Melissa & Gary
Wedding Party
Melissa
Bride
From one workaholic to another, somehow that translates into balance.
Gary
Groom
Some wish for a lover, I was lucky to build a partnership, through which we hold each other up.
Tamika
Maid of Honor
One crisp fall afternoon, I wandered through Van Cortlandt Park with my parents and stumbled upon a strange, polished rock in a quiet clearing. A nearby plaque read, "Imported from Sweden, 1962." As I curiously examined the rock, I heard a faint, muffled cry from beneath it. My heart raced as I frantically dug around the base, eventually uncovering a small hollow beneath the rock. To my shock, there was a little person, shivering. We pulled her out and decided to bring her home. Though the mystery of how she ended up there under the Swedish rock still lingers, all that matters is that she is now my little sister. Together, we left the park, leaving the strange rock and its secrets behind.
Tyriek
Best Man
In 2014, I embarked on a new journey by joining the Harlem Youth Marine Inc. as a youth mentor for their program. It was here that I first met Gary McFadden, a moment that would significantly shape my experience. From the very beginning, Gary embraced me as a brother, taking me under his wing with open arms. His unwavering respect, love, and encouragement provided a solid foundation for my role within the organization, and his support has never wavered. About a year later, I had the pleasure of meeting Melissa Twiggs at a function hosted by Gary at his home. This gathering not only strengthened my bond with Gary but also introduced me to Melissa , further enriching my connections with both Gary and Melissa and I am forever grateful to be apart of this wonderful experience of them committing to each other
Tanaka
Bridesmaid
I am so happy for Mel and Gio’s union. I have known Mel since our late teens and one thing I’ve noted over the years, is that Gio has been a respite for her. I’m happy they are finally making it official. I wish them a home filled with blessings, wealth, abundance and happiness.
Jeremy
Groomsman
Hey, I’m Jeremy! I’m Mike’s younger brother, and together with our friend Gary, we’ve faced more than most people could ever dream of. When we were younger, we dared to attempt something forbidden with alchemy, chasing a goal that should have been left untouched. The price was steep—my entire body was lost, and my soul was bound to a suit of armor. But Mike and Gio didn’t abandon me. They sacrificed an arm and a leg to bring me back, and now, the three of us are bound by more than just blood—we’re the Brotherhood of Complete Alloy, bound by more than just blood, ready to take on whatever challenges come our way.
Aneka
Bridesmaid
Military Vet/Nurse. We met on the dreaded campus of Lehman College then bonded over our love of food. The rest is history.
Mike
Groomsman
I’m Mike, Jeremy’s older brother, and alongside our friend Gary, we’ve faced challenges that most people couldn’t even dare to imagine. Back when we were younger, we recklessly dabbled in forbidden alchemy, chasing after a goal that should have remained out of reach. The price we paid was steep—Gary and I sacrificed an arm and a leg to save Jeremy, who lost his entire body. But that was just the beginning of our journey for the elusive Philosopher’s Stone—a quest that transformed us into the Brotherhood of Complete Alloy, bound by more than just blood. Our journey has been filled adventure, but one of our most harrowing encounters was with a so-called “creative” alchemist, his daughter, and their dog. I can still hear the eerie whisper of that chimera calling out, "Miiiichaelllll..."—but that’s a tale best saved for another time. For now, I just want to say congrats to Mel and Gio. Here’s to the two of you embarking on your own epic adventures!
Gabi
Bridesmaid
I'm Gabi, Melissa's childhood friend from junior high school. I'm a proud mother of boys, a big foodie, and an enthusiastic viewer of docuseries. Since the tender age of 10, Melissa and I have shared an unbreakable bond, starting from after-school activities to waiting together for our parents. Our families also grew close, and I came to know Melissa's dad, Nelson, as an incredibly kind father figure. We enjoyed countless sleepovers (she was only allowed to sleepover my house!), engaging in sports and creating enduring memories. One particularly vivid moment etched in my mind is when we went away for the weekend to a place charmingly named the "pig farm" with my parents. We reveled in outdoor games with my brother and his friend, explored the farm's animals, and savored delicious meals under the open sky. However, our joy was briefly interrupted when a foaming-mouth, gorwling dog approached us, leading Melissa and me to cling tightly with eyes shut until the farm owner intervened, diffusing the situation. Melissa's unwavering friendship was highlighted when she surprised me at my baby shower, traveling from Missouri to celebrate with me through laughter and tears. Despite the inevitable distance that sometimes separates us, the unique bond and cherished memories we share continue to stand the test of time, reaffirming the depth of our true and enduring friendship.
Ramike
Groomsman
I first met Gary on a day that still echoes in my memories—a day when my mother took me to witness history unfold before our eyes. We were there to hear the final words of a man whose dream of freedom and unification had inspired countless souls. "Wealth, fame, power..." he declared, his voice unwavering as he stared down his detractors and cast a reassuring gaze over his admirers. This great man had tasted it all, and as the final sunset of his life drew near, he offered us a promise: that if we had the spirit, the luck, and the cunning, we too could seize it all. As I stood there, captivated, I glanced to my side and saw another boy, not much older than me, his eyes shining with the same spark of hope and ambition. That boy was Gary. It would be years before our paths crossed again on the Grand Line, but when they did, we found ourselves recounting the day we both first heard the words of Gol D. Roger. We knew then, with a certainty that only comes in moments of destiny, that the Great Pirate Era had truly begun.
