Wedding Party
Mark Diaz
Best Man
Mark isn’t just the groom’s father — he’s one of his closest confidants and biggest supporters. From the very beginning, he’s been a guiding presence, offering wisdom, steady encouragement, and the kind of support that makes even the hardest moments feel manageable. He’s someone Dan has always been able to turn to — not just for advice, but for perspective, honesty, and a sense of direction when it mattered most. The kind of person who leads not by words alone, but by example. Mark represents strength, consistency, and the foundation that helped shape the man standing here today. Having him by Dan’s side as his Best Man is more than fitting — it’s a reflection of the role he’s played every step of the way. To Dan and Gaby, Mark represents more than family — he embodies loyalty, humor, and love. It means the world to have him standing at the groom’s side, not only as a father, but as a best man who has walked beside them both on the journey toward this day.
Jessica Encalada
Maid of Honor
Jess and Gaby met sophomore year of college in an art class, and somehow what started as a random friendship quickly turned into one of the most important relationships in Gaby’s life. Coming from New Jersey, Jess would spend weekends out on Long Island with her, and before long, they were inseparable. Whether it’s meeting up for happy hour, trying new restaurants, obsessing over Mexican food, or talking for hours about absolutely everything going on in life, Jess has always been someone Gaby could count on. She’s been there through the highs, the chaos, the growing pains, and every version of life in between. Jess is more than a best friend — she’s truly family. The kind of person who knows Gaby inside and out, keeps her grounded, makes her laugh no matter what, and somehow always knows exactly what to say. Having Jess standing beside Gaby as her Maid of Honor feels less like a title and more like a reflection of the bond they’ve built over the years. She really is the sister Gaby never had.
Jerry Festa
Groomsman
Jerry is Dan’s day one in the truest sense. Their moms were best friends growing up, so they were brought into each other’s lives from the very beginning — but what started as circumstance quickly became a friendship they built on their own. Over the years, that friendship turned into a brotherhood. From endless Halo, Call of Duty Marathons and All-nighters that drove their parents crazy to Mario Super Sluggers Tournaments, Parties, and driving our neighbors insane in their illegal second-floor apartment, Jerry has always been there — especially when Dan couldn’t quite cover his share of the rent. Jerry has always been an amazing provider for the one’s he cares about. He was always someone Dan could look up to. Jerry represents loyalty, history, and the kind of friendship that never needed effort to last. Having him standing by Dan’s side is a reflection of a bond that’s been there from the start and never let up.
Aylin Castro
Bridesmaid
Aylin is Gaby’s longest friendship, dating all the way back to freshman year of high school after Gaby transferred schools. To this day, they still argue about where they actually met first — Gaby swears it was gym class, Aylin insists it was last period math — and somehow to this day they still don’t agree. What they do agree on is that they became inseparable after countless bus rides home together. Eventually, those turned into car rides blasting music, late-night shopping trips, Chili’s runs, and the kind of friendship that naturally became part of each other’s everyday lives. Aylin has been there through every phase, every laugh, every meltdown, and every random conversation imaginable. She’s someone Gaby can talk to about absolutely anything, whether they’re deep in conversation or crying laughing at something completely ridiculous. At some point, Aylin stopped feeling like just a friend and became part of the family. She was around so often that Gaby’s parents would joke that they had a second daughter. Having Aylin standing beside Gaby on this day is a reflection of years of memories, loyalty, and a sisterhood that has truly stood the test of time.
Vladimir Alonzo
Groomsman
Vlad — or “Vladdog” as the family knows him — is Dan’s cousin, the son of his mom’s younger sister, and someone who’s been part of his life for as long as he can remember. Vlad is living proof that you can take the kid out of Queens, but you can’t take the Queens out of the kid. From the way he talked to the way he carried himself, he was always the family’s little gangster. And if there was one thing Vlad had plenty of, it was confidence… maybe a little too much confidence. Between backyard camping, pool parties, Puerto Rico trips, sledding, Nerf wars, all-nighters, and full WWE-style basement brawls with Nick and Jake, Dan and Vlad built the kind of memories that only cousins growing up like brothers can have. One of the most legendary moments was before a trip to Bounce, when Vlad tried a basketball trick shot off a pile of snow, slipped, sprained his ankle, and still powered through so nobody had to miss the trip. (even though they pressured him into it). Of course, they didn’t always see eye to eye. Vlad had a special talent for getting under Dan’s skin, and Dan definitely gave it right back. But no matter how much they argued, laughed, or nearly killed each other over something stupid, Vlad was always a constant. He’s loyal, independent, funny as hell, and always understood the meaning of family. He may not have been the little brother Dan asked for, but he’s one he’ll always be grateful to have standing by his side today.
Jasmine Henriquez
Bridesmaid
Jasmine is more than just Gaby’s cousin — she was a huge part of her childhood. Growing up together in Ozone Park, Gaby lived on the middle floor, Jasmine lived upstairs, and their cousin Alex lived downstairs, turning the whole house into their own little world. Most days, it was the girls against the boys, and some of Gaby’s favorite childhood memories were made right there in front of that house. As life went on and Jasmine moved out to Long Island, they didn’t get to see each other as often. But no matter how much time passed, every reunion always felt effortless — like they could pick up right where they left off. Jasmine has always been one of Gaby’s closest cousins, someone tied to so many of the memories and moments that shaped her growing up. Having her standing beside Gaby on this day feels like bringing a piece of home, childhood, and family into this next chapter of life.
Joe Cangemi
Groomsman
Joe and Dan go all the way back to childhood — from playing tackle football as kids to getting closer in high school through swim team and their shared friend Claude. But before all that, Joe was best known as the guy who would call at the worst possible time and somehow always insert himself into the plans. What Dan didn’t realize back then was that the “third wheel” would eventually become one of his closest brothers. Joe is the kind of person who shows up, listens, and looks out for the people he cares about without ever needing to be asked. Even after a brief escape to New Hampshire, Joe came right back like he never left — and somehow, after all these years, their plans still revolve around Joe’s House. Joe represents loyalty, consistency, and the kind of friendship that grows on you — whether you like it or not. Having him by Dan’s side means having someone who’s been there through every phase, even the ones Dan didn’t ask for.
Natalie Morales
Bridesmaid
Growing up, Gaby and her family would visit Natalie and her family in Maryland often, and every time it was time to leave, Gaby and her brothers would be genuinely upset because of how much fun they always had together. As they got older, that bond only continued to grow. Natalie is always down for an adventure, whether it’s exploring a new city, traveling somewhere exciting, or simply making memories together. From trips to Atlanta, Italy, Spain, and France to now celebrating together in Puerto Rico, some of Gaby’s favorite experiences have been shared alongside her. Natalie’s calm presence, caring nature, and unwavering support have always meant so much to Gaby. Having her standing beside her on this day feels incredibly special — not just because she’s family, but because she’s someone Gaby truly admires and loves deeply.
Patrick Lynch
Groomsman
Dan met Pat when he moved into town junior year of high school, and somehow, from the very beginning, Pat just… never left. From a Halloween party Dan definitely wasn’t supposed to be throwing, to lifeguarding together and working at multiple pools, Pat has been around ever since. Over the years, they’ve done it all — gaming, bike rides, and now, somehow, living directly across the hall from each other. Which means Dan really can’t get rid of him even if he tried. Pat has always had a special talent for pushing buttons. He thrives on it. Whether it was car rides to work where Dan seriously considered leaving him on the side of the road, or just everyday chaos, Pat has always kept things interesting. But underneath all of that, Pat has become family. He’s the kind of presence that’s constant, reliable, and impossible to ignore — which is probably why Dan and Gaby have unofficially adopted him as their stepchild. Having Pat here today means having someone who’s been part of the everyday moments, the chaos, and everything in between.
Emily Diaz
Bridesmaid
Emily is not only Dan’s sister, but soon officially Gaby’s sister-in-law — though to Gaby, she has already felt like family for a long time. From the very beginning, Emily has always been welcoming, supportive, and someone who made Gaby feel included no matter the situation. Whether it was winery trips with Dan and Tyler, vacations to places like Disney, or simply spending time together, Emily has always been someone Gaby genuinely enjoys being around. She’s the kind of person who shows up for the people she loves and always stands by the people she cares about. Gaby has always admired Emily’s confidence, loyalty, and the way she shows up for the people she loves. She’s thoughtful, dependable, and the kind of person who makes others feel supported simply by being herself. Over time, Emily became much more than just Dan’s sister to Gaby — she became like a sister of her own. Having her standing beside her on this day feels incredibly meaningful, especially knowing that very soon, they officially will be family.
Chris Garay
Groomsman
Dan met Chris about eight months into dating Gaby, and from the start, Chris made a strong impression by saying very little and which Dan found incredibly intimidating. At one point, Dan tried to win him over with a dozen donuts for the boys — a mistake that, unfortunately, Chris will never let him forget. They eventually bonded through anime, a steady stream of memes, and gaming together - which always ended with Chris and David sitting back and watching Dan and Pat scream at each other over whose fault it was that they lost a game of Fortnite. Somewhere in between all of that, Chris and Dan became brothers. He’s someone Dan genuinely looks forward to being around. Chris has a quiet, steady presence. He handles himself with a level of composure that doesn’t need to be loud to be felt. He’s sharp, thoughtful, and carries himself with a maturity well beyond his years. — and he couldn’t ask for a better brother to gain through all of this. And next year, they’ll all be taking that bond international… all the way to Japan.
David Garay
Groomsman
Dan met David about eight months into dating Gaby — under less-than-ideal circumstances. Gaby had just gotten her wisdom teeth out and was completely out of it, while Dan sat at the kitchen table as a total stranger to the rest of the family. David, who was about nine or ten at the time, walked in wearing pajamas and immediately picked up on how awkward the whole situation was. Meanwhile, Dan was introducing himself while Gaby was practically asleep next to him. At the time, Dan thought David had no idea what was going on — turns out, he absolutely did. It’s something they can laugh about now. Aside from that unforgettable introduction, David has always been easy to be around. He’s goofy, playful, and brings a kind of energy that makes everything feel lighter. Whether it was watching movies with Gaby or just spending time together, David made it easier for Dan to find his place. Like Chris, they bonded through anime, video games, and memes — and somewhere along the way, David became more than just Gaby’s little brother. David carries himself with a quiet confidence. He’s thoughtful, sharp, and has a good sense of who he is. And, without question, one of the best bakers in the room. Dan knows he hasn’t known David forever, but he’s proud of the person he’s becoming — and grateful to have him standing by his side today.