Kari Simpson: Maid of Honor

Kari and Aimee met 14 years ago in the Gamma Phi Beta sorority at UC Irvine. After enduring several peculiar roommates while living together in Los Angeles; spending countless (yet, indispensable) hours yelling at the Real Housewives of OC, NYC, and Atlanta on TV; and being able to say we were both on the sorely-missed MTV game show, “Singled Out,” (although Kari made it to the final round); it’s only natural that Kari is Aimee’s Maid of Honor. Aimee was the officiant at Kari and Bob’s wedding in 2007.

Kyle Larson: Best Man

Husband and Father of two, Kyle is a leader in his community and church all while maintaining an active skiing, white-water kayaking and competitive mountain bike racing lifestyle. Kyle and Eric have shared many interests. From an early age Eric followed in Kyle’s footsteps in everything from BMX racing, dirt bike riding to down hill skiing. Kyle has been everything good you’d expect from an older brother and best man. Eric and Aimee are so happy he’s coming down from Oregon to celebrate their union.

Hollyann Larson: Bridesmaid

Twins have a special bond – growing up Holly had an uncanny ability to finish Eric’s sentences as could Eric finish Holly’s. Holly would say, “Eric is quite a catch” because she trained him that way. Holly has a sunny disposition and just like Eric people are always saying, “Holly is always smiling.” Holly shares the same love for arts and crafts as Eric but, takes it to the next level with the creation of amazing stained glass windows and masterful fine wood working pieces. Aimee and Eric are blessed to have Hollyann be a part of this joy filled occasion.

Danny Sanchez: Groomsman

Danny is Aimee’s musically talented brother. He tends to have a new hairdo/mustache/sideburn every few weeks, so you might not even recognize him in this very picture. When he’s not working as a gemologist, he’s busy taking photographs, honing his jujitsu skillz and making art from his food. We couldn’t be happier to have him be a part of this great occasion.

Cindy Declusin: Bridesmaid

Cindy and Aimee are also friends from UCI and sorority sisters. When Aimee first met Cindy, her license plate frame on her Celica read, “University of South Coast Plaza,” which could only mean she was just the kind of friend Aimee needed in her life. Aimee and Cindy lived together for a few years, where Cindy was a good sport when Aimee forced her to watch countless episodes of Super Nanny and Cell Dogs, as well as Aimee’s favorite movie, The Notebook. Aimee was also in her beautiful wedding last summer.

Craig Chorbagian: Groomsman

Eric and Craig have been best friends since 7th grade. They have shared a lot of great adventures together from family ski trips, backpacking trips and triathlons to growing up in their youth group. Craig has a very dry wit and excellent timing – saying the funniest things when you least expect it. Craig does many unique things from playing in a band to tending the family vineyard and winery. Craig is also, one of the most educated guys Eric knows. Eric is thankful to have Craig and Craig’s family a part of his life for so many years.

Jennifer Ratwani: Bridesmaid

Aimee is so grateful to Jen for all the assistance she has given Aimee for the wedding. She’s like a mini wedding planner! Jen has been a good friend to Aimee and lights up the room wherever she goes. Jen is one of the smartest, nicest, fabulous friends a girl could have. Jen and her husband Neil are good friends with Aimee and Eric… and they are known to throw the best Christmas parties! Aimee had a blast in Jen’s wedding last summer, and is so happy that Jen is sharing this day with her.

Ian Hemmings: Groomsman

Eric and Ian have been best friends since 8th grade. Ian was raised by good English parents so you may hear him pronounce “water” funny. Many, many, many years ago Eric and Craig were in Ian’s wedding so its fitting that these three musketeers reunite on the holy matrimony front. Ian is a loving husband and father of two beautiful girls. Ian has always had a passion for music from playing drums in a band to going to concerts – music is one of the many passions Ian shares with Eric. Eric is lucky to have Ian as a friend and happy he’s a part of this special day.

Parents

Joe Sanchez: Father of the Bride

Aimee’s Dad is such a kind, giving person and Aimee is lucky to have him in her life. Aimee’s love for tennis, softball, Dodgers, and big breakfasts can be attributed to Joe. A retired teacher, Joe still substitutes and teaches students independently almost daily. His love for teaching kids history, math, English, and right-from-wrong is endless. He cooks amazing breakfasts for Eric and Aimee, and we try to go to his house for breakfast as often as possible. We love you Dad!

Louise Manning: Mother of the Bride; and Richard Manning

Aimee’s mom can always be counted on to be there for her. Aimee has learned all she knows about baking, cooking, and shopping from her mom and is thankful for it all. Louise is super-friendly, fun, and the most active person in Southern California. She travels, sews, quilts, volunteers, bakes for friends and family, gardens, helps with Richard’s businesses, and loves to play board games. Richard is a hard-working, hard-partying, avid golfer who has been instrumental in making Eric and Aimee roll with laughter over the years. We couldn’t be happier to have you in our lives.

Patti and Gary Larson: Mother and Father of the Groom

Gary and Patti have always encouraged Eric and raised him to believe anything is possible with God. Eric grew up seeing his mom and dad working as a team on many family projects like making a realistic Christmas sleigh. Patti doing the design and artistic features and Gary doing the complex construction. Eric received many of his talents from both Mom and Dad. Gary was raised on a ranch and has many stories to tell that have been great life lessons. Gary and Patti enjoy gardening, home improving and living healthy – on most weekends you can find them either at Church or at Mothers Market. Patti has helped many friends and family by sharing her knowledge of natural remedies. Eric has many fond memories from his childhood.. one of them is driving to school in his Mom’s Volvo listening to Niel Diamond and Jim Croche. Aimee and Eric had a fun time seeing Niel Diamond in concert with them just a couple of months ago.  Eric and Aimee are very blessed to have them in their life and thankful for their continued support.

Ring Bearers

Sunny: Honorary Ring Bearer.

Sunny was born underneath a house in Valencia and somehow, he and Aimee found each other a few weeks later. Sunny enjoys eating cold fruit, listening to country music, and bringing lizzards into the house. He has grown into a fine young cat. Everyone who meets him is impressed with his friendly nature!

Gray Kitty: Honorary Ring Bearer.

Gray Kitty was found on the mean streets of Irvine by Sunny one day over a year ago. Sunny brought him home for a good meal, and he has become a part of the family ever since. Gray Kitty likes to bring rats to Aimee, loves to be brushed, and meows a lot. Even though he is shy, Eric and Aimee enjoy his company all the time!