How did you meet?
July 11, 2016 was our first day of the police academy, it was also Nick’s first memory of me. I was trying to stay under the radar as all aim to do in the academy, but immediately failed at doing so. We had to line up and take turns knocking on the staff’s door and say our recited “attention” along with the staff’s rankings in order. I did not know any of them. So there I was, being punished by a death of push-ups. Nick, who was, in fact, flying under the radar, looked over to see who was holding up the line; it was little, struggling, me. Instead of seeing the hot mess I was, he just saw, hot (lol). Somehow the instructors paired Nick and me up as arrest control and shooting partners. Still unsure why. People normally received their partners by alphabet or size, which we did not share similarities in either. I instantly had a crush on him. Tall, baby blue eyes, and a great personality who could make me laugh with ease. But alas, this was not the time for romantic entanglements, we had a job to do. Nick and I became friends and kept in contact after the academy was over in January.
When did you become engaged, and how?
On December 19, 2021, Nick proposed! It was better than I could have imagined! Nick and my sister Lucia set up a “family photo” day at my favorite place, Tilden Park in Berkeley. It was where I went to summer camp each year growing up. My sister built a large wooden arch and made floral arrangements. They set up a light up Marry Me sign with a blanket and champagne. Nick’s parents postponed moving to Texas to be there, his sister flew in from Texas to be our photographer, my oldest sister Lidia flew in from Florida, and my parents, along with the rest of the family hid while the proposal was happening. The biggest surprise outside of the proposal itself and our families, was the song Nick had playing. It was “Tough Ones” by Cooper Allen. I had sent it to Nick months prior saying it made me think of him. He said he it was “okay”. Nick is an old country music purest and never approves of new country. So it meant a lot when I heard it – he has always been great at remembering things I say I like. After the proposal we all went to my parents home where my mom had dinner ready for us all. Nick had also packed me an overnight bag, booked a dog sitter and booked a suite at the Sawyer Hotel and a late night reservation for a celebratory dinner, just the two of us.
How did the planning go? Favorite time? Worst moment?
Favorite part of planning was seeing it all come together at the end. Worst moment: definitely when we had to change all of our decor and vision six months prior to the wedding.
How would you describe the ceremony? Was there anything specific that made it unique to you as a couple?
Having our officiants be our loved ones made our ceremony so personal. We kept our vows traditional and did the rosary lasso from Catholic traditions because that part was important to me and my culture. Nick and I read our personal vows in private after the ceremony on the lakes dock, and it was so perfect.
Memorable Moment
We loved being serenaded by our Mariachi when dinner was being served. It gave us a wonderful memory, and we both looked around and couldn’t believe we were finally there, on our wedding day surrounded by everyone we love.
Funny Moment
It rained! And I had no idea! Nick, knowing it would worry me since everything was outdoors, kept it to himself. But it rained two hours before our ceremony. You would have never known. Also, it was “the worlds greatest meteor shower” the night of our wedding and we got to see it! Last but not least, Nick and I ended the night by jumping in the pool with our clothes on.
Best Part of the Day
We both picked our ceremony and private vows. We’ve never felt so loved and so in love with one another.
Favorite Detail
It is hard to pick one thing. Probably our audio guest book in the lifesize phone booth. We got to listen to everyone’s voicemails on our honeymoon and it was lovely.
#VendorRaves
Petite Street Bar’s service was absolutely great!
What do you think guests will remember most about your wedding?
We still hear so many wonderful compliments about our wedding. The consensus was “it was the best wedding I’ve ever been to!”. We’ve been told it felt personal to us due to the details like our story-filled ceremony and our pup being involved. People also loved that it was black tie but not stuffy because we had an amazing DJ that had everyone dancing, and delicious drinks that kept everyone in the party mood.
What would you have done differently if you had the chance?
Our biggest regret was not hiring a videographer. We didn’t think it was necessary, and we were already so over budget. But we absolutely loved our day, and our officiants made our ceremony so special, filled with personal stories, laughs and tears—we wish we could hear everything all over again.
