Michelle & Michael
Wedding Party
Paola Valero
Maid of Honor
When Michelle was growing up, none of the other children dared to mess with her as long as her big sister was around. There are so many home videos showing Michelle following Paola around like a puppy...always wanting to be like her, dress like her, and play with her toys! She has the most exceptional humor. There has been so many sleepless nights due to hours of giggles... the kind of laughter that gives you stomach pains. As the years passed, Michelle would always find herself looking up to Paola for protection and guidance. She has a heart full of kindness and an intense love for her family. Paola is also an extraordinary mother and has brought 2 of the most perfect little angels into this world. She is not only a sister, but also Michelle's best friend in every way possible.
Tyler Sikora
Best Man
Tyler and Michael have known each other since grammar school but their friendship really came to fruition after Michael's first year away at college. That summer was spent working together at the local YMCA making sure members kids had fun, but also got some lessons on toughness, patriotism, and most importantly classic rock. Since then the two have been best friends. Whether it's a road trip to the mid-west for OK rappers or a backpacking trip through Europe, where Tyler almost got stranded in Geneva, the two have so many great memories of their adventures. If it was not for Tyler, who was finishing up at the University of Tampa, Michael would have never moved to Florida and met the girl of his dreams.
Belem Valero
Bridesmaid
Belem is Michelle's big sister. She fills the family with energy from her infectious laughter and can be always found with a drink in hand, dancing the night away. She is such sweetheart and Michelle is extremely proud to have a woman like Belem in her life. She is passionate for her family and has raised Michelle's oldest niece to be just as sweet and beautiful as she is. There is always a little piece of home missing when they travel back to Mexico.
Alex Marranca
Groomsman
Michael's first memory of Alex is of a kid in kindergarten who couldn't use scissors and then disappeared to another school the next week. Little did Michael know that in 8 years they'd end up at the same high school and become best friends. From the second beginning, the two have been up to no good and inseparable. They share so many inside jokes and memories that it would take an encyclopedia to catalog them all. On April 6th watch out for flying toothpicks because when you're NWO... You're N. W. O. fffffor LIFE
Sharon Bennett
Bridesmaid
Cousins at birth and one of her best friends growing up-Sharon will always hold a special place in Michelle's heart. Spending back to back summers at each other's houses, hiking to haunted forests, and of course, taking ice cream trips to Feltons...The three musketeers, including Michelle's sister, Paola, were inseparable during their adolescence. Michelle could always count on Sharon to give her new fashion trends and early access to new music! There were countless Sundays spent cleaning Sharon's house (usually rushed within the last 15 minutes before her parents would get home) in order to be able to go out later on in the day. Some of michelle's favorite summers in Tampa as a teen consisted of porcelain angels, mole stains, L'Creme Sundays, sandy sandals, and open windows. Sharon truly, has always been nothing less than a sister to Michelle.
Matt Mulcaire
Groomsman
Matt and Michael have been friends since 7th grade! When Michael's teacher sat him in a row by himself because of his notorious talking, he was left with one choice, turn around and make new friends in the row behind him. It turns out that was one of the best decisions he ever made. From that day on the two were inseparable, to the point that upon arriving at high school they were constantly mixed up and believed to be brothers. Since then Matt has gone on to serve his country as a United States Marine and start a family of his own. He is smart, brave, and a downright hilarious person who Michael is lucky to have in his life. Along with Alex and Dave, they make up a friend group that is closer than peas and carrots.
Meghan Helak
Bridesmaid
Although Michael has four sisters, Meghan is the only one he can call his baby sister. Since childhood Meghan has been Michael's closest friend and playmate. Meghan is kind, beautiful, smart, and funny. She also has some of the best dance moves you'll see at the wedding. As adults, the two would go to estate sales and thrift stores to snag the funkiest shirts and the coolest furniture. Michael likes to think he had a hand in making Meghan such a cool person, but she has had that charisma her whole life.
Dave Sobczynski
Groomsman
Michael first met Dave during JV football at St. Mary's. He never forgets how he thought Dave was faking an ankle injury to get out of moving up to varsity at the end of the year. But in reality Dave was smart, indeed not faking, and not miserable for 3 extra weeks of Fall. Dave is an integral part of the big four. Although Michael and Dave did not spend as much time together in high school alone, they have grown closer as adults and Michael is beyond grateful to have Dave as a friend in this chapter of life. Dave is hilarious, hardworking, diligent, and will do anything for the people he loves. He is wise beyond his years and has an awesome marriage of his own that Michael strives to replicate with Michelle. Dave is someone Michael looks up to even though they are the same age.
Bridget Helak
Bridesmaid
Bridget is Michael's closest older sister and the first Helak sister to meet Michelle. Bridget has had a big part in who Michael is today. She has influenced his musical tastes, his sense of humor and style, and is always adding to his overall confidence. Growing up, if Michael was ever in trouble, like black out trouble, he would always turn to Bridget for help and guidance, knowing that she would be there to help with no judgement...well maybe a little judgement. She is the most caring person Michael knows and would give you the shirt off her back if you needed it. Bridget and Michelle hit it off from the start and are always laughing and having fun together. Look out for her on the dance floor!
Edwin Ramirez
Groomsman
What to say about EJ...Edwin Jose Ramirez is an extraordinary person. Brother in law to Michelle, EJ has gifted the family with so many new memories. Most of them spent laughing! There is no person in the world that could go without smiling after spending 5 minutes with him. EJ is a wonderful father of two beautiful daughters and husband to Michelle's sister, Paola. He is also a son her parents can count on, and has helped the family in so many ways. But most importantly, he is the brother Michelle has always wanted. Our lives has changed so much because of him. Even if he roots for the Eagles :(
Denise Andrade
Bridesmaid
Denise is one of Michelle's closest friends. She is an amazing coworker and one of the sweetest people you could ever meet. Their friendship began quickly, and quite honestly, Denise was the perfect person to support the highs and lows of Michelle's spanglish! She is also an incredible artist.
Brian Smith
Groomsman
Brian is Michael's cousin and can truly be called his first friend. Born almost exactly two months prior to Michael, they were destined to have fun and make incredible memories. Every Sunday when the families would gather at their grandparents you could find Michael and Brian together the whole day. Their games and play time are some of Michael's fondest memories. "Defending" their grandparents house from invisible invaders, creating games in the driveway, playing backyard baseball, breaking the basement wall clock at least once a year, completing whole seasons of college football on Playstation in one day, and always waiting for the best time to ask our parents for a sleep over when we had Monday off. If you see Brian on the dance floor make sure to challenge him to a shotgun competition, I don't Michael knows anyone who can chug a Blue Light faster.