Joanna is my mom and my best friend of 21 years. She is my biggest supporter and the strongest woman I know. She has shaped me into the woman I am today. I have had a million funny and memorable moments with my mom. We went to Vegas one year and a billboard of thunder from down under followed us wherever we went, I once watched my mom burn her eyebrows off while putting wood in the fireplace, and during quarantine, we would meet in the living room to make dances. I am so excited to welcome Rich into our family. I love how easily my mom and Rich love each other. They are a great example of how to love and communicate. My mom deserves the world and that's exactly what Rich is. I am so happy for them both and am excited to have Rich as my step-dad.

I’ve known Rich for 30 years. Since I’ve known Rich for most of my “adulting” life, we’ve shared a lot of laughs together, most of which are just a hint inappropriate for daytime storytelling. Most of our stories and laughs obviously come at the expense of one another. When we were young and Rich was turning “old”, a bunch of us took him out for a bar crawl in a custom made, “Spank me, I’m 30 shirt!” We “borrowed” a ping pong paddle and hit the Garnet Strip in PB for a fun filled night of torturing Rich. Naturally, we ended up back at our place, and Rich wound up wrestling with half a Navy Seal team, who were our neighbors. Laughing and rolling around on the front lawn. As they were ready to duct tape him up, my wife came out swinging, ready to fight as she thought they were going to hurt Rich. We all died laughing on the front lawn. Rich and Joanna are two strong and successful individuals, but together they become something that most young couples don’t have. They bring out the best in one another, match each other’s strengths and share their unique qualities to uplift one another.

I’m Joanna’s youngest daughter and child. My Funniest story with my mom was probably when my mom sister and I were in New York and we had spent the whole day shopping and walking all around they had forced me to get over my fear of bridges but taking me to walk across the Brooklyn bridge mind you it was pouring rain and winding and I was bawling the entire time and ofc my mom and sister were laughing there heads off and after all the tears I got to actually enjoy being on the bridge and it was amazing, I’m so grateful I’ve had my mom to give me so many opportunities and teach me to never be scared of things you’ve never even tried. My favorite thing about Rich and my mom is how he makes her glow and he makes her whole, I’ve never seen her as happy as she is when she’s with him I couldn’t be happier to have Rich as my new stepdad !

I am Joanna's oldest son and I’ve known rich for 2-3 years. My favorite memory of rich is really getting to know him during the engagement party. He is kind-hearted all around good guy! My favorite thing about their relationship is how happy my mom is.

Oh, Mama Jo and I were Mini Moms together. It was one of the best teams at California All-Stars. Those little ones were sassy and stole every show. There was a bond and a tribe that was born there 16 years ago. a funny story about Joanna and I... Hip Hop Abs in the cheer Mom Room, Palm Springs, and Vegas Cheer Comps. Enough said❤️❤️🌹🌹 What I love most about Joanna and Rich is the spontaneity of knowing when it was right to jump in. Our time together in Atlanta allowed me to see his heart and love for her. He couldn’t take his eyes off her beauty. What a kind, handsome, and worthy soul to match her energy. The rest will be a glorious history. Congratulations Family and welcome Rich.

Being Rich's father, I obviously have known him his whole life. My funny story is when I was teaching him how to ride a 2 wheel bicycle. He was 4 years old and I was holding onto the back of the bicycle and he was peddling down the street. I had let go of the bicycle early on and he continued peddling down the street. He was doing great until he started talking to me and realized I wasn't answering . He turned his head around to see where I was and he saw me way back up the street where we started. He got all nervous and the bicycle started wobbling back and forth. Then he crashed and we both had a good laugh! What I love about Rich and Joanna being together is that it's very obvious that they're very much in love with each other and very happy. Joanna has got to be the most loving and cheerful person I have ever met in my life! I couldn't be happier that she is marrying my son. Welcome to the family Joanna!!

Joanna and I met through pageantry. I was captivated by her fierce commitment to her platform and ability to exude love authentically, 24/7. On a zoom video training we recorded together over the pandemic we obviously rocked the glam on top. After we exhaled and high-air-fived, we compared notes on what we wore underneath. I showed off my sweats and slippers and she confessed that her blouse button had fallen off and she was holding her top closed the entire time! I love Joanna and Rich's natural and exuberant love. He lets her be completely her and shine. She showers him with edification and affection. I also absolutely adore and appreciate how gracious, generous, and thoughtful they both are with how they lavishly love their friends, family, and Bride Babes 🤍✨.

I’ve known Rich for approximately 16 yrs. There was a time Rich, and I went to DJ at a friend's birthday party. This was back when he had just shipped his DJ equipment from CT. He hadn’t DJ'd in front of an audience in a while. He asked me what song he should start with, and I suggested ‘say ahh by Trey songz’ Rich was so nervous and was shaking like a leaf. I asked him, are you good? He just shrugged it off and went ahead and crushed the set. I love that Joanna and Rich seem really happy together. Rich has a big heart, generous, considerate, loving and very respectful. Both of them seem to share the same values.

I met Joanna almost 2 years ago through a mutual friend who is also another bridesmaid. One time Joanna and I were going to a formal event, and when we opened the door, we realized both of us had the same color dress on. We could not stop laughing and saying what good taste we have! I love that Joanna and Rich really took the time to get to know each other as friends first before truly committing to each other.

I’ve know Rich since September of 2001. A small group of my closest friends went out in Encinitas for my 40th Birthday celebration and I was living with Rich at the time. After dinner we ended up doing a bar crawl and the next thing we know we're at Shelter. Not very long after arriving Rich “Irish Exited” and left me behind. Eventually I took an Uber home and unfortunately Rich had locked me out of the house and was too incapacitated to come and unlock the door to let me in. Luckily for me I accidentally left my car unlocked so I spent the remainder of my 40th birthday sleeping in the back of my 1985 Buick Riviera, which was rather comfortable I might add. So thanks again Rich for ghosting me on my birthday, locking me out of the house and making my sleep in my car! Love ya man! LOL. What I like about them together is their dedication and devotion to each other. You can easily see the love and respect they have for each other just by looking at their body language and having a two minute conversation with them. Their personalities complement each other perfectly. Here’s to a book of endless chapters…CHEERS!

I met Joanna at the United States National Pageant. She was competing and won Ms. Woman and I was there to co-emcee the pageant as a former Mrs. United States. I remember so much laughter with my dear friend. Meeting Joanna has been such a blessing in my life. One of my favorite memories is a trip to Temecula with wine and hot air balloons and laughter. I look forward to many more wonderful memories, celebrating life, love, laughter, and friendship. I remember meeting Rich at the very beginning. He was such a gentleman and easy to talk to. I always look for that friendship in a couple, and that is so important! And what I love about Rich and Joanna is that they are so very much in love, but they have a friendship and a kindness that you can see when they look at each other- to me that is a richness and love that is blessed by God. They put God first and that is very evident with their love for each other, their love for their friends and family, and in all that they do.

Rich and I met through Gavin 25 years ago. I was looking to move to Pacific Beach and I joked about being Rich's roommate which he quickly accepted. I am sure he had some regrets when he saw how messy I could be but during these years we formed a lifelong friendship. One of my favorite stories with Rich is when we were both broke living in Pacific Beach, all of our friends would go out and we were too poor to go with them. Rich would DJ and we would play darts for hours. Eventually, the party would end up at our place and we would hang out until the Coors Light ran out. In the 25 years I have never seen him this happy. Joanna brings the best in him and the way he looks at her is inspiring for all couples. I wish them many years of happiness!

Joanna and I met in 2020 while she was competing for Ms. California United States virtually. I knew her fate as Ms Woman United States would become a reality before she knew it! God's hands were in our friendship as I was relentless in being by her side and helping her with whatever she needed as a friend and with her nonprofit. We have had many laughable moments over the years and have vowed to always bring each other buckets of water whenever needed. We might live thousands of miles apart but our friendship knows no distance. We have travelled all over the US together making memories that will last a lifetime. I love how Rich and Joanna are authentic around each other. Their true love is visible every time they are together. He is truly Rich in Lov!

Rich and I met over 40 years ago. We hit it off very quickly, with our love for the Yankees, basketball, hip hop, our friendship grew rather quickly. We have so many stories from over the years. I feel nothing tops our Spring Weekend Trip to UCONN, we went up on a Wednesday, where most people go up on a Friday. There was a group of us, Rich and I spent lots of partying, hanging out with other friends. The trip was great because it turned into the Milford boys takeover UCONN. We dominated the campus life, in drinking games, volleyball, you name it we crushed it. All in all, the laughs were many, the bond of a friend, who was quickly becoming family was forming. A great 4 and half day trip was just what we needed, as the legend grew at UCONN and put Milford on the map. Rich and Joanna are a great match, in meeting her, I instantly knew, that Rich had met his match, I love that they allow each other to be themselves, but also making each other better. Have the opportunity to be with them both, when they came to Connecticut was all I needed to see, Joanna was able to fit in so easily, meeting some of our friends, and more at a party we attended that night. The skies the limit for Rich and Joanna, and I couldn’t be happier for you both.

I met Joanna about 5 or 6 years ago at dance class! We both started (I think the same day) at The Movement Lab in Solana Beach. After class, the teacher invited people to stay who may want to perform at the Belly Up...and we both did. That was the inaugural year of what is now Bella Lux Entertainment and Joanna and I graced the stage together dancing to great 80's tunes! We lost touch for a little bit until I ran into her during Covid lockdown at the Roxy in downtown Encinitas. We started reminiscing, stayed in touch, and have now spent many occasions together ever since...celebrating birthdays, holidays, broadway shows, and now her nuptials to Rich! I had traveled to Reno to visit my mother and the plane had literally just landed when she texted asking what I was up to. She offered to pick me up at the airport (which I took her up on) and we ended up dancing the night away in Del Mar! Super spontaneous night with appearances from "Where's Waldo" and "Hoops". ;-) Joanna and Rich are very generous people with big hearts. They're very giving with their time and invitations to participate in life together! I also love their spiritual connection with God, making a full triangle in their relationship.

I have known Rich for about 2 years It was our father’s 70th birthday and coincidentally also the first time Rich was going to spend time with the entire family. I’m pretty sure he didn’t know what to expect and I’m a 100% sure what he got did not meet his expectations. For those of you who have been to one of our family gatherings you know they are more a kin to a house party than a family get together and we showed out in full force to celebrate. As the day got under way Rich was on his best behavior, effortlessly side stepping a couple of rounds of shots (primarily instigated by myself, my cousins, and my sister) and seamlessly integrating into our family’s circles of conversation. Day progressed to night and Rich remained cool calm and collected as a party broke out around him. Dad cranked the music and turned on his disco lights as the life of the party continued to build. Forever vigilant, being close to Rich was like peering through the eye of a storm, the sky overhead remained calm while chaos was all around him. This story hits its crescendo as my sister kicked off her heels, it was time to find out if this kid could DANCE … See you all 5.18.2024 it’s judgement day! I love that Rich loves Jo. I sleep better knowing that my sister has found someone who matches her fire and that the two of them are willing to take on the world together.

I met Jo on a sidewalk outside of preschool. She heard my voice with my Chicago accent and said “Are you from Chicago”? I said yes, right outside the border in Indiana. She said that’s not Chicago and the rest is history. Many playdates and cheer competitions later…here we are…in love and happy. I love Jo and Rich together as he’s got her back and makes her heart sing, letting Jo be Jo! I knew he was the one when he smiled for every picture and selfie we took in Vegas! A funny story with Jo and I is 911 in Vegas….enough said as that will stay in Vegas. May your love for each other keep expanding and your hearts keep growing , always beating together in harmony all the rest of your days! Love u both!

How long have I known Rich?... Unfortunately, I don't live in California to have the opportunity to spend more time with Rich. I've known of Rich for quite some time and it was nothing but good vibes my sister would say about him every time we spoke. After meeting Rich I see that Rich is a good man for my sister my sister is happy and being her brother I just know these things. Funny story about Rich? I was introduced to Rich when he came to Chicago last year. Rich came back from a crazy night out with my sister and my kids in Chicago stopping at all the food spots and walking for hours Rich was beat. Quickly after they got back, Rich found his spot on the couch and was officially spent! his belly was full from food and I knew my sister and my kids worked him as he was starting to crash. What do I like about Rich and my sis? They click! You could just feel it in the air. Rich is calm and well my sister could be a massive ball of energy. So like the Ying and Yang, Peanut butter and jelly, there is balance.

I met Joanna through Bella. Our daughters have been besties since Kindergarten! My funniest story was the green carpet with Joanna at the helm-we laughed, we cried, we hugged, we farted, and some of us varted. What I love most about Joanna and Rich is their ease, comfort, and old-school vibes.

Joanna and I met when she showed up at the front door of my home one morning as the "chosen one" to help me shed unwanted pounds! Her early morning energy was infectious, incredibly warm and filled with such grace and kindness, it would change my overall outlook and disposition in my own life and we became fast friends. My favorite day was when we met for lunch at Thyme in the Ranch in Rancho Santa Fe, she looked at me seriously and said you're wearing this! And I looked at her and I said with an even more serious response, yes Jo-it's a Tuesday and I dress up. It was in that moment that we both broke out in hysterical laughter and I realized that she accepted me for my authentic self, without any judgement. Now...on the flip side, I remember chasing Rich down on an Encinitas street corner running like I was Pretty Woman, after we spent an evening out together, grilling him on all fronts, then (not regrettably so) overstepping girl code, in giving him her number and asking him to "please call my friend, you won't regret it." I knew she was the perfect fit for him. When you know-you know and since my matchmaking days were batting 0 for 0, I was thrilled when my gut was right and this union worked! Their grace and ease in being their true authentic selves and the love that exudes in their relationship is only further validated in the deep love they both share with us as friends and family. The generosity and warmth is something that I can't wait to further experience as they unfold in each other lives. Girls, we weren't lied to-the Disney fairytale is real!

I'm Ryder, 12 years old, and has always had a special connection with his cousin Joan. He is looking forward to their wedding because he knows it will be a lot of fun and he loves when all the family is together.

I’m Olivia, 9 years old. I’m the bride's niece. I’m so happy that Auntie Jo is getting married and I get to be a part of it. Also, I’m excited to go to California because I haven’t been there since I was 1 year old. I can’t wait to see my older cousins.

Turned 6 on Dec 20th Leo says “he’s most excited because he never met his new cousin Rich before!”

Turns 4 May 20th Charlotte says “ she’s so excited to look like a princess in her dress!”

Will be 6 years old on April 12th He is a sweet boy who loves to have a good time and enjoys being with family and friends. He said he is super excited about Cousin Joan & Rich’s wedding so we can all be together and dance. He also said he is excited to be ring security. He will not let anything happen to the rings cause he knows how special they are.

Penelope Lynne Trailov will be just under two. She loves to stop and smell the flowers while on walks with her mom. She is so excited to be a flower girl. She is most excited to wave to everyone and toss flowers down the aisle.

I’m Ronnie, 7 years old. I’m the bride’s nephew. I’m excited for my Auntie Jo to get married and to protect her ring. I’m also excited to go to California and I hope I get to visit Disneyland.

Thomas (Tommy)O’Donnell is second cousin to Joanie. This little man is all about three things: laughter, Buzz/Woody, and celebrating love (especially when it involves his favorite cousins getting married!). Buckle up for endless energy, adorable dance moves, and a big ol' sprinkle of cuteness. He can't wait to shower the happy couple with confetti (and maybe sneak a few bites of cake while he's at it). He loves being with his cousins and is most excited to get all the cuddles and love since he’s the baby!

Owen Aurel O’Donnell is three years old. This little dude is all about three things: laughter, cake, and celebrating love (especially when it involves cake). Brace yourselves for boundless energy, adorable dance moves, and a smile that could melt even the grumpiest groomsman's heart. When he's not busy practicing his ring bearer walk (which involves a lot of giggling and strategically placed candy, you’ll find him playing with his little brother, making up silly songs, and charming everyone he meets. Just be warned: if you see him holding a spoon, there's a good chance he's on a mission to snag a pre-wedding cake sample! He is so excited for Cousin to get married to Rich so she can live with a prince.