Helena & Derik
VIP: Who is Who
Chris Torres
Man of Honor
He and Helena met over 10 years ago at Fordham University. He is a wonderful friend, but is ALWAYS late. That's why, unlike the rest of the wedding party, he has not written his own text and does not have a picture. We still love you, Chris!
Amy Ford
Bridesmaid
Helena and I met in our first year at Fordham University. It was really destiny that we should meet, as our photos were next to each other in the original facebook given to incoming freshmen. Helena taught me how to make a killer sangria, which was one of my favorite lessons at Fordham. We stayed friends through my first years as a social worker and Helena's medical school. Helena was a kind and understanding voice of reason and support during some bad early 20s decision making, for which I is forever grateful. After I moved to Colombia, we stayed close and now enjoy sharing adventures in New York and the Caribbean coast whenever possible. I am so happy for Helena and Derik. I see them as a beautiful example of what love can be, and am so happy to gain a friend in Derik, too!
Carolyn Fox
Bridesmaid
Helena and I met during our Pediatrics Residency and quickly became friends both inside and outside the hospital. She's been a source of constant support and a very dangerous shopping partner. When Helena met Derik, it was clear that their relationship was something special. I'm so excited to celebrate with them as they take the next step in their lives together (even if it means fewer dates with my "other boo")
Holly Russell
Bridesmaid
Helena and I met in Manhattan, NY about 10 years ago while working at a medical office. We became fast friends over Pinterest and our love for baking. She helped me plan my wedding and was my last-minute bridesmaid (the best one at that). Once my daughter, Carolina Leigh was born, she became her godmother. Then sadly, I moved home to North Carolina. Despite being buried in medical school studies, Helena continued to be involved in Carolina’s and my life. We spent our time together making tutus and other crafts for Carolina with the occasional trip to the Carolina coast. Through the years, we talk when we can and never miss a beat, even if it’s been a hot minute. She is my most steadfast, beloved, and authentic friend. Our friendship is a sisterhood to me that will last our lifetime.
Kevin Wong
Best Man
I have known Sam since the 1st grade through playing basketball but our friendship really took off when I moved to NYC after college. Rec league basketball brought us back together and that led to spending much more time together off the court to share our life experiences and perspectives (through karaoke mainly). I am indebted to Sam for introducing me to the local NYC basketball community, a number of whom became some of my best friends, and more importantly for keeping me grounded and humbled while dealing with the daily NYC grind. Sam played an important part during my wedding day (performed "Lava" with the ukulele for the first dance) so I'm honored and excited to give back and make sure that his and Helena's big day is nothing short of spectacular. (No, I will not be singing)
Prince "BK" Nwachukwu
Groomsman
Derik and I worked together and I've forgotten how exactly we met. What I do remember is that our friendship began during a period in our careers that felt like a constant physical and emotional marathon. During that period we took the time to speak almost every day, supporting one another in our work and the sliver of personal life we still managed to retain. We kept each other grounded, and Derik served as a constant reminder of my core values at a time when I was isolated from my family and friends back home. Derik is the kind of dude that is your friend in an unguarded and sincere way, which is one of the most awesome gifts you can give or receive! I think that's the root of why I have so much love and respect for him.
Andy Li
Groomsman
Derik and Andy met as college freshmen at NYU, breaking ankles on the hallowed courts of Coles Sports Center. They quickly struck up a friendship over their love of basketball, karaoke, SNES RPGs, and shared penchant for over-analyzing everything. While Derik moved out West after college and Andy stayed in New York, they remained close friends. Over the years, the two have served as confidants for each other through life’s ups and downs. By day, Andy writes investment research. By night, he spends a considerable amount of time nerding out about submission wrestling / jiu-jitsu. He is also an enthusiast of all things science, philosophy, and food related.
Philip Anderson
Groomsman
Sam and I met crawling around preschool in La Canada, California. Once we were able to walk, we were connected by the sport we both grew to love: basketball. Sam stands all of 5’7”, while I’m 6’9”. We may be an unlikely duo, but we shared a passion for bad haircuts, and scoring baskets. After leading our high school team to a 27-2 record our senior year, we both went to east coast colleges. One of my fondest college memories is visiting Sam in NYC and heading down to “The Cage”; one of the world’s most famous outdoor basketball courts. For 4 hours, Sam picked pockets, led fast breaks, crossed people over, and showed the same unbridled enthusiasm for the game he always has. And we won every game. I’m honored to be one of his groomsmen, and help Sam score his next basket in life.
Carolina Leigh Russell
Flower Girl
Holly's daughter and Helena's goddaughter. She was born in New York, but now lives in her mother's home town of Wilmington, North Carolina. She is 6 years old and in Kindergarten. She loves dancing and baking with mom and Nina (Helena).
Xitlali Garcia
Flower Girl
Her family has been long-time friends with Helena's family in New Jersey. She is 9 years old and in 3rd grade. She is a young violinist who also loves to dance, be creative, and style Helena's hair. She wants to be a pediatrician when she grows up.
Malachi Bruno Franco
Ring Bearer
Helena's first and only nephew! He is taking his job as ring security very seriously and is making sure he is well-prepared.
Mark and Alexandrea Franco
Helena's Brother and Sister-in-Law
They are the parents of Malachi, the adorable ring bearer. They live in San Diego, CA, where Mark is in the U.S. Navy. They both love hunting, fishing, and hiking.
Zoe Kumagai and Orlando Elias
Derik/Sam's sister and her partner
The most well-matched pair there is, Zoe and Orlando met while studying music education in California. They live in San Diego, CA where she teaches music and he does computer programming. She is a wonderfully patient, caring, and artistic sister and friend.
Bruno Franco
Helena's Brother
He is 22 years old and is studying to become a pilot. He lives in Barcelona and loves visiting New York. He is very talkative, charismatic, and loves playing tennis.
Patricia Franco
Helena's Sister
She is 26 years old and is a dentist in Barcelona. She studied in Valencia and does a lot of traveling within Spain and Europe. Just like Helena, she has spent many years studying hard, so has not been able to visit New York in over 10 years, but is looking forward to it soon.