On the morning of Vanessa's birthday, she briefly met Angie, but it wasn’t until later that night, at a friend’s birthday party, that they instantly clicked. From then on, they became inseparable. Their friendship grew effortlessly, built on shared experiences and a deep understanding of each other. Angie and Vanessa are just besties, and as fellow South Americans, they share a bond that goes beyond words. Whether it’s hanging out at Angie’s favorite bar, White Rabbit, chatting for hours, hiking, traveling, hitting the gym, going to after-parties they’ll regret, or planning everything together.

Raquel and Vanessa met in 2020, just before Vanessa moved to the U.S. Although technically sisters-in-law, they’ve always seen each other as true sisters. Back then, Erick would come home from his master’s program and bring homemade Brazilian sweets—beijinhos—which he’d leave in the fridge. Vanessa couldn’t resist and would eat them all! She swore they were the best beijinhos she’d ever had, and that’s how Raquel won her over. Eventually, Erick arranged a dinner at a Japanese restaurant so Vanessa could finally meet “the friend who makes the beijinhos.” From that night on, Vanessa became Raquel's and Erick's biggest supporter. Their connection was instant, and Vanessa now has the pleasure of having Raquel as part of her family.

Mel and Vanessa met in the summer of 2021 at Leticia’s birthday, where Mel’s famous lime dessert stole the show. A week later, they ran into each other at a Brazilian party. They spent the night dancing, singing, and joking about how hot dogs would be their post-party meal. That night turned into an after-party, and from then on, they were inseparable. Their connection was instant—it doesn’t matter where they are or what they’re doing, they always have fun just being near each other. Mel became like an American mom to Vanessa.

Mel is the reason Vanessa is getting married to Paul. They first met on a trip to Hawaii—both invited by their mutual friend Joe. Mel and Vanessa ended up sharing a room, having an unforgettable time filled with adventure, laughter, and deep connection. By the end of that trip, Vanessa knew she had found a lifelong friend. What she didn’t realize was that this friendship would one day turn into sisterhood. Vanessa is eternally grateful to Mel for being the bridge that led her to Paul—and now, to the beautiful journey of marriage.

Jhenyfer and Vanessa met on a flight from São Paulo to New York in March 2020, both on their way to start life as au pairs in the U.S. Jhenyfer went to San Francisco, Vanessa to New York—but they quickly bonded, sharing their daily experiences as au pairs. Despite the distance, their connection was undeniable. They planned spontaneous, unforgettable trips just to see each other—often booking only the flights and figuring everything else out on the go. With carry-ons in hand, they’d go knocking on hotel doors looking for a room, and even hit the clubs rolling their bags behind them. The two share the same vibe: full of positivity, adventure, and always down for the next wild idea.

Leticia and Vanessa met at a random dinner in early 2021 at someone’s house neither of them really knew. Vanessa had just moved to the U.S. and was looking to make new friends. Leticia showed up as someone else’s guest, but the moment they met, the connection was instant. They shared the same values, liked the same things, and just clicked. Leticia had her whole family nearby, and she welcomed Vanessa with open arms. Over time, her family became Vanessa’s family in the U.S.—a gift Vanessa is deeply grateful for. Even though they no longer live close to each other, their bond hasn’t changed. They’re still family, still celebrate each other’s victories, and continue to share all of life’s adventures.

Regiane and Vanessa met on the very first day of Vanessa’s life. Re is not only Vanessa’s godmother, but also her aunt and lifelong friend. She’s been there through every stage—celebrating milestones and achievements, and showing up for even the smallest moments, like school’s Festa Junina dance, Vanessa’s 15th birthday, her gymnastics performances, and so many more unforgettable memories. From unforgettable trips and cozy days at Grandma’s house to running marathons and dancing at concerts, they’ve shared countless beautiful moments side by side. Re holds a very special place in Vanessa’s heart, and she couldn’t be more grateful to have her traveling all the way from Brazil to be part of such a meaningful day—her wedding.

Adrien is Paul’s older brother of two years and has been along Paul’s side from his earliest memories. Adrien has been a source of inspiration for Paul, from picking what songs to download on his iPod, to what to look for in a partner. Simply put, Paul looks up to Adrien in life- he’s happy to have him a brother and best friend. Paul is honored to have Adrien serve as his best man, reciprocating the duty from Adrien & Julie’s wedding in June 2023.

John and Paul met in 2nd grade and have been inseparable since they sat on the bus together on the first day of school in 8th grade. They can talk for hours about everything and nothing, seemingly never running out of things to discuss. Throughout their journeys to separate colleges and living on separate coasts after school, they’ve never seen their friendship grow apart. Who would you call at 3am when your car broke down? Yup, John’s that guy for Paul. Paul had the pleasure of serving as John and his wife Maria’s best man during their wedding in April 2024.

Ryan and Paul met during their internships at Tesla in 2018, both having moved from their hometowns to California. They quickly grew close over their common experiences and similar interests. They’ve shared countless trips all over North America to ski, backpack, and explore over the past 7 years. Ryan and Paul’s shared sense of humor makes them almost too much to be around at times, which they like to laugh about. They enjoy friendly competition like bantering about who has the better tolerance to spicy foods or who is the most cultured (Paul usually wins 😉). Ryan has a gift in seeing the silver lining in any situation, bringing positive energy everywhere he goes.

Harki and Paul met in 2019, meeting through Ryan who had known him from college in Canada. Harki balances a youthful joy that can light up any room, with an insightful curiosity of the world. In one conversation, the two of them can be goofballs together, and be also discussing how many mm of waterproofness the newest Arc’Teryx jacket really needs. Harki sees things clearly as they are, never afraid to speak his mind for what he believes is true- something Paul really values in friendship.

Paul gained an irmão (brother) in Erick during the time Paul and Vanessa have been together. Although they’ve only met less than a handful of times due to the distance, Erick’s strong love for family has made Paul feel welcomed by Vanessa’s family, which he is infinitely thankful for. Paul appreciates Erick’s carinho for his younger sister, Vanessa, serving as her rock. Paul is excited for the opportunity to grow closer to Erick over time, and is grateful for his and his family’s journey to the USA for Vanessa and Paul’s wedding.

Kyle and Paul also met in 2019, living in a house in Cupertino together also working in the same internship program. Kyle’s quick witted humor and fun personality makes his presence missed anytime he is not around. Kyle and Paul bond over anything that has wheels and is fast- that, and staying up way too late. If there was a jet on an empty runway, Kyle and Paul would probably try to fly it.

Joel brings out Paul’s most adventurous side. They share a passion for exploring the outdoors, whether it be cliff jumping in the rockport quarries or cooking over an open fire over the pacific’s ragged coast. His spontaneity never fails to light a spark, turning a seemingly normal hangout into an adventure. Joel might live the coolest lifestyle ever, a true example of what it looks like making one’s dreams come true.