Ana & Luis
Wedding Party
Kateryn Peguero
Matron of Honor
I met Kat in college at the University of Miami in 2007 through my roommate Cristina. I immediately felt a sense of home with Kat. It could have been because she was wearing Jordan's, hoop earrings, and talked with a NY accent, but more so because of our same taste in music, love of cheesy dance movies (Center Stage is the best dance movie of all time, don’t argue with us), sense of humor, and similar views on life. Through all the highs and lows of life over the past 14+ years (which have been plenty!), she's always been there for me. Although majority of our friendship has been long distance, it's never felt that way and we still talk to each other almost every day. While Kat may be my Matron of Honor for a day, she will always be my best friend for life.
Jonathan Fernandez
Best Man
Jo, Jonny, Chucho, Chuchonator, Jonny Missions... when you've known someone since middle school, the nicknames just start to add up. From making substitute teachers cry, to getting into clubs before we were old enough, squad vacations, driving down when I moved back to Miami, his wedding, his son's birth, and most recently his son's baptism, we've been through all the ups and downs life has to provide. Of the many benefits that come from being an only child, getting to "choose your siblings" is one that I've cherished the most. Jonny is very much my brother (much older) and an embodiment of the term "best man". I'm glad we get to share another one of life's ups together. It's a shame though that he won't be able to make it to the bachelor party.
Xiomara Valdes Hadnot
Matron of Honor
I grew up 2 blocks away from my cousin Xiomara aka Xiomi aka Showme. With an age gap of 7 years, we didn’t really have a whole lot in common until I was in high school. After high school I moved to Miami and every winter & summer break from college, I was back in Teaneck, NJ visiting my family & friends. It was during this period when Xiomi & I grew closer as I always stayed with her. We bonded over our late night talks while falling asleep, our party adventures out in the city, and eating the most amazing fried chicken sandwich & mozzarella sticks from Coliseum Pizzeria. Despite our different stages in life now (she’s a kick-ass mom of 3), she’s always been there for me. Although we are cousins by birth, we are sisters by choice, and I couldn’t imagine having a better sister in life.
Orlando Alvarez
Groomsman
Somehow I turned "Lando Calrissian" into "Cesarian" way back when I met Orly and the name has stuck ever since. There are few people in this world that I can make any comment or joke to with full confidence that 1. they'll get it and 2. they won't judge me for the content. Orlando is one of those people. Orlando was there for my days of 6 beers at a tailgate so that I could make kickoff, to not counting the drinks and rolling in with 8 minutes left in the second quarter without a care in the world. Orly has always been the guy I can count on for a good conversation about almost any subject, just not sports (Tracy Mcgrady is not top 5 all time). Another one of my brothers from another mother, that I'm glad will be sharing in our big day.
Annelise Sanchez
Bridesmaid
If it weren't for me crying in front of Annelise during lunch one day at work, we may not be where we all are today! Annelise and I started our careers together at KPMG. During lunch breaks, late night busy seasons, and daily IM conversations, we bonded over so many things - our love/hate relationship for accounting, our favorite songs of the moment, what happened on last night’s real housewives, and all the things we were going through in our personal lives. Even though Annelise left KPMG after a few years and despite the fact that she’s an FSU Seminole (I know you purposely sat me in front of the FSU band at the UM/FSU game 10 years ago), we still maintain a close friendship. She’s someone I can always count on, especially when it comes to standing by my side on such an important day.
Michael Benivegna
Groomsman
Mikey T, Mikey Tease, Miguelito (that guy has a master's?!)... Don't ask where the T came from, his last name starts with a B. When I met Mikey, he was a shy quiet guy, who would hang around and mostly listen while drinking a few beers. Fortunately or unfortunately (I've yet to decide), that guy no longer exists and I'm 100% sure Jonny, Orly, and I are to blame for that. Though we generally embarrass him, and we're not sure he even likes hanging around us, Mikey is the guy I count on to make sure we keep it together. My favorite bro to be around when he's had a few too many adult beverages, I'm glad Mikey will be there to keep us in line one more time on 2/27, even if he constantly ducks me on the golf course.
Melissa Carson
Bridesmaid
I met Melissa through Annelise in 2010 when she knew I needed some "single" friends. It didn't take very long for us to become close and we grew even closer when I became her roommate in 2014. We had weekly wine nights, watched the Bachelorette (thanks to Melissa getting me hooked on this show, Luis is now "forced" to watch it as well!), and even co-parented the kitten Melissa didn't want but ended up keeping, Tux. She's been there for me whenever I needed it, offering her emotional support and usually a shot or two lol. I'm so thankful to have her in my life and I look forward to the day when we live in the same city again!
Victor DePeralta
Groomsman
Biiiiiiiiiic... my Pilipino brethren! I met Vic as a fellow member of the JEB Stuart High School (RIP) drumline my sophomore year of high school and he's been my dude ever since. We'd go from rehearsal to the S-Route, then to wings and french onion soup at Dak's Grill (also RIP) weekly; a simpler time. Vic and I shared many interests beyond drumming/wings. A man of culture himself, he was the only person who I could share an appreciation of Michael Buble with. Vic eventually also went to VCU and our shenanigans remained mostly the same. We'd get together to drum, hang out, but now it was wings at Buffalo Wild Wings (10 cent Tuesday FTW) instead of Dak's. Vic has always been the guy I could count on, that could also count on me, and that will remain the same moving forward.
Christina Torres
Bridesmaid
I met Christina in 2007 at UM. I remember the first time we hung out she was pretty quiet, which is shocking to believe for anyone who knows her lol. It didn't take long for her to open up and showcase her confident, funny, and cool personality. We immediately clicked and spent the next two years partying it up, having late night sleepovers, and making music videos to Beyonce or a "Christina original" at 4am. I've been fortunate to travel around the world with her and always will cherish the week we went to visit Ruth in London (and the birth of Euro Ana). Every time I'm with her, it's nonstop laughter and I wouldn't have it any other way. Christina is so caring and loyal, I'm honored to have her in my life. #RACK4LIFE
Matt Eliff
Groomsman
Mattsy! Matty E! Gingy! Matt was another fellow member of the JEB Stuart High School Drumline (Big Bass 4) and eventually my drumline Co-Captain. Matt was the third member of the drumline squad, who also shared a passion for drumming and food. Matt was another guy who when I met him, I thought he was a quiet shy guy... I thought wrong. Matty's scathing sarcasm has been top notch since day one and as with most people who are in my friends group, can dish it out like a champ. Matt and I happened to date BFFs in HS (can you mention that on your wedding website?) so on top of the bro hang outs, we also did double datey things (movies, chain restaurants etc.) Matty has always represented my ginger heritage (I had a red beard hair once), and I'm glad he will do so again next February.
Ruth Titmarsh
Bridesmaid
I met Ruth through Christina during college as she would frequently visit her at UM (Ruth is from London and previously attended UM on foreign exchange). While we enjoyed the Miami nightlife together (Wet Fete! lol), we grew close during our travels together - NYC, Trinidad & Tobago, Jamaica, London, and Ireland. One of my favorite memories with Ruth is the week I stayed with her in London as it was just the two of us really getting to know each other. From her birthday dinner to dancing to Beyoncé in front of Stonehenge to the return of Euro Ana, we lived it up lol. Ruth is one of the kindest, most down to earth people I know. Although we may not talk all the time, she’ll always remain a close friend and I’m so happy she’s able to share in this special day with us.
Joseph Tedrow
Groomsman
Joey, Juice, Juicy, and my very favorite?! Gucci! (yeeeaaaaah). I met Joey at VCU. Joey was originally Vic's roommate then subsequently my roomy. When I met Joey, he was a quiet dude with Farrah Fawcett hair. Juice literally had the best hair game in all of Virginia (bring it back!). Hailing from Dale City (Lil DC!) his appreciation for Three 6 Mafia and OJ da Juiceman seemed odd to me at first. But as I got to know him, it all made sense. Joey was there for all of the 10 cent wing nights, and Eunice Ct. and Wawa subs at 2 AM nights too. We had differing schedules, but we would always find time to catch a meal (Golden Corral tho?!), and do midnight laundry at the the hotel I worked at. Juice was my go to my last few years in VA, so I'll be sure to have some Maker's waiting next February.
Cristina Arana
Bridesmaid
Cristina was one of the first people I met my freshman year at college as we lived on the same floor. We didn’t hang out much but I remember her being so welcoming & friendly. By chance we ended up as roommates junior year in the new campus apartments. In typical Miami fashion, the apts weren’t finished in time, so UM put us up at the Biltmore hotel for a month. We spent our time at the hotel enjoying the pool, having impromptu photo shoots and talking late into the night until we fell asleep. She encouraged me to join the campus Dominican students association, where as a Cubish girl, I became an honorary Dominican. She’s such a caring friend & I’m grateful that we’ve managed to stay close. Whenever I need a glass, or rather a bottle of wine, she’s the first person I call!
Federico Perez
Groomsman
Fede, Federiques, Tiger... I actually met Fede because my mother hired him while he was finishing up school at FIU, we soon became fast friends at work, and eventually outside of work. The consigliere to my party life, Fede was the guy who I could count on to let me know where the party was each weekend, and who to talk to so I could get in the door quickly. All the fun that I may have missed out on in while in VA, I made up for tenfold with Fede and "The Dominicans". But it wasn't always popping bottles and tables, we would go out to eat (a recurring theme), talk life, family, and even Netflix show's we recommend (I never did watch Pretty Little Liars). As a guy who doesn't get out much any more, I'm looking forward to another big bash with my dude Fede in Punta Cana.
Natalia Benedetti
Bridesmaid
Another friendship that I have KPMG to thank for, Nati and I started off as co-workers and quickly turned into close friends through late night busy seasons in the office, coffee breaks, work trips, happy hours, wine nights, and workout classes. Despite the fact that I usually say no when she asks to work out, she still loves me! We've shared some important milestones together including becoming dog moms together and now are brides-to-be together! I couldn't imagine my life without her and am so grateful for our friendship.
Sammyr Ayala
Groomsman
Quito! I met Sammyr through "The Dominicans". Though not Dominican, Sammyr was warmly welcomed to the squad. Originally one of my "party friends", you could usually find Sammyr right there with us at wherever the fun of the night was happening. We went from "bottoms up" partners to golf partners, and in those outings we became much more than party friends. The confines of a golf cart were a great place to discuss life and relationships, and at that point for the both us, there was lots to discuss! He's the guy I could always count on to join me for a round and my only golf buddy who doesn't avoid me at the golf course. Sammyr was one of the first people I told that I had started dating the the woman I was going to marry and four years later we'll be celebrating that moment together.
Celicia Hadnot
Junior Bridesmaid
Celicia aka Celi, is my amazing goddaughter. She's bright, funny, loving, sweet and also 9 going on 18. You can find her on the dance floor, splashing around in the pool, or making a million and one tik toks. I cherish the time we're able to spend together, including when she randomly calls me on FaceTime just to chat. I'm proud to be her madrina and am so thrilled to have her by my side on such an important day.
Brayden Long
Junior Groomsman
Brayden is the first person to give me my most cherished role - Aunt. He's the kindest, sweetest, most loving 12 year old ever. Want to know how to beat a video game? Ask Brayden. Want to know anything about Marvel? Ask Brayden. Need someone to build a complex Lego object? He’s your guy. It’s been amazing watching him grow up and I’m so excited to have him standing by our side on such a special day.
Landon Long
Junior Groomsman
Landon aka Lando is the funniest, silliest, sweetest 9 year old who made me a proud aunt for a second time. He’s a kid of many talents - a pro on the court and the baseball field, can sing along to most of today’s hit songs, and an excellent dancer (he’s been bustin' a move since he was a baby)! It’s also been amazing watching him grow up and I can't imagine celebrating this day without him by our side.
Danilo Fernandez
Ring Bearer
Nilo, Figgy, Il Figlioccio, and at some point, when I think it may embarrass him, Chucho Jr. Danilo is my favorite nephew and I have the pleasure and honor of also being his Godfather. As the coolest kid I know, he's also the only person I could count on to safely carry the rings to the altar!
Xiomara Hadnot
Flower Girl
Xiomi's youngest child and Celicia's youngest sibling, Xiomara aka Xioma will surely be the cutest 4 year old flower girl ever! She's a funny little lady with so much personality. She holds a special place in my heart and I can't wait to see her shine walking down the aisle!