Karina & Logan

Also known as my BSKB (Big Sister Knows Best), Jesse is my beautiful big sister. The oldest of us four. The wise one. The momma bear. There is no one like her. Growing up we were inseparable. People don’t typically admit this, BUT we kind of were each other’s favorites! And we really weren’t trying to hide it either. I admire her for her independence, her big heart, her strength, and love for all of us!! She is witty, hilarious, sometimes intense, but SO MUCH fun! Get her some good music & this girl can’t stop won’t stop! My sis can break it down! There’s absolutely no one else I would ever want standing right beside me through all of life’s journeys, including breaking it down together on my special day!

Diana is my second oldest sister. I can’t count the times we’ve been asked, “are you guys twins?” My favorite part about that question would definitely be the laughs it brought us. Without the slightest hesitation her answer has always been, “nope, she’s older!” I also can’t count the times we both simultaneously replied, “I’m the prettier one!” From creeping into her bed as a kid (possibly even as a young adult), & either scaring her/annoying her when I did, to reciting movie lines & brining them into our day to day conversations I can’t imagine not having her as my sister! Watching cheesy Hallmark movies has been one of my favorite things with her. I feel blessed to have her with me as I live out my own Hallmark moment!

Katherine is my third oldest sister. The “Switzerland” sister. She is the one sister we can call for neutral advice. If I can count the times she’s told me she could be a therapist I’d be rich! As sweet as she’s always been, & with a heart of gold, she somehow managed to hold her own & scare every kid in town. Which worked out for me growing up because that meant I became, “Oh, you’re Katherine’s sister.” I won’t miss her paying me $5 or less for completing her chores, but I will forever miss her waking me up in the middle of the night, begging me to cuddle with her. Can’t imagine a life without our endless cackles in bed. Then & NOW!! I feel so lucky to say she’s my sister who will most likely make me cackle multiple times on my wedding day and I just can’t wait!

Kasie is Logan’s middle child, the oldest of his girls. She is the absolute sweetest! A lover! So welcoming & kind to me since the very first moment. I carry that feeling with me always. I love her super laid back nature, her “go with the flow” personality, & the fact that she has always been so easy to talk to. Coming from an affectionate family, I will never forget that one small moment when she came up to me as I was sitting on the kitchen counter & randomly started playing with my hair. She probably doesn’t remember this at all but it meant more than she’ll ever know! It made me feel right at home. She was the first to ever say the words “love ya” to me & I’ll let the secret out…I melted and freaked out on the inside & then froze & smiled on the outside. I remember excitingly running to Logan asking “omg did you hear that?!!” I feel so honored that she said yes to standing by me & officially welcoming me into the family!

Haley is Logan’s youngest. She is so much like her dad. More than she would probably like to admit & it’s the cutest thing! Like him, she is always thinking 5 steps ahead, she’s a planner, the always on-timer, and a heck of a cook! I will never forget the first time I saw her cheer. She went from reserved and quiet to look at me now. Watching that side of her was so amazing. And I see that side of her come out more and more in our relationship each year. Love every bit of it. Not only has working together been a rewarding experience, but hanging out with her has been a blast. From weekly Bachelor watching to dancing and falling on our butts we’ve grown to have so much fun together. I’m so excited to watch our bond keep on growing. And just like Kasie, she totally made me have a freak out “omg she said she loves me, Logan!” moment too. I can’t wait for a night of celebrating, NOT falling on our butts, and having a wedding blast with her. It fills my heart to know that she will be standing by me on this very special day!

Brooke has become the friend I never thought I would find as I started my new journey here in Michigan. They say that making best friends becomes more and more difficult the older you get. The kind of friend you only get when you grow up together. But I feel so lucky to have this friendship because it truly feels like I’ve known her my whole life. Over COVID kayaking voyages, to bond fire wine talk, cheesy dad jokes that make us laugh harder than they should, and creating a list of random hilarious Brooke & Karina quotes we just clicked. And then one day we had the ultimate “omg, did we just become best friends!?!” moment. We haven’t stopped laughing about that moment ever since. We might’ve not grown up together, but now our weddings are only a month apart and I’m excited to share and experience our big moments together. Can’t wait to “grow up” together in this new journey!

Heather is one of my closest friends. We share young “wild time” memories & currently share moment of “look at us right now, we’re adulting!” Although there were some hangouts under our belts through a mutual friend, there was something about living the good life on a cruise that made us just click. Maybe it was the Bahama Mamas under the sun, the tequila shots, or the huge waves that made me feel sick to my stomach but never took me down. Either way, we haven’t stopped clicking ever since. Heather is my strong, independent, fierce, protector of a friend. The kind that makes sure I don’t get hit by a car because she’ll insist on walking on the road side of the sidewalk. We have enjoyed dancing many nights away! She has stared down & scared off many random guys that thought it was a good idea to dance with us. Until, there was Logan. Somehow, Heather saw something before I did. Let’s just say Heather unknowingly became the match maker who insisted that Logan & I enjoy life freely and dance the night away together. Well…we accepted the challenge & did just that! Thanks to her, our relationship met “the beginning” of our story. Even though we are so many miles apart I know she will always be there & she’ll symbolize a moment that changed my life forever. I can’t wait to have her stand by me as I marry that “handsome nice guy from the cruise.”

Maria Elisa is my long time friend. We met freshman year of college and, after immediately clicking, have been in each other’s lives ever since. When we found out we had so much in common, including being the only Ecuadorians around, we knew we were Ecua-besties for life! Till this day we laugh at the fact that we were friends for weeks and I never knew she was pregnant. One day her belly popped and I was floored! But watching her have her baby boy, who is not so baby anymore, made me so proud of her! We may not talk very often, but when we talk it’s like we never stopped! Love my Ecuadorian chica! I was right there at the hospital as soon as she had her baby boy and now she gets to be right there at the end of the aisle as I marry my big boy!

Emma is my beautiful, smart, & so special niece. She is my sister Katherine (Maid of Honor) and Erik’s precious girl. Emma has always been the sweetest thing. She can be quiet and shy but has a smile that can always bring a calm happiness. She is an amazing big sister to her brothers. Time and time again, her & I hear how she resembles me! And I have to say…this Titi (auntie) right here just loves it & makes her feel so proud. Like her momma AND AUNTIE :) she is a kind hearted young lady. I can’t wait to see her embody what the most amazing Jr. Bridesmaid should be. I love her so much and I can’t wait to show her off as she walks and stands by me!

Luke has been a great long time friend. We met almost 10 years ago. It’s hard to even remember how, but we’ve been tight ever since. He is guy who always tries to make everyone laugh. I said try!! But he has been there for me when I’ve needed him most. He’s the kind of friend everyone needs in their life. I’m proud to call him my best man.

Blain is my son and I will always be proud of who he has become. He may not be the most talkative guy. But bring up guns or politics and my boy will get rolling. Stand back and just let him go! I can’t imagine not having him here by me. This is truly an honor that I will never forget!

Rick is has been a great friend for 24 years. I can honestly say I’ve never had a bad moment being around him. Especially with PBR on hand. Those who know him can agree that he brings laughter to every occasion. With no filter. None. I mean…none. But he is one of the greatest men I know. And I wouldn’t ever want him to change a thing.

Isaac is my son in law. He has brought two wonderful grandchildren to this family. Isaac is one one the kindest men with a smile that can light up a room. If his face is red it’s not him blushing. It’s from all the crazy hot sauce he eats. I’m proud to have him in our life and it’s an honor having him at my side.

Alex is the newest addition to the family. He is my son in law and a driven business man. Some might think he is a quiet mellow guy, but give him a few drinks, play some Shakira, and you’ll watch him put on some killer dance moves! I’m thankful for him and proud to have him standing by my side.

Darin is more than just a friend to me. After over 20 years of having him in my life, he has been someone I can count on for anything. I may be a better hunter than him but he definitely has more deer on his wall. In the end, nothing can replace the memories we have made together especially out in the woods. And I’m looking forward to new adventures to come. As a quiet guy he is, hearing that he’ll proudly stand by my side makes me feel honored.

Josh is family to me. He’s like the brother I wish I always had. He has the charm, the killer looks, and a heart of gold. When you’re around Josh he will bring happiness and life to the party. Breaking it down on the dance floor is what we do. Can’t wait to bust some moves on my wedding day. Cheers to this handsome specimen! I make him look good! Even though some may say it’s the other way around.

Dalton is my newest friend. I’m convinced Dalton’s goal in life is to crash every car he will ever own. But I’m also convinced he’s trying to be the best version of himself every day. I’m proud to be his friend and I’m honestly thankful he’s come into my life!

Paxton is my first grandchild. My days are always brighter when I get time with him. He is a young man filled with so much passion and love. Especially for all things hunting. I may be giving him piggyback rides now, but soon he will be bigger than me. And then he can do the heavy lifting!! I’m so honored to have him by my side and call him my Jr. best man. I can’t wait to look back at this moment with him. I will always be so thankful for my Pax!!

Antonio is our smart and so talented nephew, Jesse (Matron of Honor) and Pat’s boy. He is a young man full of life and energy. He loves him some sports! He’s an all around boy’s boy. He likes football, baseball, karate and soccer. And he doesn’t just intensely watch and keep score, but he is active in each one…and there is so much more he could do but too much to list! And he likes to do things well! Antonio is kind of a perfectionist. It fills our hearts to see how honored and excited he has been to be our ring security. He takes this job very serious. We know he won’t only do his job of protecting the rings, but he will do it with absolute precision!

Xavier is our handsome future heart breaker nephew, Kathy’s (Matron of Honor) and Erik’s boy. If Spider-Man could be a career, Xavier would absolutely have his future figured out. On top of saving the world he would be a superhero at winning over hearts. He is such a sweet young man. A lover for sure. One who is in tune with his emotions & everyone else’s. He treats his mom like every woman should be treated & loves his Titi/Godmother Karina bunches. With so much love. Any future lady will be a lucky one. When it comes to our ring security. Xavier will have no trouble guarding them & bringing them to their future home, with love & passion. This will be a matter of the heart. We are so happy to see him deliver them with Cupid’s touch.

Xander is our nephew, Katherine’s oh so handsome youngest. He is also referred to as “Beast” because, well, he’s a little beast! The cutest one ever. He is such a tough strong young boy. Plays rough, shows love by giving hugs roughly, walks rough, runs rough, does everything rough, and is built like a football player. On the inside, though, he is the biggest lover. So sweet and caring. There’s not a day that goes by that he doesn’t utter the words, “love you mom.” He likes his Spider-Man and toy cars. He will look so sharp as he carries the perfect sign for us! We couldn’t think of someone more perfect!

Sebastian is the newest littles addition to the family. He is our precious nephew, Diana (Matron of Honor) and Gilmar’s little boy. We might be bias, but he is so darn adorable! He can melt your heart with his huge brown eyes. It’s been fun seeing him grow from a distance. Time goes so fast and it seems like only yesterday he came into our world. We are so happy to have Sabastion ringing the bell as he welcomes Titi Karina! He wants all to see his charm as he gets everyone ready to see the bride make her way down the aisle! He will be just perfect!

Ella is our youngest grandchild, Kasie (Bridesmaid) & Isaac’s (Groomsman) baby girl. She is the sweetest little thing you will ever meet. Her beautiful big blue eyes & pretty blonde hair can melt you instantly. Her precious smile and goofy faces steal your heart making her capable of getting away with anything. She is always trying to keep up with her big brother Paxton who she adores. Ella loves doing makeup & dressing up, watching movies, playing with horses, and literally riding grandpa like a horse. There is never a dull moment. But the best moments are the hugs & hearing her cute raspy voice saying I love you. She will be the prettiest flower girl we’ve ever seen!!