Jando Fahme - Best Man
“For those of you who don’t know, Alvin and I were roomies for two years. Living with Alvin was amazing for many reasons, my favorite though was that it was akin to having a live-in Michelin star chef. He always (conveniently for me) was making extra food and with a variety of flavors from around the globe to tantalize the senses. We bonded quite often over food and I could tell he had a lot of love for cooking as I do.
The evening debriefs comin home to Alvin busy cookin’ up a storm were a staple in the home with the smell of rosemary, curry, or caramelized onions permeating the air.
One day Alvin said he would be having a “Grand Kamayan” feast in the backyard to celebrate his birthday and do it big. He described it as a giant buffet where you eat with your hands. Yes please!
I enthusiastically awaited this Filipino tradition ready to gorge ourselves like famished ticks with a feast for kings, complete with whole grilled fishies, banana leaf wrapped tableware, and a giant roasted lechon with a perky butt and pointy tail. It was in that moment that I knew we would be hermanos for life. I’ve always blurred the lines between friends and family and this day a beautiful memory and a clear reminder of that for me. Eating with our hands was just a delightful bonus as I recall scooping piggie butt chunks and dipping crispy skin in a decadent plum sauce as I chatted away with his loving parents.
His family ever-present and radiating with love and always eager to help around the house, so humble, kind and filled with gratitude. Yet it was me who was most thankful, for having the honor and presence of a family so gentle in spirit to celebrate our dear friend.
Needless to say Alvin inevitably moved out; but I cherish deeply the 2 years we spent living together and learning from each other things to enhance our lifetimes in a significant way. I remember right after he left when my dad came to visit and noticed he was gone; and he crassly asked me “why did your chef friend leave you?” And it was for the best possible reason in the world: He had found love of the highest order in Gwen. ❤🔥 love you mijos!!”
Judy Franco - Matron of Honor
“Gwen and I are more than just sisters—we’re best friends. As kids, we would argue like siblings do, but as adults, we’ve built an unbreakable friendship, even though we still have our occasional disagreements. The memories we’ve created together are priceless, but one stands out: 2012, when we first discovered the Ragnar Relay. This grueling, non-stop, 200+ mile race across Southern California with a team of 12 runners felt like an impossible task for so many reasons—especially since neither of us were runners! But through Gwen’s relentless determination, our collective teamwork, tireless effort, and sheer GRIT, we proved to ourselves that we could achieve anything we set our minds to. It felt as though, together, we were unstoppable—like nothing in the world could stand in our way. We ended up running that race three separate times and even completed a half marathon together.
Gwen has always been my rock and a tremendous source of inspiration to myself and others. Anyone who knows her would agree. She’s been one of my most loyal cheerleaders, and words could never fully express the profound joy that fills my heart knowing that she is marrying such a kind and nurturing soul like Alvin. Seeing my sister radiate with love and happiness is truly beautiful. Congratulations to my favorite running buddy! xo”