Matron of Honor - Christina Ariza

My matron of honor is none other than my sister, Christina. My sister who is 4 years older than me but light years away in wisdom. Not only beautiful and graceful she has an amazing heart. She has taken care of me and my parents in so many ways. She has always been my second mother even when she doesn't want to. I firmly believe that I have made it this far because of her influence and guidance.

I love making her laugh. Most of the time it is because I said or did something widly inappropriate. No one can stop making her laugh once you got her started. Just looking at her and she will get started again. Of course, I take it upon myself to get her laughing again.

Everyone knows us as night and day. She taught me how to embrace and appreciate those differences. She taught me the importance of going for what you want rather than what others want for you. She taught me how to stand up when life has kicked you down. She has taught me what it means to be a woman of strength, courage and faith.

I love you Chris...even if you are skinny. And, I forgive you for giving me a bloody nose when I was 12. I guess that was pay back from when I pushed you off the bed and knocked the wind out of you. I really thought you were dead. Mom and Dad would have been mad and you wouldn't have been there to protect me. Glad you pull through ;-)

Maid of Honor - Janee "Jay-Nay-Nay" Hall

Since I am so special and so loved...I needed to have not one but two! Or maybe it's because I am too much to handle for one person! Either way, I am such a blessed girl to have so many wonderful female role models. I come from a family full of them and I make it a point to surround myself with friends that exhibit the same traits. I have chosen one of my best friends to fill the role of maid of honor. Janee, my friend of over 10 years is one of the craziest people that I know. I don't even know how to begin to describe her, so here is my attempt. She is my friend, sister, advisor, instigator - just to name a few of her roles. Truth be told, that girl knows too many stories about me. And they aren't all pretty! Janee and I first met when I was a senior in high school. We both worked at the YMCA summer camp where her nickname was "Jay-Nay-Nay" and I was "Lil-Lulu." We were assigned all the troublemaker kids because we knew how best to work with them. Apparently, we related with these kids all too well. We survived the summer and remained friends as we attended different colleges. That summer Janee finally came to her senses and transferred to WSU to be closer to her dear friend. Go Cougs!! We spent the summer studying and going to the local pub to play Scrabble. For the next few years, we went through many boyfriends, jobs, break-ups, moves, etc. We remained close friends while I was living in Pittsburgh and Chicago - not an easy task! But that shows you the type of person that Janee is - dependable, loyal, trusting and fun. I love her to death and she will always be my other sister. And of course, if I didn't say it she would...."Mark is exactly like Janee and that is why I love him so much." Thus, I really am marrying my best friend.

Luau Engagement Party

Thank you to my two bestest friends ever! Sherry and Janee did a great job organizing, cooking, making party invitations and hosting our engagement party. We had a great time spending time with our family and friends. Here are some snapshots of our night and morning (party ended at 3:30am)

Wedding Slideshow

St. Vincent de Paul

It will be of no surprise to many that we have chosen to seal our marriage vows at St. Vincent de Paul Parish in Federal Way, WA. My home parish were I have spent close to 4 years of Mass, LifeTeen youth nights, planning sessions and youth retreats. This parish has become a second home to many including myself and it has always been great to be a part of this congregation of people. After attending many baptisms, communions, confirmations, weddings and funerals here, it will finally be my turn. For marriage, that is!!

Spirit of Washington Event Center

We have finally made our first official decision. The reception site for our marriage celebration will be at the Spirit of Washington Event Center located at 233 Burnett Ave. South in the heart of downtown Renton, WA. This brand new 10,000-square-foot building will be the ideal location for a delicious dinner and lots of dancing! Can't wait to see it all decorate for our special event. A big thank you for my mom, sister, Janee and Sherry for giving me their seal of approval. And for the sacrifice of attending every food tasting. Now you know who to talk to if you don't like the food!