Wind in the Willows

Wedding Day

Ceremony

Reception

Our Wedding

This story starts with CrossFit. Marcelo was just starting to coach and Katie had been a member for just over a year. You know it's true love when what catches your attention is a girl fighting for her life doing burpees. It's not a pretty view! The first words spoken were "keep going Katie!" Only for Katie to look up to find a guy she's never seen before and confused by how he even knows her name. At the end of the workout, Marcelo decided to strike up conversation with Katie. Sadly, post workout brain kept Katie from understanding anything Marcelo was trying to say. Even though it was as simple as complimenting her outfit (it matched his). Eventually, actual conversation was able to happen (sliding into the DMs) and dinner was planned and the rest is history. After dating for almost a year, Marcelo proposed on Christmas morning 2024.

CrossFit 

Our Story

Photos

We became friends as students at the Baptist College of Florida. I was a music major and she was a psychology major, so college choir was initially our only shared class. We then joined the women's ensemble and ended traveling all over the southeast with this group and very quickly became the best of friends. Over 10 years later, she is still the best friend I could have ever asked for! 

Lauren Butler

LuwLuw was love at first sight. She was the friendliest face at a new job and we instantly bonded over our love of books and flirtinis. Many days after work ended with "shots in the fiction section". Her family immediately accepted me as one of their own (and there are about 234957 of them) and I always felt at home with them for Thanksgiving or on a random weekday. 

LuwLuw Hughes

Grace was not love at first sight, lol. My first day working with her, I was overwhelmed by her very big personality and felt like we were not going to get along. However, I very quickly realized my initial assumption of her could not have been more wrong. After working together for a couple days, we decided to go out together after our shift and ended up pouring our hearts out and crying while sharing our life stories and declaring our love for each other. She is the extrovert friend I have always dreamed of and will fight anyone on my behalf without asking any questions (not literally...yet). 

Grace Zawatsky

Allegedly, my brother. We use to hate each other when we were kids and then as we grew up we also matured our relationship. He might live on the other side of the world but it's such a joy every time I see him and everything stays as if nothing ever happened. Thief of paddle tennis racquets and video game consoles but also Uncle to my baby girl Panceta (that means "bacon" in Spanish), the rotten spoiled beagle that stayed in Paraguay when I took off for America. She's as spoiled as ever with my brother there. He might be younger than me but he's my example in life. I'm more than happy to have him as my best man.

Rodrigo Retamozo

We started coaching at CrossFit Queens not too long after each other. Nick P thought I was gay until I showed up to his birthday party with Katie and his heart was confused and shattered. One of the sweetest, kindest and most loyal people I ever met. Made in Ohio with a huge golden heart. He's been there in the best and worst moments. His special attack is his chili bowl. He'll conquer your heart and your stomach with it. Super effective. Spoiler alert! He's making the cake (you better compliment it when you get it).

Nicholas J Pearson

I met Mike at CrossFit Queens. I called him "Brian" for two weeks (not proud). We were toe to toe at the gym at some point until he started going beyond with his diet and training regimen. Left me in the dust after not too long. Mike was one of the first people I met at the gym. He's been always there, knows about all of my adventures since I moved to NYC and he's been one of the pillars in my life since moving to the big apple. I couldn’t take this step without him by my side. 

Mike Marone

We met in 2007 but he doesn't remember me so we go for 10/31/2009 as the day when we started our friendship. Our parents are friends from many years and that friendship transcended to our generation. Brother from another mother, we shared friendships, trips and adventures that involved falling from a 30' tall waterfall and drinking absinth to old Paraguayan folk myths and tales. It will be a mistake to take this step without Giorgio here with me. Nos iniciamos carajo!!!

Giordano Vacchetta

She’d be a groom’s man if she could. Kattia is my best female friend. We met at work back in Paraguay and she’s the one to blame about me being obsessed with CrossFit until the day. Shy and weird at the beginning but get to know her and you’ll find out she’s more than she lets people see. Katie accepted having Kattia as a bridesmaid only to stop me from buying her a suit and joining the dudes. Animal obsessed like me and one of the most unconditional and beautiful human beings on this planet. I’m so grateful she’s embarking in this adventure to come celebrate with us in our day.

Kattia Carreras

Wedding Party

Q + A

Cottage Inn - Grantville is located in Grantville, 8.7 miles from Hersheys Chocolate World and 9.4 miles from Hersheypark. Among the facilities at this property are room service and a 24-hour front desk, along with free WiFi throughout the property. National Civil War Museum is 16 miles from the motel and Pennsylvania State Capitol is 18 miles away. All rooms is equipped with air conditioning, a fridge, a microwave, a coffee machine, a shower, free toiletries and a desk. Zoo America is 7.6 miles from the motel, while Giant Center is 8.5 miles from the property. Harrisburg International Airport is 17 miles away.

Cottage Inn - Grantville

The MainStay Suites hotel is close to several area attractions and local points of interest. This hotel is minutes away from The Outlets at Hershey shopping complex, ZooAmerica North American Wildlife Park, Hersheypark amusement park, Hershey's Chocolate World theme park and Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course. Several restaurants, cocktail lounges and shops are nearby. The surrounding area features a variety of recreational activities like swimming, biking, golfing and boating. Guests are invited to enjoy amenities like: Fully Equipped Kitchens, Free Continental Breakfast, Free Wireless High-Speed Internet Access, Indoor Heated Pool, Fitness Center and Game Room. Weekly housekeeping service is available. Take advantage of basketball court during your visit. Business travelers will appreciate modern conveniences like a public computer with Internet access, and copy and fax services. We have banquet and meeting rooms that can accommodate most business or social functions. All guest suites at this Pennsylvania hotel are equipped with full kitchens that include sinks, microwaves, full-size refrigerators, dishwashers, two-burner cooktops, 12-cup coffee makers, utensils and toasters. All rooms also have curved shower rods, hair dryers, two telephones, work desks, 32-inch flat-screen televisions, down pillows, pillow-top mattresses, sofa sleepers and cable television. Some rooms feature whirlpool bathtubs and balconies. Nonsmoking rooms can be requested. Coin-operated laundry facilities are offered for added convenience. Ample parking is available for cars, trucks and busses.

MainStay Suites Grantville - Hershey North

Located in Grantville, within 8.8 miles of Hersheys Chocolate World and 9.5 miles of Hersheypark, Tru By Hilton Grantville, Pa provides accommodations with a shared lounge and free WiFi throughout the property as well as free private parking for guests who drive. The property is around 15 miles from National Civil War Museum, 17 miles from Pennsylvania State Capitol and 7.6 miles from Zoo America. The hotel has an indoor pool and a 24-hour front desk. All guest rooms in the hotel are equipped with a flat-screen TV with cable channels. Guest rooms at Tru By Hilton Grantville, Pa include air conditioning and a desk. Breakfast is available, and includes buffet, continental and American options. Guests at the accommodation will be able to enjoy activities in and around Grantville, like hiking. Giant Center is 8.6 miles from Tru By Hilton Grantville, Pa. Harrisburg International Airport is 17 miles away.

Tru by Hilton Grantville, PA

Featuring a fitness center, Days Inn Grantville is in Grantville, less than 1.5 miles from the Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course. Free Wi-Fi access is available. The rooms include a flat-screen cable TV, air conditioning and a coffee machine. Featuring a bathtub or shower, the private bathrooms also come with a hairdryer and free toiletries. Other facilities include a vending machine and free parking. Days Inn Grantville is 7 miles from Hershey Park and 7.5 miles from ZooAmerica North American Wildlife Park.

Days Inn by Wyndham Grantville Hershey North

Located in Grantville, Pennsylvania, this hotel is 8 miles from Hershey Theme Park and ZooAmerica Wildlife Park. It features all-suite accommodations with free Wi-Fi. Best Western Grantville Hershey features air-conditioned suites furnished with and microwave, refrigerator and cable TV. All suites have a living room with sofa bed and a coffee maker. A daily continental breakfast is served at the Grantville - Hershey North Comfort Suites. Guests can work out in the gym. The hotel has a video arcade game room and a business center with fax/copy services. Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course is 1.2 miles from the Comfort Suites. Manada Golf Course is a 5-minute drive away.

Best Western Grantville/Hershey

Located in Grantville, Hampton Inn Harrisburg/Grantville/Hershey has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi. The property is around 8.8 miles from Hersheys Chocolate World, 9.5 miles from Hersheypark and 15 miles from National Civil War Museum. The hotel provides an indoor pool, hot tub and a 24-hour front desk. Some rooms here will provide you with a kitchen with a fridge, a dishwasher and a microwave. Pennsylvania State Capitol is 17 miles from the hotel, while Zoo America is 7.6 miles away. Harrisburg International Airport is 17 miles from the property.

Hampton Inn Harrisburg/Grantville/Hershey

Located 9.3 miles from Hersheys Chocolate World, Holiday Inn Harrisburg I-81 Hershey Area by IHG offers 3-star accommodations in Grantville and features a fitness center, a restaurant and a bar. Featuring room service, this property also provides guests with a casino. The hotel has an outdoor swimming pool, indoor pool, nightclub and a shared lounge. The rooms at the hotel come with a seating area, a TV with satellite channels and a private bathroom with free toiletries and a shower. All guest rooms will provide guests with a desk and a coffee machine. Buffet and American breakfast options are available at Holiday Inn Harrisburg I-81 Hershey Area by IHG. The accommodation features amenities such as an on-site business center and hot tub. Staff at Holiday Inn Harrisburg I-81 Hershey Area by IHG are always available to provide advice at the reception. Hersheypark is 10 miles from the hotel, while National Civil War Museum is 15 miles from the property. Harrisburg International Airport is 17 miles away.

Katie and Marcelo

Katie and Marcelo

Photos