María Paula Ghiso-Campano - Matron of Honor

The oldest of the 3 Marías, María Paula was always the responsible one. She made sure we got home ok from school and refereed any arguments. She always set high standards for all of us to live up to. Competing with my big sis pushed me to be my very best. Like all younger sisters, I wanted to be just like Pauli. In fact, the bright red glasses I had in junior high school were just like hers (don't know if I should be thanking her or the 80’s for that fashion choice). In graduate school, Pauli became my roommate and my rock. Together we explored Philadelphia, got homesick, learned to cook for ourselves daily, and earned our degrees, all while she managed to keep me relatively sane. I don't know where I'd be without her support.

María Fernanda Ghiso - Maid of Honor

My younger sister, María Fernanda, has “the gift.” She can pick a diamond out of the rough while shopping, and always has a good time doing it. She is the BEST shopping partner, and there is no one’s closet I’d rather raid (thank goodness she likes to share!). While we are usually referring to shopping when we mention her “gift,” it extends far beyond that. She has the gift of patience, and is always willing to listen and offer advice, preferably over one of her home baked goodies. Ferni has somehow managed to keep me “calm” and happy through the stresses of wedding planning, just by being a sounding board for me and keeping things light. For as long as I can remember, she has been trying to save the world. What she doesn’t realize is that her outlook and personality have made such a difference in mine.

Mei (Amy) Chau - Bridesmaid

Amy and I met at Bronx Science and became close during our junior year. We sat next to each other in G.A.P. class, where we were most often reprimanded for chatting away and getting none of our work done. We quickly became inseparable, hanging out every day after school even though she lived in Chinatown and I lived in Queens. Over the years we've pulled countless all-nighters, staying up talking about anything and everything. We still laugh uncontrollably whenever we're together, and have dozens of embarrassing stories to hold over each other's heads. Amy can always be counted on to make a silly face in every photograph, though she's promised to take at least a few normal shots for our wedding. You couldn't ask for a better friend than her.

Emman Wong - Bridesmaid

I had heard of Emman even before I met her. We officially met in the 5th grade and have attended every school since junior high together, when we shared our daily afternoon slice of pizza at Gino’s. We got even closer in high school when we commuted for hours a day together to Bronx Science, playing cards on the subway, or just trying to finish our homework before school. Emman has always been a confidante and wonderful listener, talking me off the ledge about many boys over the years, including Andwele. With Sameera, Emman and I form what I like to call the triumvirate - and no major life decision can be taken without bringing it before the others, preferably over yummy food.

Sameera Ansari Kalra - Bridesmaid

I always like to tell the story of how Sameera and I met our freshman year while at Bronx Science. The first time we met, she hated me. But I quickly won her over and we’ve been best of friends ever since. Regardless of life’s everyday that can get in the way, we always find time to meet up, decompress, and gossip. She keeps me in line with her raised eyebrows and helps make all major decisions as part of the triumvirate (with Emman). Sameera and I joke that we are truly sisters, and for a while she adopted María as her middle name. Emman and Sameera are both only children, but I always tell them that having them in my life is just like having more sisters, and I know a thing or two about awesome sisters.