Wedding Party
Melissa Marchesano
Bride
From the moment I met Melissa, I knew she was special... and as I’ve grown to love her over the last year and a half, I have only come to believe that more and more. Melissa is a kind, sensitive, emotional woman; she has the biggest heart of anyone I’ve ever known. She’s reasonable and levelheaded, and I can always count on her for a straightforward idea or answer to any dilemma. Beside being so genuine and real, she has the best sense of humor. Laughing with her is my favorite thing to do. The last year and a half of knowing Melissa has been the best time of my life. I still can’t believe she ever decided to give me the time of day... let alone agree to marry me. I just can’t wait to spend the rest of my life with this brilliant, lovely, fantastic woman who I’ve come to love so much.
Jadon Rodriguez
Groom
Jadon is kind, patient, spiritual, understanding, strong, funny, and loving...these qualities among countless others are what drew me to him and made me grow to love him through this amazing year. When I think of Jadon, there’s always one word that comes to mind...good. Jadon to his very core is good. His goodness makes me feel safe and loved with no question. That goodness comforts me when I’m sad and laughs with me when I’m happy. It gives me hope when I’m feeling doubtful and confidence when I’m feeling low. A lot of times, Jadon doesn’t have to say anything at all. Just having him near, rubbing my head and pulling knots out of my hair is more comforting than words can say. I so look forward to marrying my good hearted and good natured best friend, serving Jehovah together hand in hand.
Erika Marchesano
Bridesmaid
Erika is Melissa’s older sister. Erika can always be counted on to send Melissa an “I love you” text message daily, often followed by an array of heart emojis. Erika takes care of Joey while Melissa is away, taking him on walks and giving him plenty of treats. Erika remembers all the important dates, insuring Melissa and Jadon that they will never forget their anniversary.
Johnny Rodriguez
Best Man
I’ve always looked forward to the time I could spend with Johnny. On the rare occasion that we could spend a weekend together as children, we’d spend hours playing video games, swimming in the pool, sharing books, and obsessing over Star Wars and our own imaginary worlds. As we grew older, Johnny’s family moved nearer and we even went to the same high school for a moment. More often than not, you could find us at each others houses, doing the same things we did as children- playing video games, sharing books, talking and listening to music. Our lives have both changed very much- Johnny fell in love and married his lovely wife Marilyn, and I moved to New York. But our lives as brothers remains rich, and I know without a doubt that Melissa and I will always have Johnathan to lean on.
Ashley Panetta
Bridesmaid
Here’s another adventure to be shared between Melissa and Ashley. First cousins and travel partners, they spent summers sleeping over each other’s houses, spending hours at Blockbuster trying to find “an appropriate scary movie”. They’ve been to Iceland, Italy, France, Thailand and England together... just to name a few. Ashley’s upbeat and always ready for a good time personality is just the right amount of sparkle to brighten this bridal party.
Daniel Maraletos
Groomsman
I’ve been close to Daniel for the many years, so long that I had trouble trying to pin down exactly when we became friends. Daniel is dependable, good-natured, and funny. I have fond memories of spending many nights at Daniel’s house as a kid, playing video games until 2am, waking up at 10am, and starting over again. Certain weeks in middle school, I’m sure I spend more nights at his house than my own, playing video games, doing homework, eating sour patch kids. We always swam in the pool and went on family vacations together, and I cherished the support and welcoming friendship of his family. I truly felt at home with Daniel and his family in those formative years. I’m so thankful that Daniel is one of my groomsmen and I can’t wait to see where our lives take us into the future!
Gianna Elliott
Junior Bridesmaid
Gianna is Melissa’s younger cousin. Melissa has taken care of Gianna since she was born, being the first baby’s diaper Melissa has ever changed. Gianna has always been a ball of fire. Gianna would often sleepover Melissa’s house and sleep with Melissa. At 6am on the dot, she’d wake up with her eyes wide open and say “Wake up, Me-me!” (Melissa is not a morning person). Before 8am hit, the two would already have played with Play-Doh, watched Phantom of the Opera, and made cookies. Gianna still comes over regularly, although she doesn’t wake up at 6am anymore...thank goodness. Gianna is a sweet and kind young lady and we are very excited to have her part of our day.
Justin Richard
Groomsman
Justin and I grew up across the street from each other in Huntington Beach, spending many afternoons skateboarding, shooting each other in the face with NERF guns, and playing Guitar Hero until our fingers bled. Justin is simply easy to get along with. He’s friendly, smart, and hilarious. Like most of my close friends, we became close over video games and music- two things we still love in common to this day. One trait I value in Justin is how levelheaded and reasonable he is. Often times, he’d be the one out of my three best friends with the straightforward logical advice that I didn’t necessarily want to hear but needed anyway. I admire this about Justin, and I love him and his wife Melea as the closest family. I feel truly blessed to count him among my best friends and groomsmen.
Matthew Cummins
Groomsman
I first met Matt when he was dating my sister, Mackenzie, and came to New York for a visit. I tried to be icy, aloof and fulfill the protective older brother stereotype, but it didn’t take long for him to win me over. He didn’t have a car, and my mom and sister both worked late, which left us alone most evenings. We passed the time by playing FIFA (another video game, go figure) and eating junk food, waiting for Kenzie to get back. One thing that impressed me about Matt from the beginning is his mild, reasonable way of handling potentially difficult issues. Time and again he’s shown that he’s got what it takes to be a member of my family. It’s easy for anyone to see that he doesn’t demand respect, but earns it. I’m happy to call him my brother and excited to have him in our wedding.
Mackenzie Cummins
Bridesmaid
Mackenzie is Jadon’s “big” little sister, a surfer, foodie, and dog whisperer extraordinaire. Jadon and Kenzie have been inseparable since the day she was born, and that bond continued to grow and strengthen with every passing year. They experienced a lot of funky stuff as they passed through adolescence into adulthood, but no matter how crazy life got, they knew they could always turn to each other for support, laughter, and some good good music. And now, as every passing day brings Jadon closer to marriage, these siblings and best friends approach a new adventure the same way they always have: with a healthy serving of silly confidence, taking every situation with an inappropriate level of laid-back-ness, probably sharing some dumb inside joke that alienates everyone else within earshot.
Andrew Marchesano
Groomsman
Andrew is Melissa’s older brother. Andrew has always taken care of Melissa ever since she was a baby, running home from school because he was excited to change diapers. Melissa has memories of Andrew putting her in a blanket in the living room and twirling her around in it, driving around in his Jeep in the summertime with the top down and doors off, and being a junior bridesmaid in his wedding. Andrew has always been good at just about everything which has made him an especially great older brother to look up to. Andrew is father to flower girl and ring bearer, Amelie and Ashton, and husband to bridesmaid, Amanda. We’re very excited to have the A-team as part of our bridal party!
Amanda Marchesano
Bridesmaid
Amanda is Melissa’s sister in law. Amanda is wife to groomsman Andrew and mother to flower girl and ring bearer, Amelie and Ashton. Amanda is one of two members of our bridal party from England...and no, it’s not Andrew. Amanda is very creative, a trait which has been seamlessly passed down to Amelie. Amanda always comes up with beautiful decorative ideas and puts a lot of thought behind everything she does. Amanda also makes the best crispy potatoes. Amanda can always be counted on to do things with care and attention to detail, two very valuable traits to this bridal party.
Amelie Marchesano
Flower Girl
Amelie is Melissa’s favorite niece. Amelie is 9 years old and fully prepared to take on her duty as flower girl. Amelie has always been very creative, often keeping bits of wrapping paper, boxes, feathers...etc, to repurpose into something she can play with. Amelie is a very responsible big sister to ring bearer, Ashton. Amelie is a hard worker with an endless imagination. She also can beat anyone at a memory matching game. Amelie is very caring and loves her whole family very much, once saying she wished everyone could live on one block with tunnels connecting each home. We’re positive Amelie will have no problem bringing that cute factor on our wedding day.
Ashton Marchesano
Ring Bearer
Ashton is Melissa’s favorite nephew. Ashton is 6 years old and little brother to flower girl, Amelie. Ashton loves to run, doing laps around the house for hours with Joey following right behind. Ashton loves to read anything. He’ll read instruction manuals, chapter books, labels... anything. Ashton has said that in the paradise, he would like to have a kitty cat. Ashton is always telling jokes and making his family laugh. He once said it was his dream to use a toilet plunger, and was so excited once he got the opportunity... so excited that Amelie wanted to then also give it a try. It’s that kind of enthusiasm that makes Ashton the perfect ring bearer.
Joey Marchesano
Dog of Honor
Joey is Melissa’s beloved 6 year old Icelandic Sheepdog. Joey has become Melissa and Jadon’s ultimate chaperone, barking at the couple as soon as they attempt to even hug each other. Joey and Melissa have a very special bond. If anyone tries to take Joey off of Melissa’s bed while she’s still in it, he will go completely limp, making it impossible to lift him. Joey loves Jadon and greets him with enthusiastic tail wags and cries when he sees him. Joey will do absolutely anything for a treat. He has done the laundry and put dishes in the sink, all for just a little crumb. Joey loves people and is very excited to meet all of his new family and friends.