My best friend and partner in crime since we were 12 years old. We have shared the most amazing memories and traditions that I wouldn’t trade for the world. Kristina has been by my side since the day we met – I don’t think I’ve ever celebrated any milestone in my life without her there (she is even flying from Europe to come to our wedding). I love looking back on us sitting on the beach, acting out what our lives would be like in an alternate universe and laughing hysterically at our alter egos. Kristina has picked me up every time I have fallen and has always encouraged me to pursue my dreams. She is the most reliable, supportive and sweetest person I know and I am so grateful for her. If you ever think you can’t do something, just give her a call and she will convince you otherwise. She is currently slaying it in her IMBA at Schulich (which isn’t surprising because no one loves school as much as she does) and I couldn’t be more proud. Kristina has a beautiful soul and I am so lucky to have her in my life. I will forever be her mind reader and she will forever be mine. Never get out. Xx.

I first met Jeff in first year undergrad. He was a highschool friend’s roommate and lived on the same floor as Wil. I remember one of the first things Jeff did was show me his international clothier’s modelling pics. He was so proud of his modelling “gigs”!. Jeff has a happy go-lucky personality and never takes life too seriously. He recently completed his phD in Philosophy, and is a Doctor - according to his credit card. Jeff is my best man because I’ve experienced so many ups and downs and big life moments and Jeff has always been by my side. He’s there to talk things through, give his advice, and always ensure that any life choices are Philosophically sound. To top it off, we’ve basically been roommates since undergrad, living on the same floor in residence, being dons together, and living in different apartment buildings leading up to 2016!

The perfect mix of fun and feisty. Although I have known her since I was 15 years old, we didn’t become attached at the hip until she transferred to the University of Guelph in ’11. It was at Guelph where we struggled as miniature adults; trying to figure out the most simple tasks (i.e. laundry), watched mindless TV and rom-coms, had multiple mental breakdowns and shared countless Taco Tuesdays together (our most favourite day of the week). I wouldn’t be who I am today without Mik – she is the most understanding, compassionate and loyal person I know. Mik is always one call away and will be waiting there with a glass of wine, a 90s playlist and will lift your spirits in no time. It is the most comforting feeling in the world to know she is less than a few blocks away. Mik got a full scholarship for her MBA at Guelph University and literally gets 100% in all her courses – go get it girl. There is no one I would rather run away from the boys with so we can eat junk food and watch the Lizzy McGuire movie in bed together. Mik is truly a beautiful person and I love her more than words can express. Don’t ever change. Xx

One of my longest standing friends, I first met Wil in grade 10. Wil approached me as he heard I was a decent piano player and needed an accompaniment for his solo music performance. We’ve been best friends ever since, growing up together, graduating from highschool, travelling together, and attending undergraduate together. Wil is the smartest guy I know with a pHD and soon MD - a Doctor, Doctor!

I knew Chez from 1st/2nd year, but never thought we would be friends. He was always the Woodbridge Italian commuter who we thought would never interact with the residence guys. We became close in student council along with Jeff and Wil which became the core group, but we became best friends once Chez became a residence don. While Chez spent a few years abroad studying Law in Ottawa, we always managed to keep in touch. Chez is always there for you when you need him and will drop everything to help a friend. He is loyal, caring, and always knows a guy, in typical Italian fashion.

If there is anything that Loblaws has given us (minus the terrible back pain) it was the gift of a beautiful friendship. Who knew that lecturing me to never put two 4L milk bags in the same plastic bag would turn into a lifelong friendship? She has always been the most understanding, passionate and energetic person who pretty much has never missed a night out (seriously). I still laugh whenever a Sean Paul song comes on and I can vividly imagine her moving those Portuguese hips and getting everyone on the dance floor. Crystal is an avid world traveler, the most amazing cook (she’s been teaching us how to cook since we were 15) and one of the most knowledgeable people I know – I have to say “one of” because Apostolo will be reading this. She is also a fantastic social worker and has the ability to always look on the bright side of things. I can’t imagine my life without you complaining about some new pain in your body or your amazing cackle. You are always the life of the party and you keep me laughing – I am so excited to see what you bring on the dancefloor. Got 2 Luv U Xx.

I got to know Phil towards the end of undergrad when we lived on the same floor together. I knew Phil as the super loud, sometimes politically incorrect guy who loved to host rock band parties in his dorm room. One of the core golf guys along with Vito, when Phil takes on a new hobby or passion, he fully invests in it. He needs all the newest, coolest, and most useless gear!I can always count on Phil to keep me up to date with current events, if I need to hear a new joke, or what the latest reddit thread to follow is.

I got to know Vito at the same time as Phil, Viti is another of the core golf guys. I was honored to share in Vito’s special day back in August 2015 and and happy to have shared in many of Vito’s milestones including his engagement, wedding, purchase of new house. I’m so happy that he is now taking part in one of my biggest life milestones! Cool fact - My grandfather and Vito’s grandparents knew each other in Italy over half a century ago. It wasn’t until recently, in a total random coincidence, that 2 generations later, Vito and I are close friends

When I was younger I used to beg my parents to exchange my brother for a sister (like actually would beg and cry until I had to come to terms with the fact Ryan wasn’t going to change into a girl). My life became consumed with magic cards and video games. It wasn’t until a few years ago that I finally got a sister, Magda. Magda has taught me so much over the past few years and has shown me the importance of family, love and happiness. She (any Ryan) have made the most cutest baby (I have a biased opinion) in the world – my niece! Through all the times we’ve shared and continue to experience I am so glad that I have someone in my life with whom I can make fun of my brother and have laugh with. Magda is a wonderful cook & baker and makes the best quiches. Even though she already has a culinary degree at George Brown, she always wants to improve her culinary skills and is even take another course in January. Go get it, Magda! Xo

Ryan has always been so warm in welcoming me to the family. One of my most cherished memories is when I met Ryan for the first time at one of Sara’s family functions. The first thing he did was give me a hug (and also join me in teasing Sara). Ryan is such an easy going and caring brother to Sara, an amazing father to Emily, and the best brother in law i could ever ask for.

Katie, my blood and one of my very best friends. She is literally one of the most easy to get along with people I have every met in life and she also my cousin (so no matter how much we fight we are still bffs and stuck with each other for life). I’m joking… the last time we fought was when she gave away all her barbies when we were 7/8 years old – I was pretty devastated that she could do that to me. What were we going to do when we hung out together?! Katie is inspirational – she has always been someone I have looked up to, even though she is a year younger than me. I have always been envious of her class and sense of humour (although we do come from a very funny family). She graduated with a degree in Kinesiology in 2013 and has been working with Manulife, pretty much ever since. I am so proud to call her my cousin, and someone I can always turn to for just about anything in life. I am excited to see what the future holds for you, and will be there every step of the way. Keep working it, my love Xx.

Kayla is my ground zero – I can be feeling high or low but the moment I see her, she sets me back to zero (in the best way possible). She has the ability to calm you down, and is also one the funniest people I have ever met. Kayla is also my realest friend - she tells me how it is, when it is and where it is (she is never afraid to tell you the truth). Your friends will always want to protect you, but Kayla does more than that. She wants to make sure you are aware that you deserve the very best and why you deserve it – even when you don’t want to hear it. I have grown so grateful for Kayla over the years, to the point that I can’t imagine my life without her. Kayla is kicking ass at her job at the waterfront, but is currently taking a leave and travelling Europe. There is no one I know that is more excited to explore castles than she is. I am the most excited for your life and what it brings. Love you forever. Xx Sara