the bride & Groom
kristina Balneg
Kristina is a critical care nurse working at UC Davis Medical Center for the past 5 years. She is the chair of her unit's practice council, working to improve patient care on her unit. She studied at CSU Sacramento for her BSN and is now pursuing her Masters degree. Motivated by her faith and love for the youth of her church, she has been actively involved in the Children's Worship Service for the past 12 years. She is overwhelmingly obsessed with F.R.I.E.N.D.S., her dog, Mochi, and food.
benjamin abaya
Benjamin is a laboratory technician working at IDEXX Reference Laboratory for the past 13 years. At the moment he is attending Sacramento City College and is planning to transfer to Sacramento State in 2019 to pursue a BA in Film Studies. He is actively involved and committed in his church duties as the Active KADIWA President and an officer in the Children’s Worship Service in the local of Sacramento. He is passionate about films, from production to watching in the theaters, and if he’s not watching films, he’s either taking photos or creating memories with Kristina and Mochi.
the parents
luz balneg
Luz has been a constant inspiration towards Kristina. She admires her fierce drive and motivation for the things she is passionate about. Kristina's favorite memories with her mom include baking 103480194 cookies, shopping sprees at target, and taking culinary classes together.
john balneg
John's kind heart, love for coffee, and artistic nature is something Kristina shares with her father. Kristina's favorite memories with her dad include staying up late watching F.R.I.E.N.D.S. or late night, buying artist pens and doodling on the empty spaces of the newspaper, and obsessing over Mochi together.
faina abaya
Faina’s benevolence and consideration is a beacon in Benjamin’s life. If there is something she has taught Benjamin, it is showing a display of love and devotion for those that need help within the community. No doubt, she is always supportive, thoughtful and genuine when it comes to her family.
jose abaya jr.
Although Jose may look stoic and reserve at times, through his passion for knowledge and understanding, this has guided Benjamin to be empathic, observant, and logical in everyday life. Jose’s conviction shaped Benjamin’s attitude with his own beliefs, which allowed him to mature and cultivate new ideas in Benjamin’s artistic endeavors.
the bridesmaids
Jonna Julian
Jonna currently resides in Elk Grove, CA but moved from Newark about 18 years ago. She is an organist and CWS officer amongst other duties. She met Ben and Kristina in different organizations within the Church. The act of giving back is something they all value which created their bond as members of the Church of Christ. Over the years of their friendship, Kristina and Jonna have enjoyed many adventures together, especially those involving food (mostly cake), exploring various Targets, dressing up as Charlie Chaplin twins, hugging trees in Canada, and “bravely” crossing a 460 feet suspension bridge.
hannah howerton
Hannah is a fan of museums, live theater, national parks, and coffee. She is the illustrator of one of Kristina's favorite children's book "The Little Lemon that Leapt." She and Kristina met in elementary school, and have been inseparable pals ever since! From trouser dances to CORNy jokes, they’ve always found a way to laugh together. Through the years, she’s learned her best puns from Kristina. Hannah knows Kristina and Ben have many Gouda years ahead because they love each other a waffle lot!
lauren Goddi
Lauren is a native Californian, born and raised in the Bay Area and Sacramento (with a brief detour to Switzerland in between). She is a lover of bookstores (her favorite places), armchair travel (and actual travel too!), adventures with friends, and most of all (really good) food. Lauren met Kristina in PE their sophomore year of high school (not their favorite class, but possibly a few of their favorite memories). They bonded over mornings in Kristina's car before school, the best sleepovers (which always involved toaster strudel the next morning - Lauren will be forever grateful to Kristina for introducing her - and Mochi!), sharing the infamous notebook, and their love of corgis.
Jennifer Madamba
Jen has known Kristina for over 11 years. They met at their church in 2007 when she moved to Sacramento. They've had a lot of awesome adventures together from sleepovers and sliding down waterfalls to dancing under couches and laughing till their "stummy" hurts. (Stummy = Stomach + Tummy.)
the groomsmen
John marie abaya
Father of two and happily married, John is the twin brother of Benjamin. Some say, he was born with his best friend. Growing up, they would create short films and videos, and also absurd amount of art that many folks may never see. Some of his best memories with Benjamin involved playing on any of the Nintendo consoles. Currently he co-host a podcast with Benjamin, titled The Freakin’ Awesome Podcast! He is also a part time graphic designer and illustrator. You can see his work on We’re Alive, a podcast about zombies, and on his website, abayarts.com!
john nino abaya
John Nino moved back to California with his wife last year from Wisconsin. He grew up with Benjamin and John since his arrival from the Philippines in 1994, and share the same memories with John Marie when it comes to playing the Nintendo consoles. He is a huge fan of the Los Angeles Rams , the Chicago Bulls, and sports in general. Like Benjamin and John Marie, he is also creative and very skilful in the arts. When he is with the twins, they are known as "Double J and B!"
Ronald balneg
Ron is Kristina's best and worst friend, protective older brother, and ultimate partner in causing all havoc and chaos. Despite their very different interests, they are actually quite close to being the same person--tough exterior with the warmest and fuzziest of hearts. If asked one word to describe each other, they'd most likely both answer "loser" followed by a "just kidding, but really." Kristina's favorite memory with Ron include camping in the living room, making cakes, fighting over who drinks out of the chocolate milk cartoon (when they were children), and building a pond together.
ALBERT TEJADA
This is AJ. Born in San Diego, but raised around the world. He’s quiet when you first meet him, but once you truly get to know him, he’s all sorts of fun. This one time, at Disneyland, he decided to jump up on stage and sing on the mic. Crazy, right?! His hobbies include eating, sleeping, working out, did I say eating? When he and Kristina were in college together, he would spend a disgusting amount of money on food and snacks that he didn’t even really eat. Other than that, he’s an open book, but not everyone likes to read books. Oh well, their loss.
the flower girls & the ring bearers
Emily Collado
Emily Aka is an energetic, happy 3-year old who loves the color pink, baking, cooking, singing, dancing, and making her own American Ninja Warrior courses in the living room.
Reia Golmon
The honorable Reia Sunshine, 3 years of age and sweetest of the cupcake fairies, serves as diplomat in humanitarian efforts to provide meals to the Snow Kingdom people in need, typically traveling by way of friendly dinosaur. Upon meeting her, she will divulge the following about her: She loves cupcakes, cake, ice cream, jelly beans, candy and sugar. She loves the color pink but mostly rainbow. She loves kittens, puppies, and bath bombs. Finally, she aspires to be a doctor princess.
Lennox Abaya
My Name is Lennox. I am 9 Years Old, My Dads Name Is John, he is the Twin of my Uncle Ben. I Like Pizza,Legos, And Video Games.
korben Abaya
My name is Korben. I am 7 years old. Lennox is my older brother. I like Mac and Cheese, Art, and Legos.
the wedding planner
mochi balneg
Mochi was born in San Jose, California on November 11, 2009 and has been accompanied by her adopted sister-cat, Dragon. Her favorite tricks include sit, whirlwind attack, and balancing various items on her snout. Not only is Mochi known as the "Best Balneg," she is also a hero to all, saving their home from a fire by alerting them of their toaster engulfed in flames. Despite her charisma, intelligence, and captivating good looks, she has gone through her remarkable weight loss journey and now enjoys crossfit, a balanced diet, and snacking on carrots. Kristina, Ben, and Mochi share many common interests such as food and sleeping.