Kristina & Daniel
Wedding Party
Ivanna Ortiz
Maid of Honor
Though not biologically Kristina's sister, Ivanna and she have been best friends since freshman year in Forest Hills High school. (Where Kristina showed her weirdness and Ivanna couldn't not be her friend) Through choirs and theory classes to college and romances, Ivanna has been the shoulder to cry on, the support and all around great friend. Kristina is blessed to have her calming centering nature next to her as she embarks on this new journey.
Jaynes Guillaume
Best Man
Daniel loves each one of his siblings very much. However, he and Jaynes have spent the longest time together. Jay has been there as an ear to vent to since Daniel's pre-teen to adult years. When choosing someone to be his Best Man it was decided from long ago that his Older Brother would stand by his side.
Kiana Blackshaw
Bridesmaid
Kiana (aka Nana) and Kristina also began their friendship in the halls of Forest Hills HS, where Nana an Kristina struggled through the trials of adolescence. My forever lesbian lover (keeping us safe from creepy men on the subway), Kiana has continued to look to empower Kristina to be as fierce as she truly is. She is always guaranteed to make Kristina laugh and occasionally choke on food. Kristina is blessed to have her in her corner to fill this new chapter with new laughs.
Jordon Alagna
Groomsman
Jordon and Daniel's friendship stems back to freshman year Science, and Band class (Since he attracts close friendships with brass players as well). Jordon's nerdy yet reserved nature coupled well with Daniel's Extra goofy and reserved nature. They've shared many long walks to destress and talk about life. Jordon has been a standup guy and continues to be a good friend to Daniel.
Julia Mackey
Bridesmaid
From sharing a stage together in theater/ choir in high school to being an inspiration of strength and poise today, Julia has been this great friend and sister to Kristina. No matter the time of day or the length from the times we spoke, Kristina can always count on Julia to be a motivation of excitement and love. She is an inspiration to Kristina and a blessing to have as she embarks on this journey. (Also we love a Ricolicious)
Kaleb Lewis
Groomsman
Kaleb and Daniel have been friends since their first year at Queens Colleges Aaron Copland School of Music. From sharing back and forth jokes in the hallways and ensembles (yet another brass player Daniels energy attracted) to living with each other as roommates and having late night laughs. Kaleb has been a great energy to have in both Kristina and Daniel's lives and continues to be a wonderful friend to them both.
Valerie Rose Ortiz
Bridesmaid
Valerie Rose granted me the blessed honor of becoming a Titi! This is an honor Kristina will forever treasure. She is an intelligent, kind-hearted, warm, loving young lady that Kristina is proud to call her Niece. She has continued to be at my side during all pivotal changes in life and I am honored she will continue to be there for this next journey.
Loovens Guillaume
Groomsman
Daniel's oldest and first Nephew from his oldest Brother, Loovens made Daniel an Uncle. Loovens used to always want to hang with his uncles and took after him in a few ways. Daniel was his first Drum teacher and his Athletic nephew even began playing Lacrosse because he saw his uncle play as well. Daniel loves his Nephew very much and is grateful he gets to have him stand with him as he brings in a new Family member, Kristina, who also loves him very much.
Sarah Valenzuela
Bridesmaid
Sarah has been a friend to Kristina through the ups and downs of finding herself. She has never doubted what Kristina was capable of and was always the first to support in any way. Sarah like an older sister, Kristina never had, talked her through the transitions from Middle to High school to College, and continues to be this support to Kristina. Her energetic, loving nature is one that will continue to shine a light in Kristina's life.
Lu'Keus Isler
Groomsman
Lu'keus and Daniels friendship started off rocky from his first experience at Star Lake music camp (L.J. being one of his first close friends who Played Tuba). Lu'Keus always found a way to bring out an energy out of Daniel that very few people get to see. Lu'Keus and Daniel can joke and talk real anytime they pick up after a while of not talking, which makes it an irreplaceable relationship. Daniel is glad to call Lu'Keus his Brother from another Mother.
Daniela Pacheco Alonso
Bridesmaid
Daniela and Kristina began their friendship in the gymnasium of Forest Hills HS where there was an instant connection. Daniela's fiery fierce loving nature has been the source of comfort for Kristina through some of the most difficult times in her life. Daniela and Kristina's love and support for each other continue to combat the odds of distance. Daniela is the definition of a best friend that no matter how far they are, you will never cease to love and support each other.
Christopher Swift
Groomsman
"Hey, I'm Chris Swift, what kind of music are you into?" were some of the words from the first new person Daniel met at Queen Colleges Aaron Copland School of Music. Chris and Daniel began their music education journey together and easily became good friends. This was a good thing since they were in every education class and ensemble together, and also shared many Duets and held a Duet recital. Chris has been a great support to Daniel in his school life and been a great supporter of Kristina and Daniel.
Angie Martinez
Bridesmaid
Angie (aka Pepa) and Kristina's friendship truly flourished during the craziness of the Aaron Copland school of music. Angie has continued to love and support Kristina and together they have been able to make wonderful music together. Together in their struggle to embark on their career, with laughs, hugs, and wine, they have been able to continue on the journey together.
Jelani Weekes
Groomsman
Jelani was one of the first drummers/musicians Daniel looked up too when moving to New York. Jelani and Daniel became good friends from playing in ensembles and working at Camp together. Jelani and Daniel have laughed and cried (sad tears and happy ones) together on numerous occasions. Daniel is very glad Jelani will bring his energy to his bridal party as a groomsmen.
Joseph Acierno
Groomsman
Joseph (aka Joe) is a good friend of Daniel's. He's always on the lookout for Daniel supporting him and in turn Daniel doing what he can to support Joe. Joseph is a stand up guy and has been ever since they met in band class 9th Grade (yup another brass player). He has been nothing short of supportive of Daniel and Kristina from the beginning. If you get a chance find Joe and strike up a conversation about a movie you like, he's probably seen it, and will have much to say.