Wedding Day

Ceremony

Reception

Cocktail Hour

Our Wedding

A Story of Grace, Persistence, and Redemption

Cassandra and Richard's story is about a relationship rooted in love, persistence, and ultimately God's redemptive work. Their journey began in the summer of 2019, on a seemingly ordinary work video call discussing fundraising strategies. Richard was immediately captivated by Cassandra, later confessing that he was so starstruck, that same day he began searching for her on social media. Unfortunately, the video call was the extent of their initial interaction.

A Divine Calling

A few months later, both Cassandra and Richard still found themselves committed to serving with Destino, a Latino campus ministry. This ministry was preparing to launch its first team of International Interns on a mission to North Africa. Cassandra had felt God's call to the Arab world since her early college years, solidified by a summer mission in 2018. She was committed to returning for a longer mission. Meanwhile, on the opposite side of the country, Richard felt a stirring in his heart.
 
During a Destino retreat, the leader of Cassandra&#8217;s team approached Richard, after having a dream where he saw Richard in North Africa serving with them. He was challenged to consider joining the team, and after weeks of consideration and prayer Richard excitedly joined the team in November. Unaware that Cassandra was on the team, he glad to finally meet the captivating girl from the video call in person.

Friendship Blosoms

In January 2020, their flight took off and the team of six were on their way to serve the Lord across the globe. Over the months from January to April, their friendship flourished. Cassandra and Richard developed a tight friendship reminiscent of childhood friends. They bonded over skateboarding, volleyball, music, worship, spiritual conversations, and their love of snacks. One day, Cassandra asked Richard "Do you want to be my bestfriend?" and Richard responded "yes" and reciprocated the question. Over the next few months on mission they laughed together, cried together, and continued to grow in their care for one another.&nbsp; Upon returning to the US amidst the pandemic, Richard expressed his gratitude in a heartfelt letter to Cassandra, recounting their cherished memories. Cassandra was moved to tears as she realized how much she was going to miss her bestfriend once they returned to their homes. That night, she began praying and asked God to protect Richard while he was back in LA, since she couldn’t be there. And asked God to surround him with people that would continue to grow with him and support him.&nbsp;

Confessions and Challenges

The day after receiving Richard's letter, Cassandra was faced with a pivotal question: "Do you think we always want to be around each other because we have feelings for each other?" " I don't know.." she quickly responded. This question opened the doors of confession that they indeed both had feelings for one another.&nbsp; Over the next few months, now apart and back in their hometowns, Cassandra and Richard maintained their connection virtually. Although through zoom, they grew closer and even got to meet one another’s families. Because Cassandra was returning to North Africa and Richard stayed in Los Angeles they had peace and decided they’d remain friends.&nbsp; In this awkward space of being "friends" but also having feelings for one another,&nbsp;Cassandra and Richard struggled to find their footing. They got along like friends but fought like a couple. The two years that followed, proved the most challenging. Richard remained steadfast in his feelings for Cassandra. However, his actions often led to more confusion than clarity. They experienced seasons of closeness but at other times seasons of choosing to not be friends at all. Richard remained persistent in his feelings for Cassandra and Cassandra remained persistent in her forgiveness and desire to remain friends with Richard in spite of their frequent ups and downs.

A New Beginning in Los Angeles

In the midst of all this, through a lot of prayer and processing the Lord led Cassandra to join a Destino team in Los Angeles. There she could serve the Latino community and immerse herself in the urban context. In 2022, she became fully funded, packed her car in Michigan and was off to serve the Lord in California…. For the first time, Cassandra and Richard were living in the same city. Now, living only 10 minutes apart, their paths frequently crossed at ministry events and through mutual friends. Having surrendered each other to the Lord and grown individually, they were able to watch one another be used by God in their communities, often collaborating in ministry with each other. They were excited to be back in one another's lives in this way. As their friendship slowly rekindled, they noticed themselves finding ways to see each other almost every day - playing volleyball, soccer, serving together and getting boba. It was just like old times... and then the spark happened. As they were heading to a worship night at Cassandra’s church, they both realized that their love for one another had reignited. In May 2023, Richard boldly asked Cassandra if she would go on a date with him. "This feels like the next right step." she responded. After having much peace about exploring this aspect of their relationship, it didn’t take long before Richard asked Cassandra to be his girlfriend. Their relationship blossomed quickly, as they explored this new romantic element, building upon their deeply rooted friendship.&nbsp;Richard and Cassandra delighted in one another, cared for each other, and knew in their hearts they yearned for more. After six months, they discussed their future desires, agreeing on their shared dream of one day becoming husband and wife. They covered themselves in prayer inviting the Lord and others into the next possible steps. They pursued pre engagement counseling and felt all the more convinced and prepared for the calling God had on their lives with each other.

A Proposal and a New Chapter

On February 28th, 2025, Richard asked Cassandra to marry him. Sobbing as she stared at the man who she prayed for, she replied "of course!!!" Their engagement marked the beginning of a new chapter. Now amongst family, friends, and the Lord, recognizing His grace and providence in their lives, they will make a forever covenant with each other, in Christ. The Future Mr. &amp; Mrs. Rivas pray their marriage would be one that brings glory to the Lord, points to his love and redemption, and inspires others within their sphere of influence. August 10th and beyond, Riding the Rivas of Love!

Our Story

Photos

Wedding Party

Q + A

Registry

Join us at the lovely

Clark Estate, 10211 Pioneer Blvd, Santa Fe Springs, CA 90670

Fly into LAX for closest airport to Cassandra &amp; Richard, 30 minutes from Wedding venue.

Los Angeles International Airport

Here are a list of hotel options ranging from $70-$150/night and under 15 mins away from the Clarke Estate.&nbsp; <a href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/YdYEvqLJPRy2xLJB8?g_st=ac" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://maps.app.goo.gl/YdYEvqLJPRy2xLJB8?g_st=ac</a>

Hotel & Stay

Location & Travel

Things to Do

Arrive 2:45 for parking Ceremony 3:00 Cocktail Hour 4:30 Dinner 5:30 Dancing 6:30 Grand Exit 10:00

Cassandra + Richard

Cassandra + Richard

Registry

Wicker Laundry Hamper is our "Top Choice" :P

Amazon added the "Gift Card Fund" automatically, we do not need that.

We feel so loved. Thank you so much for investing in our future family! Dios los bendiga!

Registry

*Wicker Laundry Hamper is our "Top Choice" :P *Amazon added the "Gift Card Fund" automatically, we do not need that. We feel so loved. Thank you so much for investing in our future family! Dios los bendiga!

Wicker Laundry Hamper is our "Top Choice" :P

Amazon added the "Gift Card Fund" automatically, we do not need that.

We feel so loved. Thank you so much for investing in our future family! Dios los bendiga!