Wedding Party
Richard Obanion (OB)
Best Man
I am honored to have OB as my Best Man for my upcoming wedding. We met in the Marine Corps while stationed in Okinawa and our friendship quickly blossomed. During our time together on the island, we formed an unbreakable bond through shared experiences and unforgettable memories. OB's infectious personality and sense of humor never failed to brighten my day, and I have come to value him as one of my closest friends. I know that he will be by my side on my wedding day, not only as my Best Man but as a trusted companion and source of support. I am grateful for our friendship and excited to share this special moment with him.
Elizabeth Hayes
Matron of Honor
Elizabeth and I met at one of my work assignments in Plano TX where she became my first (and only) work wife. After a couple “E J Fun Day’s” she quickly became one of my best friends and her family even adopted me as “Aunt Joni,” a title I am honored to have. She is one of the best planners I know and is ruthless at game night. She always has a smile on her face, a laugh on her lips, and a dance in her soul. Not having a good time is never an option for this lady which is what I love most about her. She is the proud owner of the bathroom selfie posted above taken in Plano TX.
Ben Piraro (Ben)
Groomsman
I am humbled to have Ben as one of my groomsmen for my upcoming wedding. Ben and I were roommates in the Marine Corps, and our friendship has only grown stronger over the last 30 years. He has been a constant in my life, always there for me through the ups and downs. I am grateful for his unwavering support and countless acts of kindness over the years. As an only child, Ben is the closest thing I have to a brother, and I cherish our friendship. We have been through so much together, and I know that no matter what happens in the future, we will always be there for each other. Having Ben by my side on my wedding day is an incredible honor, and I am excited to celebrate this special moment with him.
Hannah Chapman
Bridesmaid
Hannah and I met at a work assignment in San Francisco. We didn’t start off as friends but rather I just asker her one day if she wanted to move into my way too big and expensive SF apartment. That’s when we really bonded over “Outlander” and wine nights. She stocked the kitchen with things I had never seen before (apparently they are called vegetables). She opened my eyes to a lot of ways to make myself better and healthier, physically and more importantly mentally. She is always open to get-a-way weekends and shenanigans which is my favorite thing! She is the proud owner of this Vegas Bathroom Selfie.
Shawn Sullivan (Sully)
Groomsman
I am delighted to have Sully as one of my groomsmen for my upcoming wedding. Sully and I first met through his wife at work, and we quickly hit it off. Over the years, our friendship has grown stronger, and he has become one of my closest friends. He's the person I text or talk with the most (outside of Joni). Sully is a brilliant person, and I am lucky to have him as a friend. He is incredibly analytical and detail-driven, which balances out my more spontaneous personality. Through all the ups and downs of the last 15 years, Sully has been a constant source of support and loyalty. He is one of the most loyal people I know, and I am grateful for his friendship. I am honored to have him stand by my side on my wedding day.
Lauren Hamilton
Bridesmaid
Lauren and I also met at the San Francisco work assignment. She actually hated my guts at first. She did not appreciate that before I speak I ask myself two questions 1) is it funny? 2) is it offensive? I eventually wore her down thanks to Covid and Harry Winston. We would meet at the park for wine nights while Harry Winston would play. This is when our friendship really grew. Until I came back to Texas we were always together. She is one of the most loyal people I have ever met and if you wrong me, you better watch out for her. If you ever want to meet up for a “Rainbow Sparkle Surprise” she’s your girl! She is the proud owner of the Vegas Bathroom Selfie above.
Ryan Wing (Wingman)
Groomsman
I am thrilled to have Ryan as one of my groomsmen for my upcoming wedding. Ryan and I first met while working together, and our professional relationship quickly evolved into a strong friendship. Since I moved to Texas, Ryan and I have spent a lot of time together, enjoying various activities such as watching football, attending games, and even gambling. Ryan has taught me how to play Craps, and while I may not be the best gambler, I always have a great time with him. He is one of the most supportive people I have met in my life, always there to lend an ear or a helping hand, no matter what the circumstance. I am grateful for his friendship and excited to have him stand by my side on my wedding day.
Leslie Dominguez
Bridesmaid
Leslie and I go way back….. like if you want to know where the bodies are buried back (not that either of us would risk breaking a nail burying a body). We met at my first real job out of college in downtown Dallas, a lot of friends come and go (especially with the amount of moving I have done in life) but she has stuck with me through it all, never missing a beat. She has been there for me at the best of times, the worst of times, and the times I don’t remember. We have spent countless hours on the phone over the past almost 20 years, even talked me through my first California earthquake. She has always been dependable and supportive and a voice of reason in my life. We may not have a bathroom selfie together but maybe a couple of mugshots.
David Smith (Dave)
Honor Attendant / Flower Dude
On one of the most special days of my life, I couldn't imagine not having Dave, one of my closest and most cherished friends, part of our wedding. Throughout the years, Dave has not only been a pillar of support and a constant source of laughter, but he has also taught me invaluable lessons about the true essence of friendship. His unwavering presence during both joyous and challenging times has demonstrated the depth of his loyalty and care. As I embark on this new chapter of my life, I am reassured that Dave will continue to be a rock, a confidant, and a guiding light in the years to come. Having him as a groomsman is not just a tradition; it's a heartfelt acknowledgment of the profound impact he has had on my life, and a reminder of the enduring bond we share.