Wedding Party
Daniela
Bride
I am the bride! Yay! Well, I am also the one writing these descriptions (hopefully you'll find them interesting and funny), so I don't really know what to say about myself. But here are a few things you might not know: I danced ballet for 18 years. I now train on my indoor bike daily, but, ironically, I am afraid of riding an actual bike outside (like, in the real world). I am half Italian, but my English is a lot more fluent than my Italian (don't tell my dad!). I love Christmas! I am a big MCU fan -I was actually the one who introduced Francisco to these movies. I love going to the movie theater. I really like cake and cookies. Francisco says I mispronounce Seattle. And, I am super excited that you are joining us on this wonderful celebration! Also, thanks for reading these descriptions!
Francisco
Groom
This is Francisco, or Franco, or Pancho, or Paco, or Paquito, or Kakiko, or Javi. As most of you know, he is an architect, car-lover, amazing cook, drummer, and certified personal trainer. He has this perfect combo of scientific and artistic brains. He is actually the smartest man I know! He is also kind, caring, loving, funny, amazing, handsome, I mean, he's the whole package! While Francisco is the youngest in his family, he's like a father to us all. He always gives great advice, solves problems easily, and helps us out, whatever we need. He's so mature I often tell him he was born a 40-year-old (except when he's with Clayton, the best man). He's usually either very calm and collected or smiling and having fun. He's not one to get upset... unless you mention Arjona. Please just don't.
Maurizio
Father of the Bride
Coming all the way from Italy, this is Maurizio (yes, with a z because it's an Italian name --by the way, like most Italians, my dad has a very long name. Ask him about it!). I call him Mauri in honor of my late grandfather, but everyone else calls him Maurizio. Mauri is an ophthalmologist, an avid reader, Juventus and Yankees fan, and the host of this dinner party! My dad is fluent in Italian, Spanish, and a dialect from his small hometown Morano. He is quite proficient in English too, so feel free to chat away! Although he's not particularly known for being chatty and eloquent, I mean, he's a man of few words, he is the kindest and so knowledgeable! It's so easy to talk to him. He is also an amazing dancer!
Beatriz
Mother of the Bride
This is Beatriz (yes, with a z because... that's usually how it is spelled). I call her Beatri because she won't respond to "mom." Beatri and Mauri just became grandparents, and I am sure she would love to show you pictures of her baby granddaughter, my gorgeous niece, Nina. Beatriz is also an animal lover who really enjoys talking about her dogs, Mila and Adie (two tremendously smart Jack Russells Terriers). Beatri is known for "unintentionally" waking everyone up at 5 am --that's when she often decides to do normal housework like hammering stuff, banging the drums, and singing the song of her people. Adie and Mila are always very eager to join her with a few barks! My dad loves waking up to these melodious sounds!
Frank
Father of the Groom
Guatemalan but born to Cuban parents, this is a man full of joy, sweetness, and serenity. He is actually very funny too! He will always have an incredible story to tell, just you wait to chat with him! Frank is an OBGYN, currently pursuing his Master's degree in Theology. He is also planting a church here in Austin, along with his wife, Veronica. Although known for being rather slow to anger, you should be careful. He knows Karate (or so his sons say)! In all truthfulness, this is a man with the biggest heart who will always be there for you with a kind smile.
Veronica
Mother of the Groom
Also known as Vero, this is a woman who will go out of her way to help any living soul and creature. Vero is not just known for her kindness but for her contagious laughter! Along with Frank, she is currently getting a Master's degree in Theology and planting a Hispanic church. Whenever she's not working, you're most likely going to find her cooking Cuban meals for her husband or singing her lungs out. Don't get me wrong, she's got a gorgeous voice! If you ever get a weird text from her in the morning, don't worry! She just takes a while to fully wake up!
Tati
Maid of Honor
Coming all the way from France and helping me organize the wedding from such a long distance, this is Ingrid. I have called her "Tati" since I was a baby, so that's what everyone I know is calling her too. Tati is fun, kind, speaks three and a half languages (you can ask her about that "and a half" language), and you can usually find her somewhere in nature saving animals (literally!). She will be hosting a few short games at the reception, as is traditional in France, just to make sure guests get to know each other and have fun. Tati and her husband Robin have traveled the world and have been to a lot of exotic places, so if you're looking to go to Asia or Africa, talk to them!
Stella
Bridesmaid
Coming all the way from Sweden, this is Stella! This is my baby cousin (who is actually 26 years old --but she is the family's baby and, I won't have it any other way, haha.) Stella is a little genius who somehow always manages to be happy, smiling, and having fun! Francisco and I call her little, but she is actually the tallest of my female cousins. Do you want to go on an adventure and don't want to go alone? Stella is whom you should call! She is always up for anything: climbing a volcano, backpacking through Europe, or trying exotic food. She won't go shopping with you, though. And she won't ride the Tower of Terror. But for everything else, she is your girl!
Clayton
Best Man
Have you ever heard of bromance? Have you ever seen a real-life bromantic relationship? I have. Clayton and Francisco have been inseparable since the day Francisco first asked Clayton to help him fix his first car (a white old Buick). These two fellas are the most accurate representation of what true friendship is. You can always count on Clayton coming to help, expecting nothing in return. You can always count on him pranking Francisco too. On a more serious note, Clayton is from Louisiana and married his high-school sweetheart, Cassidy (a close friend of mine!) They just had a baby girl, gorgeous Lucy! And they have two rescue dogs! As fate would have it, Cass is also getting a Ph.D. at UT, so they moved to Austin at the same time we did! Now, they continue to do crazy and fun.
Armin
Brother of the Bride
Coming all the way from Spain, this is Armin, my older brother. I call him Pito, but Francisco recommends you call him Armin (yes, like Armin van Buuren). Armin is an ENT, and he just had a daughter! Sadly, Nina and Armin's wife, Andrea, will not be able to make it to the wedding. It's a long story, but basically, it's COVID's fault. When not in the hospital or with his baby, you can find Armin reading or talking about medicine stuff that nobody understands, watching a Yankees game, or any superhero movie. He is a very fun guy to hang out with, just make sure he has taken his coffee yet. Armin is a loving older brother who always cared for and protected me. I admire him like nobody else. But I also get mad at him like with nobody else. It's a brother and sister thing, I guess.
Cuqui
Aunt of the Bride
This is Ingrid Irene Elizabeth Sologaistoa. I know, three names and everyone calls her "Cuqui" -- it's pronounced "Cookie." Cuqui is my aunt (on my mother's side). She hand-made a few decorations for the wedding and helped me plan it all the way from Guatemala (we spent hours on FaceTime!) She also made delicious alfajores for you all! She is an amazing cook --she even knows how to make traditional Guatemalan tortillas! She's also an artist. You can always count on her for decorating, interior design, and photography advice. She is also an amazing storyteller. Ask her anything, and you will have a great time just listening to her.
Rafael
Bridesman
Coming all the way from Canada, this is Rafael. This is my twin cousin. (Does that sound weird? I am just trying to find a way to say we are cousins, but we were also born in the same year, so we are very close). This man is a genius, working to protect you from credit card fraud! He is passionate about music and had a band when he lived in Guatemala! Rafael is also a very fun guy, always joking and making the family laugh! Random fact: he loves pies! Weirdly, though, he doesn't like coffee or sodas (what a blessing!), but he's got a very sweet tooth! Please help us keep an eye on him when we serve the cake at the reception.
Denis
Groomsman
This is someone who Francisco has always looked up to --his oldest brother. Denis is a pilot and an entrepreneur. He is also the father of the only two kids that will be present at the wedding: Denis and Denise. I am not kidding. But, we do call his son by his middle name, Esteban, and her daughter by her full name, Laura Denise. Anyway, going back to Denis... He is also a pianist, a gym rat, and an American car lover. He is very keen on jokes and pranks, so you can always count on him getting you a good laugh! If you are having a conversation with him and run out of things to talk about, here are a few of his interests: Smallville, Clark Kent, Kal-El, Tom Welling, Superman, and horses.
Andy
Groomsman
The soul of the party, you can always count on Andy to cheer you up and give you a good laugh! Andy is a professional opera singer with a rather uncommon voice type. You'll hear him sing at the reception and I guarantee you will be impressed! Always protective of his younger brother, Andy has also always been Francisco's partner in crime (I am obviously joking --no crimes were committed by any of these two). If you must know, yes, he is about 6,5 ft tall! With that height comes an enormous heart and a brain too. Here's a fun fact: Andy has such an impressive memory that he is always our fact-checker. Make sure you don't do anything embarrassing in front of him. Not only will he remember it forever, but he'll make sure you do too!
Noelle
Doggy
This is little Noelle. Unfortunately, she has been officially banned from all weddings due to intense, uncontrollable barking urges (I mean, not officially, "officially," but we cannot bring her along. That is, Francisco won't let me). I do apologize for the inconvenience. And, I will make sure to have cute photos of Noelle everywhere in the reception room because she is gorgeous. And I know you're not asking, but she's super smart too. And strong, and cute, and loving, and funny... we just love her. And her name means Christmas! Just FYI.