Maryssa & Joseph
Wedding Party
Samantha Hemming
Maid of Honor
Sammy is Maryssa's chosen cousin and best friend. The two have been partners in crime for their entire lives. Sammy has known she would be Maryssa's "Maid of Honor" since they were children. From Sammy forcing Maryssa to listen to One Direction, Maryssa forcing Sammy to participate in homemade music videos, going through every high school experience, graduating college, and now Maryssa's wedding, they have been at each others side through every life milestone.
Justin Elhin
Best Man
Justin is Joesph's best friend. They have been friends since they were children. From riding around on their bikes together all throughout Woodland Park, to both joining the military after high school, creating fantastic career's as Police Officers, and being in each other's weddings, they've been together through all of life's milestones. They do not go a day without speaking to each other and never will. Choosing Justin as "Best Man" wasn't a decision, it was always known.
Alessia Donnelly
Matron of Honor
Alessia is Joseph's older sister. She is a fierce protector of her siblings, which now includes Maryssa as well! From helping Joe organize the entire proposal, to helping Maryssa through every step of the wedding planning process, Alessia has been a shoulder to cry on and a new "Built-in Best Friend" for Maryssa. Maryssa chose to make Alessia her "Matron of Honor" to thank her for all she has done for her and their entire family.
James Donnelly
Groomsman
Jimmy is Joseph's brother-in-law, who is married to his sister, Alessia. Joe couldn't have chosen a better man to marry his sister. Having Jimmy as a brother has been the best. From trips to Universal Studios, talking all things policing and football, and bonding over their love for Alessia, Joe has found a best friend in his brother-in-law. Jimmy is there for anything Joe needs. It was an easy decision to ask Jimmy to be a groomsman and Joe is honored to have him walk down the aisle with the couple on their wedding day.
Julia DiMartino
Bridesmaid
Julia is Joseph's younger sister. She is the baby of the family, the one the older two strive to protect. She is the jokester of the family, often making everyone laugh with Sponge Bob references. Julia is hard working, motivated, and above all, a great friend. Maryssa is so happy to finally be able to call her a sister and "Built-in Best Friend". Being Aunt's, together, side-by-side to their nephew is one of the greatest joys life has to offer!
Dave Sanchez
Groomsman
Dave is one of Joseph's best friends from the United States Marine Corps. They met before joining the Marines while working as valet's in high school. When Joe got on the bus to go to bootcamp, he was shocked to see his friend Dave there with him. They bonded over the course of their military careers, following each other from bootcamp, to Missouri, and finally, to Fort Dix, NJ. The brotherly bond they created in the Marines, will continue for their entire lives.
Giuliana Testa
Bridesmaid
Giuliana is Joseph's older, first cousin. When Maryssa first met the family, they all made her feel at home and part of the family instantly. When choosing a bridal party, it was important to Maryssa to choose a member of Joe's extended family as a way to honor all they have done for her. When Giuliana found out that Joe and Maryssa were engaged, she called them crying happy tears. At that moment, Maryssa knew she couldn't walk down the aisle without her.
Joey Testa
Groomsman
Joey is Joseph's cousin-in-law, married to his cousin Giuliana. Joe couldn't pick a better man to marry his cousin and always speaks so highly of Joey. Joey inspires Joseph with his hard-working attitude and loving demeanor. The way Joey treats Joe's mother, Joanne, means everything to him. Joe found a friend and role model in Joey and knew he wanted to include him as a groomsmen, immediately.
Challice Zaleski
Bridesmaid
Challice is Maryssa's best friend. The one you call when you need to get things off your mind or just need to vent. Challice and Maryssa have been there for each other through all of life's happiest or most challenging moments. From concerts to beach days or last minute drinks, Challice and Maryssa make the most out of each moment, together. When Maryssa asked Challice to be a bridesmaid, she was shocked and honored. Maryssa planned a surprise bridesmaid proposal for Challice with the help of Sammy, which was so much fun!
Tommy Haley
Groomsman
Tommy is one of Joseph's best friends from the United States Marine Corps. After meeting when Tommy joined his unit at Fort Dix, NJ, Tommy, Dave and Joe become inseparable. Whenever Joe had to go to base, he was always welcome in the Haley home and is incredibly grateful for the care he received from Tommy's family. After experiencing similar life altering events, it became clear that they would remain in each other's lives forever. Tommy always knew he would be one of Joe's groomsmen, and he was right.
Shannon Fontanella
Bridesmaid
Shannon is Maryssa's step-sister. She is the light of the family and one of the strongest people in the world. Shannon has overcome numerous health and disability issues to become the incredible woman she is today. Maryssa and Joe are extremely protective of Shannon and are grateful to have her in their lives. It was an easy decision to put Shannon in the bridal party, as it wouldn't be the same without her.
Nicholas Minadeo
Groomsman
Nicholas is Maryssa's little brother. Though Nicky and Joe couldn't be more different, Joe has become very protective of Nicky over the years, always wanting the best of the best for him. Joe couldn't be more excited to gain a little brother in Nicky. From tying Nicky's ties when he has a formal event, to giving advice whenever needed, and bonding over their love for the dogs and Maryssa, it was an easy decision to include Nicky as a groomsmen as it wouldn't be complete without him.