Wedding Party
Rakrya Cooper
Maid of Honor
Hi, I’m Val’s best friend, Rakyra. We’ve been inseparable since the age of three, growing up side by side and experiencing life together. From slumber parties and school plays to dance recitals, graduations, and beyond—we’ve always been there for each other when it truly mattered, and we always will be. I’m so happy to share another special milestone with her as she becomes a bride and, soon, a wife. It’s an honor to be chosen as her maid of honor. Val is like the sister I never had but always wished for. Over the years, our bond has grown beyond friendship—we’re family. This is a momentous occasion in her life, and I’m deeply grateful to be a part of it.
Davy Moran
Best Man
Hello! Meet Davy, I’m not only the best man, but also the cousin of the groom. I lived in Jersey for a bit as a child but moved to Miami, and have been here ever since. I love the medical field, currently an ICU nurse, in hopes to deepen my knowledge and readiness to grow in the future. I’m honored to stand by my cousin’s side on such a special day, and thrilled to officially welcome the bride into our family, as she welcomes us to hers. Both the groom and bride are incredible people, and it’s been amazing to see how happy they make each other throughout time. Now let’s celebrate love, laughter, fun, and a future full of it all!
Camila Torres
Matron of Honor
Camila met Val during her sophomore year of highschool and they have been inseparable ever since. Camila & Val bonded over dance class and basically share the same personality. One of Camila’s best high school memories was meeting her best friend Val. Throughout the years, they have remained best friends. From Val’s first college party at Rutgers to being part of Camila’s wedding, through the good and the bad, and now for Val’s turn as a bride, they will always be a special part of each other's lives. It is truly an honor for Camila to be Val’s Matron of Honor.
Lazaro Torres
Lead Groomsman
I’ve known Augusto since we were kids—middle school, actually. I’m Cuban and currently living in Miami. After years without seeing each other, I took a trip to Philly and spent a lot of time in New Jersey, where we reconnected and our friendship grew even stronger.
Jade Whyatt
Lead Bridesmaid
Everyone meet Jade, one of my long time childhood friends and Head Bridesmaid. We met at Jersey City Dance Academy, around 11 years old, and have been navigating life together ever since. We literally had every class in high school together, except for maybe 2. And then of course, we went to the same college together. Jade currently lives in Jersey City and is a dog mom to Bruno and Kenzo.
Maximiliano Torres
Groomsman
Max met Val through his wife Camila, in fact Max spent many years, “dealing with the girls” until finally Augusto came along to Max’s rescue. From food festivals to all the fall activities, Max is glad to have Augusto on his side to weather the storm (Camila & Val). Max is honored to be one of Augusto’s groomsmen and is excited for all of their future adventures to come.
Monisa Gracy-Frye
Junior Bridesmaid
I’m Monisa, Valenisa’s much younger sister—and sister of the bride! We’re 13 years and 8 months apart, and I’ve looked up to her for as long as I can remember. From playing dress-up and pretending to be Sailor Moon’s sister Rini, to now helping you prepare for your wedding, what a journey it’s been. You’ve always been my built-in best friend, my biggest cheerleader, and the most loving big sister. You truly deserve every ounce of joy this day brings and so much more. I’m beyond honored to stand by your side and witness the beginning of your forever with my amazing new bonus brother, Augusto.
Joshua Montalvo
Groomsman
Josh met Gus at Ferris High School, where their friendship blossomed over daily lunches at Frank’s, Helen’s, Carmine’s, and Pino’s. After years of romantic pizza dates, they took the next step, working side by side as lifeguards. Eventually, Josh joined the Navy and had to let go… but for a great reason, Gus met the love of his life, Val. Since then, Josh married his best friend Maureen, now going on 9 years, and lives in Japan with their son Luca, traveling the world whenever the Navy lets him.
Rosa Rivera
Bridesmaid
I met Val through Augusto, but we got close at work and it was an instant vibe! She’s the kind of person you just click with. From heart-to-hearts to partying at every work birthday, our friendship has been nothing but sweet, fun, and unforgettable.
Destin Arriaga
Groomsman
Heyy! My name is Destin—one of the groomsmen, as you can see. I’m a proud new girl dad, a gym lover, and a bit of a workaholic. I’ve known Augusto since high school, and we’ve been like brothers ever since. As for Val, I knew about her before I even met her—because Augusto couldn’t stop talking about her! I’m honored to be a part of this wedding and can’t wait for the big day to finally come.
Brandon Chin
Groomsman
Aye ! I’m Brandon—Val’s cousin (brother). We literally grew up together—we’re the same age and inseparable whenever I’m in town visiting family in Jersey City. No visit is complete without seeing my sister. She’s been my ultimate turn-up partner—we’ve partied together, drank together, hit the Shore together, and definitely ate together. We were skinny but ate like we weighed 300 pounds! I’m so happy she found someone special. Can’t wait for the big day—we’re going to party and eat like old times, but with even more love in the air. Love you, sis—and welcome to the family, Augusto!
Marcel Chin-Frye
Ring Bearer
Greetings, fellow humans! They call me Marcel. I’m Val’s little cousin—well, more like a little brother. I’m the goofy one in the bunch and Val’s biggest hype man. We love to dance and always bring the energy!
Michelina Anderson
Flower Girl
Michelina Anderson is 11 years old. She is Val and Augusto's niece. Michelina is one of the flower girls. Augusto and Val introduced her to cookies and cream ice cream and now is her #1 favorite ice cream. She loves playing basketball and she is a huge fan of Paige Bueckers.
Mayabel Anderson
Flower Girl
Mayabel Anderson is Val and Augusto's niece. She is 9 years old. Mayabel is one of the flower girls. Val and Augusto introduced her to Stranger Things and now that is her favorite show. Her passion is gymnastics and her favorite gymnast is Simone Biles.
Thor
Pup of Honor
Hi, I’m Thor, the four-legged love of my humans’ lives! My humans are getting married, and although I won’t be at the altar, I’ll definitely be there in spirit—probably chasing squirrels in their honor. The drinks are on me (I hear they’re serving paw-secco, so raise a glass and celebrate extra hard for me.