GETTING MARRIED!
Our "Hybrid" Wedding Party
Emily Maglin
Maid of Honor
Emily is Mercedes’ only daughter, best friend and overall shining light and source of pride and joy. She has been Mercedes' sidekick since the moment she entered this world and the best travel partner, play pal and person to share conversations about life, movies and books with. Emily is in her Senior year at Florida State University (Go Noles!) and will be standing next to us representing all of our children on this very special day. She will make you laugh and get you to love her beloved 'brother' Brody (11 year old English Cream Retriever) within minutes of meeting her. She is one of a kind, and how thrilling to have her as Maid of Honor in such a special way. We love you, Emily!
Angelo Funicelli
Best Man
Traveling all the way from Italy to join us for the occasion, Angelo is Antonio's younger brother who lives quite the exotic life as the executive chef of a major private yacht (and no, we will not make him cook for the wedding!). We feel so grateful that he will be here carrying in his heart the loooooong list of Italian family members that can’t be with us this day. Mercedes has not seen Angelo since she was 15 and him 14 years old! Watch for him to help us get everyone on the dance floor for some Tarantella (dance) fun. Benvenuto negli Stati Uniti! (Welcome to the US, Angelo!).
Laura Daniella Funicelli
Honorary Bridesmaid
Laura Daniella is Antonio's daughter (princess, to be exact) and the oldest of 3. She is a beautiful, caring and extremely talented girl. A terrific seamstress and crafty in every way, she has been deeply involved in work that supports women's causes and is currently in the education field, working as a teacher which she loves. We couldn't be prouder of all her accomplishments!. She will be joining the festivities along with her brothers virtually from Venezuela, but her big heart will be with us every step of the way. As Emily walks down the aisle with her Mom, she will carry Laura Daniella with her as the other girl in our lives that makes our circle complete. We love you!
Maurizio Funicelli
Honorary Groomsman
Maurizio is Antonio's middle child and the "Chief Fun Instigator" in the Funicelli household. If there's a party to be organized, attended or DJ'd, he's your guy. Maurizio is an accomplished soccer player and Antonio's last "roommate". Witty and easy going, he's the groomsman that no doubt would walk down the aisle with his own kind of swing. Oh, and he’s a great cook! (#italiangenes). He will be joining us virtually with his siblings on the special night, and we can't wait to be with him again soon.
Ricardo Funicelli
Honorary Groomsman
Ricardo is the youngest of the Funicelli dynasty and now the closest in age to Emily. He is as handsome as he is tall (so handsome! so very tall!) and a fantastic soccer player to boot! He is passionate and steadfast just like his Dad, and you could say he’s Antonio’s “Mini Me” (looks so much like him too).He is pursuing a degree in Marketing which makes Mercedes' heart sing, and no doubt will accomplish everything he sets out to do. We know that his big heart will be with us on that special night as he joins us virtually with his siblings. We love you!
Zira Mercedes Villanueva
Mother of the Bride
Mom is a force of nature and a testament to a life well lived. She has been a source of love, strength and support, and we feel so blessed to have her with us celebrating our journey and our love. Who could have told her that the same kid that used to come over to visit Mercedes so long ago would one day show up again 41 years later? She is thrilled to welcome Antonio back into her life and be a witness to our union. Thank you, Mom!
Tatiana Ramos Bosch
Officiant
Tatiana (Taty) is the reason we met and the reason we re-connected. How very perfect that she accepted our request to marry us! Taty and Mercedes have been friends and schoolmates since the first grade. Neither time nor life turns have kept them apart and same goes for Antonio and Taty. Both met as kids swimming at the "Hogar Canario" club in Venezuela and have been friends ever since. We both share a long trail of friends with Taty at the epicenter of it all. How special is this? Very!
Brody
The Real Boss
Remember Emily’s “brother?” This is him! This guy is the sweetest fur baby ever, and now Antonio has a new buddy for life. Emily is making sure he’s well schooled on all things Brody and the hundred (at least) terms of endearment she has baptized Brody with (keep up, Antonio!). Let’s be clear: it’s Brody ‘s world, and we’re all just in it. He will be safely enjoying a night off from his hyperactive family with his favorite sitter, munching on treats with a new Wedding Day toy. #angel