St John's Episcopal Church

Wedding Day

Wedding

Belmont Manor and Historic Park

Reception

Ellicott City, MD, USA

Things to do between the ceremony and the reception

Maryland LIVE Casino

Maryland LIVE CASINO

Our Wedding

Almost designed by destiny, we both met doing what we love most. Our number one hobby, soccer. Precisley, my co-ed team needed a girl. I never thought I would find my wife like this&nbsp;but,&nbsp;it happened. The ref was about to start and we were in desperate need of a filler. The other field had it's game just end and I found this cute, energetic, full of life, beautiful blonde. I said to myself, we can pick her, if she sucks she is at least pleasant on the eye. To my surprise, she was incredible, fast, a natural finisher and all around fun. This slowly started an amazing friendship that was refueled every Sunday night as Mel became part of our team.&nbsp;

HOW WE MET

Our daily texts had increased in frequency and our converstations got deeper. Fast forward 15 months from the time we met and we are planning a trip to Ecuador. It all started as a joke. inspired by a book I read and Freddy listened to (he didn't want to read it), Freddy said,&nbsp;"let's go to Ecuador." &nbsp;I met Freddy on a little hill that we had ran by, I&nbsp;pulled out my planner and said, If you are serious about this then let's plan it." I think Freddy was shocked because I had put him on the spot and now we had to really plan it.&nbsp;

We did, and in a few days we were on a trip to Ecuador. I told Freddy strictly as friends. Freddy just smiled and said,&nbsp;"ok." Well, Ecuador was just too dreamy and too romantic. We started dating a couple of days after we landed :) Since then, not only has our friendship gotten stronger but,&nbsp;our love had a chance to blossom.&nbsp;

Ecuador was incredible, Mountains, food, people, and my favorite near the mountaitn resort we stayed, there was a community of kids that live on the mountain. Their school is nestled high in a city called Banos. One of the women arranged for us to play a game of soccer with all the kids. It was one of the coolest experiences. Freddy and I brought Christmas gifts and we were able to share love with them.

I recommend Ecuador to anyone who wants to go, besides, I have family that lives there now. Officially on May 18! ;)

OK LET'S GO TO ECUADOR BUT ONLY AS FRIENDS...-MEL

We are extremely thankful to say that since we met, we have increasingly and steadily become amazing friends. Highs and lows, action packed adventures and regular days doing nothing. It all lead to my biggest and best surprise so far.&nbsp;

Freddy called my family and his to witness our engagement. I did not see it coming. With the help of our awesome friends, the Prassers, Freddy took me to the same hill we use to run by and the hill we planned our Ecuador trip.&nbsp;

This little hill means so much to us now, we planned my favorite trip ever, Ecuador. &nbsp;Freddy asked&nbsp;me to go on a lifetime adventure on this same hill. As I jumped up and down with tears in my eyes, Freddy's family and mine coming up the hill from their hiding spots. One of the best days of my life :) 

I appreciate Freddy for how thoughtful and loving he is and how he always finds a way to make each day full of adventure and surprises.&nbsp;

ENGAGED! 

If you read this you most likely will be celebrating with us. Come ready to party! We need great pictures from all of you for this section. Can't wait to see you.

THE WEDDING

Schedule

Rehearsal/ Rehearsal Dinner

Rehearsal will be at St. Johns Episcopal Church on Friday May 17th at 6 pm.&nbsp;Rehearsal dinner will follow at the church for the wedding party and their immediate family.

Our Story

Details

Krystal, my younger sister, has been my best friend through braces, awkward hair stages, and the many seasons of figuring out what life’s supposed to be. I have loved being her big sister and making the most of life with her. She has been my shoulder to lean on, my guide, my fashion police and my favorite to do photo shoots with. She’s tough on the outside, full of sass, and has a big heart. I’m so proud of the person she's becoming. I’m honored to have her stand by me, as I make one of the biggest decision of my life. Love you Sissy &lt;3

Krystal Waters

The perfect mix of all the best qualities of mom and dad. A gentleman, our center back for indoor and also my younger brother. From our adventures in Ecuador as young kids, to growing old together, working together, Bryan is an amazing person. &nbsp;

At work, his commitment and work ethic are inspiring. His drive, focus and willingness to do all that is necessary is incredible. More importantly, Brian's qualities as a friend, brother, son, husband, and father to 4 AMAZING children have earned my sincere respect, love, and admiration.&nbsp;



It is my incredible honor to have my best man by my side in this new chapter of my life.Bryan is married to Fernanda, featuring our flower girls and ring bearers. Steven, Melanie, Sophia, and Matthew.

Bryan Llerena

My person, my partner-in-crime, and my best friend. Sarah and I met the summer before our freshman year (at soccer camp- shout out BCWS) and have been best friends ever since. She has been the most encouraging person in my life and I give her a lot of credit for helping me to become the person I am. Some of my favorite memories with Sarah are our soccer trip&nbsp;to Europe together, being captains of our soccer team, being&nbsp;support for each other and each others families, traveling&nbsp;hours and hours to see each other (to crame everything we can into only a few hours), binge watching&nbsp;Greys Anatomy in a few months&nbsp;and challenging&nbsp;each other in every aspect of life. I thank God for her and will forever be blessed! So thankful for her support.&nbsp;

Sarah Hedrick

He may be&nbsp;the youngest but for sure the&nbsp;wittiest. He has been earning his stripes keeping up with Bryan and myself.&nbsp;We share many adventures,&nbsp;&nbsp;experiences, and for times. Nicky is incredibly mature and also an amazing human. Although only 15, he amazes me with his drive and perseverance. Nicky has actually given me&nbsp;awesome advice from time to time. He&nbsp;plays on on our indoor team and consistently tries to take the "10" position from me. Don't know if will happen though.&nbsp;It is an honor to have Nicky Nick by my side on such special day.&nbsp;

Nick Llerena

Before there was&nbsp;Bryan and Nick, Alex was one of my first brothers. We were fortunate enough to go to middle school and high school together. Share awesome as well as embarrassing experiences. Through it all, Alex has been, and is close with sound advice. He is composed,&nbsp;one of the best examples as a father and a husband. Alex is a wise man, a great person, and always ready to laugh at my jokes. His only fault is getting a mirror tint on his &nbsp;windows in high school. It is my awesome honor to have Alex not only in my life but my future wife as well.&nbsp;

Alex Rodriguez

Carrie Joy is one of the most joyful, fun, energetic and horse & dinosaur loving people I know. Carrie and I have been good friends since our senior year of college and I’m thankful for the special times that we’ve spent getting to know each other and going on adventures. I admire Carrie for her &nbsp;natural talent at bringing people together and getting them to do activities out of the norm, while having the best time. Some of those activities include being powder puff pros, acting out Dr. Seuss books, line dancing, buying matching clothes&nbsp; and making up silly videos. I love how she gets me out of my comfort zone and I’m so excited for her to continue to be apart of my life and Freddys.

Carrie Wild

Gordon is the type of person to go after it. After his dreams without hesitations. He has lived in&nbsp;Chile and Switzerland since leaving AU. His determination earned his acceptance into the FIFA&nbsp;Masters program which has led him to conquer Europe and meet his lovely wife.&nbsp;

It is an honor to have "Dinho" stand next to me on this special journey. He has become an example to follow. Gordon has been an amazing friend, always there to listen share his methodical thoughts. Gordon is one of my brothers from AU and someone who&nbsp;&nbsp;I admire.&nbsp;



Gordon is married to Suzanne and they have an awesome baby boy, Noah.&nbsp;









Gordon Templeman

April is my first friend after college. We have had some of the best adventures experiencing Baltimore, different foods, and learning how to salsa dance together.&nbsp;&nbsp;She is the definition of strong, beautiful, and is so wise beyond her years. I love that even when we haven't talked we’re still the best of friends. I admire her for how she cares for her family, for living her best life&nbsp;pursing all that God has for her&nbsp;and for her sense of style. I’m thankful for her to travel all the way from Paris to stand by us!&nbsp;

April Ward

Pauly, my soon to be sister, is kind, sweet, and one of the most supportive people in our lives. She is an amazing mom, wife, friend, and daughter and I look up to her for that. I love her for how she is full of grace, love and faith. She is sincere and honest and has been a good friend from the beginning. &nbsp;I have loved celebrating all the joys in life together and I look forward to gaining a sister to do life with. Thank you for caring Naña!

Pauly Onate

Ryan "Boidy Boyd Papo" is one of my brothers I've the fortune to meet at AU. A self proclaimed late bloomer and highlighter specialist, Ryan is a true southern gentleman. Since graduating, I have seen Ryan chase his dream career. His persistence and courage to stick through it are a great example. His professional and personal growth are inspiring. I can't believe that has been half my age that I know Ryan. However, I can easily believe how he has become one of brothers. It is an honor as well to have Ryan stand by me on this next chapter.&nbsp;

Ryan Boyd

Also known as grandpa Reeder, Brett fooled everyone with half-volleys and "bangers" during our first pre season. He was a Freshman playing like a&nbsp;Senior. Brett has always been quiet and decisive.&nbsp;Brett has one of the biggest hearts and I've had the opportunity to watch him grow in his professional life as well as his personal life. His strength to take life's punches and use them as motivation to become an awesome son, brother,&nbsp;husband and father, along with his drive to make it New York are inspirational. Brett has been an amazing encouraging brother&nbsp;since AU. I am honored to have Brett stand &nbsp;next to me as I&nbsp;enter this new chapter in my life.&nbsp;Brett is married to Laurie Reeder and they have two amazing boys.&nbsp;

Brett Reeder 

Fernanda, also my soon-to-be sister, is another person I look up to so much! She is a&nbsp;great and fierce Mama to 4 of my soon-to-be nieces and nephews. I’m amazed with how her and Bryan are raising them. We’ve enjoyed many Grey’s Anatomy nights with lots of wine and great talks. I’m proud of her and I’m so excited to see where life's adventures take us! She’s a great soccer player and I love watching&nbsp;her crush guys every week.&nbsp;Thanks for supporting us Fer!&nbsp;

Fernanda Llerena

Kassie is one of my newest and healthiest&nbsp;friends and I’m thankful for how she has sweetened this season of life. We met at my gym and we’ve enjoyed trying different workouts together and&nbsp;sharing our hopes and&nbsp;dreams with each other over lots of coffee. Shes one of my most encouraging friends.&nbsp;As the CEO for her nonprofit, Voices of Vets, Kassie is joyful and passionate about changing people's lives and I admire her for her perseverance and drive. She is creative,&nbsp;smart and a super talented singer. Thanks for supporting us from the beginning Kassie &lt;3

Kassie Sandacz

Kamy! My little brother, so honored to have this young man up here. Soccer tennis, quarries, soccer games, hikes, Christmas, birthday parties and any adventure. Kamy formed part of "my crew." My single years and after most of my friends got married we packed our weekends with soccer or adventures. &nbsp;

Kamy Onate

Evan has a bomb let lose when he strikes the ball. Might have picked up a few things from me. He has a nice silky touch,&nbsp;great personality and gets straight A's like a Ibra scores a paneka.&nbsp;Evan is part of "my crew" during my single years as well. Along with Kamy and Nick, hours and hours of watching soccer, playing soccer tennis, and going on adventures. You have to ask him who the underfeated soccer tennis champion is... still standing!&nbsp;

Evan Onate

Kevin is an amazing person with a huge heart. He is an amazing Brother to Mel and Krystal. Since we met, Kev has impressed me with his maturity and ability to stay focused. Crushing it on video games but still making his grades. Kev is making the best out of his life in high school. More importantly, he loves and respects his sisters.&nbsp;

Kevin Waters Jr

Whenever "Pato" is around, there is a party.&nbsp;Although he hated losing to my soccer team at a young age, Pato has always been there. At a young age we gather at grandma's house every Sunday and&nbsp;played soccer until it was dark. Whenever life has give us the chance to live near by, I know I have a person I can count on nearby.&nbsp;Pato has an amazing love and strength for family, a staple Llerena trait.&nbsp;

Pato Llerena

Alex&nbsp;Malaka&nbsp;is young at heart, but the oldest&nbsp;of the crew.&nbsp; He still hangs with us on the soccer field and is a real #10. I&nbsp;play on three sometimes four teams with Alex on weekly basis. Just as on the field, Alex is a great party starter. Music is always on point and Tequila never missing. He is married to an awesome Bridesmaid ( Paulina)&nbsp;and they have 3 children. Kamy, Evan, and Emilio (MIMO).&nbsp;

Alex Onate

Like my little brother, Tefo has always been around us. Although we lived thousands of miles apart, Tefo has always welcomed me as a brother in my few Ecuador visits. He is sharp and full of energy. He is great to get along with and is always positive. I am honored to have another one of my little brothers stand with me and be part of an amazing journey.&nbsp;

Stefano Carrera

Papa George! Whether riding bikes as 8 year old and pretending to speak in other languages to Whiskey tastings, George has always been there when I&nbsp;call him. I admire George's resolve and tenacity to work hard for his family. His easy going personality and will to be advenurous always adds to the life of the party. George is marries to Gaby and has two amazing kids.&nbsp;

George Llerena

Eddy is a little younger but always part of the crew. Eddy works extremely hard and loves the three ladies in his life. He is a great dad but among the qualities that I admire most about Eddy is how he loves and takes care of my uncle and aunt. Eddy is married to Julie and has two beautiful baby girls.&nbsp;

Eddy Llerena

Pat is a great example and a true gentleman. Growing in a house full of women, he has&nbsp;managed to keep it together. Not only that, but Pat had to become the MAN of the house early on. I admire his qualities and heart.&nbsp;&nbsp;He is driven, focused.&nbsp;I admire how he has been able to take care of his sisters and mom. Pat you are awesome!

Pat Robles

Wedding Party

Photos

Q + A

Registry

You can forget your car for the entire day!Join the rest of the wedding party travel to the ceremony. The bus will leave&nbsp;Aloft Arundel Mills at 10:45 a.m. The bus will bring you back after the ceremony and will start taking guest to the wedding reception at 2:30 p.m. last shuttle will leave for the reception at 3:15 p.m.&nbsp;



There will be a shuttle from the reception back to the hotel. &nbsp;

Aloft Arundel Mills BWI Airport

&nbsp;Aloft Arundel Mills BWI Airport in Hanover, you'll be near the airport and convenient to Arundel Mills Mall and Maryland Live Casino. Free shuttle services to and from the BWI&nbsp;Airport.&nbsp;Free self parking is available onsite. Other amenities include lobby fireplace, indoor pool, 24-hour fitness center, pool, and bar.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Access our wedding block link below.&nbsp;

The Aloft Arundel Mills, Hanover Maryland offers complimentary shuttle services to and from the hotel.&nbsp;

Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) 

Travel

Things to Do

FAQ's

Why is the ceremony so early?&nbsp;

It was very difficult to try to find a date where our favorite venue and church had availability. Good news is you can rest and recharge to party!We are all meeting back at the BWI&nbsp;ALOFT&nbsp;to drop off your cars if you wish to leave the cars at the hotel.&nbsp;





What airport should I fly into?&nbsp;





BWI - there is a free shuttle to the hotel&nbsp;





Where should I stay?&nbsp;





We have a wedding Block with <a href="https://www.marriott.com/event-reservations/reservation-link.mi?id=1550077414808&amp;key=GRP&amp;app=resvlink" target="_blank">Aloft Arundel Mills</a>. Follow the link and make your reservations.&nbsp;



How far is the ceremony from the Hotel?



It's about 23 minutes&nbsp;



How far is the reception venue from the Hotel?&nbsp;



14 minutes&nbsp;

Freddy & Melanie

Freddy & Melanie

Photos