Holy matrimony of Juliana and Mario

Cathedral of Saint Joseph

Ceremony

The Grand Oak Villa

Reception

RSVP

Our Wedding

Picture of our Civil wedding March 5th, 2006 Our love story has been writing itself for 20 years. Who would ever imagine that we, individuals from different sides of the world would meet in the city of Hartford, succeed all odds and be still together until today. At a one of the parties Mario used throw, a last-minute invitation from one of his friends, lead to this “happily ever after”.We started talking 2 days after that party. On day #6 after we met, Mario invited me out to dinner, and at the end of the night he asked me to be his girlfriend. Since then, we have been seeing each other every single day. After the first vacation we spent together at Lake George, we knew we couldn’t stay away from each other, so we moved in together.&nbsp;They say good things come to those who wait. It has been two decades of shared milestones, patience, tears, laughter, travels, two amazing children, an abundance of pets and a quiet civil ceremony in&nbsp;March of 2006.&nbsp;With decades of love, challenges and memories, we can finally announce loudly, and we can’t wait to stand before all of you to celebrate the blessing of God over the bond we have cherished for so long.

Our Love story

Our Story

Photos

I met the bride and groom on the very first day of my life, which means I’ve had the privilege of growing up surrounded by their love and support. I am currently a full-time student and a captain of the Aetos Dios robotics team. In my free time I enjoy working on LEGO projects, and baking and cooking, with my parents proudly serving as my taste testers. I also love traveling and spending time with my family, whether it’s at home or traveling somewhere new. As their daughter and maid of honor, it’s incredibly special to stand beside them on such an important day.

Myah Costa

As the best man and their son I’m really excited to be part of such a special day for my parents. For fun, I spend a lot of my free time in my workshop and have also had the opportunity to work for my father and his company. This opportunity has taught me the value of hard work, responsibility, and showing up for the people you care about. I enjoy spending time with both of my parents, whether it’s working, talking, or just being together. Seeing how much they care for each other means a lot to me, and I couldn’t be more grateful to celebrate this next chapter with them.

Kyle Costa

I met Mario and Juliana through my husband, Micael. The very first time I truly sat down and spoke to Juliana was at her house. She was pregnant, sitting on the sofa, watching TV, and eating lemons with salt. I remember thinking to myself, “This is my kind of bestie—I eat the same exact way!” From that moment on, I knew we were going to connect in a special way.

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A little about me—I love spending time with my kids, gardening, and farming. Being outside in the soil, caring for plants and animals, brings me peace and joy. I also love writing and singing—it’s how I pour out my heart and express the things I sometimes can’t put into simple words. Those little passions keep me grounded, but what I treasure most is sharing them with the people I love.

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I have so many fond memories with you both—from camping and boating adventures to countless meals at your house. But three moments stand out most deeply in my heart:

1. The Day of Double Blessings 
I’ll never forget when I came over to tell you I was pregnant—and that same day, you asked me to be Myah’s godmother. What Juliana said that day has stayed with me forever. She shared that the doctors told her there was a possibility Myah could have Down syndrome, and when I asked why she chose me, she said, “Because I know your heart, and I know you would not treat her differently—you would love her unconditionally.” Looking back now, it was God preparing me for my own journey with Nathan. That moment will always mean the world to me.


2. When Micael Went Back to Brazil 
During one of the hardest times—when Micael had to return to Brazil—you both made sure Kayley and I never felt alone. You checked in, supported us, and showed me what true friendship and family really look like.


3. The Love You’ve Shown My Children 
From the day Nathan was born, you’ve loved him—and his sister—with such genuine kindness. Most recently, making Kayley’s Sweet 16 so special and unforgettable reminded me once again of the blessing you are in our lives.



And Mario—how can I not thank you for the extra lobster when I was pregnant with Nathan? Not only did you serve it up, but you even peeled it for me. Nathan and I both thank you for that one! That’s the kind of memory that makes me smile every time I think about it.


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Together, the three of us have shared laughter, tears, milestones, and lobster (lots of lobster). I’m so grateful for your love, your friendship, and your big hearts. You’ve been more than friends—you’ve been family.

Kelly DaRosa

I first met Juliana back in 2015 when we were both working as nurses at Charter Oak Health Center. From the very beginning, she welcomed me into her life with open arms, inviting me to her home for birthdays and celebrations, where I got to meet her children when they were very young. Juliana is truly one of the warmest, most loving, and welcoming people I have ever known. She is honestly the best host you could ever ask for, it feels like this is her calling from another lifetime, as she is also an excellent nurse who cares deeply for others.
What really struck me about Juliana was her big heart and the beautiful story of her upbringing in Brazil. I was so lucky to travel with her and Myah back to her hometown, Belo Horizonte, Brazil, getting a glimpse of her roots and experiencing a piece of her world. Her love for family shines through in everything she does, and it is clear how much Mario loves and cherishes her.

Their home is always open and filled with family, friends, pets, and a genuine kindness that is so refreshing. I feel truly honored to be her friend and even more so to stand by her as one of her bridesmaids.

A little about me: I am passionate about exploring different cultures, traveling, and enjoying good food, and Juliana and I share a special love for pets too.

Here is to Juliana and Mario, a wonderful couple surrounded by love, laughter, and endless adventures ahead!

Elizabeth Orejuela

Juliana and I met while working together in Medex at St. Francis Hospital over 10 years ago and became quick friends. Our friendship continued to grow and I cannot imagine not having her in my life. She is a truly fabulous person and friend. 
I love to read, spend time with family and friends and I love animals. Juliana and Mario also share a love of animals and I enjoy going to their home to see their new babies.
My favorite memory with Juliana and Mario is when they flew to St. Lucia for our wedding. It meant the world to have them there. I am honored to now be a part of their wedding, and I can't wait to celebrate this beautiful day!

Karen McMechen

I met Mario through Ricardo in 2004 and Juliana through Mario in 2005 at a friend’s house and it didn't take long for us to become family, more than just friends.

In my spare time I like to watch my TV series and enjoy watching movies with my family .

The best memories we shared were: weekend at Lake George, all the times that we went camping, and especially the ones when  we got drunk  lol.  Our trip to Florida and when we had our captain Mario with his yacht, sailing to Block Island. We have had so much fun...

Elaine Ferreira

 I’ve gotten to know both Juliana and Mario through their son Kyle, my amazing boyfriend. Both Juliana and Mario are wonderful people and have never made me feel like I wasn't already part of the family. A little bit about me: I sing in an acapella group called the AcaBalla's, and I love to cook. One of my favorite memories with Juliana was when her, Kyle, Myah and I went to Foxwoods. We went ice skating while it was snowing and then we went to dinner at Hell's Kitchen.

Ahnika Martin

I met Mario back in 1997 at Cambrense restaurant, when I started to play pool with him. And then I met Juliana at our friend Carlos' house when they started dating.
I like to hangout with my family and friends making memories, I love to play pool , ride dirt bikes,
play poker etc...
Best memories we shared:
When we started camping together and rock the crap out of the pop up camper 😂
When we went on a mini vacation to lake George and I almost shit my self😂
When we went for a boat ride that Juliana started to pray thinking that we were gonna die 😂


Ricardo Ferreira

I was born in Chaves, Portugal and moved to the United States when I was eighteen years old. My favorite hobbies include camping, going to the beach, but most importantly spending time with my wife and two kids. I met Mario through work seventeen years ago and since then he has become a brother to me. We are so close that we acknowledge each other’s mothers as our own. It is funny to think that we were almost like neighbors in Portugal but only met years later in the United States. Over the years, our families have become close, always gathering for special occasions and celebrations. From Nascar races, Super Bowl parties, tailgates, Block Island boat rides, and fishing until four in the morning. We even have puppies from the same litter with Nina and Buddy, our Portuguese water dogs. I am very honored to be his groomsman and be included in Mario & Juliana’s special day. I don’t have a biological brother, but Mario you are my brother. 



Rui Almeida

I met Mario in 2016 at the South Windsor Rotary. We had a lot of common interests. We both owned a business, played cards, drank wine, enjoyed traveling and had children. Soon after I met Mario’s family I was quickly accepted and was always made to feel included even dough I was not Portuguese. Juliana always spoiled me! Every lunch, dinner and party they had, she always made sure there was something I liked to eat, especially the FLAN, WHICH IS MY MOST FAVORITE DESERT TO THIS DAY. In 2020 I met Hilsa at the Hartford Canoe Club where Mario and I were members. Mario loves to take credit for setting Hilsa and I up. The entire Costa family immediately accepted Hilsa into their family. We now refer to Mario’s mom and dad as Momma and Pappa Costa. Over the years we have had so much fun traveling together and just spending time with the entire Costa family. In August of this year, Hilsa and I were married. Mario and Juliana played a huge role in our special day. Mario was my Best Man and Juliana assisted Hilsa in so many decisions along the way. Juliana created an incredible dessert presentation at our home for a party we had the night before our wedding. We are really looking forward to being part of their special day coming soon.  Our families have become so intertwined, and we are so thankful for that.  One more fact, I taught Mario how to play cribbage and, on a few occasions, he loves to beat me.  Over time we have become more than friends, we are a family!



Robert Rousseau

“Mario has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember — he’s my cousin, but in truth, he feels more like a brother. We grew up side by side, sharing laughter, adventures, and so many unforgettable moments that shaped who we are today. Seeing him find such happiness with Juliana has been incredibly special, and I couldn’t be happier for them both. I’ve always loved sports and music, but some of my best memories will forever be the times we’ve spent together — especially our amazing trip to Las Vegas. It’s an absolute honor to stand beside Mario and Juliana as they begin this beautiful new chapter together."

Nuno Costa

I’m Mario’s cousin, though I’ve always considered him more like a brother. We’ve shared so many unforgettable moments growing up together, and for a time, we even lived under the same roof. I first met Juliana in August 2005, during a trip to the United States. We went camping, enjoyed many family dinners, and spent wonderful times together at their home.

I have a passion for traveling and discovering new countries, I enjoy playing padel in my free time, and I’m deeply interested in technology. One of my fondest memories with them is a weekend camping trip in the U.S.—let’s just say I was in very good spirits that night, and it’s still a story we laugh about today.



Igor Costa

Emely 

Natasha

Eduardo

Jaden

Nathan

Tome

Nuno Isaac

Wedding Party

Recommended Hotels Near By

Hampton Inn Waterbury has accommodations in Waterbury. With free WiFi, this 3-star hotel offers a 24-hour front desk and a business center. The property is non-smoking throughout and is located 11 miles from Flanders Nature Center. Abbey of Regina Laudis is 12 miles from the hotel, while Witch’s Dungeon Classic Movie Museum is 17 miles from the property. Tweed-New Haven Airport is 27 miles away.

Hampton Inn Waterbury

Located in downtown Waterbury, this hotel offers rooms equipped with flat-screen TVs and free high-speed internet access. Each accommodations at this Courtyard is features a work desk with an ergonomic chair for comfort. Other in-room amenities include a coffee maker, hairdryer and ironing facilities. At the center of the hotel’s lobby, guests can find a Bistro with many breakfast choices in the morning, dinner options during the evening and a quick bite all day long. Courtyard Waterbury Downtown is located at the intersection of Route 8 and I-84. It is 2.5 mi from Western Hills Golf Course and 12 mi from Compounce Amusement Park.

Courtyard by Marriott Waterbury Downtown

Recommended Hotels

If you have any further questions or concerns please reach out to us. We are looking forward to having a wonderful time with our family and friends.

Juliana & Mario

Juliana & Mario

Questions and Answers

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