Luis & Chris Parente-Rios
Wedding Party
Ms. Laurie Schible
Officiant
Like Chris, Laurie is a Hoosier at heart, and attended Indiana University at the same time as Chris. They never met "back in the day," but the Universe has it's ways :-) Laurie and Luis became kindred spirits and "buddies" during their time in "Gratitude Training." Soon after, Luis introduced Laurie to Chris, and another lifelong friendship was born. Laurie is a true light in this World, a Supernova of love and pure joy. And we highly recommend you check out her life coaching services! WWW.LAURIESCHIBLE.COM
Ms. Michelle Carreño
Wedding Interpreter
Luis and Michelle met at UNC Chapel Hill as undergraduate students. Their love of laughter, fun, and joy brought them together and bonded them forever as friends and soul siblings. Michelle is an avid traveler who has backpacked through nearly all of South America and will be recently arrived from a Fulbright experience in Brazil. However, as far away as Michelle may ever travel, she always stays close in Luis' heart as one of the kindest, most loving people on this earth. In the wedding, you will see her use her talent for language to interpret the ceremony to Spanish.
Mrs. Lindy McCormick
Wedding Angel
In Lieu of traditional "Best Man" or "Maid Of Honor," Luis and Chris have chosen to select the more inclusive "Wedding Angel" title for our wedding party. These are the people who have helped guide, support and love us in this journey of life. Lindy "GeeGee" McCormick has been a constant source of laughter, love, and divine connection for Chris. They met over 20 years ago. Words rarely fail Chris, but it's impossible to capture what she means. She *is* the light. The best parts of Chris... his spirituality, his humor, his compassion ... they were all born out of his time with GeeGee. She will always be his "Oak Tree." Chris would like to add that Lindy's husband, BriBri, who is now in spirit ... will also be standing next to her (and the couple) on April 11th.
Mrs. Rebecca Soular-Patel
Wedding Angel
Luis met Rebecca back at New Hope Elementary, as part of her interview for a position as an ESL teacher. It was clear to Luis from the beginning that she would serve as a great teacher and colleague at New Hope. Rebecca did just that and more once she began working at New Hope. Luis became a stronger teacher thanks to her support and advice. Rebecca was also the person that introduced Luis to the transformational leadership training known as Gratitude Training. Thanks to that, Luis' life has never been the same and he is forever grateful to Rebecca for that.
Ms. Kimberly Jonas
Wedding Angel
In Lieu of traditional "Best Man" or "Maid Of Honor," Luis and Chris have chosen to select the more inclusive "Wedding Angel" title for our wedding party. Chris believes deeply that the most profound lessons we are here to learn are unconditional love, forgiveness, acceptance and surrender. Kimberly is truly the living embodiment of all these principles. She met Chris back in college, and for 30 years she has been his unwavering lighthouse. Always there to guide the way back home...to offer a gentle hand, a warm heart, and a forgiving spirit. Kimberly has devoted her life to transformational work, and is a highly respected and sought after movement instructor in Colorado. www.kimberlyjonas.com
Ms. Paula Espinosa
Wedding Angel
Luis and Paula's friendship began back at their alma mater, UNC Chapel Hill, as undergraduate students. Their love of salsa, bachata, merengue, and all things latin dancing bonded them forever. Paula and Luis' friendship has seen them through difficult times (being roommates, their biggest challenge) to the many more great times. Over the years, Paula's family opened their doors and arms to Luis and made him feel like a part of their family as well. Now, Paula is like the sister that Luis never had.
Mr. Dan Clark
Wedding Angel
In Lieu of traditional "Best Man" or "Maid Of Honor," Luis and Chris have chosen to select the more inclusive "Wedding Angel" title for our wedding party. These are the people who have helped guide, support and love us in this journey of life. Dan Clark was among Chris's first friends in Denver. Dan and Chris became thick as thieves nearly 13 years ago. Ever since, it's been trips to the gym, trips to the mountains, parties, adventures, and LOTS of beer :-) Dan has been a rock ... a trusted source of advice, love and brotherhood. He has led Chris by example, *always* being there in times of joy or sadness. He's a loving husband, and by the time of our wedding, Dan will also be ... a PROUD first time father!
Mrs. Christy Collins
Wedding Angel
Christy and Luis met back in high school, when both were a part of the swim team. It didn't take long for Luis to feel like a part of Christy's family. Christy's mother, Nancy, was the swim coach, and Jessie, Christy's younger sister, was also part of the team. All three played a huge part in helping Luis become a stronger swimmer. Nancy also played a role in helping Luis see that education was in his future. While she coached him in the afternoons, Nancy also worked at Lingerfeldt Elementary (the school that Luis attended from 1st to 5th grade). Luis volunteered in Nancy's classroom over summer and during school breaks. In 2018, Luis came to Denver for the first time to be a part of Christy and Jessie's double wedding. It was during this fateful weekend that Chris and Luis met.
Mr. John Parente
Father of the Groom
John, "Johnny," or "Pops" has been the source of so much in Chris's life. John's passion for music, his love of nature, and above all, his commitment to his wife and family. All these things things shaped Chris into the man he is today. Johnny is a proud US Army Veteran (Big Red One) and he spent many years as a teacher and Principal. He was inducted into the West Lafayette "Wall Of Fame" in 2018. And at 89-years-old, John can add one more title to his long list: GREAT Grandpa!
Mr. Guillermo Rios
Father of the Groom
Guillermo has been a pillar of calm strength in Luis' family. He is a man of great joy and love. Guillermo has been a role model of what great effort and work can achieve. Thanks to him, Luis grew to understand that all things were possible with tenacity, support from trusted friends, and above all else, unwavering vision. At home, you'll likely find Guillermo spending quality time with his three greatest passions: his loving wife, his two huskies, and/or his beautiful niece, Analia.
Mrs. Betty Parente
Mother of the Groom
Chris's Mom was always the life of the party. Though she's now in spirit, we know Betty will join us on this, the most important celebration in his life. Chris and Luis met on Mother's Day, only a few months after Betty crossed over. Chris believes his Mom played a central role in this romance and this wedding. She continues to guide him, with love and laughter and faith...just as she did in life. For those lucky enough to have known Betty, she is remembered as a woman who loved family, loved theater, and ADORED her garden. The reception venue was chosen with her in mind. We hope you'll take a moment, while appreciating the natural beauty of Chapel Hill Carriage House, to look at the landscapes, and raise a toast to "Mom." As she loved to sing: Life Is Just A Bowl Of Cherries.
Mrs. Magda Rios
Mother of the Groom
From Luis' earliest memories, Magda has been the source of great spirituality, power, and love. Much of who Luis is today finds its origin in his mother. His passion for life, his love of cooking, and his dedication to his spiritual practices are inspired in the ways that his mother raised him. To this day, Luis' parent continue inspiring him to achieve greatness and create happiness in his life. Luis often reflects on the sacrifice his parents made when they chose to immigrate to the United States over 20 years ago. They stand as examples of achievement and success that Luis aims to honor in the life that he creates.
Ms. Addy Monger
Wedding Vocalist
The greatest joy in Chris's life has been family. In particular, watching his two incredible nephews (Nick & Scott) and his two equally amazing nieces (Angie & Addy) grow from little tykes to amazing spirits in their own right. Chris has always felt a special connection to Addy, who also inherited the family "performance" gene :-) After watching his "triple threat" niece kill it on stage for many years, he is *deeply* honored that she has agreed to sing at the wedding ceremony. Addy is currently the House Manager for the World Famous Indianapolis Symphony.
Mr. Reggie Headen
Wedding Vocalist
Chris & Luis first met Reggie during their time in "Gratitude Training." It didn't take long to realize they had found a "one man Broadway show" in Reggie, and their friendship deepened over show tunes and Liza references :-) While they still can't agree on who gets to be Judy Garland and who gets stuck with Ethel Merman, they are all three aligned in seeing the world as Loving, Compassionate, Abundant and Unified. Reggie studied musical theater at the American Musical And Dramatic Academy in New York City, and has performed on stages from East To West.
Ms. Jemma Parente
Flower Child
Jemma is the most recent addition to the Parente family, and the first child of Scott and Jules Parente. She may be small in size, but she's large in spirit, laughter, curiosity and intelligence. Like her Great Uncles, she enjoys sticking out her tongue, blowing raspberries, looking at photos of herself, standing on her tippy toes, petting her puppy and kitties, her beloved baba, apples and bananas :-) Her arrival in 2019 was a beautiful and sacred moment for the entire Parente family. Chris has always felt being an Uncle to Nick, Scott, Angie & Addy is among the greatest joys in his life. Adding "Great Uncle" to the list is a reminder to him of the Great Circle, of renewal, of hope, and of the power of family.
Ms. Analia Rios
Flower Child
Analía is Luis's youngest niece. She loves apples, strawberries, and grapes. She's a Frozen fanatic, loves taking selfies with filters, and "doing her makeup." Filled with personality, she is outgoing and adventurous and a fun character all around. She will be gracing the wedding aisle with flowers alongside Jemma Parente.
Ms. Jennifer Ball
Wedding Planner
Planning a long distance wedding is a joy, AND a challenge. We have loved working with this gal, who brings excitement and enthusiasm to every conversation and every step of the planning. Much of the beauty we will witness on April 11th, was inspired and facilitated by this dynamo! We can't recommend her enough! www.knotyouraverageevents.com