Melanie's Bridal Shower

Wedding Day

Winter

"When you're a kid, you assume your parents are soulmates. My kids are gonna be right about that." -Pam Beesly

Our Wedding

Their Story is one that was ordained by God, where two individuals whose paths would have never crossed, were thrust into each other's lives through divine intervention. On December 10, 2017, both Mel and Sonny decided to get baptized and make Jesus Lord. This was a decision they both made independently of each other. Not knowing who the other was, they smiled and laughed awkwardly as people paired them together and told them to take photos with each other. Little did they know, Kurt &amp; Christina Flinchbaugh already saw the future before they did.&nbsp; A few weeks after their baptism, during Christmas break, Sonny decided to message Melanie through Instagram to see how she’s been doing. He quite literally slid in her dms (iykyk). Very soon this small gesture led to a budding friendship. Within a year &amp; a half, Melson, as they soon would be known as, started dating April 2019 at the Magic Garden in Philadelphia. A faith filled moment of trust and excitement, these two love birds were off for the races.&nbsp;Coffee dates, excursions through Fishtown, study dates at Widener and Temple, it didn't take much to enjoy each other's company. But due to a lack of godly discipling, their relationship would end and would lead to an on again off again relationship.&nbsp; As hard as those moments were for the two of them, what developed was a deeper relationship with God. Instead of running away from God and isolating themselves, each sought a journey of maturing their faith, working through hardships, &amp; falling madly in love with Jesus. Now with a refined faith, these two could once again continue their story and date for the final time in January 2024, and yes -&nbsp;they meant final. 6 months later on June 15th 2024, Sonny mustered up the courage to ask Melanie to marry him. With tears in her eyes and the cheers of our family in the back, Melanie said yes to marrying Sonny.&nbsp; "We are so grateful for the friends and family who have played such a crucial role in our lives. With February 8th on the horizon we cannot wait to celebrate with everyone. Love you, see you soon!" - Mel and Sonny #ASILVAMASTERPIECE

Our Story

Photos

"Mel and I met through family gatherings but we officially met as friends in college. We bonded almost instantly and it became a comfort knowing that we each had family close by on campus. Our friendship got stronger and deeper as we grew in our careers and into adulthood. We’ve supported and shared every major and minor event in our lives, all while cracking each other up to the point of laughing tears. I’ll forever say that I married my soulmate, because Mel will always be my BFF #1 "

Christina Jensen

"We met my first year being a campus minister. He was one of my first students and we quickly became friends. Late nights hanging out, arguing over dumb stuff, being competitive, and studying God's word led to our growing Friendship. Having a friend like Patrick made going to campus worth it a lot of the time. He's truly a tried and true friend." - Gerson

Patrick Udochi

"Hello, my name is Lauren. Melanie is one of my best friends. We met in college where we were apart of the same Christian group. We always had very similar friend groups but really got close when we were serving the campus ministry as leaders together. This was in 2019. She had recently graduated and wanted to serve God and I was in my senior year. We were both going through a tough season where we got the chance to grow together and lean on each other. As seasons changed and other joyous and painful times came we haven’t stopped growing and leaning on each other. A few things I love most about my friendship with Mel is that we always push each other closer to Christ, we can talk for hours and we always laugh together. I love her a lot and I’m so excited to be next to her on her and Gerson’s wedding day!"

Lauren Ellis

"We all need a friend who just tells you how it is. Jamison has always been that for me. Always calling me higher in my relationship with God and being a brother who spurs me on. I can always count on him to tell me something that humbles me in the moment but helps mature my character in the process. He's passionate, driven, a baller (except when i'm guarding him), and a man after God's own heart.  -Gerson

Fun fact: Melanie and I would most likely not be getting married if it wasn't for Jamison sitting me down and calling me out. Love you man." -Gerson 

Jamison Hicks

"I met Mel when I moved to Philadelphia in 2020. When we finally met in person, we bonded almost instantly. She felt like a long lost sister- she understood me, was there for me and inspired me! I love her squeezes, our ability to talk about anything and everything, and her love for God. I can’t wait to support her and Sonny on their wedding day!"

Angelina Guerra

"The last name says it all, Alejandro is my brother from another mother! Every summer up until college I spent in Georgia with him. We loved wrestling, boxing, playing basketball and soccer together. As we have gotten older I admire his work ethic, entrepreneurship, and love for people close to him. He's a man who defends those close to him and  i'm glad to have him by my side." -Gerson

Alejandro Silva

"I’m Mel’s younger cousin, we met because I was born. She was my first best friend, and was more of a sister than a cousin. I love that we can be the most authentic versions of ourselves with each other without being judged. I love that I know that we’ll always be together in happy times, but even more during hard times. I love how we empower one another to speak our minds, and have fun no matter what we’re doing. We make each other goofier!" 

Shannon Roy 

"Before I met Nigel for myself he already got a glimpse of the brother in law he was getting at me and mels baptism. Coming out the water flinging my hair I sprayed him and mama master with some holy water and the rest was history. I also had the pleasure of being in some of his bible studies before he made Jesus Lord. Nigel is determined, self motivated, and always fun to be around. I'm beyond grateful for his constant support and i'm honored to call him brother soon." - Gerson

Nigel Master

"I'm Raven Rivera. I'm a bookworm, craft enthusiast. I like adventure and fun and it's not hard to know exactly what I'm thinking. Mel doesn't remember, but we first met shortly after she got baptized during a church service. I offered to hang out, but it never happened.  I feel like the real start to our friendship was during our many dog sitting adventure for the Byrds... Neither of us like dogs lol. I love how Mel and I have the same ratchet humor - basically were ratchet and saved. It's really easy for us to be our whole authentic selves , without fear of judgement."

Raven Rivera

"What can I say about Zelby. For starters he's my brother and I love the guy. From crawling around on the floor, sharing a bed together growing up, playing basketball, and getting on each others nerves i'm glad I had him by my side. Without Zelby by my side growing up I probably would have been really weird. But he was the first person I learned to care for outside of myself. He made me a better man just by being born."  -Gerson

Zelby Rosa

"I don’t know exactly when or how we got so close, but I can’t look back on my life and imagine it without Mel. We’re technically “family friends” but that’s never felt like enough - she’s always just been my cousin. We grew up together, belly laughing our way into adulthood (idk how we got here, we’re just babies!!!) and we’ve grown better together. If there’s one thing I know, it’s to keep the people who bring out your inner child close - and for me that’s Melanie.”

Neha Matthews

"Jamell is my newest friend but he's played a vital role in my life in just a short time. Hailing all the way from Georgia, Jamell stepped into South Jersey and made a splash just by being himself. He's cool, calm, creative and can sing like no other. But what makes Jamell so special is the wisdom he is able to share. Through tough times Jamell was always someone who I was able to talk to and get clarity from. He's a great brother & a great friend." -Gerson

Jamell Sowell

Wedding Party

Parking InformationParking will be at the Liacouras Garage at Temple University located at 1710 N. 15th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19122.&nbsp;The price for parking is $22 dollars each time you enter. When heading down Broad st as you pass Mitten Hall, take a left at the light on Norris st and then another left on 15th st. The parking garage will be in between Montgomery ave and Cecil b Moore ave.

Near the Philadelphia Art Museum &amp; Logan Square - 10 minutes from the Wedding Ceremony &amp; Reception

The Windsor Suites

Near Rittenhouse Square - about 10 minutes away from Wedding Ceremony &amp; Reception site

Residence Inn Philadelphia Center City

Near Kelly Drive &amp; Manayunk neighborhoods- about 20 minutes from the Wedding Ceremony &amp; Reception site

Gerson & Melanie

Gerson & Melanie

Travel & Stay

The Windsor Suites

Residence Inn Philadelphia Center City

Courtyard Philadelphia City Avenue