Wedding Party
Maria Freitas
Mother of the Bride
My mom always went above and beyond for me! She has taught me so much throughout my life. I remember as a child staying around her in the kitchen, having her take care of my hair, and learning how to sew, knit, and pray with her and my brothers every single night. She would say, "Sleep with the little angels," and then leave the room. She is the most selfless and generous person I have ever known. Since I moved abroad, she keeps up with my countless video and phone calls, always watching out for me. I know she will always be there for me. I am so happy she will be by my side on my wedding day, and I am proud that God gave me such a wonderful, strong, and loving mother.
Walter Freitas
Father of the Bride
My dad is incredibly important to me. He has always been my biggest fan, believing in me even when I didn't believe in myself. He has taught me the importance of family and made our family feel safe in his presence. My dad is the kind of person who always has a story to tell, is always smiling, and finds happiness in anything. He is also very patient and understanding. I think much of my free spirit and the desire to travel, explore and be adventurous comes from him. I am so happy he will be present on my wedding day, and I cannot wait to have him walk me down the aisle.
Cathy Costello
Mother of the Groom
My mother is one of the most important people in my life. She is always there for me in times of need or if I just need someone to talk to. She is a kind and loving person that raised me to be the same way. She cares deeply about family and loves to throw events and family gatherings to bring everyone together. She has taught me about the importance of family and what it means to love unconditionally. Through her actions I have learned to always show people kindness because you never know what people may be going through. She has been an integral part to rounding out the edges of my personality and expose me to new places and experiences. I have been truly blessed to have her as a mother and I am extremely happy she gets to be a part of our wedding.
Thomas Costello
Father of the Groom
My father is also an important person in my life. He has always guided me on how to think for myself and let me know that there are no limits if you put your mind to something. He has a tremendous capacity to care for others and uses his intelligence and compassion to provide that care. He has been an important person in molding me into the man that I am today and I have a lot to thank him for in regards to that. He has taught me to think from different perspectives and to always consider the feelings of others especially in regards to how your actions them. I am thankful to have him as a father and to have had him as a beacon of what it means to be a good person. I am proud to have him as my father and for him to be a part of our wedding.
Elizabeth Cardozo
Maid of Honor
Liz and I met while both studying in the US. She is from England! We were in an English literature class, sitting next to each other, when we realized we were the only ones using notebooks instead of MacBooks. We instantly connected and started doing everything together. We traveled, explored countless restaurants, participated in international meetings on campus, and even attended a concert in the middle of nowhere. One of the things I love most about her is her loyalty and the fact that I can always count on her. A fun fact: she will always order chicken at every restaurant we visit and has the best accent – so charming that I sometimes need to help her out when she is ordering water, as people often struggle to understand her. One of my favorite memories with her was when we were out visiting somewhere and stopped at a restaurant which turned out to be a biker bar. We didn't realize this until we went in, and everyone stopped eating and stared at us. Liz and I looked at each other and thought `oh, no`. I grabbed my phone and pretended I was getting a call so we could run back outside. Once we were outside we turned around and laughed all the way to the car. I know that Liz`s friendship is one of a kind, and I could not have chosen a better person to be my maid of honor!
Andrew Balducci
Best Man
I don't really remember the first time we truly met because it was probably when we were little kids. However, I do remember all of the good times we've had since then. Our friendship truly developed and flourished in middle school where we were some of the first kids in our grade to get an Xbox. We were the cool kids on the block or at least we thought so. Andrew and I would play what seemed to be every day until our parents would turn red in the face telling us to stop. I have countless stories and memories of us having good times together whether it be Andrew skipping school dances to come play video games at my house (against his mother's wishes, sorry Mrs.B) or just going on spontaneous adventures. I couldn't think of a better person to be the best man at my wedding and I'm excited for all of the good times we have ahead.
Eridona Kola
Bridesmaid
Dona and I also met while both studying in the US. I remember seeing her in several of my Zoom classes during the time we were still attending classes from home due to COVID. One day, I decided to send her a message, and that was the beginning of our friendship. Dona is from Albania, and we would often talk about how much we missed home, comparing our experiences and helping each other with our assignments. She has such a kind heart and is incredibly easy to talk to. One of my favorite memories with her is from one of my birthdays. She suggested a restaurant to celebrate with other friends, and it turned out she knew people there. She arranged for the best time and made me feel so loved that evening. Even though I was far from home, Dona made me feel right at home with her presence. I am so happy she will be part of my bridal party and be with me at my wedding.
Chris Pidala
Groomsman
The first time I actually met Chris in person was a funny one to me. We had played countless of video games together for hours on end but I never remember meeting him in person until years later during a bonfire at Andrew's house. I found it funny how you can be so familiar with someone yet never have met them in person. There are many things to like about Chris whether it be his calm disposition or ability to make you laugh but what I admire most is his dependability. He is a friend that would always be there for you in a time of need and be the first to lend a hand when you need it most. I am proud to call Chris my friend and for him to be a part of my wedding party.
Tatiele Wares
Bridesmaid
Tati and I met in the Rye library. We had an hour-long conversation before finally asking each other, "Where are you from?" To our surprise, we both answered, "Brazil!" We laughed and immediately switched to speaking Portuguese. We quickly bonded after that and made it a point to stay in touch despite our busy schedules. It feels like we've known each other for years, even though it hasn't been that long. One of my favorite memories with Tati is when she told me she was pregnant. I remember feeling overwhelming happiness for her, and my heart was so full of joy. She is one of the kindest people I know and can light up a room with her charm, sympathy, and warmth. Tati is always celebrating my achievements and checking in on me. Having someone who feels like family so close to me means the world and I am filled with joy to have her as my bridesmaid.
Michael Wares
Groomsman
The first time I met Michael was when Jess and I met with him and his wife Tati for dinner. I remember our conversations being filled with a lot of laughs as we both exchanged our different stories. I could tell from that moment that Michael would become a good friend. The thing I like most about Michael is that he is a very generous person. He is always willing to provide advice and make you feel at ease which I appreciated immensely. He is a perfect addition to the wedding party and I am happy to have him as a groomsman!
Camila Vida
Bridesmaid
Camila and I met when we both moved to the US for our exchange almost five years ago. I had just arrived and was in a WhatsApp group with girls from the same exchange program when Camila sent me a text, and the adventure of our friendship began. We explored New York City together and ate at the Cheesecake Factory almost every weekend. When COVID hit, we held on to our dream of living abroad and supported each other through it all. We went on many bike rides and traveled around the country, planning the craziest possible routes. One of my favorite memories with Camila is when we went to Cape Cod together. We were sitting on the beach with our group of friends, looking at the sea, listening to music, and talking. Camila was the reason I met our other friends and had some of the best experiences abroad. Everything is more fun when she's around! I am incredibly thankful for her bubbly and caring personality, and her patience in always being there for me, no matter what. I couldn't be happier to have her as my bridesmaid.
Matthew Balducci
Groomsman
I've known Matt almost as long as I've known Andrew. We really connected throughout our entire time in high school. Video games were again the similar interest that we all shared and kept us all together. I always admired Matt's ability to have fun no matter the situation. He is an easy going guy that likes the simple things in life and has fun doing them. He'll always give you a laugh even if you tell a bad joke and then end up making you laugh when he roasts you for it. He plays an important part in our friend group by balancing out all of the other strong personalities and bringing them back down to reality. I am honored to call him a friend and proud to have him be part of our wedding party.
Keila Freitas
Bridesmaid
I don't exactly remember the first time I met Keila, but I know it was through a video call because Duardo and her started dating while I was away. We always texted back and forth, and I always felt a good vibe coming from her. When Duardo told me they were getting married, I knew she was the one. Duardo is so certain of his decisions, and I knew how much he loved her because he was 110% sure that she was the person he wanted to spend the rest of his life with. Last summer, Keila and I finally met in person, and I saw what a kind, peaceful, and loving person she is. One of my favorite memories with her was when we were all at my house one night, and Duardo, Brian, Keila, and I randomly started singing "A Thousand Miles" out loud. She completes Duardo and our family. I am proud to call her my sister-in-law and to have her as my bridesmaid!
Eduardo Freitas
Groomsman
I met Eduardo last year when he and his wife came to stay with us for a couple weeks. This was his first time in the US and the first time in 3 years that he had seen his sister Jess. When we first met it felt like I was meeting a long lost brother. Even though we grew up thousands of miles away from each other it was like we had known each other for years. He fit right in with everyone with his wit, charm and overall positive attitude. The moment I remember most while he was visiting was when we were talking about dreams and aspirations at lunch one day. We got so wrapped up in the conversation that we forgot everyone was waiting for us in the car. I don't think I really had a conversation like this with anyone before but with him it just came so naturally. I look forward to seeing him soon and to create some more memories with him and the rest of Jess's family!
Amanda Freitas
Bridesmaid
The first time I met Amanda was at my parents' house when Pedro brought her to introduce her to our family about six years ago. Being very protective of Pedro, my little brother, and always being close to him, I knew that if he was introducing her to me, she meant a lot to him. Amanda and I instantly liked each other, and I grew fond of her because of her fun personality and strong sense of family. From beach trips with our family to video calls, she was and still is always there for me. My favorite thing about Amanda is the certainty that I can always count on her, and also how she takes such good care of my parents. I am so proud to call her my sister-in-law and to have her as my bridesmaid!
Pedro Freitas
Groomsman
I had the pleasure of meeting Pedro in person this summer when Jess and I went to Brazil. When I first met Pedro in person, he turned out to be exactly as I thought. He is a fun-loving person that cares deeply about his friends and family. He will not hesitate to lend a helping hand or be there for you in times of need. The fondest memory I have of us together is when we were driving back to his and Amanda’s apartment and it was just him and I in the car. English is not his first language and Portuguese definitely isn’t mine but we ended up having a great conversation where I got to practice my Portuguese and he, his English. We were able to learn things about each other and bonded during that short car ride. Pedro was extremely welcoming and I feel blessed and honored to call him my brother. I look forward to seeing him again in November as part of our wedding party!