Rancho Las Lomas

The Ceremony of Union

arrivals

ceremony

cocktail hour

reception

Our Wedding

Their love story wasn't written in the stars; it was forged in the unexpected, heterosexual chaos of a Super Bowl party. Corey and Matthew were both content with their lives as single men, not actively searching for a plus-one to fill an empty space. Little did they know, a well-meaning friend had a different plan, orchestrating a series of seemingly chance encounters. The real start came when Matthew answered the door when Corey arrived at the Super Bowl party. Their first moments were casual, leaving Corey to wonder if Matthew was even interested. The party's main event—the football game—held little interest for them both (shocker); they were killing time until Lady Gaga's halftime show. During the game, they both moved to the kitchen for a drink refill at the same time. This is where their tale truly begins. With a simple, yet somehow profound gesture, Matthew offered Corey a glass of his wine. He couldn’t have known that this shared glass of wine was the key to Corey’s heart, but in that moment, a spark ignited. They spent the rest of the night texting each other, their phones a secret channel of communication amidst the heterosexual chaos of the game. That night turned into the next day, and the day after that. Their conversations were a gentle unraveling, eight months of slowly breaking down walls until they were both ready to truly open up. It was a patient, careful journey, but one that led them to the beautiful realization that they were meant to be together. And the rest, as they say, is history.

How They Met

Their love story was a testament to patience, a journey that waited for a pandemic world to settle before their next great chapter could begin. It was during this time that they realized, almost at the same moment, they had found their forever. Finally, after several years, they took their long-awaited trip to Japan. For Matthew, it was his first international adventure, but he had an even bigger plan hidden in his luggage. Months before, he had a ring secretly made for Corey and hired a photographer to capture the magic. A week into their trip, Matthew insisted they walk through a park to see the cherry blossoms. Corey was a bit suspicious; Matthew's calm demeanor was replaced with fidgety excitement. He led Corey to a quiet spot beneath a cherry blossom tree and asked to take a selfie. But after the photo, he said he wanted to take another with a different camera from his bag. Thats when Corey knew. As Matthew looked up with a smile, he pulled out the ring. Surrounded by Corey's favorite trees, the moment was everything. Corey's tears were not of surprise, but of pure joy. It was the perfect proposal; a moment to be cherished for the rest of their lives.

Matthew’s Proposal

Their love story already had one proposal. However, for Corey, a missing piece remained. He was determined to have his turn to give Matthew the proposal he deserved; a moment that would match the magic of the one Matthew had orchestrated in Japan two years prior. He spent months trying to plan an elaborate proposal—a flash mob, a trip to Disney, even a flash mob at Disney—but every idea felt too forced. It was only when he stopped trying so hard that the perfect moment presented itself. Matthew had always dreamed of going to Barcelona and he was given the opportunity. As they finally planned their trip, Corey knew that was the place. He had only three months to prepare. With the help of two close friends, he secretly found the perfect ring. He also hired a photographer to capture the moment, arranging for them to meet in a quiet spot within the beautiful Park Güell. But as fate would have it, everything seemed to go wrong. They struggled to find the entrance, the photographer had to find an alternate route, and time was running out. Yet, as if by some miracle, they arrived at the same time and place as the photographer. Corey approached the photographer, who was seemingly just another tourist to Matthew, and asked them to take their photo. As the photographer raised the camera, Corey got on one knee, pulled out the ring, and finally gave Matthew the beautiful, heartfelt proposal he had always wanted to. The perfect moment, at last.

Corey’s Proposal

Our Story

Engagement Photos

Alyssa Pickens

Makensie Miller

Michaela Ginter

Bernadette Baker

Lilianna Rivera-Basom

Leah Kmosko

Wesleigh Neville

Stephanie Parker

Anthony Cacchio

Will Richey

Jessika Kozielski

Kyara Rivera

Christian Rivera

Totoro

Miko

Wedding Party

the history of rancho las lomas

Rancho Las Lomas is rich in history even before Rick and Jeannie Lawrence purchased it nearly 50 years ago. The story begins with this land originally bequeathed to a prominent family via a Mexican land grant and that it once belonged to the coastal Indians. For the Lawrences it began during a trip to Portugal. Together they aspired to build a home for their two sons, imagining a small village with a chapel and quaint little bungalow sprinkled around the rolling hills. Over the years, they lovingly renovated and enhanced many of the original buildings. The property was later developed into a venue for events, and in 1991 it was described as having a "semi-private zoo". The non-profit Rancho Las Lomas Wildlife Foundation was established on the property to house and rescue animals. In the Spring of 2021, all the animals were rehomed with most of them relocating to an animal sanctuary in San Diego, CA. What started as a private home for hosting family and friends, on August 10th, 1980, the Lawrences were the first couple to get married on the property.Source: rancholaslomas.com

Upon stepping foot onto the venue, Corey &amp; Matthew knew. The Lawrence's love for travel, their love of Spanish speaking culture, their love of Mediterranean romance and style…it felt like fate and the perfect match.

The Venue

mattgala: Unión del Amor

Tonight, celebrate the art of love. Adorn your highest fashion, your boldest drama, or your purest elegance. This is an evening devoted to all inclusive love—love of self, love of expression, love of the story you carry. Command your moment and make it unforgettable. Each one of you is here because we love the unique, personal story we have created with you over the years - we invite you to celebrate that story.

colors to avoid

White. Green. Pink.wedding party and parents of the grooms are allowed to wear green or pinkwhite is reserved only for Corey &amp; Matthew

Ultimate Formal Attire Shopping Guide

25 Hand-Picked Formal Guest Dresses

Tux vs. Suit: What's the Difference?

Bring your boldest and your highest fashion to the floor. What you wear should be a representation of you.

Dress Code

airports

LAX | Los Angeles Internation AirportLargest airport in the LA area. Offers several nonstop options and may also be the cheapest.1hr - 2.5hrs from venue

SNA | John Wayne AirportOrange County's airport. Closest option to the venue though has limited options and may be more expensive than LAX.25min - 45min from venue

HOTEL (Option 1/Cheaper Option)

Please call the hotel directly to book with our discounted rate! Mention you would like to apply the "Rancho Las Lomas venue discount code" to your reservation.

Ayres Suites Mission Viejo - Lake Forest

HOTEL (Option 2)

Ayres Hotel & Spa Mission Viejo - Lake Forest

rental cars

Feel free to book directly via any of the major rental car companies. Please note, Turo is also a great option and usually more affordable.

Travel + Accommodations

iconic sights in the city of angels

there are multiple hikes up to the sign or you can go to lake hollywood park for amazing photo opportunities without the hiking!

Hollywood Sign

free observatory with incredible views of the city

Griffith Observatory

Hollywood Walk of Fame

visit the famous theater where iconic movies like star wars and the wizard of oz premiered! also home of the iconic hand prints and signatures in cement!

TCL Chinese Theatre

world famous pier featured in movies like forest gump, iron man, sharknado, and more!

Santa Monica Pier

the original disney park and the only disney park walt disney himself got to see through completion!

Disneyland Park

the original universal studios park with the world famous studio backlot tour where you can take a ride through the active studio lots of universal pictures!

Universal Studios Hollywood

famous beach known for its iconic skatepark, muscle beach, and the filming location for movies like barbie, spiderman: far from home, a nightmare on elm street, and more!

Venice beach

arguably the worlds most famous luxury shopping street! featured in movies such as pretty woman, clueless, and princess diaries!

Rodeo Drive Beverly Hills

the iconic neighborhood sign as seen on movies and shows like 90210 and clueless

Beverly Hills Sign

studio tours

tour the lots that make your favorite hollywood shows and movies! Sony, Warner Bros, and Paramount all offer tours. Universal only offers tours via its studio backlot ride at Universal Studios Hollywood with theme park admission. Walt Disney Studios does not offer tours. However, due to Walt Disney's deep rooted history in Los Angeles, there are multiple tours you can book via sites like Anaheim Tour Company and Waltland. There are also multiple, self guided tour resources online.

Corey & Matthew

Corey & Matthew

Q + A

What was your most memorable date?

Where's the honeymoon?

Which airport should I fly into?

Will there be a hotel room block?

Should I rent a car?

Will a shuttle to/from the venue be provided?

What date should I RSVP by?

Is it ok to post photos on social media?

Is the venue outdoors or indoors?

What's the weather like that time of year?

Is there a color or style you would prefer me to wear?

Will there be meal options for guests with dietary restrictions?

Will there be an open bar?

Where should we bring/send wedding gifts?

Will you be live streaming the wedding?