Wedding Party
Cristina Varela
Maid of Honor
Cristina and Karen have been together since day 1. They are best friends and inseparable. They tell each other everything and share a unique bond. Karen and Cristina enjoy watching and analyzing movies, traveling together, and late night talks. Cristina has always been there for Karen and is a huge source of wisdom for her. She has lovingly walked with Karen as she takes this next step of marriage.
Diana Varela
Bridesmaid
Sister of the bride, Diana and Karen enjoy long car rides listening to Diana’s great playlists and sister time over dinner/movies. Karen loves listening to Diana sing. Diana puts others needs above her own and is always willing to lend a helping hand. Diana has always cared for and supported Karen and her sisters. Her favorite things to do include trying new food spots, discovering new music and watching live bands, and spending quality time with friends/family.
Elizabeth Varela
Bridesmaid
Oldest sister of the twins, Liz brings lightheartedness and fun energy to the family. She has a beautiful voice and Karen enjoys watching her sing every week at church. Like with all her sisters, Karen enjoys spending quality time with Liz whether it’s over dinner or having a sister night. Liz has an infectious smile and she’s caring. Her favorite things to do include, trying different foods/restaurants, singing, and going to concerts.
Angelissa Paulino
Bridesmaid
Angie was one of the first friends Karen met when she started attending Hoboken Grace in 2014. They quickly became close friends and are now roommates. Although Karen and Devin met before, Angie reintroduced them and was a huge part in the start of their friendship. Angie and Karen have spent countless times having girl time, sleepovers when Karen was still living at home, and long, fun, and meaningful chats about life. Angie brings fun and joy to Karen’s life. She always lends a listening ear and gives encouraging words.
Paul Basile
Best Man
Paul and Devin grew up in the same bunk bed listening to their mother read them Harry Potter and Chronicles of Narnia before bed. Paul seemed to have paid more attention to these stories, influencing his imagination and artistic gifts. He is an excellent bass player and has spent many years performing live all over the country. Paul also has a heart for serving others. He spent a year in Center, Colorado with Americorps working alongside other volunteers and school administration. Today he continues to bring his servants heart to work as a one on one teacher for a young elementary school child. Devin’s favorite thing to do with Paul is go on adventures on the beaches of Cape Cod.
Chris Basile
Groomsman
Despite being the youngest Basile, Chris is the most outgoing. While growing up watching Devin play hockey, Chris became Agawam High School Hockey’s biggest fan. He led his friends and classmates in cheering on the Brownie’s for 8 years through the Basile brother’s high school years. When Chris was not at the ice rink, he was beating his brother’s on the mini golf course during their cherished summer vacations on Cape Cod. The Basile boys enjoyed many adventures and beach days with their parents while on the Cape. Chris always brought energy and excitement when joining his older brothers on their adventures. Chris and Devin enjoy playing Lacrosse together and share a gift for mathematics, both studying Mechanical Engineering at the University of Massachusetts Amherst.
Zach Smith
Groomsman
Zac and Devin met in the locker room shortly before a tryout for WTM hockey almost two decades ago. Zac played forward and Devin was in goal. They practiced and played all over New England together for several years. During this time, their parents and siblings weathered the storm through early practices, freezing rinks, and long seasons faithfully cheering them on. It was on those cold rink bleachers that the Smith’s and Basile’s became close friends, staying in touch long after Zac and Devin played together for WTM. On and off the ice Zac has always been an excellent teammate and friend. To this day the two have kept in touch and still push and encourage each other to grow.
CJ Neral
Groomsman
CJ and Devin met in 2016 at Hoboken Grace when Devin joined CJs Dinner Group. The group shared meals together, discussed Sunday’s message, and really got to know each other well. CJ led the group of men in a way that helped reflect how God’s love and grace was working in each member’s life. It was through Dinner Group that CJ became a great friend and mentor to Devin. CJ always has a warm welcome when he greets his friends and is generous in sharing the wisdom he has developed through his walk. Outside of Dinner group, CJ and Devin share a taste in classical music, namely old school hip hop.
Justin Michael
Officiant
Justin and his wife Nancy have been a tremendous source of encouragement and friendship for Karen and Devin over the last two years. This friendship started when Justin invited Devin to dinner in 2017. Over the next 6 months the two met almost weekly to share stories and talk about Dinner Group leadership. Since Karen and Devin started dating the two couples have looked forward to dinner and game nights. When it came time for Karen and Devin to plan for pre-marital class and select an officiant for their wedding, the Michaels were an obvious choice. We are excited for our guests to meet the Michael’s and hear our story through Justin’s officiation of the wedding!