Bridal Party
Meet the people who encouraged this relationship, survived our group chats, and will absolutely be responsible for the dance floor chaos. These are our ride-or-dies, hype humans, and lifelong partners in crime. The friends and family who’ve seen our worst outfits, heard our wild ideas, and still said “yes” to standing by our side. Legends only.
Avó Luisa Gonçalves
Matron of Honour, Grandmother
Turning 100 the very weekend of our wedding, my grandmother is the heart of this celebration in every sense. She raised me with her hands and her values—teaching me to crochet and sew, and more importantly, to live with integrity, kindness, and quiet strength. She showed me to never judge a book by its cover and to remain steadfast in compassion. Her life, love, and example continue to shape who I am, and it is an honour beyond words to stand beside her as we celebrate both this marriage and a century of her remarkable life.
Justin Montanini
Best Man, Groom’s Brother
Justin is Chris’s little brother and best friend, armed with razor-sharp wit and a talent for making everyone laugh. He’s endlessly loyal, always fun, and brings a lightness to every moment—despite his questionable devotion to the Florida Panthers. (As lifelong Toronto Maple Leafs fans, we’ve agreed to lovingly overlook this.) We couldn’t imagine anyone better suited to stand by Chris’s side, keep things fun, and make this day even more memorable.
Jen Laity
Bridesmaid, Sister-in-law
Jen is my sister-in-law and Justin’s partner, and we clicked instantly when we met. She’s the baker of the family, an incredible nurse, and the selfless mom of two awesome teenage boys—one of those people who makes everything more fun just by being there. You’ll most likely find her with a bucket of chips in the hot tub at a backyard party, living her best life and making everyone around her feel right at home. We’re so lucky to have her standing with us on this day.
Anthony Berto
Groomsman, Groom’s Cugino
Anthony is the oldest cousin in the wedding party and very much the older brother Chris never had. He’s a devoted dad to two awesome kids, husband to the amazing Amber, and a brilliant numbers guy—the kind you’d absolutely want by your side in Vegas. Sarcastic, hilarious, and incredibly dependable, Anthony brings both laughter and steady grounding to everything he does. (We even forgive him for being a Calgary Flames fan.
Carla Calderon Perez
Bridesmaid, Irmã de Coração
Carla is the older sister I always wanted and the incredible mom of two amazing girls. We met in high school and, thanks to bridesmaid Amber insisting we all be friends, became Citrus—a trio that survived our final year and stuck together well beyond it. From teaching me how to make arepas and dulce de leche, to showing me how to be fierce, set healthy boundaries, serve the spiciest looks, and absolutely own the dance floor, Carla is easily my most fashionable friend. In this life and all the others, she’s my person.
Nick Buzanko
Groomsman, Groom’s Cugino
Nick—better known as Buzzy—is Chris’s cousin and the one the guys love to give a hard time (mostly because he can take it). He’s also Carlen’s favourite cousin, which he reminds everyone of often. With a rock-solid moral compass and no hesitation standing up for what he believes in, Buzzy somehow balances integrity with being an enthusiastic “yes” to fun. A frequent travel buddy and always up for the adventure, he’s the kind of person you want along for the ride—wherever it leads.
Stephanie Bérubé
Bridesmaid, Irmã de Coração
Stephanie is my number-one warrior in arms, my rock, and a person I feel safest with in the world. We met at the wee age of 16, and she’s been my biggest supporter, most dependable friend, and constant travel companion ever since. She’s crossed the country with me, said yes to every adventure (including a casual “Hey, wanna go to PEI next week? I want lobster for my birthday”), and is fucking hilarious in every possible way. She met Chris when we started dating and has been happily third-wheeling our relationship ever since—through archery, QOTSA, and even a 17-hour day at Scotiabank Arena watching AEW. As she so perfectly puts it: “Marriage is about love, laughter, and keeping your third wheel on standby.” I love you, Steph.
Luke Buzanko
Groomsman, Groom’s Cugino
Luke is Chris’s cousin and the quiet one of the group—the kind of person who doesn’t say much, but when he does, it counts. Adventurous and steadfast, he sticks to his guns and isn’t afraid to be a little less agreeable when it matters. Known affectionately as “the Hair” (those locks really are something), Luke is also a proud Colorado Avalanche fan. He’s thoughtful, intentional, and unbothered, like the confident guy he is.
Sarah Donohue
Bridesmaid, Irmã de Coração
Sarah and I met in undergrad at King’s and quickly became roommates, best friends, and co-conspirators in just about everything. Highlights include listening to Black Betty in my black VW Beetle with flames, dancing in the rain, protesting together, and somehow surviving student council and Soph life at Western. She hears me with just one look. When we’re mad at the world, we punt things; when we’re together too long, we turn into absolute muppets and can’t stop laughing. Fun fact—and arguably her greatest achievement—the bride and groom actually met at her wedding. Our friendship is steadfast, deeply lived-in, and has survived a rigorous lifetime. I wouldn’t be who I am without her.
Josh Sloan
Groomsman, Irmão de Coração
Josh—better known as Sloan—is Chris’s best friend in the whole world and has been since high school. Next-level hilarious, fiercely loyal, and truly selfless, he’s fully a member of the family. By day, he’s a biomedical science professor; by reputation, he’s also known as Legend—a nickname earned back in high school when he ran the elite poker game circle and everyone wanted to be his friend just to get a seat at the table (Chris wisely locked that friendship in early). Loyal, iconic, and endlessly entertaining, Sloan is the kind of friend you keep for life.
Amber Gionet
Bridesmaid, Irmã de Coração
Amber and I met on her very first day at my high school and locked in immediately. She’s my better half and my ultimate yes-girl—the person who taught me how to really live, laugh, and say “why not?” She’s behind my best shenanigans, always has my back, and supports my work and life choices without hesitation. An incredible step-mom to three awesome kids and hands-down the best cook, Amber also taught me how to love my skin and feel truly beautiful in it. We share a lifetime of laughter and adventures that absolutely cannot be written down here—but trust me, they’re legendary.
Keith Willoughby
Groomsman, Irmão de Coração
Keith is a super dad, an outdoors guy through and through, and a walking human dictionary who somehow knows all the big words—and will absolutely use them correctly. Married to bridesmaid Jenn, he’s dependable, endlessly kind, and quietly one of the smartest people we know. Chris didn’t meet Keith until after university, when he started dating Chris’s best friend Jenn, but it didn’t take long for Keith to become family. Solid, loving, and always ready with wisdom (and probably a pun), he’s exactly the kind of guy you want on your team.
Jenn Pearce
Bridesmaid, Irmã de Coração
Jenn met Carlen while she was a student at King’s, introduced through one of Carlen’s cousins, and the two clicked instantly—eventually becoming roommates and staying closely connected ever since. Their place quickly became the go-to spot for shared meals, late-night porch talks, and confidently solving the world’s problems with a drink (or a joint). Jenn also met Chris at King’s, where they edited the student magazine together and bonded over years of cheering—and dramatically reacting to—Leafs wins and losses. From Chicago deep-dish pizza to beaches in the Dominican Republic to celebrating Leafs victories with hot dogs in Vegas, there’s been no shortage of adventures. She may have been Carlen’s university roommate, but she’s Chris’s best friend and sister in every way that matters. And yes—she’s also the undefeated champion of the annual cookie contest, because of course she is.