Jay is not a brides mate, but he definitely is part of Jana's best people. He has been the witness at the civil wedding and will have some (very!) important roles on Ale's and Jana's special day, just as he plays several important roles in Jana's life.

Whatever happened in Jana's life since the second half of 2012, Jana knew that she could always count 100% on Jay and they went through the most difficult and most amazing hours and days together.

As you will see, Jay is the most patient, caring and protective, as well as entertaining and (street ;) ) smart people Jana knows.

Throughout the years he became the best example of people turning from friends into family and Jana would not be who she is today without him and, most importantly, could not imagine a life without Jay.

Jay: "I met Jana Banana in Valencia back in 2012, like the December and cause her name rhymes with Banana, I used to sing jana jana, wanna try my banana and this bish didn’t understand what I was saying lol and would be so smiley. and I was like wtf why is she not freaked out. Until I told her what I actually said. and then it was brother-sister love since then.

Fun facts:

We’ve been through each others’ crazy and survived.

We’ve celebrated life over the years in Spain, UK, US, Germany, Netherlands.

Our friends is a fun fact 🫠"

Chevis was my intern (haha). We met at work when he took over my former intern position, and since we sat on the same floor, he’d pass by my desk two or three times a day asking for something, and before we knew it, we were friends. The turning point? A weekend trip to Curitiba with Demetryus, where I casually mentioned I needed to move. Chevis offered up one of the two empty rooms in his place, and just like that, the deal was made. The only problem? On moving day, I showed up with a truck, called him on the way, and he had completely forgotten. A few months later, COVID hit, and while the world was panic-buying toilet paper, we were out buying every beer we could find in the supermarket. Living together during that time was crazy, and even though we’ve since moved to different places, we’ve stayed just as close ever since.

As the name indicates, Stella and Jana are family. However, we all know that family does not necessarily mean that we get along well. Jana, however, has been incredibly lucky to be Stella's cousin. In their youth Jana and Stella played a lot together and even though Stella is two years younger than Jana, Stella became an example for Jana - she is so loving, mindful, balanced, relaxed, always finds the right words, so intelligent and simply stunning. I honestly doubt there exists a nicer person than her.

For Jana Stella really is the most beautiful person inside and out and whenever Jana sees her, Stella gives her the feelings that everything will be okay - that is why Jana calls her sunshine a lot. Stella has been Jana's steadiness since their childhood and even though Stella and Jana do not see each other too often, they always know how important they are for each other, which gives Jana a lot of peace.

Stella: "How we met:

At Christmas 1994, I was suddenly there. And you got your little cousin.🥰

Fun fact:

- I still like to tell strangers that you are my big sister.

- ⁠You are my longest/oldest friend.

- ⁠You have always been my role model - and will always be💛"

Rafael and I have known each other since our first year of high school, but it was really during university that our friendship became what it is today—more like brothers than friends. No matter where I am or what I’m doing, I know I can always count on him. I spent so much time at his house that his family basically adopted me, and his dad would always joke that if he got home and didn’t see my car parked outside, he’d think he was at the wrong house. For over a year, it became our routine—every single day after work, I’d pick up Rafa and Gabriel, and we’d head straight to Rafa’s house before University. He’s one of those rare people who you just know will always be there, no matter what.

Rachel and Jana used to be neighbors in Amsterdam and only know each other for a few years, however from the first day they met, Jana has looked up to Rachel and felt like Rachel is the big sister Jana never had. Jana also immediately fell in love with Rachel's dog Jack and quickly became his co-parent (she likes to think so).

The honest (and usually very funny) talks during almost daily coffee and Jack walks, runs, incredible home cooked meals and watching Disney movies together turned Rachel very quickly into Jana's best friend in Amsterdam. She is the trusted security net that Jana was missing for so long.

If this is not enough and Jana had then also had to describe Rachel in one word, it would be bright - Rachel is so smart, has also the biggest smile AND LAUGH and is absolutely lightning up every room she steps in.

Rachel: "We were introduced by our neighbor in February 2022 and quickly bonded over our mutual adoration for said neighbor 😅, as well as my dog, Jack.

Fun facts:

Jana helped me to set up for my first party in Amsterdam…after knowing each other for a little less than a week.

⁠Jana quickly became Jack’s favorite aunty.

Jana and I provide free therapy sessions…to each other. This was especially helpful during the single seasons of our life, but continues to be a lifeline!"

Gabriel and I first met at the end of high school, but our friendship truly solidified during university. Since then, he’s been more than just a good friend—he’s family. No matter how much time passes or where life takes us, we always find a way to meet up, and it’s like nothing ever changed. Our conversations cover everything from the serious to the completely random, and that’s what makes our friendship effortless. Whether it's a quick catch-up or an entire day hanging out, it's always time well spent. Gabriel is someone I know I can always count on, and that’s something rare to find.

You know that people have different personalities in each language they speak? Well, there is nobody who knows and understands Jana as Jorge does. Jorge understands all the languages she speaks and has also lived in different countries. Jana feels like Jorge and her are almas gemelas and were destined to meet each other at Uni and go through the many ups and downs in Uni and life together. Jorge means home for Jana and it feels to her that they have known each for much longer than "only" 13 years - partially because of their cousin-like relationship.

Jorge is the most non-judgemental and accepting, self-less, adventurous, as well as positive person. He also is the life of any party!!

Jorge: "Jana and I met on the first day of university in Valencia 13 years ago (I just shocked myself counting the years!), yet I remember it as if it was yesterday.

After our first class together, she asked if someone knew how to get to the next class that was in 2h, and nobody really answered. I told her that I had no idea, but that I had the same class, so we could check together. Since both of us had 2 free hours, we went for a coffee and sat down in the sofas of the faculty of economics chatting for those 2h, and to be honest, the rest is history.

Two years later I was supposed to go to London to finish uni, but fate had other plans for me and I ended up going to Germany, of course, with Jana - I still remember her reaction when I told her the news. She rushed over to where I was shocked yet extremely happy that we would live in the same city for a bit longer. She became my family and, as Germans say, meine Heimat - and has been ever since.

These two years brought us even closer and I got to feel at home away from home. Jana’s family took me for some Sunday family gatherings, and me being from Valencia really appreciated that since in Valencian culture, Sundays are for paella with the family.

Fun fact:

I think Jana probably agrees with me on this one, but the fun fact about our relationship would probably be that we are both curious about languages and speak mostly the same. It’s true that our main language is Spanish because when we met, Jana’s Spanish was perfect and my German was Kartofel and brains are funny that way. However, in time we were able to communicate in one or several languages mixed in one sentence because the other person would simply understand. Sometimes the perfect word doesn’t exist in another language and living abroad makes you appreciate those little details even more. Jana was always un pedacito de Heimat."

I’ve known Lucas literally since the day he was born. Our families have always been close, so we basically grew up side by side. His dad (my godfather) would take us to football most Saturday’s, then stay up late with sleepovers—either on Winning Eleven, GTA, or also looping U2 concert DVD and pretending we were someone from the band. Even though he’s younger, Lucas has always been an inspiration to me—he’s insanely smart and dedicated to whatever he loves. He’s basically my first friend, and he’ll forever be family to me.

Demetryus (Dimi) is another brother I made at work. We spent most of our days facing each other in the office—cracking jokes, talking about everything, and accidentally kicking each other under the desk. After work, we’d head to jiu-jitsu (where I always kicked his ass), and on the weekends, we’d still end up hanging out. Somehow, we never got tired of each other.

Beyond all the fun, Dimi is a very loyal and reliable friend I have. He’s been there for me in every stage of life over the past few years, and having him officiate our wedding is something that just feels right.