Marlene & Giovanni
Bridal Party
Leslie Marie Valdez
Maid of Honor
As Marlene's younger sister, Leslie has always been by her side - literally! So of course, on her wedding day, Marlene wouldn't have it any other way than having her little sister beside her as her maid of honor. As best friends and confidantes, their relationship is woven with so many shared memories. From childhood adventures to the highs and lows of adulthood, they have experienced life together hand in hand; through thick and thin. When Marlene & Gio started dating, Leslie was super protective of Marlene; but that quickly changed when she witnessed how much he loves her sister. Leslie and Gio have created a special bond like no other. They have so much in common, but their favorite thing to do together is gang up on Marlene! Fun fact: Growing up, Marlene was forced to take Leslie everywhere with her!
Juan Diaz
Best Man
For those who don't know Juan, he is Gio's older brother. Juan has always been a role model for Gio. Although he would beat up Gio when he was younger and would beat him in sports, once Gio became older the roles switched! Juan and Gio shared a room up until Gio was 20 years old so you can just imagine the bond they have. Marlene thinks Juan is super funny and laughs at ALL of his corny jokes. Juan has four beautiful boys, and the youngest "Owen," is Marlene and Gio's godson. He truly is a special person in Gio and Marlene’s life and Gio could not get married without Juan as his best man. Fun fact: Juan has not beat Gio in basketball since 2001.
Dynalee Corona
Bridesmaid
Dynalee is Marlene’s older cousin, but more like a big-sister. They share a special bond since childhood and the memories they share are too many to count. From sleepovers to late-night prank calls, to coming up with spontaneous dance routines, Marlene and Dynalee have stories for days! They have also been through challenging times together, where without question, Dynalee has always proven her loyalty. She is often considered the cousin with “the voice of reason” because of her calming nature, which is what Marlene admires the most about her. Everyone needs a Dynalee in their life! Fun fact: Marlene's first road trip ever was with Dynalee, from NJ to FL!
Christian Hernandez
Groomsman
Little Chris! Chris is Gio’s cousin who lives in Florida. Although he has always lived there, they’ve always shared a bond. Whether it was Gio staying at his house, or Chris coming to Jersey to visit, they always make sure to find time to get together. They share so many childhood memories and special moments together. They also have a shared love for sports, especially baseball. “Little” Chris is someone Gio can always count on, no matter the distance or time they may spend without seeing each other. Fun fact: Gio would destroy Little Chris in “MLB The Show” growing up!
Kayla Azcona
Bridesmaid
Kayla is Marlene's little cousin. She was the first baby in Marlene's life. When she was born, Marlene was only 8 years old, so of course, it goes without saying, they grew up like sisters! Marlene was obsessed with Kayla growing up! She looked forward to taking care of her and maybe…. boss her around! Even now, although Kayla is all grown-up, they talk on a weekly basis to catch-up on life. Watching Kayla grow up has been a memorable part of Marlene’s life; so having her by her side on her wedding day is extremely special. Fun fact: Kayla LOVES hugs! And she gives the BEST and longest hugs!
Victor Peralta
Groomsman
Víctor is another one of Gio’s cousins. They have stories for days and so many funny and important memories together. Being that they are close in age, Gio spent a lot of time with Victor growing up; from sleeping over his house to annual family vacations, to even playing sports. Yeah… you read that right. Victor would play some sports. As they got older, Gio and Victor went out often and partied together. Fun fact: Victor used to drink Four Lokos to hydrate.
Lynnette Diaz
Bridesmaid
Marlene’s vibrant sister-in-law, Lynnette! She is a light in everyone’s life, especially in Marlene’s! She is a free-spirited soul and brings the perfect balance of joy, fun, laughter and adventure to Marlene's world! If you know Lynnette, you know her laugh is contagious; and being around her is a guaranteed good time. Their relationship has flourished effortlessly over the years and she is an extremely important part of Marlene and Gio’s life. Whether it's just to offer a listening ear or give advice, Marlene can always count on Lynnette as a pillar of support in her life. Fun fact: Lynnette gets a thrill of forcing Marlene out of her comfort zone!
Anthony Diaz
Groomsman
EL PADRINO/COMPADRE/COUSIN!!! Anthony is one of Gio's older cousins and a very important person to Gio. Since a young age, Gio spent a lot of time with Anthony, most times because he wanted to and other times forced to; because Anthony would kidnap Gio and refuse to take him home. Till this day, Anthony gets on Gio's last nerve asking him pointless questions, but Gio wouldn’t have it any other way! Anthony has played a very important role in Marlene & Gio’s relationship and Gio could not get married without Anthony as his groomsman. Fun fact: Gio's record against Anthony in Madden is 315-2.
Michelle Almonte
Bridesmaid
Even though Michelle and Marlene are cousins, most people would think they are sisters! The bond they share is irreplaceable, and their closeness has only grown deeper over the years. They have been each other’s partner in crime and ride-or-die for as long as they can remember. They experienced epic college days at MSU, unforgettable girls’ trips; and have even planned their weddings at the same time. Needless to say, these two have experienced so many important parts of their life together. Michelle’s loyalty goes beyond measure and Marlene knows she has a sister for life in her! Fun fact: Michelle was there the day Marlene and Gio met for the first time!
Jose Almonte
Groomsman
If you know Jose, you probably know Gio. Since 2008, Gio and Jose have been best friends and have countless memories together. From graduating high school to marrying cousins, Jose and Gio have grown up in front of each other's eyes. Since a young age, Jose and Gio would constantly have conversations about their career goals and have pushed each other to be better. Gio considers Jose a big brother and cherishes their friendship very much. Fun fact: Jose told Chago (Gio’s dad) about Marlene before Gio got the chance, while they were drinking patron in the sotea! The rest is history!
Vianeli Peralta
Bridesmaid
Many will say Vianeli and Marlene are long-lost twins! They share such a special connection, grounded in their similarities. They have a shared love for reading and eating sushi; they struggle parallel parking, are petrified of bugs and sometimes they even laugh the same! Not to mention, they are both extremely “girly!” It wasn’t long after they met that they clicked. The most intriguing part about this duo is their inner sassiness, only revealed to a selected few (Gio and Chris LOL). Vianeli truly is one of a kind and has been the perfect addition to Marlene’s squad! Fun fact: Rather than doing the traditional bouquet toss, Vianeli handed her bouquet to Marlene at her wedding, which was just a few days after Marlene and Gio got engaged!
Christopher Peralta
Groomsman
Chris! Gio's favorite cousin! From childhood adventures to life as adults, Gio and Chris have always been inseparable and their bond has only grown stronger over the years. They have seen each other grow from kids into men and have so many hilarious stories and special memories. Marlene loves hanging out with Chris and can always count on him to ask her a ridiculous question or embarrass her. Marlene and Gio love spending time with Chris and Vianeli, especially playing CLUE together! Fun fact: Chris' worst nightmare is losing to Gio, especially in Parcheesi.
Geselle Valera
Bridesmaid
Everyone needs a HYPE girl in their life, and Marlene’s is definitely Geselle! From growing up together to the countless memories they created over the years; Geselle has formed such an important part of Marlene’s life. One thing about Geselle.. she is the best at giving PEP talks when you need it most! Marlene can always count on Geselle to lift her up and give the most encouraging advice. One of Marlene's favorite things about Geselle is that she keeps her up to date on the latest makeup tips and tricks! Not only can Marlene count on Geselle for a good therapy session, but also for a good face beat! Fun fact: Marlene and Geselle were college roommates!
Andy Canela
Groomsman
ANDYYYY!! Andy is Gio's other best friend from high school. Andy and Gio have made countless memories together from making jokes at the lunch table in high school to seeing each other grow as men. If you know Andy, you know he is a special character but deep down inside he has a genuine caring soul. Andy is one of a kind and as much as Gio argues with him for his mysterious ways, Gio still loves him like a brother! Fun fact: Andy and Gio get confused for brothers very often!
Sabrina Rosario
Flower Girl
Meet our beautiful, one of a kind, flower girl! Sabrina is the sweetest, most kind little girl you will ever meet. She is Marlene's little sister and Gio's little bestfriend! She lights up our lives and brings so much happiness to everyone around her! The love Marlene and Sabrina share goes beyond the moon and the stars. Gio has been in Sabrina's life since she was born! The bond they share is beautiful, and like Sabrina says, they'll always be "best friends 4ever!" There is no doubt she will make the best flower girl on Marlene and Gio's special day. Fun fact: Marlene and Gio spoke for the first time the day Sabrina was born!
Ian Riley Diaz
Ring Bearer
Meet the ring bearer, Ian Riley Diaz! The first baby of Gio's family (Juan's oldest son). If you know Gio, you know how much he loves kids, especially his nephews. Ian is the sweetest kid and he loves Marlene so much! He loves spending time with Gio or how Ian calls him, "Jovy". Some of his favorite things to do is sleepover Gio's house and play video games together. Some of Gio's proudest uncle moments have been watching Ian play sports and be the best big brother to Chase, Oliver and Owen! There’s no doubt Ian will be the BEST ring bearer on Marlene and Gio’s special day! Fun fact: Ian is Gio's first godson!
