Father of the Bride
Work work work is this man's motto. Luckily for us, Dad is letting us take some time off to get married and celebrate. If seen at the wedding without a beverage, please remedy with red wine, screwdrivers, or the beer of the hour. . . . We can't have this guy thirsty after giving his only daughter away!
Antie of the Bride
Angela is Danielle's aunt. She was the only sister of the late Dorothy Mercurio. Even though Angela was sure she would never love another child like she loved her nephew, Steven, and wished Danielle would be a dolphin, Angela has always been at Danielle's side. They have supported each other through many of life's challenges and without a doubt, have always been able to make each other laugh, even while crying.
Maid of Honor
Kaitlin and Danielle have been best friends since the day they met at The College of New Jersey in 2004. Even though they have both moved throughout the country over the years, they always manage to get together and resume their favorite walks, talks, and veggin' out! They share their own special voice that naturally comes out when they're alone and laughing or these days, Zooming or FaceTiming. They reminisce about Dino nuggets with cheese and discuss the important things in life together, like people who look awkward when they run. . . .
Bridesmaid
Becky is the sister Danielle has never had. She is married to Steven, Danielle's older brother. Becky has always been honest with Danielle whether it be clothes, dating options, or when she takes too long deciding what to order (a family trait). Danielle has always made it clear to the family that if she had to choose, Becky is always right and who cares what Steven says anyway. . . .
Bridesmaid
Robin and Danielle became friends at the start of medical school back in 2006. For nearly the entire first year, they sat next to each other every day in the almost last row. Between taking never-ending notes, attending study groups, going to the anatomy lab, and practicing osteopathic techniques, these two spent tons of time together over the following 4 years. They even shared an apartment during their third year of residency before Danielle moved off to Nashville! There have been vacations, dinners, and even Robin's wedding to keep them close despite life moving on. . . . Now Danielle is always around for a quick laugh and online visit with Charlie, Robin's baby boy!
Bridesmaid
Jessica and Danielle were roommates for 4 years throughout all of medical school! Together, they survived several low blood sugars, 3 moves and a fire, relationship woes, dinner parties, and many med school shenanigans! They studied hard, helped each other with interviews, and supported each other through many challenging decisions. There were days when Jessica had to save Danielle with Oreos and nights when Danielle had to save Jessica from pasta sandwiches. . . . Since then, little visits, late-night catch-ups, and ongoing texts about anything keep them closer than ever.
Junior Bridesmaid
Madelyn, first daughter of Steven and Becky, has been asking her auntie to get married for many years so she can wear a pretty dress like a princess. She and Danielle have always had a very special bond and we are so excited to have her be part of our special day.
Junior Bridesmaid
Emerson, known as Emmy, daughter of Thomas and Kristen Porter, is one of Uncle Matt's biggest fans. She taught Danielle how to do "the floss" within minutes of meeting her! We can't wait to see her moves on our very own wedding's dance floor!
Flower Girl
Carleigh is Danielle's second niece, daughter of Steven and Becky Mercurio. She had no problem asking Matt if he was going to marry her auntie pretty quickly after Matt "sent her to Bush Gardens!" We are so excited to share our big day with this special little lady.
Ring Bearer
Everett, known as Rhett, is the son of Thomas and Kristen Porter. We are mostly excited but also partly afraid to hand the wedding bands over to this little dude. . . . We can't be sure he'll pay attention long enough to make it down the aisle, but we are certainly sure he will cut it up on the dance floor. Just a heads-up: he might try to wrestle you.
Father of the Groom
Michael Porter, the legend, of many words, is the father of Matthew and Thomas.
Mother of the Groom
The mother of Julio (aka Matt), is the backbone of the Porter family and is the most caring and fun-loving women to be around.
Best Man
Tom is Matt's older and only brother. Being only 15 months apart, they are partners in crime and always there for each other. Tom is also an amazing husband and father to both the ring bearer, Everett, and junior bridesmaid Emmy. Tom takes after his father, so we look forward to an epic best man speech.
Groomsman
David is basically part of the Porter family. He and Matt met while working as lifeguards in college. Despite his babyface, he is an amazing husband, father, and best friend.
Groomsman
Jeff met Matt when he first moved to the Gulf Coast while working together. They quickly became friends and now both require adult supervision when together. Jeff is also an amazing husband and father to 3 children.
Groomsman
Pete met Matt when he first moved to Terra Ceia. As neighbors, they quickly discovered several similar hobbies and you can typically find them out shooting or fishing together. Pete is also an amazing husband and father to 3 children.