James & Lily
Wedding Party
Lily Abolghasmi
Bride
A note from the bride: Each and every person listed here is family. I'm so lucky to have the most amazing support system throughout this journey, and beyond. From dear friends of mine, my baby sister, and two incredible new sisters - I feel so blessed to have so many amazing people that are very near and dear to my heart. I couldn't move forward without all of these amazing people by my side, who all mean so much to both James and I & have helped shape me into the woman who I am today.
James Pearce
Groom
Note from the groom: All of my Groomsman have been friends with not only me for 15+ years, but friends with each other. I consider my friends the greatest gift in the world and I cherish all the memories we’ve created over the years. Each one of these men have created their own lives, moved to different cities, but we have always remained close. Your friends supply so much character to your life, almost as much as your parents and family, I couldn’t be prouder to have become the person I am today, thanks to what these guys have given me.
Bahareh Abolghasemi
Maid of Honor
Bahareh currently lives in Los Angeles with James and I & works as an influencer marketing manager at Posh Peanut. From diapers to graduation gowns, this one has been my built-in best friend since birth. She's been there with me through every single milestone in life. She may be my baby sister, but I've learned too many things to count from Bahareh. From helping me sticking up for myself and reminding me to keep a positive outlook on life - she has taught me so much about love and patience. There's no one else I'd rather have by my side than my baby sister, Bahareh.
Josh Djukanovich
Best Man
Josh lives and works in Los Angeles, with his lovable golden retriever, Taco. Josh and I first met in Little League baseball, periodically playing on the same team as one another. We grew up playing baseball together, going to the same middle school and eventually becoming good friends Sophomore year of High School. Josh defines friendship to me, he’s always at my side, says all the right things, and no matter what, he always has my back.
Tina Pearce
Bridesmaid
Tina lives and works in beautiful North Lake Tahoe with her 3 adorable kitties. I met Tina after just a month of dating James, and we immediately hit it off. I will never forget how excited James was to introduce her to me. I very quickly found out how much I have in common with James' incredible sister. She's one of the most kind-hearted, strong-willed people I've met and I have no doubt in the world that this is where James gets it from. She stands up for her loved ones, and for so many amazing causes that are very near and dear to her heart. I'm SO blessed to have her as a sister and as part of my entourage, for now, and forever.
Jared Marlisa
Groomsman
Jared lives in Reno, where he owns and operates his own unique and one of a kind clothing store, Global Goods Shop. Jared and I have been good friends since high school. We realized quick that we pretty much had all the same interests. We love L.A. sports, we’ve gone to some epic concerts together, and we’re always willing to play any kind of pick up game. Jared represents passion and drive and has always brought the creativity out of people, especially me.
Jenny Dutil
Bridesmaid
Jenny is a college counselor at the University of South Florida where she lives with her amazing family in Tampa Bay. I immediately admired James' sister from the second I met her and her incredible family. James and I are both so blessed to have such an inspiration to look up to! She's the most amazing mom, loving wife, and caring sister that anyone can ever ask for. I have, and will, forever learn so much from this nurturing, organized, and kickass momma. She's also incredibly witty, sarcastic, and knows how to make a mean charcuterie. I'm SO blessed to have Jenny as another sister and as part of my entourage, for now, and forever.
Jeff Franco
Groomsman
Jeff works and lives in Reno with his lovely wife, Katie. They're expecting their first baby this summer. Jeff and I first met at Westergard Elementary School, but then become close friends in High School. We found ourselves going up to the mountains 2-3 times a week to ski and snowboard. Jeff was and still is always the kindest person to everyone that crossed his path. I watched and felt what that kindness did to me and others and made it a point in my life do to the same.
Jessica Thai
Bridesmaid
Jessica is an associate business manager in Reno and has been kicking ass in her field for years. Where do I begin with this one? We've been best friends for 15+ years, and have gone through everything together. From prom to sorority days, and finding ourselves after college years... this girl has literally been my shoulder to cry on, as well as my biggest cheerleader in life. Thank you for being so patient with me, letting me vent about anything and everything, and looking through all 234 wedding dresses I've tried on! I love that we can talk about everything for hours on end, and always pick up right where we leave off. Ya da best!
Joe Hagen
Groomsman
Joe works and lives in Austin, TX with his new wife, Sandi. Joe and I first met in middle school, hung out here and there in high school, but it wasn’t until college that we become close friends, and long-time roommates. Joe and I discovered a lot together, he’s an avid learner, and was always ready to try something new, and he always expected me to do whatever that new adventure was with him. He’s always pushed me to be the best person I could be and has given me the confidence to do so.
Tyler Bendickson
Bridesman
And then there was Tyler. Tyler lives in New York and is a Senior Sales Lead at St. John Knits. I've actually had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Bendickson through my baby sister, Bahareh. We all worked for BCBGMaxAzria at the time... and let's just say that going through retail together has a way of building lifelong friendships. We've bonded through fashion over the years, but over time - I've learned a thing or two from this guy right here. From being a boss who will never take no for an answer, dressing to the nines together & downing a shot or two - you can absolutely expect a good time with this one.
Travis Brown
Groomsman
Travis works and lives in Reno, NV with his girlfriend, Chohnny. You know the old saying, “If a friend jumped off a bridge, would you too?” Well, Travis is that friend that backflips off bridges. He incorporates excitement into everything. I’ve always admired Travis’ honesty, whenever I had to question my path, or just needed advice, Travis is ready to tell you what you need to hear. Travis has given me a sense of bravery, and to always stand up for myself.
Dave Pearce
Officiant
When discussing who we wanted to officiate our wedding, we always wanted to make sure it was someone that already knew us, so we could have that extra level of comfort while standing in front of everyone. We wanted someone that doesn't represent a religion, but someone that represents the love and compassion that we have towards each other, because thats what our relationship is based on. There's no one in this world that we would want to marry us, than the very person we both look up to SO much... Mr. Dave Pearce himself. He is single-handedly the most kind-hearted, generous, loyal, and caring person you will ever meet, and it's our honor to have him officiate our wedding.