Meet the Wedding Party
Bridesmaids
Aliana Fallesen
Marisa and Aliana met at Nazareth College in 2015 as Ali pulled into the tennis courts being dropped off by her dad with his face on the truck. Marisa, not even knowing Aliana’s name, proceeded to hit Ali with a tennis ball straight to the throat (on accident!!) during the first practice —and they have been inseparable since. After spending tennis trips together in Hilton Head to late nights watching classic Disney Channel movies, Ali has become as special part in Marisa’s life. Aliana’s infectious smile and kindness spreads to everyone around her and Marisa is so excited to have her standing by her side as the Matron of Honor!
Sara Hayes
Marisa and Sara first met at Geddes Little League softball when their brothers would play catch at their games and they quickly became family. Throughout the years of little league and travel softball, the girls spent many hours playing next to each other on the field while their families also traveled together on numerous road trips —everywhere from Connecticut to Darien Lake and even to Disney World! Sara is one of the most kind hearted, funny, and loyal friends you could have, making her the ideal Maid of Honor. Sara has been like a sister to Marisa all these years so no doubt that she will have many tales from “the good ole softball and Disney days!”
Lexy White
Lexy was Marisa’s first friend when they moved onto Sheraton Road and they instantly clicked. Growing up on the same street, they spent many hours together playing wiffle ball, swimming in the pool, and making up new rules for neighborhood games with Ryan. Through their mutual love for Derek Jeter and late nights at Geddes Little League, the girls became lifelong friends. Lexy is Marisa’s oldest friend, known for her big heart, sense of humor, and ability to make everyone smile. You will find her hitting up on the dance floor with her infectious laugh and incredible dance moves!
Alli Nave
Alli has been one of Marisa’s closest friends since middle school, playing together at travel softball and Geddes Little League for many years. Alli and Marisa often batted 1 and 2 in the lineup and shared many memories getting yelled at during JV and Varsity softball practices when they didn’t know the “WG softball mantra.” While Alli may seem quiet on the outside, she is always making her friends laugh with crazy stories! She will certainly be seen at the wedding showing off her dance moves!
Kelsey Shanahan
Marisa and Kelsey’s friendship started in Mr. Mannara’s earth science class freshman year of high school. They survived the class (with help from the reference tables) and laughed along with Coach Mannara’s “sayings” each day. Marisa recruited Kelsey to play on the tennis team and they even had the chance to play against each other in Division III tennis in college! Kelsey has been a great friend, always down for a get together at Tullys to share stories and memories over a platter of tenders. It will be an honor to have Kelsey be a part of the bridal party!
Jessica Michels
Jessica was a freshman on the tennis team at Naz in 2019 when Marisa took her under her wing. Marisa, a senior captain on the team, made a special connection with Jess and they became good friends. Together with the tennis team, they spent a week in Hilton Head playing tennis, sneaking into the resorts, and laughing at Coach’s antics. Jessica then recruited Marisa to play slow pitch softball and they continue to take to the field, making new memories each year. Marisa is so excited to have Jessica as a bridesmaid as she brings a ray of sunshine to each occasion!
Emma Flynn
Emma is a cousin to Jack and is excited to be a part of the wedding party! Emma is a recent high school graduate and will be attending college in the Fall of 2024. Emma is interested in becoming a Special Education elementary school teacher or occupational therapist. Emma enjoys performing in chorus, having numerous solo performances throughout the years and has also participated in gymnastics. Emma is a delightful addition to the bridal party and will be shining throughout the wedding celebrations!
Groomsmen
Daniel Leahey
Best man Dan is the brother of Jack. Dan met Jack at Jack’s birth and they have known each other for 24 years. Avid film guy as he’s been working freelance movie shoots for the past 5 years in Buffalo, NY. Aside from being brothers, Dan and Jack share a commonality for music and quoting tv shows and movies. He is also the man who took some of Jack and Marisa’s engagement photos. You can find him drinking a Jack and coke while talking about the city of Buffalo and the Buffalo Bills.
Ryan Joyce
As a Buffalo Bills hater, Ryan is the brother of Marisa. He met Jack 4 years ago as Marisa was introducing him to the family, where him and Jack shared an instant bond over sports. He graduated from SUNY Oswego in 2024 with a Broadcasting degree. He is a big 49ers, Knicks, and Yankees fan. Some argue that he has the best party playlist in the group, but he will be busting out some moves on the dance floor come wedding day.
Jesse Fallesen
Jesse is the husband to the Matron of Honor Aliana. He got introduced to Jack 4 years ago, and they’ve been close ever since. Jack went on Jesse’s bachelor trip to Niagara Falls in the fall of 2022, as well as braving out a winter Buffalo Bills game together with their significant others and Marisa’s mother. Jesse also works with Jack at L3Harris Technologies. In his free time, he likes to play 18 holes and take drives in his Jeep. He is also a big Celtics fan, as he’s been to numerous games in Boston.
Craig Connell
As the only Jets and Mets fan in the group, Craig is the cousin of Jack and they’ve bonded from a very young age. Their bond really started when they both became fans of WWE, but it later morphed into bonding over playing 8 hours of NBA 2K and Minecraft on Friday’s after school when they were teenagers. Craig plays Tight End for the Springfield College football team in Springfield, MA while aspiring to become a Physical Therapist.
Tyler Dubay
Jack met Tyler 3 years ago while working at the same part time job. They became friends after finding out that they both studied cybersecurity at RIT. He still lives in the Rochester area as him and Jack will occassionally drink some brews together, even though his drink of choice is a classic four loko. In his free time outside of cybersecurity, he games on the computer or Xbox, or doing physical activities such as working out, muay thai or rugby. You may think he’s introverted, but he can surprise you with a few moves on the dance floor.
Coleman Barnes
As Jack’s longest friend in the group, Coleman and Jack have been friends since 2014. They met while playing on the highly notable travel baseball organization, the Hudson Valley Bandits. Coleman and Jack bond over many different things including MLB the Show, Will Ferrell movies, and YouTuber Kevingohd. He is a big Yankees fan, and currently has 2 dogs and 2 cats. He is a former Division III catcher/first baseman at Mount Saint Mary’s College in Newburgh, NY. You also might think he is an introvert, but he can surprise you by cracking a few jokes.
Miles Rizzi
Miles “Dave” Rizzi is the cousin of Marisa and Ryan. Jack met Miles when he met the rest of Marisa’s family during a stoop party in 2020. Miles is currently a sophomore in high school where he excels in Latin studies, winning a competition for it in 2023. Outside of excelling in Latin, he is an avid gamer spending a majority of his time playing Minecraft and Fortnite with his friends. He also enjoys taking batting practice at stoop parties with his cousins Marisa and Ryan. At the wedding, you can find him having a glass of lemonade while supervising Ryan.