Wedding Day

Ss. Peter & Paul - Epiphany Parish Church

Ceremony

The Estate at Florentine Gardens

Reception

Spring

Our Wedding

Victorias POV:I first met Jared when I was 13. My older brother Steven had wanted to go into the city to hang out with his friends, and he got hit with the classic mom line: “Yes, you can go but take your little sister with you” so I ended up being dragged along. During a game of basketball, Jared had picked me for his team and even shared a mini pizza with me. I wasn’t supposed to be part of the day, but somehow he made me feel like I belonged. Over the years, Jared was always around, spending more and more time at our house. Nothing ever happened between us back then, our lives were on different tracks, but I always looked forward to Summer, because I knew he would be around. In 2021, Steven brought me to a Halloween party, and that night everything changed. Before we left, Steven said, “You need to stop talking to idiots and date someone like Jared.” It was the first time in years that both Jared and I were permanently back in Queens, and I might have taken my brother’s advice a little too literally. A few games of beer pong, half a bottle of Hennessy Pure White, and a lot of dancing led to us talking. And we haven’t stopped since. I spent my childhood watching love stories unfold in movies and books, always wondering what it would feel like to live one of my own. I never realized that my story had been quietly unfolding all along. I feel incredibly lucky to be marrying someone who has known me through so many stages of life. The boy who shared his pizza with me when I was just the little sister tagging along, and the man who turned out to be everything I didn’t even know I was waiting for. Jared’s POV:When Steven, my best friend and Tori’s brother, and I went to pick up Tori for a Halloween party back in 2021, I didn’t think much of it. Tori and I had seen each other here and there over the years, but it was always just as friends. That night, something shifted. Whether it was our conversations at the party, the bachata dance moves, or the generous amount of Hennessy Pure White, I found myself being drawn to her more and more. Maybe it was her radiant smile or her uplifting personality. Whatever it was, Tori kept pulling me in. One thing led to another and now, years later, I’m surrounded by stories, friendships, and memories, all with my soulmate by my side. I came to realize that I couldn’t imagine my life without her. So to mark the journey we’ve taken together, I returned to the place where we had our first date, got down on one knee, and asked her to be mine forever.

Our Story:  Classic Older Brother's Best Friend Troupe

Our Story

Photos

Dio is my best friend and has been a major part of my life since I was 14. She has been with me through every big decision, every high, every low, and somehow still chooses to stick around. She is the first person I call, whether things are amazing or falling apart.  No one understands me quite like she does, probably because she has been there for just about every chapter of my life. She is more than my best friend, she is the family I got to choose, and I honestly cannot imagine my wedding day without her by my side."

Diomarys Pichardo

My brother Donovan has been by my side through every stage of my life. From dealing with my little brother antics to being with me through all the different stages of my life, Dono has always been my teammate and my biggest supporter through it all. He's the one person I can always count on, no matter what life throws my way. We've shared countless memories, lessons, and laughs that shaped who I am today. Now, I wouldn't want to go through the biggest event of my life without him standing right there beside me.

Donovan Valentin

Lilly may be my sister-in-law, but she has been a reoccurring character in my life since I was 15 and has felt like family from the very start. Over the years, she's become someone I can always count on for guidance, wisdom, and unwavering support. When she realized I had feelings for Jared, she quickly became my ultimate wingwoman. Honestly, I don't think this day would be happening without her.

Lilly Alaimo

Steven is my best friend and was a substantial part of Tori and I's relationship (whether he wanted to be  or not). Steven has been by my side since High School, taking the train home together, going on random late night adventures, and being each other's excuse as to why we got home late. From being like brothers to brother in laws, I could not have forseen a better upgrade. 

Steven Dookie

Nishy is my younger cousin and has been my go to person in life for as long as I can remember. I never had a sister, but growing up with her felt like I did. From every family trip to choosing schools and careers, she has always been by my side, offering her two cents whether I asked for it or not. I couldn’t imagine this day (or my life) without her constant commentary and love.

Annisha Singh

My cousin Sebastian, the same kid I used to practice WWE moves on when we were younger. We have made countless memories growing up in the Gonzalez household, from goofing around on Xbox to sharing family moments that shaped who we are. It's been incredible watching him grow, mature, and head off to college to pursue his dreams. I am proud of the man he has become and even prouder to have him standing by my side on this special day.

Sebastian Perez

Alex is one of the kindest, most genuine people I know. We connected on the very first day of high school and have been inseparable ever since. She has a way of turning ordinary days into something special, and her constant love and presence have meant so much to me. It wouldn't feel like the beginning of this new chapter without her standing beside me.

Alexandria Pena

My cousin PJ, my back in the day Madden rival and night owl from all those late-night Xbox battles. Every time we link up, it's guaranteed laughs and good vibes. Even with him living down in Florida, the bond we built as cousins over the years never changed. I'm grateful for all the memories we've made and proud to have him here with me for such an important moment.

Preston (PJ) Jennings

Dani is Jared's cousin who is honestly more like his twin. I've been lucky enough to get close with her over the years. She has been my go-to person at family events and never fails to join me in playfully poking fun at Jared. I am so lucky to call her not only family but also a true friend. We are so happy to have her with us on our wedding day, and even happier to have her in our lives.

Daniela Diaz

This is my fiance's oldest brother, Nick, someone who made me feel welcomed into the family from day one. Every time we hang out, it's nothing but good vibes and genuine laughs. He's been easy to connect with and always brings great energy around. Over time, he's become more than just a friend, he's someone I truly respect and enjoy being around.  I'm grateful to have him not just as family now, but as a friend, and I'm honored to have him standing by my side.

Nicholas Dookie

Kim and I met on orientation day of college. She is my adventure buddy, fête partner, and the girl who is always down for a good shopping trip (no matter how much Jared and her boyfriend Sage may protest). From late nights studying to dinner dates, she’s been with me since the very start of my adult life. I feel so lucky to have her with me for the beginning of the biggest adventure of my life.

Kimberly Sookra

Sage, from the moment we met, he made me feel welcomed like we'd known each other forever. He's always been the kind of friend who brings good energy and good times wherever he goes. What means even more is how he's always treated Tori like a little sister, looking out for her and showing her genuine care. I'm grateful for the friendship we've built and honored to have him standing with me on this special day.

Sage Raghoonanan

Haley is Jared’s cousin who is always down for a good time. She makes every event unforgettable and truly is the life of the party. From being one of the first people I met in the Valentin family to standing by my side on my big day, I can’t imagine a better full circle moment. Her presence at our wedding will undoubtfully make it so much more special.

Haley Valentin

This is my friend Jason, my Jiu Jitsu partner in crime and my Mexico trip partner. From rolling on the mats to creating unforgettable memories abroad, we've built a friendship full of laughs, and good times. He's always down for an adventure and brings great energy wherever he goes. I'm grateful to have him by my side for this big moment.

Jason Conde

Bri and I clicked on the first day of high school and she has been keeping life loud, fun, and full of laughter ever since. She is the kind of person who can make any room light up by just entering. She brings the fun wherever she goes, and I am so lucky to have her as a part of my big day.

Brianna Blenman

Daniel has been my longest standing friend all the way back to my Freshman Year of High School. If there is anyone who can lift your spirits up or rely on for support, Dan is the Man. I couldn't fathom to go through this next stage of my life without a little Manielson Magic with me.

Daniel Morrison

Wedding Party

Q + A

If you are calling you can ask them to reserve a room under the dookie/valentin group rate for the wedding on April 16, 2027.

Victoria & Jared

Victoria & Jared

Hotel Block

Marriott Park Ridge