Melissa & Daniel
The Squad
Jane Mangiante
Maid of Honor
Jane and I met freshman year at SSU. Our college years were beyond legendary and that was the beginning of our amazing bond. Although I despised SF in college, it slowly became my favorite place and a year after graduating, Jane and I moved to the Outer Richmond together! From there, our adventures continued, discovering our mature selfs and passions. Jane has also been a constant- through indecisive dilemmas and hard times. I feel confident saying most of my epic music shows were because of her, like the Chainsmokers and Floss. I'm so glad we get to hit yet another milestone along side each other!
Danny Collins
Best Man
Met this dude in middle school! We hit it off right away because we were both always goofin' around, took nothing seriously, and usually were doing things we shouldn't have been doing. We were bad influences on each other all though high school and college, but now, 20 years after the day we met, we both are hardworking mature men... most the time.
Kiara Herrera
Maid of Honor
Kiara has been an influential friend for over 10 years! She was my first true friend I made at a high school I didn't feel I belonged. Since coining my name, Malv, in HS, we have made countless memories- most that involve us being jokesters and not taking things so seriously. Kiara and I bond over sports, clumsiness, and dietary needs. Kiara is also a badass educator. As an educator myself, she always inspires me to bring passion and social justice to my school community. I am so happy to have Kiara by my side during these big moments, as well as in life, changing the world!
Chad Perkins
Best Man
AKA Cheeseball AKA Chattanooga, has been my dawg since 8th grade. Chad and I bonded over movies, girls, and steez. The summer we met, Chad slept over at my house practically every single day, no joke, only going home to get fresh clothes then come right back. We became brothers that summer and continue to have each other's back no matter what!
Tori Ricossa
Bridesmaid
Some might not know, but Tori and I were friends for 1 semester sophomore year in high school. Tori made me rice krispies treats for my birthday (because she knew I was GF) and a Snow White card (my favorite Disney princess). Although we drifted apart, I am beyond grateful that fate brought us back together freshman year at SSU. Through college we had each others back, bonding over Disney, video games, and pure silly nonsense. Tori is a jet setter now, living in new cities all the time, however, our friendship never fades.
Nico De'palo
Groomsman
When I first met Nico, he gave me 2 fake names before trusting me with his real one. Right away, I knew he was the dark and mysterious one of the group. Nico lived closest to our middle school and also had a half pipe in his back yard, so naturally it became our gang's head quarters where we had garage attitude. That was the start of our crew...MC4Life! The craziness continued all the way to college in Santa Cruz...321 Barson!
Alyssa Andrade McCray
Bridesmaid
Alyssa and I met freshman year of high school! Although I was judgy of her at first, our friendship grew and by the end of high school we would go by, "AlyssaMelissaaa" like we were one. I knew Alyssa would be a loyal friend when I found out she was apart of Raider Nation! Our social life has matured over the years.. from hiding in the bushes from cops, to visiting different Bay Area colleges to see our high school friends, to now going dancing in San Francisco! So grateful to have her fun and positivity around me for 10+ years!
Bruce Lombardo
Groomsman
I have known Bruce since elementary school, and even then, he has always been the responsible one of the group. He naturally tried to keep us out of trouble, although we rarely listened to his advice it was the thought that counted. I remember Bruce being the first with a car and would drive us to the skate spots and parks. We'd stop at his pad to replenish with snacks and play some video games before we were back out skating. Bruce has always been level headed and it is only fitting this he's the first Dad of the group.
Tara Charles
Bridesmaid
I was so grateful to be placed in the infamous T7 freshman year of college with Tara! Although we both failed the milk chug challenge, we had a lot to be proud of during college. Anthropology, social issues and Bay Area music are passions we both share. Tara is an explorer of the world, always indulging in new cultures and I learn so much from her adventures. When we are together we're constantly laughing and quoting the most ridiculous things!
Spencer Ramsey
Groomsman
I owe a lot to my homie Spencer- introducing me to skateboarding and also to a group of dudes that would become my best friends. Spencer and I share a passion for art, creativity, and just plain weirdness. Any time we get together, or even just chat over the phone, it's like a day has not passed by. This dude always has a way with words to inspire me to be who I am, follow my passions, and never become a poser.
Kristina Schroeder
Bridesmaid
Kristina is my older sister of 2 and a half years. Some of my most memorable times of our sisterhood came from when she drove me to high school everyday when I was a freshman and she was a senior. I am not sure if she noticed but I would cling and copycat her interests and style, like wearing Adidas sandals with socks or becoming a big fan of the Oakland A's and country music. Not to mention, whenever I am low in gas, I remember the time we ran out on Cottle and had to push the Jetta in our Pres uniforms. Now that we're older, I love that we relate and get to make infinite more memories as a family.
Nicky Tulips
Groomsman
Some people think Nick is from Minnesota, but the Nick I know is a Carlsbad local! We went to Carlsbad high together, skated at Carlsbad skate park, and ate Lola's almost every day. We fell off for awhile but at age 25 I moved up to the itty bitty city by the water, San Francisco, and found Nicky Tulips behind the bar at my favorite place, Pops. There we rekindled are crazy antics, pulled all nighters, and enjoyed mopeding around the Mission.
Sarah Alvarez
Bridesmaid
Sarah is my little sister of 1 year & 8 months. Although close in age, Sarah and I have always had our own passions and paths. Sarah liked animals, theatre and K-pop, while I liked sports, camping and bossing her around. Her individuality has always been a special trait and, she has actually taught me many many things.. like how to play Pokemon Go, the secret Easter eggs of Disney and always keeping me up to date on Legos newest creations.
Steven Villarreal
Groomsman
Steven was a true older brother- constantly picked on me and made me cry, yet, instilled all his pop culture knowledge to me, from art to music to every movie possible. He always had time to show me something cool or look after me when I was being young and dumb. Even though we are 5 years apart in age, we shared friends in common, bonded over skating, and always had a good time. At one point, we were roommates in Vegas but that's a whole other story. I could not have asked for a better older Bro.