Wedding Party
Madison Swiney
Bride
How They Met M: Fern and I met for the first on March 27, 2018. Although Fern says it was the 24th. M: We met while I was on tour at Warwick, and I toured the kitchen where Fern was working. M: Who knew that brief encounter would turn into a whirlwind romance. M: Fast forward to June 19, 2022. Everyone was going to the pier in New York City. I had made plans with some friends from my congregation to go. One of the brothers who was going was named David and he used to work with Fernando. (David was probably in on this the whoooole time). M: I thought that was the end of it; that I really wouldn't see him again. We just went about having fun the rest of the night, but I didn't think we would hang out after. M: We went up to a rooftop after the pier, and Fernando ended up sitting next to me.(Coincidence?? I think not!) M: The first thing I noticed was how nice the conversation flowed. He came across as someone who was comfortable with himself, but he wasn't full of himself. He was kind, and had plenty of charm and charisma. It was so easy to talk to him. M: At the end of the night, the bill could only be split two ways, so Fern paid for my side of the table and David paid for the other. He said I could Apple Pay him for the food, so we had to exchange numbers. Can't lie, it was smooth. M: The next day, I Apple Paid him, we started talking, and the rest is history!"
Fernando Ayala
Groom
How They Met F: It was the 24th. I saw her at a party a few days before. I just never got the chance to ask her to dance. I thought she was so beautiful." (Honestly, who doesn't?) F: It was a very brief encounter. Really, it was only a, 'Hello, nice to meet you.' From that point there was really no communication. We only knew of each other because of mutual friends. I never thought or expected that I would see her again. F: David and I made plans to get a group together after the pier to hang out. But I actually ran into Madison before that. We recognized each other and had a brief conversation. F: I knew we were hanging out after." (He was scheming the entire night). F: It was the green eyes for me...Just kidding. (He's not kidding.) F: I liked many things about her. She was very confident, but not in a haughty way. I could tell she loved having people around her and made them feel comfortable too. She was very funny and sweet. The conversation was easy and effortless. F: We got each other's information," (due to some smooth operator maneuvering at dinner) and the rest is history. .
Gerardo Ayala
Best Man
Fernando's older brother. The A1 since day one. They were brothers who were always together, and even when they would fight constantly as kids, they would always forgive each other and go right back to being best friends. About Gerardo, Fernando said, "Although we don't choose our family, I couldn't be happier with the brother I got. He has always been there for me and set a good example. I know that if I ever need anything, he is there for me in a heartbeat."
David Molina
Groomsman
When Fernando started at Warwick, he was assigned to the same congregation as David. Wilber, Adrian, David, Stefan and Fernando were always hanging out. He has always appreciated how much David cared about his family and others, constantly looking out for them and setting aside time for others. Fernando said very admirably, "David's positivity, even in difficult times, is truly contagious."
Wilber Flores
Groomsman
Wilber and Fernando met over 9 years ago. They had the same temp assignment in Brooklyn and later on at Warwick. They instantly became friends and are just as close now. "This man has the biggest heart of anyone I know. His selfless attitude and positivity is extremely contagious. I am constantly learning from him," said Fernando about his close friend.
Adrian Rene
Groomsman
Like Wilber, Adrian and Fernando met 9 years ago. He was also temping in Brooklyn and later was called to Warwick. Although he wouldn't admit it, he was the most level headed of their crew. From him, Fern learned how to balance work, recreation, and spiritual activities. "He is the kind of guy who is always looking out for others and putting his personal preferences last," related Fernando.
Daleth Hernandez
Maid of Honor
Madison's longtime friend and Maid of Honor who's made of honor. Get it? Daleth and Madison hit it off as teenagers after meeting one Sunday afternoon and never looked back. "When life gives Daleth lemons she not only makes lemonade, but lemon bars and lemon meringue pie, and has motivated me to try to do the same. I absolutely love her for that." For Madison, Daleth has been that ray of sunshine in her life and she appreciated how much more vibrant and fun her life has been because of Daleth's friendship.
Michaela Richardson
Bridesmaid
Michaela and Madison became friends 10 years ago after going to a party together. She is well known as being Madison's voice of reason and life manager. "There has not been a time that Michaela has not been there for me, every tough time I have gone thru she has been there to listen to me and help reason it out. She has played such an important role in my life and her friendship is priceless."
Abby Ayala
Bridesmaid
Madison's very soon to be sister in-law! To Madison, Abby is a true gem. "When I first met Abby I was super nervous, but as I have gotten to know her I feel so silly for feeling that way. Abby is one of the most sincere, thoughtful people I have come to know and no one gift gives like her. She has gone out her way to make me feel welcomed and apart of the family. I couldn't have asked for a better little sister. "
Talhia Stevenson
Bridesmaid
(Yes, that is her dog in a matching beret in the picture). Tally and Madi, Madi and Tally. Talhia will always have a special place in Madison's heart. "The first word that comes to mind when I think of Talhia is genuine, she is herself through and through and what an amazing person she is because of it. I miss our late nights watching New Girl or Mindy Project, our big, Saturday nights in, and hiking dates. I am so thankful to have a friend as wild and wonderful as Tal, she is my family."
Cloudy Swiney
Most Important Person In The Bridal Party
If you know Madison, then you know exactly who this is.