Highland Springs Resort

Wedding Day

Wedding

Reception

Our Wedding

Amy and Ross met on Amy's first day at a new high school in 2003. She had moved to Redlands for a new adventure and started as a sophomore at Redlands High School - they met in 6th period, Algebra II, so it wasn't exactly love at first sight, but over the next few years they became friends. They were in the newspaper class together, and they also shared the same teacher, Mr. Bibo, for their multimedia class...Ross wasn't actually in Amy's class for multimedia, however he would always have some good reason for showing up. Mr. Bibo caught on to this trend, and unbeknown to Amy, told Ross that he should take her on a date. At first Ross thought it was weird - they were just friends - then he thought about it some more...The seed had been planted - Amy and Ross started dating in the summer of 2005. They both ended up going to college in San Diego and created new friendships together while pursuing their majors - Biology/zoology and Nursing. After graduation Amy moved to Seattle for a while and then back to Redlands to start her career as a nurse and Ross travelled to the Caribbean to start his long journey of becoming a veterinarian. Amy was able to visit Ross in Grenada a couple times to meet his amazing friends and see the beautiful place that was his home. Several years of long distance wasn't easy - there were ups and downs and bumps in the road, but ultimately, with love for each other and the support of family and friends, Amy and Ross made it out alive! Ross's schooling took them on another adventure -Australia! Ross finished up his last year of school in Perth, and Amy worked as a traveling nurse. They got to road trip around Australia with their pups, Jack and Gizmo. They were able to see so many amazing places and met wonderful people along the way. After that year, he officially became Ross Anthony Massimiano, DVM! Whoot-whoot!!!A little while after Amy and Ross left the land of Oz to come home, Ross TOTALLY surprised Amy by proposing in the jacuzzi at her parent's house. A beautiful and sentimental engagement ring was floating on a little lily pad in the spa. She said YES! Amy and Ross now live in San Diego where Ross works as a veterinarian and Amy as a registered nurse. They are very excited to see what the future has in store for them, and thankful to be surrounded by their loving friends and family.Phew! Hard to sum up 10+ years! Thanks for reading, we love you all and are really looking forward to sharing our wedding day with you!

Once upon a time, over ten years ago....

Our Story

Details

Emily, aka, my Tis, is my little seester and so much a part of me.  Family and friends have called us Amily when they can't remember who is who, and strangers have often thought we were twins even though we have obvious height and hair color difference.  We have been banned from being on the same team during games because we can communicate and win without using words at all...we just read each others' minds.  I can't imagine life without her.  We can love each other and hate each other and laugh and cry all within a days work and still have the security that the other is there to encourage and support whichever sister is in need.  And if it's both of us in need, then we will watch Little Women, Chocolat or Friends :) She is an incredible teacher/traveler/adventurer - someone I am so proud of.  I am blessed to call her sister and friend and lucky that she lives only 10 minutes away from me in San Diego!

Emily Conner

I met Drew during our first semester in Grenada during veterinary school. At first he was this elusive member of the class that would appear as suddenly as he would disappear. It wasn't until we became roommates that we got to know each other better. There were many days spent driving around the island in his Suzuki Samurai with our dogs in tow to explore the many beaches and jungles the island has to offer. Our travels didn't end there as we have been to Costa Rica and Nicaragua together for a veterinarian spay/neuter trip. The most recent trip was to Sundance, UT where Drew and Hillary were wed, and I was lucky enough to be his best man.

Drew DeSocio

I have known Adam since he was born. Up until that time I was an only child so its safe to say at 5 years old my life changed. I was no longer the center of attention and may have given Adam a hard time for awhile because of that.  We have spent many days playing video games, watching movies/tv, and discussing comic book politics.  I have enjoyed getting to know him even better as we have both grown up.  He is currently a literary editor/tutor and wants to pursue a career in the comic industry.

Adam Massimiano

I have known Laura since childhood - she has been my step-sister since 2003!  I usually drop the "step" part and just say sister, because that's who she is to me :)  Laura and I spent a good part of high school writing and filming a pirate video just for fun - we were always putting on plays/choreographed water shows for our family and friends. We went to a vegetarian summer camp one year, and Laura was with me the first time I ever tried a vegetarian hot dog - although I thought it was disgusting at the time, it was a milestone.  Laura is one of the most ambitious women I have ever met. She is a true problem solver and so creative.  She went to college in Durham, New Hampshire where she played volleyball.  After graduation she returned and works/lives in the Loma Linda/Redlands area, so not too far away!  I'm so lucky to have her in my life!

Laura Yegge

Heather Victoria Yegge - She is another step- sister where you can just drop the "step".   I have known Heather since childhood and we've been family since 2003.  Whenever I think of the color orange, Heather comes to mind; Not because of her gorgeous hair color, but because there was a time there when I'm pretty sure that's the only color she wore and any gift she received, you could bet it would be orange.  Although the orange color has faded from her wardrobe, I feel that the boldness of it stuck with her.  She is sometimes quiet at first, but she has got style and personality that is unmatched.  She went to school at Suffolk University in Boston and loves her sports and music!  I have enjoyed getting to know her even better in the past few years since she has moved back to Southern California.  She is a very true and loyal friend/sister.  

Heather Yegge

Skubic has been a close friend since Kindergarten at Redlands Christian School. We spent many afternoons playing with dinosaur toys and recreating our favorite scenes from Jurassic Park. We lived together for a few years during college while I was at SDSU and he was at PLNU.  We have many mutual friends and have had some crazy camping adventures together with the guys.  Currently he is the creator of Old Harbor Distilling in Downtown San Diego where he makes various liquors including gin and rum.

Michael Skubic

I have known Megan since kindergarten, and we have been friends ever since.  I remember when she used to have super crazy, blond, curly hair that was pulled back in one of her many festive scrunchies.  We used to trade Sanrio/Hello Kitty trinkets and collect Ty beanie babies together.  We even played on an "all-star" softball team together in middle school - how I made the team, I'll never know.  She is also someone who would remember me with braces.  Aside from freshman year, Megan and I ended up going to different high schools when I moved to Redlands, but we stayed close.  She went to college at UC Santa Barbara and we have many fun memories from times I visited there.  Megan is beautiful and poised - unless you get to know her, you might never know how much of a goofball she truly is at heart.  I am happy we are still friends after all this time :)  She currently works and lives in LA.

Megan Barnes

Chatigny is one of my oldest if not the oldest friend I have. We met before I can even remember when Andrew lived next door to my grandparents house and legend has it we met trick-or-treating. We attended K-12 with each other and both went to college in San Diego. Many years after college we are still fiends and even traveled to Australia and Bali together so Andrew could catch some waves.  Andrew is one of the most genuine people I know and I am happy to have him as a friend after all these years. 

Andrew Chatigny

Cramer and I met during our freshmen year of high school during an introduction to architecture class… a career neither of us pursued. Instead Cramer used his quick wit and perfect smile to inform viewers of current events as a news reporter for various stations from Minnesota, Eureka, and currently San Diego. We have had many adventures together in California and abroad with many more to come.

Cameron Cramer

I met Steph my first day at Redlands High School.  I was the new kid on the block and Steph and I had several classes together - AP English, PE, Algebra II and Spanish!  We seemed like automatic friends - just bonded immediately.  She made me feel so welcome in a new place.  That is the essence of Stephanie - a welcoming and including individual.  She can get along with everyone - she can also be feisty when she needs to be!  We went on a scuba diving trip in high school to Catalina to become scuba certified together!  Stephanie didn't quite make it that time - mask issues - but we went on another trip years later and she conquered it!  She is a busy body and friendly as can be!  I am happy to announce that she and her fiance, Justin Nuber, are getting married shortly after us in January!  They are planning a fun destination wedding to Costa Rica where Ross and I will join them and I am honored that I get to be a bridesmaid!!!

Stephanie France

I remember becoming close friends with Lauren when we shared a history class together in high school.  We were both the quiet ones and must have known that we were kindred spirits and meant to be friends. We have had many adventurous food outings and cooking attempts, created the most ridiculous stories and costumes, took a trip to medieval times, and there is almost always some scary movie or cryptic tale involved if we hang out together - we are both scaredy cats but also can't help ourselves when it comes to a good story. She cares deeply for the environment.  She always brings up thought provoking conversation topics and is innately artistic.  She went to school in Washington state and currently lives in Portland.    Lauren is a true intellectual.  I wish we lived closer but value our friendship regardless.

Lauren Hisada

Freshmen year of college was an eye opener and one of the first people I met was Will. We shared a suite with 6 other guys, needless to say the dorms were not for us. We lived together for a year off campus near SDSU. Will is a San Diego native so having a locals insight of places to travel and see around town was invaluable. Many late night movie premieres and long late night lines for video game releases are fond memories with Will.  I am excited to get to celebrate as a groomsmen with Will and his fiance Samantha in January 2017 for their wedding!!!

Will Weisman

Have you ever heard the phrase "sweet as pie"? Well that is Sarah...unless she is playing Taboo or needing to be competitive for any reason.  I met Sarah our freshman year at Point Loma Nazarene University.  We were on the same hall in the dorm rooms.  A group of us became very close there, but Sarah and I especially bonded over our roommate situation.  Our roommates, though very nice, were just a little different and THEY wanted to be roommates and Sarah and I decided we should just switch!  We ended up being roommates for the next 3 years at PLNU.  You really get to know someone when you live with them - especially during college - stress of classes/tests, boy drama etc etc etc.  I could not have asked for a better roommate or friend.  We encouraged each other to both study and let loose.  We got to go on a Caribbean cruise together after college with my family and before Sarah got married!  I was honored to be a bridesmaid for her when she and Brian got married in June of 2013.  We have seen each other through a couple big life changes and events and I am so thankful to have her as a friend.  She and Brian live in Visalia, CA and she works hard as a registered dietician/professor/student. 

Sarah Fast

James has been a friend since day one of veterinary school. We had met and chatted about music and were instantly friends. We became roommates for 2.5 years in Grenada. The friendship didn't stop there but James had driven from New Jersey to San Diego to visit. The driving doesn't stop there, we did a West Coast road trip up to Washington state to visit Drew during his clinics and we convinced Cramer to join us. I have many memories with James and many more to be made.  He is a solid character and a loyal friend.

James Sturzione

Wedding Party

Photos

Registry

Q + A

The Palm Springs airport is about a 40 minute drive to the venue depending on traffic. There is also Ontario airport that is about 50 minutes from the venue, once again, depending on traffic.

Palm Springs International Airport

The Ontario airport is about a 50 minute drive to the venue depending on traffic. There is also the Palm Springs airport which is about a 40 minute drive to the venue, once again, depending on traffic.

LA/Ontario International Airport

Although it is not the most beautiful location, we would recommend staying at this hotel, or somewhere near here as it is a central location - Close to shops, restaurants, and right near the 10 freeway which takes you to Highland Springs Resort. Being so close to the 10 freeway also makes it more convenient for day time/night time excursions. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us!

Ayers Hotel Redlands

Travel

Take an adventure day - bring your hiking shoes and wear layers. The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is a unique ride that takes you from the desert to the mountains in about 10 minutes. At the top, there are two restaurants, a cocktail lounge, observation decks, a small museum, a theater showing State Park and tram construction videos, and over 50 miles of hiking trails along with other nature activities.Tickets for adults are $24.95 and can be bought on site or online. See website for more details.

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

If you feel like shopping, Cabazon is just a quick drive down the freeway! Conveniently located between Palm Springs and Los Angeles, Cabazon Outlets offers a unique desert landscape shopping experience nestled between the San Rosa and San Gorgonio Mountain Range. This quaint 65,000 square foot retail shopping center features 19 specialty retailers in a relaxed open-air environment. You may also have a chance to see the famous roadside Cabazon Dinosaurs! http://cabazondinosaurs.com/

Cabazon Outlets

One of the most scenic spots in Southern California, Oak Glen is nestles in the hear of Apple Country, where it is cooler in the summer and winter offers enough snow to make snowmen. Folks can come up and enjoy a simpler way of life, surrounded by the fresh crisp air and partake of the beautiful change of seasons. Hiking trails and quaint shops await you in Oak Glen! Also, October is right in the middle of apple season!!!

Oak Glen, CA, United States

Joshua Tree is about an hour away from the venue. Two distinct desert ecosystems, the Mojave and the Colorado, come together in Joshua Tree National Park. A fascinating variety of plants and animals make their homes in a land sculpted by strong winds and occasional torrents of rain. Dark night skies, a rich cultural history, and surreal geologic features add to the wonder of this vast wilderness in southern California. Come explore for yourself.

Joshua Tree National Park

Surrounded by gorgeous mountains, Redlands is located approximately 60 miles northeast of Los Angeles, and 45 miles west of Palm Springs. The city is known for its Victorian and historical architecture, weekly farmers' market events, Lincoln Memorial Shrine and the Redlands Bowl. Downtown Redlands has lots of unique little shops and restaurants and is definitely worth having a walk around.

Downtown Redlands, Redlands, CA, United States

Hangar 24 is a local brewery in a small airport hangar in Redlands. Famous for their orange wheat, Hangar has a variety of rich flavor and quality beer. The brewery has an indoor standing room as well as an outdoor patio that makes for a good environment. If it's beer you seek, then you might want to check out some of the other local breweries in the area:Ritual Brewing Co, Escape Craft Brewing, Brew Rebellion.

Hangar 24 Craft Brewery LLC

FOOD:- Gourmet Pizza Shoppe - Burgertown USA- Eureka Burger- Baker's (fast food, but delicious butterfinger shakes!)- Cuca's Mexican Food - Benjarong (Thai food)- Time in a Bottle (Wine/cocktails and small plates)......just to name a few

Amy & Ross