Wedding Party
Taylor Valentine
Maid of Honor
Luke Ottolino
Best Man
"Former co-hosts of the candy cane show and founders of the number 29, Jake and Luke ruled the streets of kingbird manor growing up. Jake’s Buster Blader had all the neighborhood kids jealous (including Luke) After hundreds of soccer games in the front yard, to do this day, the record between us is still tied… rumor is the final deciding match will take place at the wedding."
Cheyenne Valentine
Maid of Honor
"Being Kendal’s big sister is something I will always be thankful for. We’ve been through so much together, and she’s always been there for me. During my health journey, she never stopped checking on me, encouraging me, and reminding me that I wasn’t alone. Her love and support have meant more to me than she’ll ever know. Watching Kendal find someone who truly loves and supports her has made me so happy. Jake is a perfect match for her, and I know they are going to have a wonderful life together. It means so much to stand beside my sister as her Maid of Honor. Kendal, I love you so much, and I’m so proud of the woman you’ve become. I wish you and Jake a lifetime of love, happiness, and unforgettable memories. I can’t wait to celebrate this special day with you."
JJ Massaro
Groomsman
Delaney Penn
Bridesmaid
"From the slicked-back ponytail to the high-fashion outfits, Kendal Valentine was easily the coolest kid at Noah’s Arc Preschool! It was clear from the start why Jackie, Kendal, and I were destined to rule the monkey bars together. Even when we didn’t live in the same state, I cherished the weekends I could drive to Madison, WI and (try to) pull her away from studying. We went from ruling the playground to conquering the Midwest and I’m so grateful for every adventure in between. I’m honored to be a bridesmaid and beyond happy to celebrate her big day!"
Josh Massaro
Groomsman
Jackie Albert
Bridesmaid
"One of my favorite memories with Kendal is from spring break 2007 on a Carnival Cruise. We hit the talent show stage to perform “Cheetah Sisters.” Confident and fearless, we nailed it and the crowd went wild. Since then, we have been making memories and performing whenever we get the chance. I cannot wait to cheer her on during her wedding day and see her dance moves light up the floor. Cheetah Sister for life!"
Riley Dickens
Groomsman
"Jake and I met when we were freshmen at UCF. We went from strangers, to friends, to roommates all in one year and our love of all things movies and risk brought us together! We’ve suffered through the struggles of discrete structures classes and the joys of making movies together all throughout college, and Jake remains one of my best friends to this day, even with the distance separating us. It’s truly been a joy to see Jake and Kendal's love grow over these years especially since I’ve known Kendal since high school. Their love has been so beautiful and I can’t wait to see where it takes them next!"
Maddy Rabil
Bridesmaid
"Kendal is a one in a million kind of friend! I can’t believe we’ve been friends for two decades, but at the same time I CAN, because when Kendal comes into your life, she’s there to stay. I met Kendal in the fourth grade - I was the shy new kid in Corpus Christi’s fourth grade class, and she was one of my very first friends, welcoming me with open arms and bringing me out of my 9-year-old shell. Ken - from middle school sleepovers, to high school mall adventures, to chaotic college visits and post-grad jaunts in Philly/NYC, I have treasured growing up together and I cannot wait to stand by your side as you enter this next chapter!"
Sofia Reina
Groomswoman
"Technically, Jake and I met in highschool through Tampa Catholic basketball. However, our friendship truly started when he got my number before Riley did on that fateful day during Gasparilla. Ever since then I've had the pleasure of getting to know his goofy sense of humor, his take on every movie under the sun, how he can give the realest advice on pretty much anything, and of course his lovely lady Kendal. He picked a cool cat. But forreal, it's been an honor to be apart of their journey and we're so excited see what the future holds for Jake and Kendal ❤️"
Ashley Ward
Bridesmaid
"Kendal, I am forever grateful that we were introduced in Mrs. Paidas’s freshman English class (thanks, Maddy!). I still remember being immediately drawn to how warm and kind you were, and how quickly you welcomed me into the friend group (RBF and all). Little did I know then that I was meeting a lifelong friend. Fast forward almost 15 years later (which is honestly insane to say), and my admiration for you has only grown. You are a beautiful person, inside and out, and you move through life with a quiet yet fierce drive and unwavering devotion to your family and friends. That love is so clearly reflected in your relationship with Jake. It is truly so special to watch two friends fall in love, and I could not be happier for you both. You are getting the love story you truly deserve, and I’m so honored to stand by your side and witness it 🤍"
Alex Backman
Groomsman
"Ever since I first met Jake in high school, we've enjoyed a shared passion for cinema. And while Jake ultimately ended up extending his passion into actual filmmaking, I made the decision to remain firmly planted in the armchair. But still, for most of a decade, the artist and critic have banded together as one AMC A-List Entourage and have seen it all on the big screen. We don't always agree on everything we watch. Already forgotten late Cronenberg film Crimes Of The Future? Divisive. Recent DreamWorks animated film The Wild Robot? Please don't even bring it up. But for every fierce post-credits debate, there was also a moment of joyous consensus. Our jaws dropped when we saw emo Batman star in The Batman. And we both tried to hide our tears when the credits of Marvel's greatest work, Venom: Let There Be Carnage, started to roll. Countless Nicole Kidman intros later, the one thing I couldn't be more grateful for though is having a friend to share it all with. And I also couldn't be happier Jake now has his muse in Kendal, and am so excited to see everything you both create and accomplish together in the future!"
Laura Verdina
Bridesmaid
"Kendal and I met on our first day of organic chemistry lab back in 2016. She sat next to the open spot next to me and the rest was history. We started as study buddies, but quickly became more than that (much to Jake’s jealousy ;)). We connected over our weird and almost telepathic sense of humor, similar music taste and love for animals. We stressed and cried about school together, helping one another stay grounded if the other was spiraling, and we bonded over the struggles we faced while figuring out our lives after college. It was one of those friendships that blossomed effortlessly, and 10 years later, despite the physical distance, our connection remains just as special. I love you, Kendal! Can’t wait to see you marry your (other) best friend and live out your dreams together. Excited to be there through all the milestones to come. ❤️ 🌹"
Gabe Turner
Groomsman
"It was a dark and gloomy day. Myself and some other JV soccer players decided to enter the soccer tournament at Jesuit’s field day in the hopes of achieving glory. Jake had asked to join the team with a promise of bringing us a championship. At this point, I didn’t really know much about Jake, but I admired his confidence and determination. Shortly after joining the team, we were matched up against a team full of Varsity Football players. Not the kicker and punter types, but the Linebacker and Running Back types. Within seconds, our team of tiny freshmen was demoralized by the physicality. The only bright spot was a kid I barely knew at the time, Jake. At one point, our friend Danny was about to be demolished by the largest/scariest football player at Jesuit. Danny trembled in fear and passed the ball to a stoic Jake who remained unphased by our opponent. However, within seconds, Jake’s life would change forever. The varsity football player forgot he was playing soccer, threw his ginormous body at Jake, and severely injured our only true hope of victory. For years, Jake unknowingly walked on a torn ACL yet he never let that stop him forming being an incredible friend. Since this day, I have been by Jake’s side, admiring and appreciating him for his sacrifice to the game of soccer. While we were unable to win the championship, I was able to win a true friend that I can always depend on. Much love to Kendal and Jake, so happy for the both of you."
Emilee Mendoza
Bridesmaid
"I am so lucky to have met Kendal freshman year of college on a retreat for a leadership group we were both in! Little did I know, that retreat would lead to over a decade of friendship and she would become one of my most cherished friends. Although we live across the country, I’ve absolutely loved the times we’ve been able to visit each other as we’ve moved through different phases of our lives! 💕"
James St. Charles
Groomsman
"From young boys in chemistry class to grown men with chemistry, our friendship formed a stable bond throughout the years. Back rubs in free period to backing up our partners. Look at us now. Even though we attended different colleges, I’m so glad I got to visit and live with you for a summer at UCF. I’m not sure others can say the same. Anyways, it’s been great to see you and Kendal’s relationship blossom over the years, and I’m excited for you to join the married life club."
Caroline Pope
Flower Girl
"I can’t believe I’ve known y’all for over a decade! Kendal, I’m so glad we met. Not only did I gain a study buddy for math class (throwback to our first time hanging out: when we studied 8 hours for Mr. Shuck’s Algebra II test) but I also gained a friend for life. From countless impromptu sleepovers & trips, to fashion advice, to Mayor’s Youth Corps events, to deep talks about everything…we’ve made so many memories over the years. I’m overjoyed to add your wedding to the list! Jake, you and Kendal are the perfect pair. I’m so happy for you two. I still remember when you were both secretly crushing on each other and nervous to take the leap…I’m so glad you followed your heart and took a chance on love! It’s been inspiring watching y’all conquer long distance (and a TC/Jesuit rivalry!!!) like it’s nothing. Being friends with you both since high school and watching your love story unfold over time has been so special. Can’t wait to celebrate my favorite power couple and ring in this beautiful new chapter of your lives!!! 💍🥂💞"
Gabby Collins
Flower Girl
"Kendal! You are truly a one in a million friend. I’ll always be grateful for you and our friendship (how was it been over a decade?!). So thankful that you were my first friend at Tampa Catholic! You’ll always be the giraffe to my meerkat (iykyk)! I am so lucky to have a loyal, kind, GORGEOUS, and fun loving friend like you! You’re the type of friend I know I can always count on to be there… whether it’s a shoulder to cry on or a friend to laugh with! I am so excited to be there for you and Jake as you embark on this next chapter of your life! 🩷"