Anthony & Liana
Wedding Party
Caitie Alongi
Matron of Honor
Caitie is my dear, one and only sister. I am so lucky to have this beautiful and talented songstress in my life. Technically she's younger, but I look to her as an example for so many things, sometimes I think she might be the oldest sibling in spirit. Fun fact/secret I'm not sure anyone knows - I think Caitie has one of the prettiest, most soulful and powerful voices on earth. And, I pretty much always get teary when I hear her sing, no matter the mood of the song, or how long she's singing. I don't cry easily, especially while watching musical performances, when they're not even sad, or when it's just a 60 second IG video, or hearing her sing to her babies, or any time I hear her sing longer than about 10 seconds... Apparently her voice is a trigger for my waterworks to go off. β€οΈ
Sonia Carrion
Bridesmaid
Our sister-in-law and Momma to our adorable nephew, Mason. We're so lucky to have this talented, creative, warm, loving woman in our family. It's been wonderful getting to know her, and see her best kept secret talent - *singing* sneak out on the occasion when we're lucky enough to hear her. Sonia has her own production company in NYC and runs one of the most successful murder mystery dinner theater shows in Manhattan - Truffles!
Laurie Aguece
Bridesmaid
I'm lucky to call Laurie not only family (cousin) but also friend. Some of my fondest memories with Laurie are making forts in her parents living room (at around 4 years old), trying to learn how to play Nintendo (even though I never quite figured it out), Passover Seders, and her teaching me how to put on liquid eye liner. Laurie is about to become a mom to a new baby girl - hopefully not till after the wedding! <3
Annie Mallan
Bridesmaid
Annie and I met in college in a freshman dorm, and then again when I went to audition for an all women's appella audition and she was in the auditioners seat. I was lucky enough to make the cut and we became fellow Alto 2's and base-line-buddies. I knew Annie was a "forever friend" when she instant messaged me to check-in on if it was ok with me to date someone who I had briefly dated in the past. I couldn't believe how thoughtful she was and have been in love ever since.
Bethany Wyshak
Bridesmaid
I first saw Bethany in one of the first photos in my new facebook profile (in junior year of college) announcing the newest Sirens to join the group. We stayed in touch after I graduated and was living in DC, and I'm so lucky that this sweet, talented, lovely lady decided to move to NYC right around the same time I did, as we have become even closer friends in NY than we were in college. When Bethany isn't singing or working at her non profit that provides music programs for kids in under served areas, you might find her biking, camping, jogging, or out at dinner with yours truly;)
Jossie Diel
Bridesmaid
Jossie is a native Californian, and, we met at Newark Airport en route to Israel. We bonded at the Tel Aviv airport when our layover was extended due to ice on the plane, and we spent the majority of the trip in Israel together, until the end when I invited myself to join her and her sister (Joey) on their trip to Berlin and Prague. Jossie is one of the few people I can have 3 hour long phone conversations with, which has made it possible to stay close friends/soul sisters even 3,000 miles away.
Avital Ornovitz
Bridesmaid
"Av" and I met in temple before Hebrew school at about 8 years old when my mom recognized her and started up a conversation. We became Hebrew school friends - and eventually drop-outs. When I switched from "tree school" to public school she was my first friend. She's always had my back, and we've always been able to talk about anything, no matter how challenging. One summer afternoon - on a break as lifeguards at the town pool - we decided we would stay friends after graduating High School, and the rest is history.
Julia Owen
Bridesmaid
Julia and I met at pre-school in Brooklyn, NY. She thought my name was "Unicorn" for the first month (at least) of knowing each other. It's still a mystery if I told her that was my name or if she just misunderstood. Either one is possible, since I've always loved unicorns, and also used to be shy and mumble as a kid. Some of our favorite pastimes are summer weekends at her family's summer home and exchanging gifts at the holidays with our families. (The Owens are some of the greatest gift givers of all time, and mine are usually unicorn related.)
Sheri Galardi
Mother of the Bride
My adorable Momma who birthed and raised 4 kids and is now helping with my sister and brother-in-law's 2.5 year old and newborn twins. This lady is a rock-star. Warm, caring, loving, endlessly doting mom, grandma, and unofficial personal shopper to just about anyone she knows. Thanks for teaching us about healthy food, where to find the BEST pastries no matter where in the world we are, and teaching me everything I know about clothes and color (almost! ;) ) Oh and of course, thank you for being a role model and shining example of how to love and nurture others. We love you! <3 PS I hope you have some energy left for when Anthony and I have kids! :)
Donna Murgola
Mother of the Groom
Donna is a warm and loving soul. She mentors women around the country through a program called Healing Hearts. She is also fun, sharp witted (aka funny), and gives the best hugs ever. We love her endlessly, and Liana can't wait to call her "Mom"!
Joe Galardi
Father of the Bride
I think my Dad knows he is one of my top most favorite people in the entire universe. (If you're thinking 'Daddy's girl' - you're correct.) Dad - Thank you for being amazing, teaching me everything I know, giving me everything I've ever wanted and more. You are the rock of our family, provider, protector, and doting, caring and loving father and now grandfather. I can hardly stop from tearing up seeing you with our new little ones. We are beyond lucky you're our Dad. <3
Mike Murgola
Father of the Groom
Mike and Anthony share a love of blues and great food - they often jam together both on the bass and guitar, and in the kitchen. Affectionately nick named "Magoo" - he and Anthony have a budding catering business called "Magoo's Kitchen." If we're lucky we will get to try some of their amazing culinary treats during the weekend.
Pete Abdelmessih
Best Man
Pete is Anthony's oldest and closest friend. They've been through many adventures together, starting in High School when they co-founded the guitar club, and would cut Mass to hop on the PATH to the Village. They've been jamming together for over 20 years, and they now also share a passion for cooking and eating spicy food. They've had each other's back ever since meeting years ago, and each know the other is always there to listen, vent, or get a fresh perspective.
Hal Galardi
Groomsman
Hal is Liana's brother aka nephew Mason's Dad and soon to be brother-in-law to Anthony. He's also an amazing musician, singer, and song writer. He can usually be found listening to or writing country music, playing guitar, going to the beach, or directing Truffles! Murder Mystery with Sonia.
Jack Galardi
Groomsman
Jack and Anthony are about to go from bro's to bro-in-laws. Jack just graduated from Skidmore University, loves basketball, and plans to be the commissioner of the NBA "when he grows up."
Phil Alongi
Groomsman
Phil and Anthony are about to go from bros to bro-in-laws. They enjoy whiskey festivals together and share a love of great music. Phil is an executive producer at NJTV news and a professional Opera Tenor (hopefully we'll get to hear his glorious voice at the wedding!)
Nick Fede
Groomsman
Nick is Anthony's cousin and like a little brother to us. He's coming all the way from MD to stand by us while we say our vows.
Stephanie Carlin
Officiant
Stephanie is one of our closest *mutual* friends, and is one of the reasons we met in the first place. Shes also become a confidant for both of us, often helping us through some of the challenges we've faced in our relationship. She's always been a big supporter for each of us in life, and together as a couple, so we are so excited to have her with us to lead our marriage ceremony. By trade, Stephanie is a musician, business and life coach, and entrepreneur. She founded and runs her own ground breaking music program for children in Brooklyn - Free Spirits Music. We're so excited for Stephanie to lead us in a ceremony full of love, joy, and connection.
Ryan aka "DJ Ry Toast"
Guest DJ
Ryan is one of Liana's oldest friends - from back in "tree school" riding horses and wearing blazers together. We are so excited that she is not only traveling all the way from LA to celebrate with us, but she's also offered to contribute her DJ stylings to the reception as a guest DJ. We can not WAIT to get down with this bada** chick πππΌπ
Alexander Kusak
Photographer
Alex and Liana were introduced my a mutual friend and colleague. He hit it off with both Anthony and Liana right away. He's already photographed an event for the Brazen Beauty project (Liana's project to empower adolescent girls in their self image) and will be doing a mini engagement shoot with the couple this month. He would have been on the guest list anyway, and, he will be in attendance as a photographer extraordinaire and also get to fit in some partying with us. We can't wait to see his coverage of the big day and any other photos he might grab throughout the weekend. Check out his work at www.alexanderkusak.com