Wedding Party
Grant Streit
Groom
Hi everyone! I’m Grant — the groom! I grew up in Alpharetta, Georgia, and later headed to Auburn University (War Eagle!) before life brought me to Raleigh, where I’ve now lived for about six years. Somewhere between cheering for my favorite teams, building a life here, and playing in a local soccer league, I met the woman who completely changed my world. I’m a big sports fan — soccer, football, basketball, golf, you name it! When I’m not on a field or watching a game, you’ll probably find me exploring new places with Marinel, trying great food, or listening to her break into song, which happens more often than you’d think. I’m incredibly grateful for the journey that led us here, and I can’t wait to celebrate with all of you. Thank you for being part of our lives and for joining us on such a meaningful day.
Marinel Ubaldo
Bride
Hello there! I’m Marinel — the bride! I was born and raised in the Visayas region of the Philippines, where island sunsets, community spirit, and a whole lot of karaoke shaped who I am today. Life eventually carried me across the world, all the way to North Carolina, where I now pour my heart into climate justice, community organizing, and building spaces where people feel powerful, connected, and heard. When I’m not rallying communities or speaking about climate diplomacy, you’ll most likely find me singing (anywhere, anytime), crafting something beautiful, or playing pickleball! I’m endlessly grateful for the journey that brought me here, to this moment, and to this wedding. I can't wait to celebrate, laugh, dance, and create memories with all of you. Excited to meet everyone and share this joyful day with the people who have shaped our lives in big and small ways.
Kenny Streit
Best Man
I live in Smyrna, Georgia. I'm Grant's older brother. Grant and I have a lot of memories growing up like: playing baseball with the mini bats in the backyard; going fishing in Hilton head one summer and watching all the sharks only bite his line; playing pool in the basement growing up; watching some of his soccer games when he played keeper, and of course going to auburn games!
Shukria Alavi
Maid of Honor
Hi everyone, this is Shukria, from Afghanistan, but currently living in the U.S. The story of how Marinel and I got close is sooooo long, but the reason is that she is the kindest and most caring person ever! Fun fact: tonight she and I just played golf!
Rexor Amancio
Bridesman
Anne Marian Mae Valdez
Maid of Honor
Hey everyone! I’m Marian from the Philippines. Marinel and I have been friends for the last ten years, we were roommates in college. I am two years older, so she calls me Mama. Fun fact about Marinel: back in college, she had no clue who Ed Sheeran was, so she totally thought the posters of a guy in our room were my boyfriend.😅 Hope to see you all soon!
Matt Casey
Groomsman
From Alpharetta, Georgia. Grant and I were childhood friends and neighbors. Fun fact: Grant and I carpooled everyday to school for 8/9 years, assumed to just be hanging out every Friday
Kirsten "Kat" Taylor
Bridesmaid
Hi y’all! It’s such a joy to meet you! My name is Kat (I also go by Kirsten- just pick your favorite). I’m currently based out of Denver Colorado (let me know if you’re visiting this summer so I can show you around)! I first officially met Marinel in grad school during orientation. I remembered thinking she was so positive, so kind, … and really looked like this amazing climate activist who I had seen speak at COP26 6 months before 🤔😂… she was! I think my favorite memories are of hanging out with her during grad school. Whether we were studying or relaxing, she always brightened my day and had fascinating ideas to share! 😀💛 I look forward to meeting y’all soon and to celebrating with y’all in person next spring 🎊🎊🎊
Brock Hidle
Groomsman
Axelle Miel
Bridesmaid
Hi! I’m Axelle and I’m currently in France (but I’m from Cebu, Philippines). I met Marinel through our Filipino students club at Duke and I’m not sure how we got close, I think gossiping about boys?? 🤪🤪 fun fact we’re almost the same height LOL Hope to meet you all in NC next year if geopolitics get better (fingers crossed)!!!
Andrew Pellegrino
Groomsman
Andrew Pellegrino currently lives in Southaven, Mississippi, just outside Memphis, Tennessee. Grant and I are stepbrothers and became close through our parents' relationship. My most cherished tradition with Grant is our yearly trip to Hilton Head Island. We've made countless memories there biking, fishing, playing sports on the beach—it was a summer staple for us growing up.
Jameela Joy Reyes
Bridesmaid
hi all! im joy and im based in london, marinel and i got close from our climate activism work, and because were both the epitome of what its like to be a cancer haha a couple years ago we were supposed to go to poblacion, a party place in the philippines, but we got stuck in traffic so instead marinel and i (both fresh from breakups at the time) sat in the midst of manila traffic and sang the entirety of olivia rodrigos discography like a pair of heartbroken 19 year olds hahaha. it was very therapeutic, and now she's getting married!!
Oscar Valdivia
Groomsman
Based in Raleigh, NC Grant and I became friends in the summer of 2016, when he welcomed me into his friend group at Auburn. We had a blast playing on multiple intramural teams and hanging out at the same spots around Auburn. Our friendship grew, and it was at the 2019 Final Four where we became close. We, along with Grant’s mom and brother, made some good memories on that Final 4 trip: from hitting the local bars along with other basketball fans (and enduring obnoxious Virginia fans), to solving the most elaborate Escape Room I’ve seen. Grant and his family showed me a great deal of kindness and fun on that trip, making it one to always remember.
Sadaf Sutaria
Bridesmaid
Hey everyone! I’m Sadaf, originally from Pakistan, but currently based in the U.S. Marinel and I first met during one of our early grad school projects, and from there, we just kept getting closer as our time at Duke went on. And now… here we are! 😄 Fun fact: Marinel met Grant a little after we became friends, and I got a front-row seat to watch their relationship grow. It was honestly one of the sweetest things I experienced at Duke. ❤️❤️
Cameron David Hoggan
Groomsman
I am based in Fuquay-Varina, NC Grant and I connected through adult league soccer. We met in 2021 when we joined the same team, Dang’s Young Boys. With Grant at center back, and me right in front of him at center mid, we became very close. Beers after games, golf, Auburn football, late weekday Co-ed games led us to be roommates for a year in 2023. Soon enough I understood War Eagle and got to experience Filipino shows and movies for the first time.
Marcela Streit
Bridesmaid
Hello!! My name is Marcela and I am currently based in Smyrna, GA! Marinel and I got close the first time we met in Hilton head when our partners were going golfing and we decided to join them out on the course! Marinel and I shared another golf cart together all day and talked about everything under the sun. I loved how open she was and how easily we could talk about any topic after just meeting! A couple years later and now I will be able to call her my sister in law!! I’m so honored to be able to stand by her side and I can’t wait to celebrate! 💗
Andrew Appert
Groomsman
Based in Columbus, OH Grant and I went to grade school together! We’ve been friends since kindergarten as we also lived near each other and also played soccer together. Fun memory is tough to pick! We’ve had so many great times together. Probably all those late nights at his mom’s place playing halo or rock band or ping pong 🏓
Sama Abusweireh
Bridesmaid
Hi everyone! My name is Sama and I’m a student at Northwestern University in Chicago and I’d love to meet you if you come to Chicago it’s amazing during summer! And I’m from Palestine. I got to know Marinel through Shukria, we bond together because of our shared experiences in North Carolina. I love how she listens to us and lets us vent to her whenever we need and whenever she’s around I know we will have a good time! Fun fact: we went to Avril Lavigne’s concert with her and I knew zero songs 😭, and still we had the best time together! Also you can add me on the list Axelle, I think I’m the same height as you guys or even shorter 🫶
Keziah Theresee Gerosano
Bridesmaid
Hey everyone! I’m Keziah Gerosano, from the Philippines, but currently based in DC. I knew Marinel while working in the climate space - super inspired by her story and willpower to create a difference 💫 a memory we share are dinner/drinks at the sidelines of climate events talking about live and love life (spilling all the gossip and tea 🍵) 🥰🥰 So so excited to meet you all!
Mark O'Grady
Groomsman