Billie & Alicia
Wedding Party & Support Team
Alicia Mercedes Pedreira
Bride
I was born in Puerto Rico, raised in Brooklyn, New York until, at age 9, until my family moved to Tampa, Florida. I attended Leto H.S., started college in Tampa, FL. Took a break and upon invitation from Vivian & Gary, my sister & brother-in-law, moved to Louisville, KY in 1986. I was 24. I decided to stay in KY, even after Vivian and Gary left for Atlanta, GA. I went back to school and achieved a Bachelors Degree in Health Promotion and a Masters Degree in Art Therapy. I'm a former activist but I volunteer and support many different groups in the Louisville, community. As a matter of fact, I met Billie while volunteering for Pandora Productions, a local LGBTQ community theater.
Billie Jo Free
Bride
Born & raised in Louisville, Ky. Billie Graduated from Moore H.S then attended JCC & University of Louisville. At 20, after graduating from college with an Associates Degree in Physical Therapy, Billie moved to Louisiana to live 20 years of adventures with her friends/family while working in careers in Physical Therapy & Microsoft Systems Engineering. Billie returned to live in Kentucky at 40 years old to be near family. Her life changed when she became a Reiki Master & Energy Therapist. Discovering her Louisville LGBTQ+ friend/family community, Billie had many activism adventures through supporting fund raisers & volunteering at events. Last year while attending a theater production at Pandora Productions, she found her bride to be, Alicia,
Vivian Chapman
Best Woman
Vivian is my/Alicia's sister, she lives Atlanta, Ga. with her husband Gary, They have two children Sara & Daniel who are grown and married to Joey and Lauren respectively. Vivian became an 'Abuela", grandmother, about two and a half years ago to Weston, (Sara and Joeys boy) and Nicholas and Lucas (Daniel and Lauren's boys) Needless to say she is delighted and constantly tired. I am so happy and grateful that Vivian agreed to be my Best Women. There are no words to describe how much I love her. I lover her very much.
Gretchen Anthony
Best Woman
Gretchen has been Billie's best friend, since attending Moore High School in Louisville, Ky. Sharing many spiritual views, views on feminine energy, love of nature, animals & hot rods, they have become "self-proclaimed adopted sisters". Gretchen, her son Ramsey and fiance' Dale have become Billie's Lebanon Junction (LJ) Family. On a few occasions, when Billie had thought that she lost her inner twinkle, her LJ family helped her shine again with love & patience. Billie is so thrilled that Gretchen will be supporting us as Best Woman for the wedding. I, Billie, am lucky to have her as my best friend & sister.
Santana Berry
Officiant
I/Alicia met Santana going on 2 years ago. We had an instant friendship. I thought she was amazing and hoped she would become one of my younger friends (I can be her mama). Well, as things sometimes happen I was there for her when she needed a friend and we've been chumming around ever since. I/We love Santana very much and I'm delighted that she is going to be our officiant.
David Hornsby & Colton Penick
Wedding Day Coordinator & Reception/After-Party Team
David has been friends & roommates with me/Alicia for over 2 years, even though I've known him longer. I've seen him transform from a young man searching for his way in life to a man who is found direction and is constantly moving toward his goals no matter the set backs and obstacles. I admire David and his tenacity and we feel he is the right man fro the job of organizing this wedding. David and Colton, his fiance', have been together and have shared their journey as a couple, as our roommates and friends over a year. Colton has volunteered to assist with the logistics, organization and entertainment during the reception and after-party. We are lucky to have both of them as friends and family.
Gretchen Anthony
The Support Team - Floral Design & Event Decor
Thank you, Gretchen for not only being Billie's Best Woman but also designing & creating our brooch bouquets & table settings. We are grateful for the love that you put in every creation. Daniel Hutchins & Gretchen will be the decor team creating the elegant atmosphere for the wedding and reception, as well as the period appropriate decor for the after party. We are so lucky to have their experience & creativity on our team.
Daniel Hutchins & Joe Gollahon
The Support Team - Event Decor & Fabulous Shots Photography
We have known Joe & Daniel, a prominent couple of 15+ years, for many years attending community events, celebrations & fund raisers. They are very generous, caring and dedicated friends to us & our community. Daniel & Gretchen Anthony will be the decor team creating the elegant atmosphere for the wedding and reception, as well as the period appropriate decor for the after party. We are so lucky to have their experience & creativity on our team. Joe is our community's candid camera for celebrations, events & fund raisers. He has captured many wonderful moments. We are honored that we will be capturing pictures of our friends & family in their candid moments on our special day. For event decor & catering services contact: joeanddaniel@insightbb.com
Michael Stankewicz
The Support Team - Speakeasy Music Curator
Billie & Michael have been friends since working as a software engineering team for Lockheed Martin in the late 1990's. Michael has been a software/ network/ security/ database engineer, a chef for Gulf Coast oil company platform teams and is a US Marine Corps Veteran. Thank you, Michael, for supporting our relationship, being our friend & for your spiritual support. We appreciate you offering to create a video record of our special day and be the collector/curator of the 1920s era / Speakeasy music for our event.
Tyler Carter
The Support Team - Bridal Make-up & Hair Design
Alicia has known Tyler since the 1990s, when she worked with a local LGBTQ social group for teens. Alicia has witnessed Tyler mature from a raucous teen into a responsible adult, homeowner & talented stylist. Alicia & Billie are grateful that he has offered to be the lead stylist that will create their 1920s hair & makeup looks for the wedding. To contact Tyler Carter for cosmetology, hair & makeup consultations, go to: tylerbenjeecarter@gmail.com.
Carin Veech
The Support Team - Venue Coordinator
I/Alicia met Carin over 20 years ago, I believe. She is also amazing. What a generous person, in spirit, and in practice, with her natural gifts of friendliness, and kindness and her acquired gifts of design and construction. Carin and Stef "adopted" me round 6 years ago because I was often a holiday orphan with no family living close, they insisted I share their home, food, family, warmth and love during the holidays. I love them and their extended families very much and I am over joyed to be part of their lives. Thank you to Carin for coordinating with The St. Catherine Event venue to host our wedding celebration.
Stef Perri
The Support Team - Wedding Photography
I/Alicia have known Stef for many years, over 15, I believe. We met through a mutual friend. I think the world of her, she is funny, smart, kindhearted and over all delightful person. I love her enthusiasm for life, music, food, travel and people and...well, just about everything. I think she is an excellent photographer and feel fortunate that she is part of this mile-stone in Billie's and my life, as a friend and wedding photographer. Stef and Carin "adopted" me round 6 years ago because I was often a holiday orphan with no family living close, they insisted I share their home, food, family, warmth and love during the holidays. I love them and their extended families very much and I am over joyed to be part of their lives. For a consult go to: https://www.facebook.com/StefPerriPhoto/
Karen Conner
The Support Team - Bridal Get Away Car
Alicia & Karen have been friends since they played for a Women's Rugby Team in Louisville a few years ago. Karen is a Louisville Fire Captain & one of the nicest and most generous, outdoors savvy & mechanically talented people that Alicia & Billie know. Karen has been so generous to offer the use of her classic car, a 1988 Jaguar XJ6 Vanden Plas & chauffeur services to the brides for their "get away car" after the wedding reception. **Please do not decorate the car "as a surprise" without prior consent from Karen, the Owner** For further information regarding assistance with household engineering, contact Karen: louisvillepropertyrehab@gmail.com
Sara Stewart
The Support Team - Engagement Photographer
Sara Stewart orchestrated the photo shoot & provided the beautiful engagement pictures of the brides' for their wedding website. Sara is a second generation photographer. Gary Chapman, Sara's father, is Alicia's brother-in-law. Sara has been surrounded by photography her whole life. Sara has a passion for telling stories which is why photography is so important to her. Her favorite images are the kind of images where just one look tells a story or where you can feel the love between the people inside the image. She is married to her very sweet husband, Joey and they have a beautiful son, Weston. For further information regarding Sara Stewart's Photography go to: www.mrssarastewart.com