Brenna, my high school best friend (and someone I definitely wasn’t a fan of when we first met, she didn’t let me be a part of the blood drive). What started as an unexpected friendship has grown into years of faith, loyalty, and FaceTime calls (or voice messages) so long that listening to them feels like tuning into a weekly podcast. Brenna has a rare way of being both strong and gentle at the same time. She has been a constant source of support through every season of life, and now she’s somehow added “wedding planner” to her long list of talents. Thank you for always showing up, always listening, and always being in my corner. I’m so grateful to have you standing beside me on this day.

Martha is my adult best friend and one of the greatest gifts to come out of the police academy. We met while surviving early mornings and endless 6 a.m. mile long runs that neither of us particularly enjoyed. What started as mutual survival quickly turned into a lifelong friendship, proof that trauma bonding really does work. My Salvadorian sister and skincare enthusiast twin, Martha is the friend who always answers the phone, always tells me the truth, and is always eager for a good glass of wine. Whether we're comparing skincare routines, convincing ourselves another product is absolutely necessary, or talking through life's latest adventure, she's never more than a phone call away (or down the street). From academy classmates to workout partners to chosen sisters, Martha has been by my side through it all. I'm endlessly grateful for her loyalty, honesty, and willingness to always lend an ear (and tell me I'm wrong). Life is simply better with her in it, and I'm so lucky to have her standing beside me on this special day.

Allison is my Irvine half, my nutty blonde half and partner in crime I did not know I needed. I’m convinced the universe placed us in each other’s lives on purpose… even though we were literally neighbors for a while without realizing it, which feels like something out of a sitcom. What started as “wait… you live where?” turned into beat partners. Allison is always in a good mood, mildly chaotic in the best way, and somehow manages to be both unhinged and deeply supportive at the same time. She is the type of person who will hype you up and then probably convince you to make a questionable but memorable life decision. I’m incredibly grateful for her friendship, her energy, and her ability to turn literally anything into a good time. I fully expect us to continue this friendship for years to come, raising our future children close in age like the well-organized chaos coordinators we are. I will forever be in her corner as she has been in mine. I can't wait to have you standing beside me on this day!

I met Britney while working at a law firm during a time in my life when I really needed a big sister and I definitely found one in her. Britney, or as my grandma lovingly calls her, “La Britneyyy,” is truly one of one. If Britney were a product, she wouldn’t be a simple 2-in-1 shampoo and conditioner—she would be the full 100-in-1 experience. She brings elegance, humor, intelligence, free spirit, warmth, and love to every room she walks into, somehow managing to be all of those things at once with ease. She is my confidant and one of those rare friends I can go long stretches without speaking to, only to pick up right where we left off as if no time has passed at all. One of my favorite memories with her is our very serious culinary experience involving “LAYERED” chili cheese fries from Wienerschnitzel, followed by winding down on her tortilla-print blanket while watching TV like it was the ultimate resort experience. Britney is the big sister I never had, and someone I feel incredibly lucky to have in my life. I cannot wait for her to be by my side on this special day.

Samantha is the kind of friend who felt familiar from the very beginning starting with the night she enthusiastically “interrogated” me during my first solo graveyard shift at Irvine, which is honestly the most accurate way to describe how we met. She is the type of person who shows up in a heartbeat when she’s needed. If I call her at a random time, she will always answer with, “hi pookie!” and end with “everything okay?”because that’s just who she is. In a world where people come and go, Samantha has been in my life for a shorter time, but it already feels like she’s here to stay. Most importantly, she loves you at your best and your worst. Whatever version of you she sees, she’s taking that to the grave. No judgment, just loyalty, warmth, and unwavering support in a way that makes you feel completely safe being yourself. She is hilarious, warm, fiercely on my side, and the kind of person who makes any situation better just by being there. And if there’s one thing I know for sure, it’s that she will happily commit to holding the same drink all night long and still somehow be tipsy from that one drink. I’m so grateful she found her way into my close circle so quickly, and even more grateful to have her in my life. Thank you for being exactly who you are. I can’t imagine this day without her standing beside me.

Scott has always been and will always be my most level-headed friend. I've always called Scott my best friend, not because he tells me what I want to hear, but because he'll tell me I'm being an idiot or dramatic when I want to hear it the least and need to hear it the most. From meeting Scott when I was 9 years old to asking him to be my Best Man at 31, he's been one of the few true constants in my life. In fact, I literally moved cities so we could attend high school together. Then somehow, years later, we ended up living down the hall from one another for four years. And yes, I would walk down the hall to say goodnight. Looking back, that probably tells you everything you need to know about our friendship. Scott has been through it all, including surviving my dad yelling at him because of me. And still, he has never once questioned our friendship. Through every phase of life, every mistake, and every ridiculous situation we've found ourselves in, he's always been there. He's always had my back (chiropractor joke intended). Everyone needs a Scott in their life. You just can't have mine. Scott, you're my "Brenna," and unfortunately for you, there's no turning back now. And as my dad would say: "Now take a sandwich."

If you had told 14-year-old Nathan and I that we would one day become police officers, we would have laughed and told you we were destined to be Major League Baseball players, raising kids who would follow in our footsteps. Fast forward 17 years, and we’re still side by side, working the same job, it just happens to not be professional baseball. In 2022, we found ourselves in similar seasons of life. After dedicating so much of ourselves to the game, we were both trying to figure out what came next. We were at a crossroads, working jobs that didn’t fulfill us and searching for a renewed sense of purpose. That year, Nathan made a life-changing decision and entered the police academy. Nathan has always been a competitor, someone I’ve admired, looked up to, and tried to keep pace with. Watching him excel in the academy and embrace this new chapter inspired me to take the same leap. By 2023, we were both thriving in our new careers, growing in our relationships, and, most importantly, rediscovering our purpose. Today, I’m proud of the men we’ve become and excited about what the future holds. Nathan is happily married to his beautiful wife, and I’ve been fortunate enough to find Karmen, my “why.” Nathan, thank you for always being there for me, for pushing me to be better, and for challenging and encouraging me through every stage of life. I’m grateful for your friendship, your loyalty, and the countless memories we’ve shared together. From baseball fields to police academies, through life’s uncertainties and successes, you’ve been one of the most important people in my corner. I can’t wait for you to stand by my side on one of the most important days of my life.

When I first met Ben, I knew he didn’t like me. But that was just the protective little brother in him, and honestly, I couldn’t do anything but respect it. Over the years, as I’ve gotten to know Ben, I’ve discovered that he has an enormous heart and cares deeply for the people he loves. Somewhere along the way, Ben stopped being Karmen’s little brother and became my little brother too. I can always count on him to make me laugh, keep me young, and remain his big sister’s biggest fan. One of the things I love most about Ben is how passionate he is about music. He cares deeply about it, studies it, and appreciates it in a way that few people do. In fact, when it comes to music, his opinion is the one I trust most. As my little brother, I’ve also gained a built-in gym partner who can always keep up and push me to be better. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of watching Ben grow into a strong, confident young man, and it’s been exciting to see that growth continue with each passing year. What impresses me most is that no matter how much he grows, Ben remains genuine, loyal, and deeply committed to the people he loves. Those qualities are what make him such a special brother, friend, and man. What I admire most about Ben is how fiercely he loves and protects Karmen. The way he cares for her constantly reminds me that loving Karmen is a privilege and that her heart is something to be treasured, never taken for granted. When the Lord blesses us with children one day, I can only pray that our son loves his sister the way Ben loves Karmen. There is no greater example of loyalty, protection, and unconditional love. Having Ben stand by my side on one of the most important days of my life feels like a privilege. The boy who loved Karmen long before I ever had the opportunity to is someone I deeply respect and admire. In many ways, his trust and acceptance have meant more to me than he probably realizes. Ben, I can’t imagine a better way to honor both you and Karmen than by having you by my side. It is a blessing to call you family, and I’m grateful for the friendship, laughter, and support you’ve given me throughout the years.

Andrew humbles me in every way possible. Just when I think I've had an incredible gym session and send him a photo to verify my gains, I'm met with a reply that simply says, "Let me see the abs." Instantly, I'm brought back down to earth. Andrew provides the tough love that I need. His sense of style, love for travel, and honest personality make him one of the most well rounded people I know. I often find myself living vicariously through his adventures—Germany, Puerto Rico, Portugal, you name it. His passion for exploring the world makes me excited to see where he'll end up next. As I've gotten to know Andrew, I've also come to understand where Karmen gets her tough love personality from. Beneath the tough exterior is someone with an incredibly caring heart. Early in my relationship with Karmen, it became clear that Andrew's approval meant the world to her. What started as earning that approval eventually turned into a friendship. Through our friendship, and now becoming brothers, I've realized I don't need Andrew to be any different than he is. He's loyal, supportive, caring, and the kind of person who will always tell you exactly how it is. Although, a compliment every now and then wouldn't hurt. Knowing Andrew is knowing Karmen's twin. Knowing Andrew is knowing Karmen's built-in best friend. Knowing Andrew is knowing that I've gained a lifelong brother. The more I've gotten to know him, the more I've come to appreciate the consistency, loyalty, and love he brings to the people closest to him. I'm honored to have both Carrillo brothers standing beside me as I officially turn their Carrillo into a Rivera.

The older brother I almost never knew I had. Meeting Kenny at 14 years old has been one of the greatest blessings of my life. From the moment we met, we just clicked. Whether it was Kaytranada, sports, or our shared love for New York, those things became the foundation of a bond that has only grown stronger with time. Some people make promises. My brother Kenny shows up. No favor too big, no distance too far. Through every chapter, you've been the kind of brother who is there when it matters most. Kenny, your little brother will always choose you for exactly who you are. Asking you to stand beside me on our special day was never really a question. Although you weren't there for the first 14 years, you're here for the rest of my life. And that's what matters. Your little brother loves you.

FTO Suarez has truly become family. As I began my career as a police officer, I found a mentor who I would eventually call a brother. Matt was one of my first training officers and the person I learned the most from. Long days and nights spent writing and correcting reports, along with countless trips to the county jail for drop-offs, somehow managed to turn a trainee and training officer into lifelong friends. And yes, you're my favorite FTO but only for this website. Once I got off training, Matt and I realized we could finally hang out outside of work. What followed were nights at Heroes, Tuesday softball games, Disneyland double dates, and countless memories that brought our families closer together. In 2024, his beautiful daughter Kamila was born, and our friendship grew into something even more meaningful. Matt has become the kind of person everyone hopes to have in their corner, someone who listens, shows up when you need him, and is always willing to help without hesitation. Over the years, he's become much more than a mentor or a friend. He's become family. And while he'll always say yes to a last-minute country concert, there's usually a moment where he has to look over at Kayla first, who is almost always responding with a dirty look that says, no. Matt, thank you for your friendship, your guidance, and for being someone I can always count on. I'm honored to have you standing by my side on this day.