to humble you, Zach is your guy. (Ask him about his tooth).
Holly McGrory
Bridesmaid
Sophia met Holly at UNCW in a random college course- Write a Novel in a Month. From this point on, the two of them became besties! One of the most intentional friends a girl can have, Holly has always been present in Sophia’s life. If you told her you had a test coming up in 3 weeks, you better believe she has the date and time saved in her calendar to send you a good luck text 15 minutes before. Holly is someone who will ask you the hard questions, share her whole heart, and point things back to the cross. Ask Sophia what friend she is most proud of, and she will tell you Holly McGrory without hesitation. What does a typical Sophia & Holly day look like? 1) Breakfast at the Famous Toastery with endless coffee refills 2) Grinders for more coffee 3) A workout on the pier!
Hector Pedro
Groomsman
One day in the Morganton Housing Authority Complex, two little Guatemalan’s became neighbors. One was athletic and the other one was Israel. Hector became more than a best friend--he became a brother! Their moms are great friends too and both families love each other deeply. Israel admires how well Hector loves, protects, and honors his family. If you need life advice, a soccer coach, or just an overall great friend, Hector is the one.
Desa Crews
Bridesmaid
Desa! One of the smartest gals Sophia knows. Thanks to Cassie, Desa was introduced to Sophia and shortly after began the Girls Girls Girls snapchat group. If you are one of the four members of this group, you have been blessed with having virtual hangouts and therapy sessions every day. You will hear anything from coffee orders, complete skincare regimens, and protein consumption suggestions to family drama, pimple insecurities, and daily stressors. Although a form of social media, this group has been a source of LIGHT and friendship for Desa and Sophia (as well as Cassie and Mikaela) and it doesn’t stop here. Sophia is beyond excited for Desa to be a part of her special day just like Sophia was for Desa!
Johnny Miguel
Groomsman
Israel’s childhood best friend is THE Johnny Miguel. Israel knew Johnny was going to be his best friend when Johnny (the cool 7th grader) offered to sleep over and ride the bus together for Israel’s first day of 6th grade. Johnny and Israel also made a pact to find bigfoot so stay tuned for that great discovery. Israel’s favorite thing about Johnny would be his sense of humor. Everyone loves Johnny because he can make anyone feel better and smile ...even on the hardest days. Johnny will be the one with 2 chains on so look for him if you need a good joke or a warm smile.
Katie Williford
Bridesmaid
Katie who just graduated with her Masters (WAHOOO!) is one of Sophia’s best friends she met in Greenville. Part of the SKWAD, Katie and her husband Patrick became Sophia and Israel’s ping pong partners where they played long and hard in the Williford’s backyard shed to crown a winner…usually Patrick but Sophia would win a few here and there. Katie has been Sophia’s coffee date, gym partner, and many times her counselor through the past couple of years and instantly became one of Sophia’s favorite people. Sophia could not imagine her time in Greenville spent any other way then at the Williford’s playing fishbowl, having puppy play dates, and killing cockroaches.
Edvin Jose
Groomsman
Israel and Edvin have known each other since grade school. From church trips, family cook outs at the river, ECU trips, to Israel’s engagement night, Edvin has always been alongside Israel. Israel’s favorite thing about Eddy J is his humility. He is one of the best people Israel knows and has always been so humble. In addition, he is a great encourager and makes you truly believe in yourself. Israel is lucky to have such a well-rounded person in his life and even luckier to have him as a groomsman.
Lyrica Squires
Bridesmaid
Another amazing friend from Sophia’s small group in Wilmington, Lyrica is one of the most true and honest friends you’ll ever meet. She is what some would call a REAL one. Sophia has been on many adventures with Lyrica including weddings, passion conferences, and boat rides. Sophia guarantees Lyrica can dock a boat better than you! And macrame!!! One of Sophia’s favorite and funniest things about Lyrica is her accidental switching up of words…for example, when Lyrica would leave Chick-fila after small group, she’d always grab “extra cars for her napkin”. This gal is also enjoying her own season of engagement alongside Sophia (CONGRATS)!
Marc Gamboa
Groomsman
Israel and Marc met at ECU and clicked instantly. Whether it was a study session at Joyner, a night out in G-vegas, or just hanging with the gang, they always had the best of times. Israel admires Marc’s motivation. He is very driven and disciplined. Marc knew from the very beginning that he and Israel (the doubtful one) were both getting into grad school. Everyone needs a supportive friend like Marc in their life. Oh, and every group has a stud and we’re going to let Marc think it's him.
Lauren Phelps
Bridesmaid
Sophia met Lauren on one of her most memorable trips to Guatemala. Quiet and to herself at first, Sophia did not truly connect with Lauren until the returning flight. After that, these two friends were hanging out consistently whether they were going to box, attending church, or scarfing down egg drop soup! Sophia will never forget when Lauren ate her side soup and proceeded to order a LARGE bowl. Lauren is one of those friends you never get tired of being around although she’ll probably get tired of being around you. Nonetheless, Lauren is one of Sophia’s favorite Wilmington friends that she can’t wait to be reunited with soon!
Zachary Elliott
Groomsman
Zach is proof that sometimes God has favorites. This man is brilliant, hard-working, and generous. Israel and Zachary share several things 1) a birthday 2) a love for medicine and of course 3) they are both Jessica’s favorite people. Israel doesn’t think Zach truly understands how much he influenced his life. Zach represents Christ well and echo’s Proverbs 17:17 like no other. Israel adds “Plus, one day he’ll own a yacht so I guess we should keep him around.” Find Zach on the dance floor, probably studying, but he’ll be there just like he’s always been there for Israel.