Sophia & Ryan
Meet the Wedding Party
Serena D'Agostino
Matron of Honor
A life-long sister and friend, Serena has always been an inspiration to all with her patience and aptitude for helping those in need (not to mention her crazy good art skills!). She has dedicated her life to being an educator at Kipp and Title One schools. Always ready to lend an ear or come up with creative solutions, Serena is always one of the first calls I make whenever I find myself struggling with patience or while working in education. Also responds to: Rena, Boo, Nunny, Constance, and Constie Will soon respond to: Mama
Danny Dibenedetto
Best Man
Cousin and best friend, Dan and I met practically before we could both talk, and when we are together, our collective IQ's have not progressed much since that first meeting. If ever there was a time for shenanigans, I always knew Dan would be on board. From shooting an arrow into the air to a concussive exercise ball incident, Dan and I have practically done it all. If there is an activity that would be fun but way too reckless for any sane person to try, Dan's the guy you call - you might not make it out in one piece, but you'll have a great time!
Ralph Arel D'Agostino
Man of Honor
While skeptical before his arrival into our family, once born, Arel and I were immediate buds. As partners in crime, we shared a lot of entertaining moments together. The moments I remember most fondly though tend to be milder; specifically our times getting muddy outside, playing "monsters," castle, and of course the classic Lincoln Logs. As the infamous "super genius," we also spent a lot of time working on schoolwork together. I suppose all of our time spent designing and building as kids has led him on to his carreer, as he is currently studying to be an engineer - a nuclear engineer - at NC State! Preferred name: Arel Also responds to: Budsy, Ebby, Ebay, and Ael
Connor Walsh
Groomsman
A brother and friend, Connor is one of the strongest men I know - literally (Have you seen him lift?). Growing up, we went on many fun and crazy adventures together, such as scuba diving all over the world including the Wall in the Grand Cayman islands where a stingray accepted him as a fellow marine buddy by giving him a massive hickey. Currently, Connor is finishing up his last year at Wake Forest University, earning a BS in biology, and hoping to pursue a career in marine biology. He's basically Aquaman. I look forward to having him by my side at the altar.
Lucy D'Agostino
Bridesmaid
Lucy sets a constant example of the perfect balance between femininity and feminism. Graduating from UNC Chapel Hill with a degree in religious studies and romance languages, Lucy is currently crushing it as an assistant professor at Wake Forest University teaching several levels of statistics (go deacs!). Lucy is one of the most motivated, hard-working individuals I know, whose work habits I have worked hard to emulate (who else could switch from a religious studies and romance languages double major into being a successful statistician and statistical professor??). Oh, and on top of all of this, she also is a mom, so uber cool woman points to her there. Also responds to: Lucia, Lucia Monster, Lulu Belle, Lucy Loo, and Mama
John Diaz-Silveira
Groomsman
Soph and I first met John freshman year at Wake Forest when everyone was forming massive friend groups that seemed to move around like herds of sheep. Quickly, we became good friends and promptly ditched the rest of the group to go hang out at Zick's where we would play games and listen to John talk about the physics of pool while accidently knocking balls off the table in the direction of innocent bystanders. Till this day I won't risk getting involved in a high stakes game of foosball between John and Soph. I am very happy that John can be a part of this important day and party with us like we are still undergrads.
Isabelle Walsh
Bridesmaid
Isabelle is the best sister anyone could ever ask for. She and I have always been like minded to the point where we can hold entire conversations through socially awkward stares. She is a great friend and always makes everyone around her feel at ease and relaxed. She is currently studying to be a nurse at St. Louis University and I think she will be the best nurse in existence. Which is ideal because I happen to be quite injury prone and hopefully she will be there to put me back together.
Jack Altmeyer
Groomsman
I first met Jack my freshman year at Wake Forest when we quickly bonded over our shared love of skiing in Deer Valley and decided to become roommates. For years Jack put up with my crazy color changing LED lights plastered over every square inch of our tiny dorm and we routinely stayed up till 3 AM studying for organic chem, cell bio, and all of our other pre-med classes. You don't truly know someone until you study so long you both reach a state of delirium. I am happy Jack will be there to see Soph and I through our wedding as he did the start of our relationship.
Theresa D'Agostino
Bridesmaid
Theresa is a beacon of light and fortitude - a constant goofball, yet the strongest goofball I know. A child prodigy, Theresa has been dancing and playing the piano since she could walk, writing her own music shortly after learning how to talk, and is currently attending Mount Tabor High School, and is working to study and pursue a career music production. Theresa's aptitude for doing what she knows is right (high school can be a very confusing time) is unparalleled, and for that, I have always admired her. Also responds to: Tee, Tiz, Tiz Wizzle, Little Tiz Wizzian Lando Calrizian, and TaTa
Jacob Leinbach
Groomsman
A constant bro and incredible actor, Jacob and Sophia have been friends practically from the beginning (they call themselves "uterus buddies"...). It was not until college that I met Jacob, and we became friends. Jacob was around for it all - from late nights in Luter sophomore year, to Crowne Polo parties senior year - Jacob has seen too much not to invite him... (Love you bro) Also responds to: Yacob, Brosqui, and Leinbach
Chiara D'Agostino
Bridesmaid
Where to begin with my sweetest Squeakling?? Chiara is one of the kindest, most socially advanced (and academically advanced) seventh-graders I have ever met. While it half feels like I almost raised her, she is also my best friend. Currently, Chiara is thinking about possibly pursuing a career in baking (so get excited about the cake at the wedding!), while attending Our Lady of Mercy Middle School. Also responds to: Kiki, Squeak, Squeaky, Squeakling, Squeakalicious Squeakaroni, Tiny, Tod, Tada, Todawad, RaRa, and any of her many older siblings' names