Heather & Eric

What started as a "hey, our girlfriend's are BFF's" turned into a friendship all on its own. He's always down for tracking down a new ramen place, either in Vegas or anywhere else we travel to. There’s never a doubt that he will be honest and open with me, and I’ve always appreciated that. While friendships are often started due to convenience and circumstances, I’m happy to say this one has kept going all on its own.

I would not be who I am today without the best twin, Kyle. We've been there for all the big moments in each others lives (including the very first), and it would not be right if he was not with me today. We were unspokenly competitive growing up but have always been there and celebrate the big moments in each other’s life. I'm proud of what he's accomplished in going into the family business and keeping involved with his passion of soccer.

Heather speaking here! I have known Uly since high school & we have been best friends since we were busted looking teenagers. We used to spend hours on AOL chat & would compete on who had the better codes to make their MySpace the best. He has also been very close to my family, especially being near the same area in the Philippines. Ulysses was actually the one who encouraged me to give Eric a shot & go on a date with him! He has been there for all the big moments & I cannot imagine life without him. Uly is the adobo to my chicken & being the world traveler he is, he will definitely be standing with us on the beautiful island of Hawaii!

Dan has been a longtime friend every since we joined the same fraternity back in college. Despite the living states apart, he's always available for advice or to banter about soccer. His team choices are a bit suspect, . While we don’t see each other as often as I’d like, a constant stream of memes and Instagram posts make it seem like we still live a two minute walk from each other. He’s done a lot in his own life, and I can’t wait to help him celebrate his own wedding right after ours.

I met Brad when he began dating Sierra, Heather’s niece, a few years ago. He’s a huge history and outdoor person, both of which made an instant connection and gave us an endless supply of topics. If you need a fun fact on any topic, he’s your guy. We’ve also grown fond of the shih tzus in our lives, even if they are a bit stubborn. His humor matches my own, and I like how easy it is to be around him.

Steve and I became friends a few years ago through Heather working with his wife, Ring. His son, Quillan, is also our ring bearer. It was an unexpected but instant connection. Heather and I make regular trips down to Austin to see them, and we’ve made great memories from exploring Austin/Dripping Springs to beach trips to Corpus Christi all while trying new breweries along the way. He’s super witty and always so positive to be around. Steve is such a thoughtful person, he’s been like an older brother to me since we’ve gotten close and there’s never a dull moment when he’s around.

Casey and I first became friends when we got into relationships with Patricia and Heather within a few months of each other. We’ve seen each other grow a lot. We really connected over being “adopted” into Filipino families and the amaziness of our future in-laws. He is one of kindest people you will ever meet. Whenever we get together, there’s always a lot of laughs to be had and games being played and memories made.

Davik is one of the most fun people I’ve ever met. He’s quick with a joke and always 100% authentic. He’s the life of the party when we all get together and always the first to suggest a new adventure. This makes him a really fun travel partner. I’ve had a lot of fun with him attempting to understand wine in Napa to wandering the streets of Denver and Las Vegas.

Michael is one of Heather’s many cousins in Hawaii but he has always been more like an older brother to her. Michael accepted me into the family like one of their own and has always been there for the big moments, like helping me propose last November. We’ve shared some exciting family travel adventures together, whether it be Vegas, LA, San Francisco, or the Philippines. He is fun, energetic, knows how to keep a crowd pumped, and can definitely out sing anyone with his vocal skills. We’re very excited to have him be a part of our wedding party, chee hooo!

My dad is the most hard working & driven person I know. He is the oldest of 9 and has accomplished so much in life, from being a radio script writer in the Philippines, writing novels since 1967, being in the Air Force for 20 years, traveling the world with his family, and finally settling down roots in Vegas to build a home & establish his own carpet cleaning business. The list goes on. Even after retirement he still keeps busy with his new fishery business in the PI. I have learned so much from him, especially the importance of constantly pushing towards your goals. He has been waiting a long time to walk me down the aisle, and I’m glad it’s another thing he can check off his list. Love you, Dad!

My mom is the hardest working and most tough loving woman ever. She has raised 3 beautiful children and helped raise four grandchildren from my siblings. She is the only daughter out of 7 and had to become an adult early after losing her mother as a teenager and practically raising her younger brothers. My mom has sacrificed so much to raise her children and will never let us forget how much easier we have it compared back in the motherland. Even though she never had these wedding experiences with her own mom, I'm glad that she is able to experience it with me. My mom has always done everything for us, and I’m so glad that she is able to enjoy being a huge part of our big day. I would be lost without her. Love you always, mom!

I would not be where I am today without my parents. My dad was always supportive of me growing up, from coaching soccer and baseball to sitting at more quiz bowl contests and track meets than I could count. He’s been a dentist for almost forty years, and it’s been amazing to see the business he’s grown over the years. The times we would go hunting as well always were memorable and full of lessons as well. He’ll never expect anything in return, and I could never come close to returning all that he has given me. Love you, Dad, and thank you for everything.

My mom has always been an inspiration and pushed me to towards whatever I was focused on. I wish we lived closer, and she always excited to try new places wherever I’m living. She retired from teaching a few years ago, and it was this that really inspired me to work in education. I’m also thankful for her sharing her love of music with me, from church choir to musicals. The amount of work, especially over the past few years, of taking care of my grandma as well just shows how much family means to her. She’s always ready to lend advice. Thank you as well, Mom, and love you.

Quillan is the son of our best friends Ringven and Steve (who are in the wedding party). This little boy has so much spunk and personality. He loves the water and beach, and we are especially excited for him to play on the beaches in Hawaii. We've seen this little boy grow into the little man today, and we cannot wait for him to be our Ring Security on our big day.

Izzy is the most charismatic little girl ever. She is the daughter of Heather’s older brother John and his wife Roxanne (who is also a bridesmaid). Izzy has waited since the day she was born into this world to be a flower girl, and she definitely knows how to entertain a crowd with her dancing skills. We cannot wait for her to have her moment and dance her way down the aisle!