Meet the Wedding Party!!

Friend, representing the Nance-Yankajtis Family & Officiant:
Dr. Suzanne Vierling

    I have known Suzanne for over 20 years. We first met in competing West African Dance Companies. Then we went our own way and met back up 8 years later at a dance class at Mind, Body and Soul Dance studio. I didn’t recognize her and she came up to me after class and said
“I know you!!” and I looked around the room and said “Okay???” Ever since then, she has been my sista from another mista!!!  -Eddie

Father of the Groom, representing the Nance Family: 
Mr. Herbert Charles Nance, Sr.

    I remember my Dad telling me the story about when I was born. He already had a daughter and made it pretty evident to everyone that he wanted a son. My Mom and the hospital nurses decided to play a joke on him. When the nurses brought me out, they wrapped me in a pink blanket. Apparently, the look on my Dad's face was priceless. Then he found out that I was actually a boy. He was overwhelmed with joy. He loved me so much he gave me his name.

Mother of the Groom, representing the Nance Family: 
Mrs. Linda Nance

    I remember my Mom taking me to my first audition. Before we walked in the door, she asked me if I knew what a trailblazer was? I told her of course I do; they play in Portland! She smiled and then said it's actually someone who may be different from the others but still deserves to be there. That was a life lesson I have lived by to this day. I'll never hide the fact that I'm a proud Momma's Boy.

Sister of the Groom, representing the Nance Family & Reader:
Dr. Charlinda Nance-Allen

    I remember when we were both kids, Charlinda would take control over the TV because she was older and bigger than me. I had no choice but to watch "All My Children" on multiple occasions. Then this awesome thing hit called puberty and then all of a sudden I was bigger than her. So I did what every male in Texas has to do; play football. My freshman year in High School I broke my ankle the 1st day of football practice, literally on the very 1st play. I recall sitting in the ER with my parents and we took turns holding up my ankle. Once we got home, I was walking in with my crutches a little loopy. I will never forget that as soon as she saw me, she started balling. She's my Big Little Sister.

Sister of the Groom, representing the Yankajtis Family:  
Miss. Araceli Yankajtis

    My dear Sister. She has been there for me through thick and thin
(tears!!). I can’t imagine this day without her. I still remember when we were teenagers and she was knocking on my bedroom window so she can sneak back into the house. I use to be so upset with her and she would say in a drunken slur “Eddie, stop acting like Mom!!!” 

Nephew of the Groom, representing the Yankajtis Family:
Mr. Alek Yankajtis

    My Sister’s son, I remember looking into his eyes when he was
born and falling in love. I loved taking him to the Zoo and Sea World every
weekend when he was younger. I’m still waiting for him to drive down to our house (BY HIMSELF!) and hang out with his Uncles. 

Nephew of the Groom, representing the Nance Family & Ring Bearer:
Mr. Charles Allen, III

    I remember visiting home about a year ago. I was sitting in a booth at Outback Steakhouse waiting for my Mom, Sister, and Nephew to arrive. All of a sudden, I hear UNCLE "HERBIT" and he ran right up to me and gave me a hug. I love that little guy.

Groomsman representing Herb Nance:
Mr. Matt Fair

    In 2003, when I worked for a Texas State Representative, he always welcomed interns into his office. I remember walking into his office one day and it was like a cattle call. I remember seeing Matt, in my head saying WOOF, and then saying I choose him. Five months later he was on a road trip to California with myself, Annette, Jason, and Toby (my cat), as I was moving out for my first West Coast stint. Yeah, we became pretty close super quick, and he's been a brother to me ever since.

Groomsman representing Herb Nance:
Mr. Patrick Vallejo

    In 1997, I remember being home from College for the summer. Our friend Debra was having a house party which Pat and I both attended.  Pat and I left the party around the same time. He then flashed his lights at me and I pulled over near Salado Middle School. He pulled over beside me and was like, "Why did you pull over; I was just trying to signal you to let you know you had a tail light out." We laughed and chatted for a while. From that moment on, we might've been seen as the odd couple, but we've been brothers through it all.

Groomsman representing Herb Nance:
Mr. Raul Reyes

    In 2007, I was at a work happy hour. A co-worker of mine introduced me to his friend who worked for a different business unit within our company. He thought we would hit it off because he lived in San Antonio for a while growing up and also loved the San Antonio Spurs. He was right because I thought he was chill and we did hit it off. Then I realized he and his friends had run up a tab on my corporate AMEX. I immediately wanted him FIRED. But that never happened because he is ridiculously charismatic and has undeniable charm. He is definitely a brother to me and I lovingly refer to him as my little muneco.

Groomsman representing Eddie Yankajtis:
Mr. Dion Brown

    Dion had me at hello!  I met him at one of his infamous parties at the "house" in 1995.  That same night he was literally brushing my Michael Bolton styled hair. Like a big sister, he promised to be a friend to me! Nineteen years later, he has kept that promise to me. We have been the rock each of us has needed throughout those years.  Total and Unconditional love and support. What do they call that these days...."ride or die" sistas!?! That's us!

Groomsman representing Eddie Yankajtis:
Mr. Garron Richardson

    Garron and I became friends in 2002.  He introduced me to a good group of guys known as the San Diego Dinner Club. A few years after, I ended up working for Garron for a period of time, which was very interesting!!!  Over the years we have grown closer. Between working on my car and cooking some hella good food, he has been a wonderful friend. One thing I know is that he will be there for me no matter what. 

Groomsman representing Eddie Yankajtis:
Mr. Brady Beshore

    We meet Brady through the football league and has been a friend to Herb and I for about 4 years now. Instantly I knew Brady was a keeper! We always have good times together. When I asked Brady to be a Groomsman it was very emotional for the both of us.

Friend, representing the Nance-Yankajtis Family & Reader:
Mr. Michael Pichinson 

    In 2004, I had the pleasure of meeting a smooth talking, UT Football playing, legal eagle. Although born Michael, I've always known him as "Pich". He loves Luther Vandross and doesn't age. A great memory was when he came out to San Diego to run a marathon. Post marathon, he was delirious and I was feeling mighty fine from rum. Next thing you know, we're singing at the top of our lungs to "I Wanna Be Your Lover", by Prince. Oh, how I love Vanilla Silk. J

Friend, representing the Nance-Yankajtis Family & Water
Blessing Hostess:
Miss. Amanda Tate

    In 1983, I became friends with this little lady at Sinclair Elementary. She was from the "front" of our neighborhood, Lakeside. I had no way of even being able to comprehend how much that little lady who turned into a beautiful woman, would mean to me. From 1983 all the way to today, from Texas to California, she has been with me and I with her. #KindergartenStrong.