Wedding Party
Destiny Lopez
Maid of Honor
It's our pleasure to introduce the Maid of Honor, Destiny Lopez. Destiny and Emily met at the end of freshman year at Stanford through the First-Gen Low-Income Partnership (FLIP), a student activism group focused on supporting students through navigating college. These two became fast friends bonding over coffee, bus trips to Target, coffee, the Mindy Project, coffee, and scamming Stanford. College was hard, life can be hard, but having someone like the Maid of Honor by your side makes it all doable. Destiny is the blueprint for everything in a best friend a girl could ask for. She is one of the most caring, funny, and supportive people on earth and anyone who knows her can vouch for that. Almost 10 years later, Des is one of the most important people in the Bride's life and it is an honor to have her by the Bride's side on this momentous day and always. I love you Des <3
Oskar Melendez
Best Man
What sets Oskar apart isn't just his unwavering loyalty or his infectious sense of humor; it's his heart of gold. Beneath his seemingly tough exterior lies a man with a heart as big as the ocean, filled with compassion, empathy, and a burning desire to make you giggle until your side hurts. His everlasting smile and endless supply of sarcastic quips at the most inappropriate of times paired with his commitment to all of those he loves the most makes him the best friend that a guy could ask for. Ethan and Oskar met in high school but a true friendship didn't develop until a few years later when they started to work together at Big-O tires where Ethan taught Oskar everything he knows about changing tires, doing oil changes and playing pranks on coworkers. Now, nearly a decade after they first teamed up, Ethan is thrilled to have Oskar stand by his side and joke about how long this whole ceremony thing is taking on the most important day of his life.
Monette Cortez
Mother of the Bride
Celebrating the strength, resilience, and boundless love of the single mother of the bride, we introduce you to the extraordinary Ms. Monette L. Cortez. A woman who has gracefully navigated the journey of parenthood with unparalleled dedication and love, Ms. Cortez stands as a testament to the power of unwavering maternal support. Monette has taken on the role of both mother and friend, shaping her daughter's path with love and encouragement. Her journey as a single mother has been marked by sacrifices, triumphs, and an unyielding commitment to creating a loving home. Monette has one of the biggest hearts you'll ever find and it has been Emily's life mission to make her proud. Mom, thank you for everything. You are an inspiration to the woman I hope to become.
Bernadette & Darrell Soltero
Parents of the Groom
Bernadette and Darrell are the heart and soul of their family, a dynamic duo whose love knows no bounds. With Bernadette's nurturing spirit and Darrell's steadfast strength, they complement each other perfectly. Together, Bernadette and Darrell are a shining example of love, commitment, and resilience. Their unwavering bond serves as a source of inspiration for all who know them, a testament to the power of love to overcome any obstacle. As I prepare to embark on this new journey with Emily, I do so with the knowledge that I am surrounded by the love and support of two incredible individuals who have given me the world. Mom and Dad, thank you for everything. I love you both more than words can express.
John Oberholzer
Officiant
John and Emily met during my senior year at college, through circumstances that require a lengthy backstory and a lot of context, but none the less it was divine intervention that our paths crossed. During Emily's graduation when Monette was Emily's sole family member in the audience, John joined her in the front row and gave her someone to share that moment with. John and Emily have laughed our butts off together and we've cried in stairwells over old houses, we are chosen family. It is a treat and a privilege to have John officiate our wedding ceremony, and we are both so grateful.