Melissa & Jorge
Wedding Party
Vonna Cole
Mother of the Bride
My mom has a heart of gold. She is the kindest, most genuine, and fun-loving person I know. She has made many sacrifices for me and equipped me with the tools to have a great life. For starters, many of you know that I am one of six siblings (whose age range is 10 years apart): my mom basically operated a pre-K with all of us on a rural farm, and still managed to teach us how to treat all people with dignity and to assign ourselves to something bigger in life. And really, most of these lessons were taught through her modeling them. I cherish my mama! Her story telling and hearty laughter are some of my favorite things. I am indebted to her for her unconditional support in every decision I've made, and I am honored to have her guide me as I take this step.
Rosalia Centeno
Mother of the Groom
My mom played the role of mother and father when I was growing up. Her life has been one of sacrifices for me. The biggest was moving to another country to give me a shot at a better future. As a kid, though, we played a game of cat and mouse. I'd tell her that I had finished all my homework (I hadn't) or that I finished all my dinner (I didn't). She eventually caught on and would sit with me until I had eaten all of my food. This worked out great for me because I could just sit there for 2 hours instead of doing chores or school work. She then enlisted the help of teachers and tutors who whipped me into shape. I did not see it then but it was a time full of lessons. She instilled in me the work ethic, resilience and hustle that's gotten me this far. Without her, I wouldn't be here.
Todd Cole
Father of the Bride
I've always admired my dad. He is kind, compassionate, driven, and generous, but equally silly (if you wonder where I get my slap stick sense of humor, look no further!) He has made a big impact in my life: he raised me to live my life in service of community, and taught me about the pride that comes with hard work. In my early years in NYC, he often flew in to get to know my new world, visiting the neighborhoods and schools where I worked. He is also responsible for sparking my interest in a public service career: he sent (and also accompanied) me on church service trips to Latin America. He has been an incredibly supportive person in my life, and a big source of inspiration in who I have become. I am humbled to have my dad guide me now as he has through all chapters of my life.
Danielle Nuy
Maid of Honor
Dani and I were assumed to be twins growing up: we were a year and a half apart, looked the same, and sounded the same. We shared everything--our room, clothes, rides to school, cereal choices, sports choices--but really because I wanted to do everything just like her! Dani has a ridiculous sense of humor, an excellent taste in fashion, a big laugh, and an even bigger heart. In a way, she has been as close to me as a twin would and has taken care of me through all stages of my life. Sometimes I can't believe I'm so lucky to have a best friend and a sister in one, and I am honored for her to stand beside me on my wedding day, as in all other big moments in my life.
Angela Cole
Maid of Honor
Ang is my oldest, very witty and hilarious sister, someone I have always looked up to. She had everything put together and figured out. True to form as a little sister, I stole her clothes, perfume, and magazines when she wasn't home. I admired her confidence and taste in fashion, and secretly hoped I could be as cool as her one day (I'm not!). Ang has guided me with all of her wisdom, positivity, and humor in the stressful or unpredictable times of adulting, and she just makes life more fun, especially when you need it most. I am beyond lucky to call her a sister and a best friend and have her support me in this new chapter.
Brianna Kendall
Bridesmaid
When I first met Bri at our university coffee shop, I had no idea we'd share a 5-day hiking adventure in Patagonia--without adequate equipment or a plan--and a 30-hour bus ride to Buenos Aires. But, it cemented our friendship. Bri is my soul sister and co-dreamer. She has the most contagious laughter and sense of adventure! We've talked about everything, from changing the world and relationships to nitty gritty wedding details, and she has been a source of wisdom and balance through it all. I cherish our silliness and laughter, as well as our shared musings about the journey (and puzzles) of life. Even during the craziest times, I know she has my back. I am so lucky to have a best friend in Bri!
Danielle Wessler
Bridesmaid
Danielle is basically my other life partner! We met through Teach for America, bonded over the intensity of everything, and spent the better part of our 12 years as friends living together, dancing, traveling ... (and also hanging out through less ideal times). After a rare acupuncture accident that collapsed my lung (yep), Danielle accompanied me to the hospital--albeit via the most scenic route--brought me magazines and stayed with me for the better part of a few days while I breathed through an air mask. Danielle has been a backbone, she's been by my side through the roller coaster of our 20-and-30-somethings in NYC, and she has made me a better person in the process. I am so grateful to have a best friend in this lady!
Jeffrey Imwold
Bridesman
Jeff was the first friend I met in NYC. On our first day of Teach for America training, as I was quietly second guessing my new life, Jeff sat next to me and chatted with me like I had known him for years. I adored him instantly! From there, we shared daily sweltering 2-hour bus rides from Queens to Brooklyn, our first NYC apartment, annual coordinated Halloween costumes (for which we often won "best dressed" - the Cheshire Cat and the Mad Hatter!), and a dedication for our work in public service. Jeff puts his heart into what he does and the people he loves. He has been both a best friend and a brother to me! I am so lucky he sat right next to me that first day of TFA, and that we've gotten to be such close friends over the years.
Brendan Saxon
Best Man
Along the laundry list of things that can be attributed to Che Guevara, being responsible for Brendan and my friendship is an unlikely one. But that chat outside a New Orleans bar was the beginning of what would become a strong bond. Despite our different backgrounds, we have always seemed to not only get each other but be on the same wavelength. The memories are countless: cooking pork chops, video chatting from Greece, preparing for moot court, playing guitar, eating oysters, hanging out in D.C. and New York. Our mutual love for bourbon and cigars didn't hurt either. Mick Jagger has Keith Richards, Don Draper has Roger Sterling, and I have Brendan Saxon. I am proud to have him stand next to me as my best man.
Edem Tsiagbey
Groomsman
I cannot think of a more grueling three months than studying for the NY bar exam. Edem was there through it all. Though we had been friends during law school, I'd say - and he'd probably agree - that this experience took our friendship to a different level. We pushed each other every day, made each other better and shared the hunger - both literally and figuratively. While we've come a long way from peanut butter and stale bread, some things never change: we still share big dreams and our love for soccer remains intact.
Francisco Laboy
Groomsman
Francisco was one of the first people I met after moving to the US. Our shared less-than-enthusiastic impression of Florida set a solid foundation on which our friendship blossomed. We soon discovered that we also had things in common such as our love for the rock band Interpol (among countless others) and playing tennis. If I had to choose someone to write my biography, I'd probably choose Francisco. He's got a natural gift for storytelling and is one of the few people who've seen my entire journey. More importantly, he would probably leave any embarrassing details of me out of it.
Samuel Riley
Groomsman
Sam is the friend that you can laugh with about things that others don't find funny, sometimes at inappropriate times. The universe too seemed to get a kick out of this, as we would always happen to be together in the most ridiculous situations. We were roommates during law school and together had some memorable times. We shared a love for grilled meats and an unhealthy obsession with The Office. Sam's always known how to keep things loose and I am proud to say that we are responsible for the greatest ever presentation on Norway's Trade Policy at Loyola.