Alexis & Michael
Wedding Party
Valerie Goldman
Mother of the Bride
My mom is my best friend, my travel buddy, my strength and my inspiration. She has been by my side through every step of the wedding process, and in life itself. To my loving mother- I love you so much and I cannot wait to continue to emulate you in every step of my life- as a teacher, a wife and a future mother. You and I have been around the world together. We swam with dolphins in the Bahamas, snorkeled in Puerto Rico, walked through the Red-Light District in Amsterdam, went to the top of the tallest building in Toronto, sipped strawberry daiquiris alongside the Chicago Riverwalk, explored the Gothic Quarter in Barcelona, and ventured inside an ice cave in Iceland. Out of all the places we have been… having you walk down the aisle on my wedding day will be my favorite. -AG
Robert Goldman
Father of the Bride
From the moment I was born and every day since, my dad has demonstrated what I deserve in a man. My dad would watch Barney with me. He’d take me to the toy store and treat me to the newest Bratz doll. He’d listened to me vent and cry- even when it meant me coming into his office and disrupting his work day. He drove me to school every day. He sat through all of my dance recitals. While I never quite understood the sacrifices he and my mom made to give me everything I ever wanted, I know, as I embark on this new journey to start my own family, I’ll get it someday. I know love because he loved me unconditionally. Pretty soon my dad will be handing me off to the man of my dreams, the man who will spend the rest of his life trying to reach the bar my dad set so high. -AG
Felicia Colangelo
Mother of the Groom
To my loving mother- I don’t even know where to start. But maybe a good place would be thank you. Thank you for being the best mother a kid could have. I truly mean that. I can’t remember a moment in my life where you weren’t my rock. They say there is no love like a mother’s love, and nothing could be more true. You have stuck up for me, right or wrong, my entire life (even though behind closed doors you always made me realize when I was wrong, haha). I put you through a lot of late, sleepless nights growing up. I know if I didn’t have a mother like you I wouldn’t have become the person I am today. You raised me in a way that is indescribable- by being my best friend, but also my mother. If I had the world, I’d give it to you; You deserve it. Thank you for being the mother you are to me. I cannot wait to have you by my side, as I begin a family of my own. -MC
Joseph Colangelo
Father of the Groom
Many people may know him as G, Cuzzie, or Cuz... but to me, he is Dad. Anyone can have a son, but not everyone can be a dad. He represents the meaning of dad. Looking back on my life, I’ll never forget how much he was there for me. He never missed a practice, never missed a game, never missed a competition, and never missed bailing me out of jail, haha. He was always the one to reprimand me when I messed up in school, and wasn’t doing the right thing. As a kid I always thought, “why is dad so hard on me”? Looking back now, I realize he was teaching me how to be a man that whole time. He taught me what it’s like to be a good person. I will always try to follow in his footsteps. I can only pray to be the husband and future father that he is. Thank you, Dad. I love you. -MC
Alexa Cuzzi
Matron of Honor
I am so blessed that not only am I marrying the man of my dreams, but also, I am now going to be a part of his incredible family. Since the day I met her, Alexa has welcomed me with open arms. She is the big sister I always wanted. I turn to her for everything- to ask what I should wear to an event, to vent about her brother haha, to receive advice about work, to laugh about an Instagram post, to question about some minuscule wedding-related decision, and to cry about my anxiety. No matter what it is that comes out of my mouth that day, I know she will never judge me; She will always be there. She is the most genuine and kind-hearted person ever. She is my role model- the wife and (future) mother I aspire to be. When selecting our wedding party, it was obvious she'd be included. But having the title as a 'bridesmaid' wouldn't do her justice. I am so honored she said yes to being my matron of honor, and I cannot wait to have her by my side for the big day! -AG
Michael Cuzzi
Best Man
Mike is my big brotha (as Alexis would call you, haha). All jokes aside, he really is my big brother. I even pretended to be him for about three years until I turned 21, and could use my own ID. Mike is the type of person who would give the shirt off his back for someone he loved. He has literally given me so much clothes I think half of my wardrobe is Mike's, haha. Over the years, I've had the pleasure of watching him date and marry my sister. I still remember the first day I met Mike. He walked into my house after punching a wall, with a hand full of blood. That is when I knew he would fit right in, lol. In all seriousness, Mike has taught me what it means to love someone unconditionally. Whether it is Alexis' birthday, or Valentine's Day, or just a random day... I always find myself thinking, "what would Mike do"? He is my role model when it comes to my relationship and the type of father I want to be one day. Mike is the most kind-hearted person I know. He would do anything for his family. I’m extremely blessed that we are family now. I’m so grateful to have him as my brother-in-law, and now as my best man! -MC
Anjali George
Maid of Honor
It is impossible to think of my fondest memories without thinking of Anjali. Since meeting her in the hallway of Eastchester Middle School in 2008, we have had an inseparable bond. My earliest memories of Anjali include having full-blown MacBook photoshoots in my bedroom, going to see the tree at Rockefeller Center with my mom (because we were too young to go into the city alone), and ransacking her fridge every time I came over to eat all of her mom’s delicious Indian food. Throughout our high school and college years, the time we spent together became a little wilder (to say the least, haha). But… I’ll leave those times out of this blurb because as Samantha Jones once said, “in our group, we never kiss and tell”. As we grew older and outgrew our crazy antics, and as work, relationships, and life got in the way of us hanging out every weekend, our friendship remained strong. Anjali has been my longest best friend. It is only fitting that she is my maid of honor, as no other title would do her the justice she deserves for putting up with me for all these years! -AG
Glenn Staropoli
Best Man
Glenn is my first cousin, my best friend, and now... my best man. Glenn has been by my side since my first memory. My earliest memories with Glenn were when he would boss me around, and trick me into eating spicy hot peppers until I threw up. It wasn't until I got older (and bigger) and could kick his ass, haha that he stopped and became my best friend. Now that we are older, I’m always there to protect him. I can rely on him for anything. We have grown up so close. I’m blessed to have him by my side through this all. Glenn- you are my go-to person whenever I have business ideas, the person I go to to discuss the state of America, and just to bullshit about how to become millionaires (lol). Keep the faith G, we’ll get there! -MC
Ariana Groccia
Maid of Honor
Ariana and I became friends in 10th grade. We’d walk home from dance every day together. Our walks turned into carpooling and getting Chipotle after practice. Growing up, Ariana and I were in two different cliques (sounds silly, but it was a thing in EHS, haha). We had our own group of friends, boyfriends and drama. It was nice to have an outside party to vent to about all the miniscule things teenagers deeply care about. Our friendship blossomed into countless sleepovers, celebrating birthdays together, spending holidays with her family, late night Hannah Montana drives and talking for endless hours on FaceTime. We have both grown so much. From standing next to me on stage at Jazz Co. to standing next me on the biggest day of my life- I am so excited to have her as my maid of honor! -AG
Cristián Quintero
Best Man
Cristián is mi hermano. I can still remember the first day of 5th grade: he transferred schools, and came in dressed like an NBA player- dressed in a jersey, basketball shorts, headband... the whole nine. So naturally, I picked him as my #1 pick in intramural basketball... just to find out he was horrendous, haha. I guess he just found out that this was basketball, not intramural soccer, haha. Since that day, he has always been my right-hand-man: from causing chaos in middle school together, to being troubled teens, and now growing up to being adults. We speak every day. I wouldn’t know where I’d be without him. No matter where our lives have taken us, he has remained my closest friend. I can’t wait for Cristián to be a part of the biggest day of my life, just like he has been the last 17 years. -MC
Giovanna Cuzzi
Flower Girl
I held Giovanna in my arms the day she was born. I was so excited that I was now a girl aunt. Giovanna is the cutest, sweetest, purest, littlest soul. As she has gotten older, I went from a girl aunt to the ‘cool girl aunt’. With a face like hers, it is impossible to say no. I’ve let her cover my face in eyeshadow, put lipstick on my eyelids, eat one more piece of dessert even though she already had a slice of cake, flood my bathroom with water bottles, wear my engagement ring, and paint my already-done manicure. I hope she always looks at me as the cool aunt- the one that will let her get away with anything (sorry mom and dad, haha) and loves her unconditionally. I hope she understands one day how much it means to me that she will be strutting her stuff down the aisle on my big day. -AG
Anthony Cuzzi
Ring Bearer
Anthony is my first born nephew, my godson, and now my ring bearer. I know he won’t truly understand what this moment means, but eventually when he is all grown up, I can’t wait to explain to him how much it meant to me that he is a part of the biggest day of my life. Since the moment he was born, the love I have had for him is unimaginable. Before he could even speak, there wasn’t a thing in the world I wouldn’t do for him. Now he is growing up and I’m so happy I can watch him become a young boy. Every weekend I look forward to coming over... just to be with him (even though he has a little too much energy for me, haha). I always try to give him every bit of energy I have. I love watching him grow up. It amazes me that he can build Legos better than me, haha. I’m so happy I’ll be able to be the uncle that teaches him how to play sports... because we all know daddy isn’t much of an athlete, lmfao. Anthony- I can’t wait to watch you grow up and be such an important part of your life, just like you are such an important part in mine. -MC
Maria Servedio
Bridesmaid
Ever since I was a child, I always aspired to be like my cool, older cousin, Maria. I was obsessed with everything about her, haha. I loved her style and anxiously awaited every bag of hand-me-down clothing she’d give to me. I loved how she was such a good gymnast, and enrolled in gymnastics to try to be like her. I’d learn dances she’d choreograph for me to perform to our parents in the living room. As we got older, I blossomed into my own woman- although I still always get excited for her hand-me-downs and will always view her as my cool, older cousin. I am so excited to have her by my side on my big day! -AG
Brandon Goldman
Groomsman
I am truly blessed to be not only marrying such an amazing woman, but also to be marrying into such an amazing family. It would be idiotic to not credit Brandon in aiding in the person Alexis is today. She spent more time with him than anyone growing up, which obviously helped form the person she is today. Brandon- thank you for being a great big brother to her... even when she yells at you for eating her cheese, haha. I am so happy to have you as my brother-in-law, and part of this amazing day! -MC
Hannah Phelps
Bridesmaid
Growing up, I was always upset Hannah lived on the other side of the country. I didn’t get to see her as much as I wanted to, which means we couldn’t play and trade Bratz as often as I’d like, haha. It wasn’t until I got older that I loved that she lived in California because that meant I got to visit her in Cali (a term, according to her, only East-coasters say, haha). It makes sense Hannah and I live on opposite sides of the country because we are opposites- in our style, our diet and our demeanor. They say opposites attract and "they" are right. Every time we get together we have a great time, catch up and share stories, like no time has passed. I still don’t get to see her as often as I’d like, but I’m so excited I will see her this year, and have her by my side on my big day! -AG
Andrew Aviles
Groomsman
When I say there is no person on Earth as selfless as Andrew, I truly mean that. He is the only person who would have plans to be in the city by a certain time, but first make sure to pick me up, drive me to White Plains, and talk to the bouncers to make sure I got in okay when I was like 17 years-old. He was always like a big brother to me. He always brought me out with him, and treated me like I was a grown man... even when I was still a young kid. Fast forward a couple years, and now I’m there to help protect him, like that night in AC. (Even though I wasn’t protecting him too much that night when we had to drag him into the bathroom to sleep because he was snoring too loud, lol.) Nevertheless, the lessons I’ve learned from Andrew will always stick with me. I hope one day I’ll be able to repay him for all the things he has done for me growing up. It’s a blessing to have him as a part of this day! -MC
Lauryn Costa
Bridesmaid
Growing up, Lauryn was like the little sister I never had. I remember when she got her first hair straightener and I helped teach her how to do her hair. I remember playing dolls with her, even when I had outgrown that phase of my life, haha. But I never cared- I loved spending time with her, and loved that she loved playing with me. I’ve gotten to watch her grow into the amazing woman she is today. Our lives have taken us in different directions, and I don’t get to see her as often as I’d like to. But every time we do see each other, it is like no time has passed. We catch up and talk about life, school, boys- all the things sisters do. I am so blessed to have her by my side on my big day! -AG
Paulie Sarachelli Jr.
Groomsman
PJ is the true definition of a 'day one'. In life, you rarely find that person who you stay close with from the day you're born until the day you die; That’ll be him. We have countless memories together. I still remember the days walking around the West as young kids causing chaos, hanging out till midnight wrestling and just fucking around. But, the best was when you moved within a 5-minute walking distance from me. Every day after school we would meet up and prowl the neighborhood like we owned it. In a sense... we were just like our parents. And just like they were always there for each other, we’ll always be there for each other. Thanks for being a part of my journey! -MC
Rachel Staropoli
Bridesmaid
Rachel is the hardest working woman I know. For those who don’t know her, she runs the restaurant Tredici North up in Purchase, NY. Even though she is younger than me, her work ethic continuously inspires me. She works 6 days a week, and yet still finds time to prioritize her family. She has always been there for me, even when she couldn’t physically be there because of work. I am so grateful of the bond we have built over the past five years, and look forward to making many memories together. I have a feeling having her by my side on July 2nd is going to be one of my favorites! -AG
John Scavone
Groomsman
Even though Johnny Bananas is now a handsome, in-shape, stud... I can't help but still picture the 200-pound 13 year-old with a triple XL Sean John collard shirt, and a blowout standing outside Albert Leonard Middle School waiting to walk into class. He went from being 13, risking it all on C-Lo, to 28, risking it all on Bitcoin. I guess some things never change, haha. We have been through so much together: from pay half t-shirts to now him being my groomsman. John- you never left my side, and I’ll never leave yours. Cheers to the future! -MC
Rebecca Staropoli
Bridesmaid
I am so grateful that I am not only marrying the man of my dreams, but also that I am marrying into the best family. Rebecca has become like a little sister I never had. I love giving her advice, seeing her wear my old clothes, and watching her grow into a wonderful woman. We’ve gotten close over the past five years. Between Sundays on the couch, vacationing, holidays, and milestones… Rebecca has been a part of all of my best memories. It's only fitting that she'll join me as a bridesmaid on my greatest adventure yet! -AG
Michael Turchiano
Groomsman
I’m not even sure how Turch and I became so close. All I can remember is seeing him one summer day in high school, and he heard about a party in Bayberry that I told him about. He picked me up that night... and the rest was history. Every night after for the next few months we were inseparable. From high school all the way through college- we were together all the time. From me dragging him to clubs, to him dragging me home to Specs, haha. We have had so many great times, even including the time I got us expelled from middle school because he gave me money to buy a BB gun, and I got caught with it, haha. I couldn’t be happier to have him by my side as I take this next big step in life! -MC
Luis Barragan
Groomsman
I honestly cannot remember when Luis and I became close. But, I also can’t remember a weekend I wasn’t with him from the age 17 until like 21, lol. Every Friday after school we would meet up for a haircut, have a couple drinks before going home and getting ready for the night out. I’ll never forget all the nights we met up before going out for a quick game of 2K (where I’d of course bust his ass, haha). We went from booze cruises, to Ziggy’s, to Specs, to wherever we could go get wasted and have a good time. He has always been such a humble and good person to be around. As we have grown up, he is still that same, humble, good person. I'm very excited that he is a part of my big day! -MC