Wedding Party
Angela Merlano
Bride
Angela Merlano is a proud MSU Denver graduate who turned her love of dance into a full-time career. She performs, teaches, and choreographs across styles, and when she’s not on stage you can usually find her in the studio sharing that passion with her students. Alongside Charlie, she co-leads Orientale, a Middle Eastern ensemble that brings people together through vibrant dance and music celebrating the MENAHT community. Angela also teaches with South Suburban Parks & Rec and Studio Colombia, where she gets to inspire the next generation of dancers. Whether it’s folkloric, belly dance, or jazz, Angela is happiest when the music’s playing and the floor is hers.
Charles Graham
Groom
Charles Graham is a recent Purdue graduate and data analyst. Outside of work, Charlie loves to play music, including the piano and saxophone. He curates and performs with the Orientale band, front-running melodies from the Middle East. Charlie loves to also read and study classics, being proficient in writing and speaking Latin, Greek, Spanish, and Arabic.
Hannah Hughes
Maid of Honor
Hannah Hughes has been Angela’s best friend since 2nd grade! Hannah H. and Angela’s regular hang outs include Lazy Dog, the Indian Hot Springs, and anywhere Angela is performing. Hannah H. is Angela’s right-hand woman—they dance together, relax together, and stick by each other’s side! If you have any questions about the wedding, please reach out to Hannah H. as the primary FAQ contact! +1 (720) 546-6446
Monique Morgan
Matron of Honor
Monique Morgan met Angela while working together at a preschool. Monique was and continues to be a huge inspiration for Angela as she advances her career goals to instruct dance. Monique and Angela love to bond over pizza at their favorite lunchtime haunt, The Garlic Knot. Monique is passionate about childcare, education, psychology, and Japanese! Angela and Monique bond over many of the same childhood media, including Avatar The Last Airbender and The Legend of Zelda.
Hannah Reich
Bridesmaid
Hannah R. and Angela sparked their friendship in a ballet class at MSU Denver in 2023. Wanting to improve on technique, Angela stuck by Hannah R.’s side at the barre. Since that semester, Hannah R. has been one of Angela’s closest friends, dearest confidant, and inspiration for Angela’s career. Hannah R. and Angela love going out, dancing together, and supporting each other’s dance projects!
Laura Bayona
Bridesmaid
Laura Bayona (Lau) met Angela at an open audition (which they thought was a dance party) for Studio Colombia, a company for Colombian folkloric dance in Denver. After pranking Angela into believing she only spoke Spanish (when she’s really trilingual), Angela and Lau hit it off! Lau has supported Angela through many of her aspirations, projects, and goals in dance. They love performing together with Studio Colombia and bond over lots of silly pranks. Outside of dance, Lau works at the International School of Denver as an educator and HR representative.
Kate Sterquell
Bridesmaid
Kate Sterquell met both Angela and Charlie back at the dawn of their relationship in 2019, at STEM School Highlands Ranch. Kate has been a very loved and close friend to Angela. Kate, as a dama, did Angela’s quinceañera makeup, and now as a bridesmaid, will be doing Angela’s bridal makeup! Kate is a multifaceted and beautiful actress, singer, and model, and Angela is very inspired by her resilience in these turbulent careers.
Caroline Graham
Bridesmaid
Caroline Graham is Charlie’s younger sister and one of Angie’s best friends! Angela met Caroline when she was only 9, so naturally, Angela adopted her as a little sister. Their favorite hangout spots are the nail salon and the mall. Caroline attends high school locally and gets involved with local clubs to help her community and school.