Wedding Party
Jhavet Wences
Maid of Honor
~and they were roommates!~ Tessanella and Jhavet met in college when they were randomly assigned to be roommates. They were fast friends who kept each other on track with study dates, listened to each other's challenges without judgement, and were a bit of bad influences in the best way. They laughed often, celebrated each others' excellent grades, and shrugged off the occasional hangover together. Though Tessanella doesn't have a biological sister, Jhavet seamlessly filled that role, embraced warmly by both families. What is truly special is how close both feel to each other despite many years of being two time zones apart. Jhavet lives in San Diego, CA with her wonderful partner Wyatt and two pups. She is on her way to being a doctor!
Andrew Baez-Alicea
Man of Honor
Andrew a.k.a. Howie, which is how he was first introduced to Tessanella, is energetic joy in person form. They met working at the Starbucks across the street from Columbia University, having already been primed to like each other since Miri had already had talked them up to each other. After an immediate friendship bubbled up, it felt like having a twin. They explored new coffee shops, munched on Howie's scrumptious pastry inventions, and celebrated their Pride by dancing like goofballs together at their favorite club. All of their interactions were strung with gentle teasing, deep respect, and fabulous creativity. Howie lives with his spouse, Adrian (whom Tessanella also loves dearly for many reasons, including what an amazing partner they are to Howie) in their home outside of Portland, OR, with Tessanella's fur niece and nephew Andromeda and Artemis.
Chanterelle Grove
Bridesmaid
Chanterelle is a wonderful example of how being fully and unapologetically yourself can create wonders. She and Tessanella met working in the costume department at American Conservatory Theater in San Francisco. After spending a day with Chanterelle, a woman unapologetically adorned in her signature pink outfits, complete with platform shoes, and sharing Tessanella's love for tea and fabric, it became evident that a friendship was destined to blossom. And blossom it did! Chanterelle shared her extensive knowledge of costume design and construction as freely as she shared conversations rife with emotional intelligence and humor. They made it through crazy theater tech weeks, fun nights out dancing, and deep discussions over tea. Even after Tessanella moved to New York, there was consistent quality time set aside for each other. Chanterelle has been a big part of Tessanella's support system through many emotional and relationship challenges. She's also been a joyful collaborator in many events, including Burning Man and Chanterelle's own wedding last year. She lives in Oakland with her exceptional husband Gordon (who is also a very dear friend of both the bride and groom's), their darling daughter Dahlia, and their sweet pup Crumpet. Some of Chanterelle's wonderful partners are also in attendance today.
Giulia Cowie
Bridesmaid
Giulia and Tessanella were introduced through Xander, and couldn't be a better friendship match. It feels as though every year that becomes clearer as a new shared love and viewpoint alignment come up. Originally from Florence, Giulia lives part of her year in NY and part of it in Italy. Her love for travel, family, and tea endear her to Tessanella almost as much as the fact they both would spend all day in bed reading or watching anime, were it not for the necessary responsibilities of being a contributing member of society. It's just easy to be around each other when you're both hard working and interested in so many different forms of art and learning. Giulia is a fierce friend when she decides that you are important to her, and has an even fiercer flame of creativity. Giulia lives in NYC and Florence, and is an actress and Italian teacher, but she's also learning Japanese- just ask her about her Duolingo streak.
Myriah van de Kraats
Bridesmaid
Myriah and Tessanella met in the costume department during college. They were classmates for a while, but the true friendship began when Myriah invited Tessanella to come play cards at her apartment and they realized their shared love of partner dancing. It's not every day you meet someone else willing to go swing and blues fusion dancing with you every week, and Tessanella hung on tight when she found her! Through classes, dancing, and board games, their friendship grew. Myriah is one of the kindest creators you will ever have the pleasure to meet. She has won a state-wide contest for a quilting creation (commissioned by Steve, the father of the bride), has taught countless students garment construction, and her greatest creation yet is her daughter, Harriet Mae. She and her husband Adam (our officiant) have been steadfast friends through thick and thin. They've also been an excellent example of a loving marriage partnership for many years. They live together in West Virginia with little Hattie Mae and their fur babies Bizkit, Cupcake, and Apple Fritter.
Kira Skadsen
Bridesmaid
Kira is a sunshiney soul. She and Tessanella were introduced through Xander and a beautiful friendship came to be. She's as quick to speak her mind as she is to offer comfort during tough times. Their shared love for travel, adventure, and feminine power made it easy to get along, especially when New York City offers so many adventurous opportunities. Born in South Africa and having lived in 20 different countries, Kira is about as open minded as they come. Going to yoga classes together, dancing, and coffee dates became a delightful habit between the two. Kira is always down to clown, which has led to so many lively evenings and is equally happy to meditate together or be an accountability partner. Tessanella and Kira have both helped each other during some darker times in their lives, and having a friend like that is immeasurably precious. Kira lives in Florida with her cat, Mr. Cuddles, but will soon be embarking on two years of teaching English overseas.
Brayan Angulo
Best Man
Emmett DeFrisco
Groomsman
Milo DeFrisco
Groomsman
The youngest of the family, while Milo started his career in the dark, he was quickly pushed into the light as a baby! A man of many secret talents and an entertainer at heart, he now pleases the mind and palate in Chico CA as a cook at the Asian fusion restaurant Momona.
Andrew Black
Groomsman
Andrew, the middle brother, is a man of few words but many thoughts. With a master’s in Engineering, he’s a problem-solver, a thinker, and, occasionally, a grumpy statue come to life. But don’t be fooled by his reserved demeanor—Andrew is a bundle of joy wrapped in dry humor, always ready to lend a hand or provide an appropriately hilarious meme. Self-reliant and fiercely intelligent, Andrew’s the quiet force in the family, full of wisdom, wit, and a heart bigger than he’d ever let on.
Erik Black
Groomsman
Erik is the Black family’s resident yogi. The eldest brother, he started as a Mechatronics engineer, mastering the world of robotics and machines. But Erik’s journey didn’t stop there—he’s since embraced a more balanced life, merging science with the serenity of nature. You might find him one day designing complex systems, and the next, meditating in the wilderness. Erik’s the guy who can fix your car and your chakras, a rare mix of brilliance and self-assuredness that charms everyone.
