Maya & Mo
08.08.15
Topanga, CA
Meet The Maids
Mia Nunez
MAID OF HONOR
I met Mia during our first week of middle school where we bonded over how difficult it was to shave our legs for the first time. Our friendship is a large part of who I was growing up. We were privileged to experience some of the best and worst memories together: liking boys, not liking boys, girl drama, geeking out over test scores, etc. Mia lives in Chicago with her fiance Danny where she is completing her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Northwestern (p.s. she's brilliant!) They will be getting married within weeks of Mo & I; It has been an indescrible dream going through this milestone in life simulataneously with Mia, as each other's Maids of Honor. We have always been by each other's sides in heart, so standing alongside one another as we make our vows is pretty unreal. This special time goes far beyond sharing bridal magazines and watching countless episodes of 'My Fair Wedding' (but we do that, too!)
Sarah Grundeen
BRIDESMAID
The story goes that on Halloween in the 8th grade, Sarah was dressed up as Jack Skellington. I thought she was a cute boy, so I went up to hug her and she played along, holding me in a full embrace. She hasn't let go since then. Sarah is the closest person to a sister that I have ever had. I don't think anyone can meet Sarah and not be taken by her quick-witted spirit and her ability to get along in any situation. Speaking of situations, crazy ones have a way of finding us. While we have gotten into our fair share of trouble together (it's not actually us, it's Vegas!), I don't think we would take back one moment. We once got sent to the Dean's office for being too affectionate with each other. Who knew love was a crime?! Sarah lives in Santa Barbara and is getting her Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering because all my best friends are gorgeous geniuses. Distance is the only thing seperating us from being inseperable.
Wedad Alostaz
Bridesmaid - Sister of The Groom
I read some quotes recently about sisters who are together by fate, and friends by choice. I can absolutely relate to this feeling with Deedee. Although Dee is Mo's younger sister, we are basically the same age. Since I first knew Mo, I could see that Dee and I have a lot in common. She is so smart, and moves confidently in the directions of her dreams. I love that we connect intellectually and emotionally. Wedad is busting her butt to get her MBA while working full-time. The heights that she will reach are limitless. I have no doubt that we will only grow closer as sisters, and we have our friendship as an added bonus. Needless to say, both Dee & Jasmin have a special bond with Mo. He cares for and protects his sisters fiercely. I feel so grateful to join both of our families who believe deeply in loving their families.
Tayler Harris
Bridesmaid
In college, it was our jobs to drive around and hand out energy drinks. Yes, Tayler and I were Red Bull girls together, but that's far from what we have become. I will always remember our shifts because we would often purposefully schedule ourselves to work long days and drive to distant events & locations. While people would stare at our Red Bull branded Mini Cooper with the giant can soaring down the freeway, we would be deep in thought-provoking discussion about the bigger questions in life. Tayler is one of those people you get to know that convinces you that there is no such thing as accidentally meeting someone. As friends, Tayler and I have seen a lot of life happen for each other. We've shared plenty of moments of soul-searching and path-finding. Regardless of the next turns, I know we can always count on each other to be there riding shotgun.
Ashley Barajas
BRIDESMAID
We met in preschool, though neither of us really remembers if we were actually friends. There's pictures, I swear! Through our childhood, we would catch up at sleepovers, and I do remember that Ashley always had the best stories. Then in high school, we crossed paths again. I probably wouldn't mind erasing all of my high school experiences except for the mornings spent in the bike lane eating breakfast burritos with Ashley. We've had many adventures since then where we usually go out & fight the urge to sleep. Besides keeping each other young, Ashley keeps me kind and loving. Her & her husband Rene are true marriage rolemodels to us. Ashley has been married for a few years now, and the value she places on their devoted relationship is inspiring. Our newfound Wives' Club will most likely entail curling up with her puppies, homemade dinners, and saving for a girl's trip to India!
Natasha Miller
BRIDESMAID
It started as a "friend-of-a-friend" friendship, but luckily, became a lot more over time. Our guilty pleasures include Mexican food, Bravo reality shows, and desserts of every variety. Mo & I actually ran into Natasha on our very first date. According to her, she asked, "Wait, are you guys on a date?" I shook my head NO, while Mo shook his head YES. In that moment, Natasha knew what I didn't quite grasp at the time: that 'him & me' were becoming 'we.' One of my favorite aspects of our friendship is our long talks on the phone. Sometimes we will go weeks or months without being able to make plans to see each other, but Natasha always takes the time to call me & chat about our lives, our loves, and the things we do that make us proud. We are both very driven in our careers and personal lives, and constantly encouraging each other to do our best.
Jasmin Alostaz
Bridesmaid - Sister of The Groom
I am so proud to become Jasmin's sister. Jasmin is the girl they're talking about when they mention someone who can light up a room. When I see her, she always has a funny story to share. She is passionately committed to exceling in school. I have no doubt that someday very soon, Jasmin will be a fearless doctor leading a new era of medical professionals. We're both Libras, and I think that might have something to do with why I feel like we've always understood each other. Jasmin fills others' lives with love and fairness. For a lifetime to come, I am grateful that she will be part of my family.
Sophia Martini
Bridesmaid
Sophie and I were in the same sorority, and you would've thought we were always close since we had a tendency to want to do all of the same things - she is even my colleague at the American Cancer Society now! But It wasn't until we traveled together to a leadership conference that we really connected. Our passion for traveling eventually led us to taking an EPIC European vacation this past Summer where we revisited Sophie's favorite city, Paris, and explored my favorite city, Istanbul. Confession time: Sophie & I have been planning this wedding since 2011. Before there was Pinterest, there was a creepy little website called 'Wedding Gawker.' Sophie would humor me while I perused photos of beautiful weddings and imagined what it might be like to marry Mo someday. She's what I like to call my "soul friend."