Wedding Party
Alondra Alvarez
Maid of Honor
Alondra Alvarez is Minerva's only sister and the Maid of Honor. Alondra has been a huge help in organizing the wedding and is always ready to help out. Alondra enjoys going to concerts and throughout the years we have both attended multiple concerts together. Our next concert will be Taylor Swift's Eras Tour which happens to be the day after the wedding! Alondra loves to crack jokes that only she thinks is funny, so be prepared to listen to those.
Eric Carnes
Best Man
Eric Carnes, future PharmD, and Michael have been friends since elementary school, where we bonded over Pokemon and video games. Our friendship grew as we played on the East Avenue Basketball team, and as we went through high school together. Even though we went to colleges in different states, we continue to stay close as we both pursue careers in the medical field and continue our journeys towards being Pokemon masters.
Angelica Chavez
Bridesmaid
Angelica Chavez is one of Minerva's younger cousins. Angelica was the first cousin on my adopted grandmother's side of the family and we both grew up with each other. She cares very deeply about family and tries to find many fun opportunities for our family to come together. Angelica is an avid sports fan and we have many memories of going to Oakland A's games together. She is also Minerva's waiting buddy when everyone else goes on crazy rollercoasters.
Alex Alvarez
Groomsman
Alex "Este" Alvarez, brother of the Bride, and Michael met at the start of Michael and Minerva's relationship. As he has evolved from a shy 6th grade basketball player into a successful middle school coach, our relationship has evolved too. Whether its hitting the links, balling out on the blacktop, or making fun of Minerva, we always have a good time. Unfortunately, Alex's request for the wedding to be postponed for one calendar year has been met with opposition. Could it have to do with his age? Your guess is as good as mine.
Kyley Jacobs
Bridesmaid
Kyley Jacobs and Minerva met at Sonoma State University one day at Michael and Andrew's apartment. I knew that we were destined to be friends when she performed Eminem's "Rap God" incredibly the first time we hung out. At Sonoma State, we would always sing to many Broadway musicals, such as Hamilton and Dear Evan Hansen. Kyley is the sweetest person I've ever met and is always ready to plan group hangouts with our friend group. I am excited that she will be there with me on the big day!
Andrew Fitzgerald
Groomsman
Andrew "Fitz" Fitzgerald and Michael met at Sonoma State University, where we were randomly paired as house mates. The first 5 times I spoke to Andrew, his only response was "suuuup." However, the more I interacted with Andrew, the more we discovered that we had much in common such as both being fans of basketball, the Oakland A's, and being Kinesiology majors. Since graduating from SSU, we have continued to stay friends and watch lots of Sacramento Kings games. #beamteam
Jill Dayton
Bridesmaid
Jill Dayton is the sister of the groom and Minerva is very excited to soon have her as a sister-in-law. Jill is a craft genius and has been a wonderful person to talk to whenever I have problems in my crafting projects. She is also a huge cartoon and Disney fan like me. Jill teaches History at Granada High School and although we teach different grade levels, we often share our teaching struggles and experiences.
Anthony Scalise
Groomsman
Giuseppe "Anthony" Scalise IV and Michael also met in elementary school. We both enjoyed watching Godzilla movies, playing video games, and having Nerf wars. Even as Anthony moved away to El Dorado Hills after the 4th grade, we stayed close and visited each other during Summers and Holiday breaks. Today we continue to stay close and send each other Instagram memes and try to perfect our golf swing between Coronas.
Esmeralda Gallegos
Bridesmaid
Esmeralda “Esme” Gallegos is Minerva's first cousin on her mom's side. When we were children, Esme and I were big fans of Rebelde (a popular Mexican TV show). We would dress up in their school outfits, sing their songs, and even agreed which group member we were. Esme was Mia Colucci, I was Roberta, and Alondra was Lupita. Esmeralda is a professional esthetician and now we see each other whenever Alondra or I get our lashes done by her. On the big day, you will most likely spot her out at the dance floor!
Joey Gu
Groomsman
Dr. Joey "Ace" Gu, DPT, ATC and Michael met in Stockton at the University of the Pacific. Joey's heart is as big as his biceps. Whether it is opening his doors and giving me a place to stay in Stockton, helping break down a complicated subject in school, or taping my Achilles before the championship intramural game, Joey is always there to lend a hand.
Andrea Guzman
Bridesmaid
Andrea Guzman and Minerva met at Sonoma State University their freshman year where they were paired as roommates and lived together until they both graduated. Andrea is the Pheobe to my Monica and there is never a dull moment with her. Andrea is my go-to movie date whenever Tom Holland stars in anything new or if there is a new Spiderman movie. We continue to see each other frequently and send each other as many TikToks as possible.
Oscar Figueredo
Groomsman
Oscar "Ozzie" Figueredo and Michael met at Sonoma State. Meeting Oscar was a stroke of luck, as one of our housemates moved out mid semester and we were not sure who would fill the gap. We made up an elaborate lie to ensure that no one would fill the empty space, but the school had other plans and Oscar showed up. However, when Oscar moved in all he needed to say was "wow you guys like Overwatch and 2k?" and the rest was history. Oscar is an avid sports fan and we have attended many A's, Kings, and Warriors games together over the years.
Janella Juan
Bridesmaid
Janella Juan and Minerva met at Sonoma State University and lived together for 3 years. During the time we lived together, we would spend many nights singing Broadway musicals, binging movies, dancing to Just Dance, and crafting. My most memorable moments of playing Just Dance with Janella is her showing me her favorite dance (Chiwawa) and us recording ourselves dancing to Rasputin. Janella has such an energetic and carefree personality that leads to unforgettable memories and the wedding day would not be complete without her presence!
Jameson Vinoya
Groomsman
Dr. Jameson Grant Vinoya, DPT and Michael met at the University of the Pacific. When I first met Jameson he described himself as being from a small island you may have heard of: Alameda. However, Jameson's electric personality and dedication to the Oakland A's made it easy to get along with him as we commuted together to Stockton for classes.
Mia Delgado Gallegos
Flower Girl
Mia is Minerva's niece. Mia is one of the most adorable little girls and we are so excited to have her be a part of our wedding and see her in her dress.
Emily Kalchik
Flower Girl
Emily is Michael's niece. Emily is a beautiful little girl who has so much spirit. We are excited to have her be a part of our special day. Emily enjoys watching Frozen and playing with her brothers and cousins.
Josiah Buey
Ring Bearer
Josiah "Jojo" Buey is the cousin of Minerva. Josiah is such a smart and funny boy and we are so excited to have him be a part of our special day. He enjoys watching all types of sports, as well as going to the park, playing baseball, soccer, basketball, and hockey.
Julian Buey
Ring Bearer
Julian "Juju" Buey is Minerva's cousin. Julian is such an energetic little boy who enjoys making people laugh. We are very excited to have him be a part of our special day alongside his brother. Julian loves to play sports, dance along to the Jabbawockeez, and watch superhero movies, especially Black Panther and Spider-Man.