Lauren & Joe
Wedding Party
Dena Visencio
Matron of Honor
Lauren: Dena is my sister-in-law, married to my brother Mike. I've known Dena for just longer than Joe and I have known each other. When she and my brother were first dating, we became friends. And them being married has made her family. Dena has always been there to lend a voice of wisdom, or even to tease me like a sibling in my brother's absence (thank you for that!). I can't imagine what it would be like without her around and I'm so happy to have her stand beside me on my big day. Dena is more than an "in-law", she's like a true sister, and an always friend. I've learned so much from her, whether it be on relationships, marriage, and parenthood, and I know I will continue to look to her guidance and support in the future as Joe and I continue on this journey.
John Verardo
Best Man
Joe: I have no idea who this person is. Just kidding, John is my older and only brother. I have to say I am very nervous about what he is going to say at the wedding... I think he might be out for revenge because I embarrassed him at his wedding when I was his best man. I looked up to John growing up, always wanting to follow in his footsteps. Whatever he did, I wanted to do too. If he played soccer - I was the goalie. If he played baseball I was in the outfield catching fly balls. If he was Mario, I was Luigi. And I was okay with that, just so we could do stuff together. I once heard someone say "Remember, your best friend is your best friend. But your Brother is your Best Man." And that couldn't be more true. I am grateful for John, and I couldn't ask for a better brother.
Krista Verardo
Bridesmaid
Lauren: Krista is Joe's oldest sister and once upon a time, Krista was my camp counselor, my babysitter, and even showed up as a substitute teacher for me in Junior High where I had to call her Ms. Verardo. She was always my favorite camp counselor because of her fun attitude and the games I still remember we would play. As we grew older I got to know Krista as an adult through Joe's many trips back to Ventura County from living in Los Angeles. We spent time enjoying blended coffee drinks and bagels and laughing about the silly skits we did at camp together. As a friend and future sister-in-law I appreciate Krista's wisdom and the conversations and stories we've shared. I look forward to her being an important part of our lives.
Tony Verardo
Groomsman
Joe: Tony is my cousin and as we both have grown he has become a great friend. I think being the youngest child in each of our respective families might be what connects us most. I still remember Tony when he was out visiting and he and I riding around together in my Saturn and he could barely see over the dash. And then two years ago when I moved in to my house, I was so touched that Tony surprised me and flew all the way out to Oregon from Virginia to help me move. As a matter of fact Tony was the first person that I ever told that I was going to ask Lauren to marry me, and he has always been supportive and excited. I am so glad to have him standing with me on this day.
Traci Verardo Torres
Bridesmaid
Joe: Traci is my second oldest sister. She and Krista have spent their lives always taking care of my brother and I. Growing up and in to adulthood I always knew that if I ever needed anything Traci was there for me. After college I moved to Sacramento for a (very) brief period of time, and if it wasn't for the "hottest summer on record" I might have stayed. Tra has always been very patient with me allowing me room to be who I am even when I was still trying to figure that out. Thank you for being a part of our special day.
Juan Torres
Groomsman
Joe: Juan is my brother-in-law married to my sister Traci. He is patient, understanding, and brilliant. I look up to Juan as an older and second brother who always makes time for me when I visit. He is a great father to Ava and Lina and is equally great as a husband to my sister. Juan is probably one of the most generous people you will meet. I remember borrowing his clothes, borrowing his car, whatever he had if you needed it - it's yours. I can't remember why I needed to borrow his clothes... but there was a reason and he was willing. That is Juan. I know that if I ever need advice, whether it's how to build a bench or be a better husband Juan will be there for me. Thank you Juan for being here with us on this next chapter.
Santos Verardo
Bridesmaid
Lauren: Santos is here for the dancing (Joe wrote that). Santos is Joe's sister-in-law married to his brother John. She is friends with the actor Michael Rapaport (ask John about that one). She has always been very supportive of us, and at the ready to provide a good laugh or joke especially in contrast to John's dry wit. We love spending time together with Santos in San Diego when we go down to visit her and John, whether it is going out to a great local secret restaurant (like one that is in an old building that used to be a Big Lots) or having a delicious home cook meal that she made from scratch.
Mike Visencio
Groomsman
Lauren: Mike is my older brother, and even through all the years of teasing, I couldn't ask for a better brother. He has always been there when I needed him, no matter what. Growing up with a sibling is being able to have someone who knows your history and you can always share in that knowledge. Mike and I have memories and stories over the years that only we two can relate to and reminisce about. I admire and love my brother, and adore his family. I look forward to the many memories we can continue to create together as we both grow older. I knew that when our dad passed four years ago, there was nothing I'd want more, whenever the time might come, to have Mike walk me down the aisle at my wedding. I'm so happy that he will be there, to be beside me, and then stand with us at the altar.
Madison & Collins Visencio
Junior Bridesmaids
Lauren: Madison and Collins are my nieces, daughters of Mike and Dena. They are such incredible girls whom I love hanging out with any chance I can get. They are sweet and smart and funny; I feel lucky to be their auntie. I've had the joy to watch them grow since they were babies. I am excited to have them stand up there with all of us and share in our special day. I couldn't imagine the day without them.
Ava & Lina Torres
Junior Bridesmaids
Joe: Ava & Lina are my nieces care of Traci and Juan. They are little and they are loud. And they are also really funny and really messy. And they eat my popcorn and don't share. But I love them nonetheless. Ever since they've been around I've been an Uncle which works out pretty nicely. A favorite memory of mine was last summer when they came to visit with their mom and I made them chocolate pancakes for breakfast with marshmallows, chocolate chips, chocolate syrup, whip cream, and blueberries (cause you gotta have some fruit right?), and then chocolate milk to wash it down. The best part of being an Uncle? Being able to load them up with sugar and then passing them back to their parents so I can go take a nap. I am so happy to have Ava and Lina join us, love to them both.
Matt Verardo
Officiant
Joe: Matt is my Uncle, my Godfather, and my middle-namesake. I have always been close with Matt and have memories of visiting him in Virigina: going swimming, riding ATV's, and playing video games in their basement. Matt always looked out for me, and as I got older our relationship evolved in to one where I felt like I could really speak as myself. I look up to Matt and all that he has done in his life and am proud to have him as family. When Lauren and I started planning our wedding it was in the back of my mind that Matt would be my perfect choice to conduct the ceremony, but I never mentioned it. Then one day she brought up the idea to me and suggested Matt which perfectly settled it - what better way to celebrate our decision than with family that we care about and that care about us?