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The Girls
Maid of Honour
Ana Cristina Prado Pinto Abeid (Tina)
Ana is my big sister and though as kids we didn't get along that well,
we have grown closer together as we've grown older. Through the last few years we have seen each other through a lot,
and living 5 hours apart has only brought us closer. I once read a quote that said "Real friends are those who can grow
separately without growing apart." I think that describes our relationship very well. By the way, Ana actually
prefers to be called Tina, but I can't get used to it since I've called her Ana all my life...
In Ana's (or Tina's) own words:
"I am a quiet gal who likes to have fun with friends... I now have a
new passion: The gym! Yeah, for those who know me, you're probably thinking: "Whaaaat?" (Mariana's note: Did I finally
get through to her? hahaha) I also enjoy Summer, the beach, Strawberry Daiquiris and Pinnaple Malibus, and
have an addiction...SHOES. I loooove cars and could spend days in an auto show!!! I am a Team Manager for the TD Visa Customer
Service Centre and love what I do. I have worked for the bank for 4 years now. I can't wait to meet everyone in July!"
Amy is my new big sister. She got married to my brother Cesar in
May of 2005. Amy is an awesome person and her smile is contagious!
In Amy's own words:
I'm originally from the U.S., and I moved from Texas to London in May
2005. I've lived all over the U.S. and my hometown in Seattle, Washington. I'm an occupational therapist who loves to
work with kids-my last job was working with kids who had developmental delays and other disabilities. I love to dance (I'm learning
lindy hop), enjoy cooking, and I'm loving married life!
Jenn is Dan's
"big" sister and a very fun girl. I have had the pleasure of playing pool, cards, and other games with Jenn and the
fun of watching her competitive spirit. She is awesome with knitting and I enjoy the cozy scarf and afghan that she
has made me.
In Jenn's
own words:
I am originally from Kingston but for the past 3 years I have been travelling with my husband Collin. After a two
year stint in Mexico we are now teaching in Hong Kong. Although it is on the other side of the planet, we amazingly
are able to keep in contact with our families more. Like Ana, I love strawberry daiquiris but my favourite season
would have to be winter. Although I love boating with my parents and swimming, I really enjoy making snow forts, shovelling
and having snow ball fights. Seems kind of weird seen as I've been in very warm climates for the past couple of years.
I have been a teacher for 6 years, five of which I taught grade eight students (13 and 14 year olds). For the past six
months I've been teaching five year olds and I must say it's a lot more fun working with the younger students and I'm loving
it.
Sylvia is my awesome friend whom I met swing dancing. She loves
swing dancing so much she was still dancing when she was 9 months pregnant!
In Sylvia's own words:
I've lived in Kingston,
Ontario for about 8 years now. I've known Mariana and Dan for about
one and a half years. We met through swing dancing at Queen's University, and we've become good friends over the
short time. Yes I'm a swing dancer like The Couple, and I'm proud of it! I'm also proud to say that my husband
(also a swing dancer) and I have just celebrated the arrival of our beautiful son, Darian. Motherhood is great!
Outside swing and being a mom I work as a pediatric nurse at our local hospital (we have to pay for those swing workshops
somehow). I love my job! In my spare time (like a have any now since I've become a mommy) apart from swing I like
drawing, photography and running with our dog Chimo. That's enough about me! Now I would like to congratulate Dan
and Mariana on their engagement! Dan and Mariana here are some pointers to a happy marriage, from a happily married
swing couple. "There are short cuts to happiness and dancing is one of them." So remember " Dance till the stars
come down from the rafters, dance, dance, dance till you drop" and remember that " you can dance anywhere, even in your
hearts!
That's all Folks!
Looking forward to meeting you all!"
The guys
Best Man
David
McDougall
Dave is my older brother and has been there for me through all the big
changes in my life. As well, I had the honour of being his Bestman when he married Kristin.
Groomsmen
Cesar
Augusto Prado Pinto Abeid
Cesar is Mariana's older brother and an excellent swing dancer.
He and I studied Electrical Engineering at Western. I was very happy when he gave me permission to marry his little
sister.
In His Own Words
I met Dan in 2001 when I transferred to Western as an Engineering student.
I noticed him right away with his engineering leather jacket at a Swing Dance lesson. And then I REALLY noticed him
when he started dating my sister... Lucky for her, Dan turned out to be a great guy, and I'm really happy for the two of them.
It will be an honour to stand with them as they get married.
I
have known Collin for 8 years, from when he was just Jenn's Friend at University to being Jenn's Husband. He is a great
guy and I was happy to be one of the Groomsmen at his wedding.
In
His Own Words:
My
name is Collin Meijerink. I met Dan about 6 years ago when I started dating his older sister Jennifer.
Over the years Dan and I have managed to lead each other astray on many occasions. Whether it was wondering aournd downtown
Kingston, island hopping on the family boat, trying to kill each other in paint ball, or climbing the great pyramids of Mexico,
Dan has become a great friend. He was kind enough to stand up for me when I married his sister and it is my honour to
be there for him.
Paul is a great friend that has known me since we were in Grade
5. We were scouts and altar servers together. He was always liked by my parents but had an excellent ability to find
trouble. I was happy to be a Groomsman at his wedding to Melissa
In His Words:
I remember way back to the great years with Dan at Mother
Teresa Elementary.
I'm excited to be a part of Dan and
Mariana's wedding and I'm happy that that Dan has found the
perfect fit to his exciting
life! I look forward to watching
their future together grow. Way to go Dan-the-Man!
I have known Ian since Grade 10 at Holy Cross. He and I have spent
many hours drinking and argueing all in good fun. Ian was always somebody I could go to if I wanted advice even if I
did not like what he said. Paul, Ian and I have spent many hours playing road hockey, soccer and basketball.
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