Rehearsal and Rehearsal Lunch

Wedding Day

Ceremony

Reception

Our Wedding

"So, how did it happen?"

If you ask Nehemiah...

We met online during one of the toughest times in recent memory, when it was nearly impossible to meet new people or make friends while everyone was staying indoors and social distancing. I downloaded a dating app simply to connect with others—and that’s where I met Bridgette. Our first hangouts were simple but memorable: grabbing ice cream and watching the waves crash at La Jolla Cove. Bridgette would point out the seals and share little facts about them and the ocean. What struck me most wasn’t just her knowledge, but her curiosity—her joy in learning about everything, from the big picture down to the smallest details. That curiosity was one of the first things that captivated me. Through the years, we’ve become one another’s steady companion. We supported each other through university—me as I pursued Architecture, and as she found the courage to change her major. We built a home together after getting engaged, and adopted Buttercup and Cosmo, who quickly became part of our little family. Our adventures have taken us across the country, where we enjoyed the beauty and sightseeing. I even had the privilege to have her visit the Philippines, where Bridgette experienced pieces of my childhood. Sharing that part of myself with her was surreal, and it remains one of my most cherished memories. Bridgette grounds me, challenges me, and inspires me to become the best version of myself. I can’t wait to celebrate this next chapter with all of you.

If you ask Bridgette...

We first met around a month after I started college, it was 2020, in the middle of the pandemic and I was really struggling to adjust to all the changes. Campus was empty, so it was really hard to meet people or make friends and I was, admittedly, quite lonely. I'd never dated before and my best friend, Jasmine, decided it was time for me to put myself out there and start dating. She convinced me to download a dating app and make a profile; a week or so later I matched with Nehemiah and we started chatting. I'll never forget that first message "You know, I've never read a Stephen King book.", I had included that he was my favorite author in my profile. Over the next couple weeks we bonded over books, school, games, everything and finally agreed to meet in person. We went on our first official date on November 11, 2020 since we both had the holiday off from work and school. We visited some local tidepools and got ice cream and we just sort of clicked immediately. In that first year or so we spent a lot of time getting takeout and watching movies in my dorm room and hanging out around the UCSD campus since most everything was closed or limited to outdoor only. As our relationship grew, we both grew a lot as people. Nehemiah helped me a lot with navigating my struggles in my first couple years of college and supported me when I decided to change my major because I realized my goals had changed. He became my best travel buddy and a constant source of comfort for me. He has always supported me in my goals, hobbies, and dreams, no matter how far fetched or fleeting some of them have been. We got engaged just a couple weeks after I graduated from UCSD in 2024 on a trip to Zion National Park. I quickly found out that almost all our family and friends had known for months about his plans. We moved in together shortly after, adopted our beloved cat Buttercup, survived an apartment fire, moved again to another apartment in the building, adopted our sweet Cosmo, and travelled to the Philippines all in less than 6 months. We finally settled into a comfortable routine and have been in the thick of wedding planning since then. I am beyond excited to be marrying the love of my life and can't wait to celebrate with my closest family and friends!

Our Story

Photos

Meet the Bridesmaids!

Jasmine Ayala

I am Bridgette’s younger cousin and I'm excited to have the honor of being one of her bridesmaids. I am currently in school to become a librarian. Bridgette is such an amazing woman and I am so happy that she found her person. I have always looked up to her as if she were my older sister and I can’t wait to see her enjoy the next chapter of her life.

Juliette Walker

Renae Lightner

Meet the Groomsmen!

Marco Elijah Buenaventura

Ethan Paul

Max Gergen

Wedding Party

Q + A

Getting to the Venue

We suggest driving yourself or carpooling with other guests to the venue, there is on-site parking conveniently located near the reception patio. Reserving an Uber or Lyft ride is also available, if you are choosing this option please be aware there may be a limited number of drivers due to the rural location so it is best to reserve your ride in advance. On-site transportation is provided by the venue for guests with limited mobility.

Places to Stay

Please be aware that we have not reserved a hotel block in advance, these are just suggested hotels and inns near the venue. There are also many nice AirBnB and VRBO house rentals in the area!

Set in Ramona, Ramona Valley Inn provides free WiFi. Featuring a 24-hour front desk, this property also provides guests with a seasonal outdoor pool. Guest rooms in the motel are fitted with a flat-screen TV. The private bathroom is equipped with a bath. San Diego is 29 mi from Ramona Valley Inn, while La Jolla is 28 mi from the property. The nearest airport is San Diego International Airport, 29 mi from the accommodations.

Ramona Valley Inn

Nestled in the San Vicente Valley, Riviera Oaks Resort and Racket Club features 16 tennis courts and a spa. Their spacious villas offer fully equipped kitchens and fireplaces. The one to two-bedroom villas provide balconies and dining areas. They also include sofa beds, cable TV and DVD players. Wi-Fi is available. The Ramona, California Riviera Oaks Resort &amp; Racket Club offers guests 2 pools and 2 jacuzzis. The resort has saunas, barbecue facilities and a games room. Guests at this property can access a gym and volleyball and basketball courts. Bikes and tennis lessons are also available. Riviera Oaks Resort is one mile from San Vincente Golf Course. It is 17 miles from Cordiano Winery and 23 miles from Julian Pioneer Museum.

Riviera Oaks Resort

Guest rooms feature a TV and a seating area. A private entrance is available in all rooms at the Apple Tree Inn. Free toiletries are provided. Rooms offer mountain views. Downtown Julian is 3.5 miles from the Inn Apple Tree. The San Diego Zoo Safari Park is 45 minutes’ drive away. The San Diego Airport is 1 hour and 30 minutes’ drive from the property.

Apple Tree Inn

This resort is less than 20 minutes’ drive from Barona Casino and Barona Creek Golf Club. Featuring an 18 hole golf course on-site, the hotel also offers an outdoor pool, tennis courts and equestrian center. Cable TV, a small fridge and free Wi-Fi are available in the guest rooms at the San Vicente Golf Resort. The Oaks Grille Restaurant, featuring American cuisine, is on-site and breakfast is available. The Barona Motocross Park and Swartz Canyon County Park are both less than 10 minutes’ drive from the Golf Resort San Vicente.

San Vicente Golf Resort

Travel

Rehearsal Day

Date TBD

June 14, 2026

Suggested arrival time: 3:30 PMWe ask that everyone arrive around 3:30 to allow for ample time to walk to the ceremony lawn, mingle, and use the restroom if needed.|Ceremony: 4:00 PMThe ceremony will begin at exactly 4 PM, any late arrivals will be asked to wait at the reception patio to avoid interruptions.|Cocktail Hour: 4:45 PMBar service will begin at 5 PM, hors d'oeuvres will be served inside the crush house.|First Dance: 5:45 PM|Dinner: 6:00 PMDinner will be served buffet style inside the crush house.|Cake Cutting &amp; Toasts: 7:00 PMA selection of desserts will be available for guests to choose from.|Golden Hour Photos: 7:30 PMWe will be taking advantage of the setting sun to take some gorgeous photos. If you would like photos with the bride and groom, feel free to join at this time!|Parent Dances: 8:15 PM|Dancing &amp; Games: 8:30 PMWe plan to include some fun, interactive games for everyone to participate in alongside the traditional bouquet toss and money dance (we suggest bringing cash if you would like to participate in this fun tradition)!

Itinerary

Wedding Dress Code

Garden Party Attire

We encourage you to wear your best outdoor friendly semi-formal attire. We recommend lightweight materials, light and bright colors, and shoes suitable for walking on grass or dirt. Floral patterns are encouraged!

Nehemiah and Bridgette

Nehemiah and Bridgette

Photos

June 24, 2024