Jace’s
Garrett Valls
Garrett is my older brother and first mentor. He has been there to help me in some of the biggest transitions in life. During high school, he was a senior and I was a freshman just beginning to find my place in a new environment. High school can be a treacherous place for anyone and having him there to look out for me probably reduced the number of swirlies I got by 30%. He even played a significant role (unknowingly) in how Julia and I ended up together in the first place. For so many reasons, I wouldn’t be who I am without him.
Danielle Candido
Danielle is truly one of the kindest souls I’ve been trying to corrupt for almost a decade. We went to college together but didn’t become friends until she joined the RA staff our junior year. Since then, it’s felt like we’ve been sharing one-half of the same brain. I have been able to rely on Danielle for some of the hardest moments in life. Without even realizing it sometimes she is able to lift me up. Even though neither of us had ever done anything like it before, Danielle had the crazy idea we should run a marathon… and we did it! It was the epitome of our friendship, proving we could get each other through anything!
Nick Difabio
Nick has been my buddy cop since the staht ked. Nick and I joined the force (RA staff) at the same time. If you’ve seen The Departed or The Fast and the Furious, then you get our friendship—he’s the Dominic Toretto to my Brian O’Conner. We take turns between being the impulsive and the logical one, but we always balance each other out. Any life problem I’ve had Nick has been able to bring me back and remind me of the big picture. He is the voice of reason when I’m about to make a bad decision, even though I still make the bad decision 50% of the time, and he likes to say “I told you so”.
Marisa Borja
When I think about our friendship, I think about all the questionable decisions Marisa made that allowed it to flourish. After knowing Marisa for no more than a month, she was looking to move and I said she should move in with Julia and me. When she said yes to moving in with someone she had known for a month and a total stranger, I knew one of us had to be a serial killer. What I didn’t expect is that all of us were. It really cannot be understated the impact Marisa has had on my life. She is the first friend I made on the West Coast, a mentor, and a sounding board for me professionally, but most importantly, personally and emotionally.
Amie Kim
What can I say? The story of how Amie and I met is one of the funniest and if you get a chance you should ask us about it. I’m sure you’ll get a different story from each of us but it’ll be entertaining nonetheless–let’s just say first impressions aren’t everything. With that being said, Amie is the kindest but most direct person I’ve ever met. She has been one of the people I rely on the most when I have a tough decision to make. Even when facing the biggest emotional obstacles, Amie can make them seem so simple. She forces me to ask myself the tough questions and face the big scary things head-on.
Julia’s
Hiking with Aimee and DJ
Los Gatos, CA
Feb 2025
Aimee Sanford
During my senior year of college, Aimee and I were suite-mates. While I didn’t see much of Aimee that year (thanks to the chaos of senior year), we still had a lot of fun nights. She moved to California two years ago and now lives just 12 minutes from me! We’re often hiking and brunching together with her dog, DJ. I never miss a chance to mention how incredibly smart she is (she has a doctorate in chemistry!), and I’m so grateful for the support system we’ve built—one we’ve both leaned on. I can’t wait to celebrate with you!
Red Sox Game
Boston, MA
April 2015
Holly Tokarz
Holly and I were both graphic design majors in college, passing each other in the computer lab for a couple of semesters before having classes together. Before we knew it, we became roommates and spent A LOT of time together (including many, many hours stressing over our senior thesis projects). Holly is the definition of bubbly, a true girl’s girl, and the ultimate hype person everyone needs. I’m so thankful to have her in my life and standing by my side on this special day.
High School Graduation
Kennebunk, Maine
May 2012
Lauren Deegan
Lauren (aka Deegz) and I have been friends for 15+ years since she moved to Maine in middle school. We played on the school softball team together and instantly bonded over our shared silliness. She’s the biggest animal lover and one of the kind, thoughtful people I know. I’m so excited to have her with me on my wedding day!
College Spring Ball
Boston, MA
May 2016
Kerenza Thompson
As a fellow Mainer, Kerenza and I hit it off as suite-mates in college right away! She’s a true caretaker in every way, first as an EMT and now as a nurse. When I think of her, I immediately picture her famous pumpkin chocolate chip cookies that she’d make every fall. It’s been amazing to see everything she’s accomplished, and I’m so thrilled to have her in my corner!
Jace and Julia's Wedding 