Valerie & Ryan
Wedding Party
Ashley Smith
Maid of Honor
Unfortunately for her, I’ve known my sister for her entire life, but there are about 15 months of my life that she knows nothing about. Though frankly, I can’t say that I recall this time at all. As different as we are alike, Ashley has been by my side through it all. It feels like just yesterday we were “play driving” on our bikes in the driveway or selling lemonade and Snickers bars at the end of the street or playing “Voldemort” in the neighborhood or swimming with the dolphins at Discovery Cove, or I was sleeping on her floor in her college dorm after getting lost in a corn maze. She has been and will always be my “sea-star.”
Robbie Donohue
Best Man
When he's not on a mountain, climbing the rafters at whatever job he may be performing, or sleeping in his car, you'll find Robbie at his new house with his equally adventurous wife, Natalie. He is Ryan's brother, and as they've grown older they've grown closer, a relationship that could be compared to a fine wine, or a nice block of cheese. He often drives far up north with Natalie to spend time hiking, climbing, and camping with Ryan and Valerie.
Mary Archambault
Maid of Honor
Mary and I met in our sophomore year of college as we lived on the same floor and took the same awful public speaking class required to graduate. One night in the cafeteria, Mary asked to join me for dinner. It was mac n’ cheese night – a favorite of both of ours – and when Mary sheepishly asked if I would be weirded out if she licked the plate clean (a practice I also did when I thought nobody was looking), I knew this was the beginning of a lifelong friendship. Despite many years of distance since Mary moved to Minnesota, our friendship has only grown stronger, and I am so excited to steal her back to Maine for my wedding.
Tommy Donohue
Groomsman
In a pre-covid time, you might find him on the stage performing an intricate ballet maneuver. Now you'll find him rushing to complete his high school courses before he's 21, or on the phone with his girlfriend abroad. He's Ryan's youngest brother, Tommy. He's your go to man for all things hip and tasty - if you're ever in need of a restaurant recommendation or a nice new pair of shoes, be sure to hit him up!
Lauren Manning
Bridesmaid
Lauren and I met at the beginning of medical school and were fast friends soon after. Not only did we spend many a late night studying together but she and her now husband often cooked me dinner, which was always vegetarian and always delicious. Lauren and I have traveled extensively together and have enjoyed all-inclusive fancy hotels and guacamole making classes in Mexico, snorkeling and beach sunsets in Guam, hot springs and conveyer belt sushi in Japan – among many others. We even spent Match Day together on a plane heading to Japan rather than back home in Boston – and I wouldn’t have had it any other way. (Ironically, one of the flight attendants thought we were on a honeymoon and gave us free bubbly. No complaints there!)
Jorge Galvis
Groomsman
A best friend since high school, Jorge and Ryan have stayed close throughout--from Florida road trip to Japan with his brother Raphael to frequent hangouts in NYC. They used to stay up late at night, and Jorge would philosophize as Ryan would slowly drift to sleep. When they spend time together today, this pattern is largely unchanged. You might find Jorge at his home in NJ with his fiance Steph, or at his parents' in Tuxedo, NY. Once the world settles down, one might find Jorge and Steph to be an encyclopedia of knowledge about the many fine dining experiences that the city has to offer.
Pearly Ezzio
Bridesmaid
Pearly and I also met in medical school, and I considered the three of us – me, Pearly, and Lauren – to be like the 3 Musketeers. One of my favorite memories of Pearly is the time she invited Lauren and me over to her first apartment in Boston for a girls night - which consisted of movies, sangria, and way too many cupcakes for three people. Another favorite memory was when Pearly and I hiked Katahdin together – the first time for both of us. We somehow chose to do this in the fall after I had worked 12 days straight in the cardiac ICU my intern year. Needless to say, the weather did not cooperate, and we spent the day hauling ourselves over boulders in light rain and wind. We made it – and slid down on our butts for most of the descent.
Raphael Galvis
Groomsman
Brother to Jorge and another best friend of Ryan's, they first met in high school Spanish class and bonded over "Knapp time" (Senor Knapp, the teacher, but also time to catch some teenage much-needed shuteye). They continued to bond through choir and play, not to mention the many sleepovers at the Galvis house growing up. You're almost certain to find Raphael making incredible pieces of art with his bride-to-be, Cindy (notably also the subject of much of his artwork), at his parents' in Tuxedo, NY or at Cindy's parents' in Queens.
Whitney Salvail
Bridesmaid
I met Whitney through my sister as they were friends from high school choir. We then ended up in college together and our relationship deepened. From kickboxing and barre classes to Friday night dancing (#Bubbas, also thanks for always doing my hair and makeup) to Sunday brunches to traveling through Spain and Portugal together… the list goes on. We’ve shared the most amazing churros and sangria in Spain (and have plenty of pictures to prove it!).
Jonathan Diaz
Groomsman
Another Galvis-annex family member, Ryan and Jonathan also met during high school, Jonathan being a childhood best friend of Raphael. Ryan and Jonathan bonded in college over long drives from the Ithaca/Cortland area to Raphael's college in Saratoga Springs. Jonathan is a treasure trove of knowledge when it comes to literature, and can always be sure to offer good book suggestions. He is also a fantastic drinking buddy.
Maddie Alexander
Bridesmaid
Maddie and I have known each other so long I can’t recall when we first met. She and my little brother started dating way back in early high school and have been together since – and even more excitingly are recently engaged! Maddie has been like a sister to me all these years, always at birthday parties and celebrations, coming on family vacations with us, being included on the family text chain. She and I share a love of Pusheen and baking – look out for her homemade desserts on our dessert table!
Brandon Smith
Groomsman
Valerie's brother and long-time partner and now fiancé of Maddie, (look left), Brandon can often be found misgendering himself and the male population around him ("guuurrlll"). Ryan and Brandon met through the obvious Valerie connection, and since have bonded through a shared love of videogames and occasional meat eating while surrounded by pescaflexaterians. Brandon is a newly minted physical therapist and has on several occasions given sound PT advice for Ryan's awful loose shoulders (which Ryan, like a good doctor, takes note of but fails to heed). Valerie and Ryan are excited to have Brandon join in their wedding-day shenanigans.