Dani

After 16 years of friendship, there was no way he wouldn't be among my bridesmaids. A pillar in my life, always making sure everyone is okay—an incredible friend. Always there, in good times and in not-so-good ones. And although he may seem very serious, once he warms up to you, you won’t find anyone more cheeky (even if he tries to deny it). A first-class teacher, an incredible writer (if you want to read his work, let me know and I’ll send you a link ;) And be warned—he’s said it more than once—he will “accidentally” spill a glass of wine on anyone who dares show up in white.

Laia

This little firecracker is one of my best friends—wild as few are, fiercely loyal, and ready to stand up for you no matter what. A tiny whirlwind who never goes unnoticed. I rarely say how proud I am of her, but her life journey shows what it means to fight for what you want and to overcome yourself. After 28 years together, we’ve been through it all—our heartbreaks, and millions of crazy, ridiculous adventures, always proving just how shameless we've always been… But we’d better not get into that we're supposed to be adults now after all.

Nathalie

Even though I haven’t known her as long as the others (well… nine years isn’t exactly short), Nathalie has had a huge impact on my life from the very start. We ended up living together while studying drama: completely unplanned. But it was clearly meant to be. We had to spend those four wonderful years side by side. And even if she’s nocturnal and I’m a morning person; she takes an hour to wake up, and I fall asleep on the sofa at 9, I couldn’t have asked for a better flatmate. And don’t be fooled by her size, here comes another little whirlwind.

Vero

When we met, we clicked instantly… we even got married (yes, we had a wedding on the London Eye with a paper ring). Life pulled us apart for a few years, but fate knew we were meant to be part of each other’s lives—to grow together, to evolve. I couldn’t be prouder of her, and of us, for fighting through the distance and the circumstances to celebrate our achievements together. I can’t imagine this day without her by my side.

Merche

Merche is a pillar in my life, someone who brings a maternal sense of calm when things get stressful. Even if life keeps us from talking as much as we’d like, she’s always there when you need her. Fiercely protective of her people, sometimes a little scarily so, let’s be honest. Smart, a little crazy, and innocent all at once. And don’t let that angelic face fool you, she’s the biggest mischief-maker of the bunch. Bring popcorn to the wedding: the show is guaranteed.

Marina

Whew… speaking of years, 32 years together, putting up with each other, loving each other (in our own way), bickering (and no, I haven’t forgotten when you bit me at age five… although, okay, I might’ve pushed you first…). Funny how someone you used to just “tolerate” because you shared the same friend group ends up being one of the people you’ve spent the most time with, and one of the people you love most in the world. I wouldn’t change a single thing. (And yes, she’s also full of mischief, but as they say… birds of a feather!)

Zoë

I never had a sister, but even across the distance, I feel like I have one, someone I can always count on. Sensitive, compassionate, and incredibly talented (you should hear her sing,what a dulcet voice). She embodies the values instilled by her parents, Celest and Bob. As the saying goes, “those who resemble their own, are truly worthy.” And she should be as proud of herself as we are of her.

Zack

Zack may be the reason more than any other that you’re coming to this wedding. He not only became one of our best friends in Paris, but also introduced Paula to the job which would bring her to Paris from Madrid, ending our long distance relationship in the best way possible. In addition to his wit, you’ll find Zack’s empathy and charm will always be there for you.

Dimi

Don’t do it… Don’t you dare sing here’s to brother Austin on my wedding day… One of my best and closest friends who’s always been there to support me and now Paula. Dimi and I met at the Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity at the University of Vermont, and to this day you should not leave us alone with anything stronger than beer. If the wedding turns to late night cooking though… you probably should not let either of us near the fryer.

Jamie

It’s not often you join a fraternity and end up with a sister as a brother but such is the case as to me she’ll always be a part of Alpha Gamma Rho. If Dimi got me in trouble then Jamie is the one who’s always gotten me out of it. At the very least she made sure I made it to the next day. Her energy and positivity are infectious, and her long island iced teas are dangerous. Always the life of the party, ask her about what she’s reading too as she’ll always suggest something good.

Maxime

There was a time when we were just two Guiris in Madrid. Maxime is similar to Zack in one way, and that is that he’s the first friend I made through Reddit. In our time in Madrid we became thick as thieves, and for a time almost every weekend eating and drinking our way through the capital. What wonderful days. Since then he’s gone to the US and I’ve stayed Europe bound, but I know I can count on him and vice versa. Is our friendship also founded on a mutual love of coffee? Possibly, but then that’s a good friend.

Alba

Alba is my Spanish Dimi… No one is more dangerous at party time. Then again I’d like to think I’ve held my own but know deep down I haven’t. Always there and dependable, was an integral part of the famed “cactus” whatsapp group. If you know, you know. Now based in Berlin, she’s here to protect me from Jamie’s long island iced teas by taking them for me.

Here is the part of the best men where I get to show off just how lucky I am. Paula’s brother Guille is now mine as well. In the time we’ve known each other his graciousness and acceptance of me has given me another brother. But then again, this is a surprise to no one who knows him or the family he comes from. I could not have asked for a more welcoming group of in-laws. But anyone who knows Guille through Beli and Alfonso knows that this is just the way the Fidalgo Sanchez-Casas have always been. I count myself very lucky to have Guille as one of my best men.

I didn’t get lucky once, but twice. When Noah married my sister it means that I get to say I have not one, but two amazing brothers in law! Noah is someone who gets things done and doesn’t mind the fuss and kerfuffle going on around him. Reliant and exceptional, I love how well he takes care of Zoë. Knowing how responsible he is, I’m glad to know someone will keep me from falling into the pool on the night of the wedding.