After contacting each other mostly via email, I finally met with Andrew & Rosa for the first time in person at a Starbucks to talk about all their fun wedding details! I remember my first impression of them was how sweet and genuinely kind they were! They both have such caring personalities and beautiful smiles–I could just feel their gentle warmth! A couple months later I had the pleasure of seeing them again–for their special big day!
Andrew & Rosa’s story begins on the beautiful campus of UCLA during Andrew’s freshman year! They lived two doors down from each other, and eventually grew to be close friends throughout that year! Both of them enjoyed playing sports and board games with one another, and spent a lot of time just getting to know each other in conversation! Together they eventually both attended Grace on Campus at UCLA, where their friendship grew even more! Over time, Andrew was periodically teased because people thought he liked Rosa–little did he or Rosa think they’d ever one day be married!
Their friendship continued to stay strong up until their senior year, when feelings started to grow and blossom into something more! Over time, Andrew was greatly encouraged by her love for the Lord and her growth in humility and service, and one day it hit him. “Maybe it was an “oh shoot, she’s graduating, so this might be the only chance” moment, but Andrew took the plunge and asked her out.” Rosa, surprised, said “yes”–and that became the beginning of this sweet couple’s commitment to one another!
“My first impression of Andrew was that he’s the nicest guy I’ve ever met. I’ve had the opportunity to see how kind and caring he really is over the past 3 years of dating and even more so during the past couple months of marriage.”– Rosa
Three years later, after a sweet dinner, Andrew led rosa down a candle-lit path at sunset across the UCLA Law School courtyard. He sat her down on a bench, got down on one knee and asked one of the most important questions he could have asked her–“Will you marry me?” And of course, she said yes, which leads us to their very special wedding day! :)
Andrew, an engineer, actually designed Rosa’s ring specially (math & all) for her!
Rosa, her mother, and her lovely bridesmaids got ready at a hotel nearby! There were so many good laughs and good times! :)
Once Rosa’s dress was on, we headed to South Coast Botanic Gardens, where we met up with the Andrew for their first look! While guys have it pretty easy when it comes to getting ready, I feel like getting the boutonnieres on is always quite the feat! Thankfully, their lovely coordinator, Jamie, was pretty good at getting them on quickly! :)
Once he was all set, Andrew & Rosa were able to finally get to see each other for the first time. :)
Seeing their smiles and how much they love and care for one another, even just on my screen, puts a big smile on my face. :D
Andrew & Rosa also had a wonderful bridal party! :)
After all the group photos, I had some time with the lovely bride & groom. :)
“One of the first things I noticed about Rosa was her amazing smile. Now that we’re married, one of the best things is coming home from work and getting to see her smile every night. I’m so thankful for her and being married has been a real blessing.”– Andrew
When we arrived to Rolling Hills United Methodist Church, everything became very real! :)
As people started coming in, the wedding ceremony began. :)
After the ceremony, we headed to Harlyne J. Norris Pavillion, where Rosa & Andrew had their intimate dinner reception!
(Rosa, with the help of some of her friends, made so many little pinwheels for their guests’ seating charts! It was so cute!)
It’s always so great seeing the joy and laughter amongst the wedding guests at receptions! Rosa & Andrew also had great emcees fort the night! :)
& Introducing for the very first time, the beautiful newly weds!
While Andrew & Rosa didn’t end up having a dance floor, they allotted quite a bit of time for them to really get a chance to meet with each of their guests and spend time with them! This was my first time being able to witness a reception like it, and it was truly a blessing! Seeing how much time and effort Andrew & Rosa put into personally meeting and greeting all of their guests reinforced the first impressions I had of them as being such genuinely kind and caring. Truly, the love of Christ, shined through them exceedingly on this beautiful day!
And of course, it was time for the ever popular shoe game! :)
As the night went on, family and friends got to intentionally enjoy the company of one another, and all around me I could hear conversations of joy and merriment! It was truly such a beautiful night! :)
And as the toasting came about, I heard even more so what beautiful people Rosa and Andrew are–how they care for those around them, and how they ultimately have a passion and desire to know God and help those around them know God more! :)
As the night came to an end, Rosa & Andrew thanked their loved ones, and of course got to play a game of giant Connect Four with one another! And of course, I pulled out the lovely Crystal, one of Rosa’s bridesmaids, who made the board game from scratch!
CONGRATULATIONS ANDREW & ROSA! :)
May God continue to grow you both in love for each other, for those around you, and for the Lord!
Happy Friday!