Rafael Faustino & Elizabeth Ann
Wedding Party
Rafael Mellifera
Groom - he/him
Let's start with the names. You'll hear family and friends call him Raf, Rafa, Rafael or Tino and they're all equally good to him. There are names he used and outgrew, if you hear them, don't be alarmed, just know he's much happier with the one he uses now. He's a homebody with dreams of making his own cheese and growing his own food, but for now he trains dogs and bakes bread in his apartment with Lizzie.
Elizabeth Kowell
Bride - she/her
Elizabeth, who also goes by Lizzie or Liz, lives in East Harlem with her husband-to-be, their dog Harvey, and geriatric cat, Elphaba. She is the daughter of Tom, a retired High School English Teacher, and Jennifer, a retired bank teller, who continue to live and thrive in Lizzie's childhood home on eastern Long Island. She loves a good party and cannot wait to celebrate with everyone on December first!
Kate Purgar
Best Person - she/her
Katie and Tino first met in the hospital. He was so tiny and adorable, they had an instant bond that has spanned 30+ years. Katie enjoys roller derby, makeup, and sparklies. Now that Tino is getting married, Katie is looking forward to finding excuses for dinner parties and prosecco pong with Lizzie.
Amy Kowell
Maid of Honor - she/her
Amy is Lizzie's younger sister and her first and closest friend. They have shared trips, apartments, food, clothes (though not always willingly), late nights, and inside jokes. Amy is a powerful Aries with a penchant for the occult. Since she and Lizzie consciously uncoupled in late 2022, she has lived in Astoria, Queens, with a couple of ridiculous cats. She is an excellent planner, has impeccable taste and a finely tuned sense of how much tom-foolery is just the right amount.
Gabriella (Bella) Ortiz
Groom's Person - she/her
Tino's second older sister, Bella, is a proud mom of three with an ability to realize the extraordinary out of the ordinary. She lives in Providence, RI with her family where she enjoys working on her own line of jewelry. She loves animals, Disney movies and experimenting in the kitchen.
Susan Kowell
Bridesmaid - she/her
Susie is Lizzie's youngest sister and no matter how old they get, she will always be the baby Lizzie wants to look out for. However, as they both have grown, so has their relationship as they have realized how much they share. Tenacious and unexpected, Susie's passions include horror films (and tattoos to match), SpongBob Squarepants, craft beer, and watching The Office on a continuous loop. She lives on Long Island where her beloved (and lumpy) dog, Caesar, drives her crazy and works as a Content Manager at Splish Splash waterpark.
James (Jim) Chichester
Groom's Person - he/they
Jim met Rafael when they performed in a pit orchestra for a local youth production of Bye, Bye, Birdie. They bonded over a love of Monty Python, movies and music. A life-long local of eastern Long Island, Jim enjoys nature walks in the pine barrens, on the beach and in his own backyard. When they're not engaged in high res toy photography, you can find him at a museum or snuggling their pets.
Erika Renick-Abbate
Bridesmaid - she/her
Erika and Lizzie met during college, where they were in the same sorority, Alpha Sigma Alpha, and lived together for their senior year. They bonded primarily over their love of Diet Coke, which has sustained and nourished a friendship for almost 17 years. Erika works as a Program Manager in healthcare and enjoys naps, a solid fruit situation, and the Grand Central Oyster Bar. She also has a deep love (obsession?) of the beach (LBNY not CA).
Arely "Goose" Guzman
Groom's Person - they/them
Goose met Rafa through an online queer community app and bonded over the hardships of finding good Mexican food in NYC. They are an Assistant Editor at Levine Querido publishing and they enjoy rancheras, queer literature and tea. They live in West Harlem with their precious cat, Matcha, and their baby snake, Stringbean.
MaryBeth Allen-Knecht
Bridesmaid - she/her
MaryBeth and Lizzie started together at the Kings County District Attorneys' Office in 2013, and while some may call it trauma bonding, the adventures they went through together built the foundation of deep friendship. Lizzie was blessed to be welcomed into MB's family in 2019, when she was asked to become the godmother to her first child, Siobhan. MaryBeth is the definition of ride-or-die, standing by and standing up for those she loves. She lives in Westchester with her husband Dan, her mother Kathy, Siobhan, and her twins, Donovan and Declan.
Mallory Turk
Groom's Person - she/her
Mallory met Rafael through Elizabeth, who she'd known since their time working at the same law firm in 2018. As a person with strong opinions, sharp wit and a love of antiques, she and Rafael bonded immediately. While her permanent home is in New York, Mallory is a devoted traveler who has collected amazing experiences all around the world. Her upcoming trips include visits to Egypt and Mongolia!
Courtney Scalice
Bridesmaid - she/her
Courtney and Lizzie met while working in the Grey Zone at the Brooklyn District Attorney's Office. No matter the distance that has separated them (including when she lived in Guam!) Courtney's compassion and friendship remains a constant that Lizzie has been able to count on. Courtney has dedicated her life to community and justice, and is currently the Chief of the Vulnerable Victim's Bureau at the Cape and Islands District Attorney’s Office in Massachusetts. She is married to her husband Sal, and has two adorable children: Salvatore and Lizzie's second goddaughter, Emerie.
Molly Doherty
Officiant - she/her
Molly and Lizzie have worked at three different jobs together, and every panicked phone call, text message rant, and drink after work laid the foundation for the strong friendship they have today. While they finally parted career ways in 2022, they still are each others’ sounding boards for airing their grievances and trading funny stories. Molly currently lives in Boston with her two cats, Luna and Lenox, and enjoys books, baking, and all things spooky. Her charisma, eloquence, and a common spiritual connection she shares with the couple made choosing an officiant an easy decision!
Mariana Torres
Bridesmaid - she/her
Mariana and Lizzie met as teenagers working at NY's #1 water park, Splish Splash! And while they have since retired their rescue tubes and whistles, they continue to share adventures together, whether that be Sunday Fundays in Hampton bays or trips to Fire Island and the Cape. Mariana is an effervescent and supportive friend who encouraged Lizzie to be her most authentic self, for which she is so gratfeul. She lives on Long Island with her wife and wonderful daughter, and recently became DOCTOR Torres when she received her PhD this past Spring.
