Wedding Party

Luisa & Candido

Parents of the Bride [written by Tyler]

I'll never forget the first time I met Alexandra's father. We were at her home, and Alex brought me over to him in the kitchen. We shook hands, I introduced myself, and waited for him to tell me what to call him (always a bit awkward for the new boyfriend. Candido or Mr. Palting?) As I waited, we looked at each other, he nodded, then turned around and started marinating meat for that night's dinner. To this day, I still don't know what to call this man. But I DO know what to call his partner-in-crime: Luisa. Over the years, Luisa's been a wonderful friend, ally, and guide in all things faith for her friendly neighborhood "wandering Catholic". My favorite thing about Luisa is that she's as willing as me to do whatever it takes to see her daughter smile. We are blessed to have them both.

Susan & Ralph

Parents of the Groom [written by Alex]

The first time I met Tyler's family, we went to see Tyler in a UD Chorale concert. He let me meet them all by myself, but it turns out that his gamble paid off! We've made incredible memories together, like dancing to dueling pianos in the Piazza San Marco in Venice, Mrs. Heiss and I playing dirty during beach spikeball, and Mr. Heiss taking the time to have a heart-to-heart with me when Tyler decided to pursue his PhD across the country. They've been to more of my shows than Tyler has! As I get to know Tyler more every day, I continuously get to see how so many of the things I love about him point directly to his parents and their relationship with each other and with him. I'm so thankful that in The Heisshold, I've found confidants, role models, cheerleaders, and friends.

Kyle Heiss

Best Man

Our origin story A winter snowstorm, 1999. A baby cries in the hospital room. He stares wide-eyed at my two older brothers and I while we eat french fries and chicken McNuggets (my father brought both for my mother). This baby grew to be my lifelong partner-in crime. Whether we were making up our own games or playing video games in bed before sleeping, good times are never far behind with Kyle. Our collaboration has even extended into my proposal to Alexandra! Why I love him (and why you will, too) At his core, Kyle is loving, hilarious, driven and endlessly selfless. At the reception, ask him about... Detailed explanations of our childhood games: "Lemme", "Dongerson Jr.", "Pumpernickle"

Rachael Mady

Maid of Honor

Our origin story Rachael and I went to school together starting in kindergarten, but she and I didn't become best friends until 7th grade. You could find us singing in middle school talent shows, playing card and board games before the morning bell (yes, as teenagers), and making up obstacle courses on the playground (yes, also as teenagers). Why I love her (and why you will, too) Rachael is the most loyal, generous person I know. Every time I have a work success, she always pressures me into a celebratory beer and trains me to take more pride in my accomplishments. At the reception, ask her about... All the kind of creepy ways she and Tyler are the same person.

CJ Palting

Groomsman

Our origin story CJ and I first met the same day I was introduced to Alexandra's father (that's right, he was there. And did nothing!). But seriously, I'm glad that I met CJ first that day. He was easy going and very easy to talk with. He has a good talent for making people he's just met feel like old friends. I'm thankful we've had adventures together with the rest of the Palting crew. Why I love him (and why you will, too) Everything is more fun when this dude comes along. At the reception, ask him about... The flamenco show in Barcelona; "The King of the North!"

Paula Ferrara

Maid of Honor

Our origin story Where to begin??? Paula was a voice minor at UD, and our paths crossed both in the music building (good ol' Amy High), when we co lead a small group on retreat through the Catholic student center, and when she introduced me to Tyler! Why I love her (and why you will, too) Paula truly has faith that moves mountains. She is driven and kind, and when I tell her about my problems and worries, she puts both her brains and her prayer life into coming up with a solution. And plus, apparently she's been writing her MoH speech since Tyler and I met, so... At the reception, ask her about... How Tyler asked me out

Shawn Heiss

Groomsman

Our origin story Shawn is the only Heiss brother that's been taller than me for both of our entire lives. So I've looked up to him literally and figuratively ever since childhood. Shawn was always the "cool older brother" type that introduced his younger brothers to new music and TV shows. In a lot of ways, today the younger Heiss boys are still following in this trendsetter's footsteps even in our adult lives. Why I love him (and why you will, too) Shawn is the first of the Heiss brothers to have and raise a family with his wife, Sarah. I've seen the devotion and love that Shawn gives his family constantly, and it's truly wonderful and inspiring. At the reception, ask him about... the true meaning of "schmawka"; and which Heiss boy is best at karate?

Amanda Livesey

Bridesmaid

Our origin story Amanda was one of the first people I met at UD! I still remember playing ice breakers with strangers at freshman orientation, and during a game on the lawn, we just huddled in the corner and talked. We solidified our friendship because no matter what college threw at us, we'd be in each other's corner to say ''yup, this is indeed crazy. Drink this margarita.'' Why I love her (and why you will, too) Amanda goes above and beyond whether it comes to school, work, or friendship. She'll do whatever she can to help anyone she meets, whether you're a complete stranger or a member of the family. At the reception, ask her about... Breaking onto the roof of our academic building (and why it's locked now).

Ryan Heiss

Groomsman

Our origin story By far my zaniest brother, Ryan has always done things his own way. Ryan's passions are art and music. We love Ryan because he really brighten up any room he walks into with his quick wit, easy smile, and comical faces/voices. I can say my family laughs the hardest when Ryan's being a total goofball right before bed. Why I love him (and why you will, too) Ryan's also quite passionate about his faith, and his relationship with his wonderful wife, Liz. Another set of great role models for Alexandra and me! At the reception, ask him about... "Woah, Pharoah, let my people go!", "The Fear", and "Pigs in the House"

Marina Congedo

Bridesmaid

Our origin story Marina and I went to elementary, middle, AND high school together! We did shows together in middle school and high school, and she even came all the way up to Delaware to come to my solo recital. We've been to and served on retreats together since high school and into our adult(ish) lives. Why I love her (and why you will too) I've loved growing up side by side with Marina-- she's the best listener, so humble, and always there to help. We've had plenty of late nights up talking together on retreats when we were supposed to be sleeping, and anytime something weighs heavy on me, I know I'll find so much care in her. At the reception, ask her about... Pirate day

Evelyn, Ava, Audrey & Quinn

Flower girls

Eli & Surya

Ringbearers

Fr. Michael Heine

Officiant

Fr. Mike gave Alex one of her very first jobs as a cantor here at the Shrine of St. Anthony when she was still in high school. He offered her spiritual direction after she graduated from college when she was unsure of how to align her career with her faith. He also gave Tyler and Alex a blessing on the weekend they got engaged!