Melinda & Dan
Wedding Party
Rachel Hangley
Maid of Honor
I met Rachel the first week of freshman year at Colgate. We were on our way to a meeting about studying foreign languages at Colgate when we discovered that we were both vegetarians who loved cats. It was pretty much love at first sight. Those two similarities are what bonded us, but our friendship goes much deeper than that. We are very different in a lot of ways, but that's what makes us such good friends. One time in Ithaca, an angry skunk was circling the cottage preventing us from going in. I resigned myself to having to sleep in the hermit shack, but Rachel pulled me together and armed with a marshmallow skewer, we were able to make it inside. We have had many moments like that, and that's why she's the perfect yin to my yang.
Michael Cabral
Best Man
I’ve known Mike since he was born, but that’s usually how little brothers work. I’ve been thrilled to watch him grow from a half pint punk into the intelligent and understanding man that he is today. Mike is this weirdly perfect combination of stoic and goofy, making him the rock of this group. I’m so proud that I get to call this guy my bro and my best man.
Paulette Ramon
Bridesmaid
I met Paulette during my freshman year of Colgate through one of my suitemates. Paulette lived on the same floor as Sarah, Rachel, Cindy, and me, so way to go Colgate at housing assignments! Paulette is the most fun person to be around and she inspires me to be a bit more spontaneous. She also is the most selfless person and will do anything for a friend. I have so many memories of going to Paulette's room upset or stressed about something and then leaving her room laughing, having totally forgotten why I went there. Despite my pleas for Paulette to stay in upstate New York after college, she returned to San Antonio.
Stephen Gomez-Peck
Groomsman
I met Stephen on the first day of middle school. We were two awkward 11 year olds who were trying to make friends. I didn’t know at the time that I was meeting one of the greatest people in the world. We were close through high school and remained extremely close throughout college and after, despite never really living in the same state again. Stephen is a truly thoughtful and intentional friend, and will forever be part of my family.
Sarah Loy
Bridesmaid
Sarah was randomly assigned to be my suitemate during my freshman year at Colgate. Sarah had done a pre-orientation and had met some people through that, which made me think that she already was super popular and so I was nervous to talk to her. My parents immediately knew that we would be great friends--and they were right! I've been on so many incredible adventures with Sarah since then. During our junior year, we both studied abroad in Dijon, France and I feel so lucky to have shared that experience with her. It was a crazy experience where we consistently had to step out of our comfort zones, but having her there helped me to feel grounded and at home.
Shaun Smith
Groomsman
I’ve known Shaun longer than I’ve known just about anyone. Our friendship began 23 years ago, all the way back in preschool, and it has only grown from there. Between beaches, bike rides, and backyard baseball games, we spent most of our childhoods together. Always a fierce competitor, Shaun challenged me to be better in all the games we played, and I’m still inspired today by his cycling endeavours. We’ve remained friends for many years, and I look forward to many, many more years of friendship.
Denise Lobo
Bridesmaid
Denise and I became friends in middle school and to be honest I can't really remember how we met! It feels like she has always been a part of my life and I am so thankful for that! Denise has always been the most positive and kind friend. The past eight years we have been relatively far apart geographically, but Denise has now moved to Massachusetts for residency and I could not be more excited to have her so much closer! No matter how long it has been since we have talked, I always feel like nothing has changed between us.
Drew Bartlett
Groomsman
Everybody needs a Drew Bartlett in their lives. He exudes passion and joy in ways that are contagious. I have never met someone who can turn an obscure piece of information into an interesting story the way he does. He welcomed me into the Bartlett family from day one, and has been nothing but the best ever since. The brother of the bride and close friend to the groom, our wedding could not go on without Drew.
Cindy Gaete
Bridesmaid
I met Cindy with Paulette, since they were freshman year roommates. Cindy is truly fearless and is not afraid to speak her mind. She constantly inspires me through her passion and energy for the causes that are important to her. She is also just an incredibly sweet person who has the ability to make anyone around her, no matter their background, feel comfortable and at ease. Cindy lives in LA now and even with the distance, I feel just as close to her!
Matthew Brodeur
Groomsman
Matt and I were friends of friends until we realized we had more in common with each other than we did with those friends. When it turned out we were both going to UMass, we thought living together would make the transition easier than living with strangers. It turns out living with Matt would make the next five years not only easier, but he also became my best friend. Matt is so calm and smart about everything that I don’t think I could get married without him there.