The Don CeSar

Wedding Day

Ceremony

Cocktail Hour

Reception

Spring

Our Wedding

We first met one evening at a small bar in Michigan, at a time when our lives were quietly running parallel. Though we attended the same institutions for work and study, our paths had never crossed until that night changed everything. Over the past seven years, our journey together has been marked by shared milestones and meaningful growth. From completing educational goals to relocating from the Midwest to Florida, we have built a life rooted in love, support, and partnership.﻿We have supported each other through Johnny’s passion for cars and career pursuits, as well as Melanie’s professional ambitions and her well known affection for cats. Together, we have become proud cat parents twice, growing closer with every step even when distance separated us. Our adventures have taken us across the globe, teaching us valuable lessons and helping to create a home filled with laughter, ambition, and compassion. Now, we are ready to take the next step: celebrating our love surrounded by the people who have supported and shaped our story.﻿We look forward to sharing this special day with all our loved ones.﻿

💍 Our Story

Our Story

Our Love Story in Pictures

John’s best friend since high school, Daniel and John bonded over cars and formed a friendship as genuine as they come. Daniel has always been a kind and encouraging presence, especially when it comes to John’s ever growing car collection. They have been side by side through every major milestone in life, supporting each other like brothers.

Daniel is married to the maid of honor, making this day even more special for both of them. One of their favorite pastimes is working on Daniel’s Trans Am, constantly adding aftermarket modifications just to squeeze out more horsepower and go a little faster. You can also find them online shopping for McLarens, Dodge Vipers, Camaros, and Z06 Corvettes — all while enjoying In N Out or Checkers with a banana milkshake in hand.

Daniel Martin

Amber is one of Johnny’s older sisters, and from the moment she met Melanie, the two clicked right away. They bonded over Cracker Barrel breakfasts and a shared “love” of Algebra.
Amber and Melanie also share a passion for family activities like canoeing, animals, fall festivals, fresh strawberries, and long phone calls that make the miles disappear. Amber is kind, full of life, and always says exactly what is on her mind, which is something they both appreciate and share.

Whether they are dancing to Latin music after a round of sangria or secretly taking over John’s Apple CarPlay, they always know how to have fun. Melanie feels incredibly lucky to have gained not just a sister-in-law, but a lifelong friend.

Amber Giraldo

Stephanie and Melanie met in nursing school and quickly bonded over their shared passion for helping others and their shared sense of humor. Stephanie is a sassy, fun loving dog mom with a serious (and seriously awesome) love for Adam Sandler movies. She has a heart of gold and is always the first to lend a hand, especially when someone needs support, a laugh, or both.

One of Stephanie’s favorite pastimes is playfully critiquing Melanie’s Spanish. She prefers Puerto Rican dialect over anything Duolingo teaches and never misses a chance to correct a phrase or laugh at a stiff translation. Her loyalty, warmth, and quick wit make her not just a great friend, but the kind of person everyone needs in their life.

Stephanie Rosado

Jordan and John met back in high school and have been great friends ever since. They connected over cars, chasing big goals, and figuring out life one step at a time. Jordan is full of unique hobbies, random facts, and great conversation — even if he insists on being an Ohio State fan.

He does, however, graciously tolerate the bride’s passion for Michigan football. That’s real friendship.

Whether they are at a Lightning or Bucs game, relaxing with a whiskey, or grabbing late night snacks at Applebees, Jordan and John never run out of stories to tell or memories to relive.



Jordan Nichols

Ashley and Melanie met in nursing school and quickly bonded over their shared struggles with difficult people and the realities of nursing life. Their love of dark humor and cat parenting sealed the friendship. Ashley brings a sassy but kind energy to everything she does, especially when helping others. That is something she and Melanie both value deeply. These two can talk on the phone for hours, usually laughing the entire time. You will always hear Ashley’s infectious laugh before you see her, and she always comes with the best stories.



Ashley Acri

Robert (Robbie) and John also met back in high school through their similar taste in music, conversation and cars. 
They (with best man Daniel) would often hang out on weekends, and go to Applebees for BOGO drinks and 1/2 price appetizers. 

John was one of the groomsmen for Robbie's wedding to his wife Krystyna, and they kept in touch throughout the years as John lived a far for school and medical training. Both ended up on the medical field, with Rob being a Physical Therapy assistant. 

Robert Callahan

John met Josh in medical school. They hit if off from the very beginning. Josh is one of the most pleasant, fun, and interesting people you will ever meet. He is deeply caring, and a good friend for the long haul. Life got busy after medical school as they both went to residencies far away from each other, but kept the friendship going. Now Josh lives in Jacksonville as a Child/Adult Psychiatrist. More recently John and Josh found that they are cat people, and Josh has two brothers that are Siberians!

Josh Proemsey

Natalie is Johnny's eldest niece. Natalie and Melanie bonded over their shared love of music and both play the violin and even attended a Lindsey Stirling concert together. John and Natalie share inside jokes and similar views on life from her high school years. Natalie loves music and sushi and would probably rank sushi as a food group. You will often find Natalie and Melanie singing at the top of their lungs to Pentatonix or Falling in Reverse on their way to get sushi together. She is funny and quiet but full of life once you get to know her and will surprise you with her sense of humor. This is Natalie’s first wedding and the bride is honored to share such a special day with her.

Natalie Giraldo

Meet The Wedding Party

Don CeSar is offering our wedding guests a special discounted rate of $479 per weekend night under the code CUR426. Please book online using the code or call 1.800.282.1116. This rate is valid until March 2026. Be sure to book early to secure your stay!﻿

Free Beach Ride provides free local rides from Madeira Beach to St Pete Beach. The ride is free and the driver's work for tips only.

FREE BEACH RIDE

Fee local rides 9am-2am every day from Pass-A-Grille to John's Pass &amp;amp; Madeira Beach.

ISLAND HOPPER

Hotel Room Block & Transport

Where is the wedding taking place?Our ceremony and celebration will be on beautiful St. Pete Beach, Florida, at the iconic Don CeSar Hotel. What is the dress code?The dress code is formal wear. For gentlemen, this typically means a dark suit or tuxedo, dress shirt, and dress shoes. For ladies, a cocktail dress, evening gown, or elegant dressy separates are perfect. We encourage guests to dress elegantly to complement the sophisticated evening celebration. When should I arrive?We kindly ask guests to arrive about 30 minutes before the ceremony begins. Are children invited?Yes! Children are welcome. Please let the bride and groom know if you will be bringing children. There will be a separate plated meal option for them, with choices included on the invitations. We do ask that children be respectful during important moments throughout the night. Where should I stay?The Don CeSar Hotel is offering a discounted rate of $479 per night for the weekend of April 25-26, 2026, when booked under the “Quick Wedding” name. Please note this special booking will open in July 2025. If you plan to stay more than two nights, call the Don CeSar directly to inquire about extended stay rates. Is parking available?Parking is available at the hotel for a fee. We will update the website if the hotel offers a discounted rate for our guests. When do RSVPs open?RSVPs will open approximately 5 to 6 months before the wedding date. What amenities does the Don CeSar offer?Beach &amp; Poolside:Private beach with complimentary beach chairs and umbrellas (3 chairs and 1 umbrella per room per day)Two heated outdoor pools with poolside serviceBeach cabanas and lounge chairs available for rentDining Options:Maritana (award-winning coastal cuisine)Society Table (casual dining)Rowe Bar (beachfront bar)Beacon Pool Bar &amp; Lookout (poolside bar)Uncle Andy’s Market (coffee, snacks, and sundries)Room service available daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.Spa &amp; Wellness:Spa Oceana with 16 treatment rooms, including couples suites and a rooftop terraceFitness center with complimentary classes and 24-hour access for hotel guestsComplimentary bicycle rentals Will there be any changes?The bride and groom will notify guests of any updates or changes to the wedding celebration.

Q + A

Registry

Several very important and special family members have passed away and will be missed at the wedding

In Remembrance

Ultimate Formal Attire Shopping Guide

25 Hand-Picked Formal Guest Dresses

Tux vs. Suit: What's the Difference?

Guests are encouraged to wear formal evening wear. Floor-length gowns, elegant cocktail dresses, dark suits, or tuxedos are welcome.

Melanie & Johnny

Melanie & Johnny

M&J