Welcome Cocktail Party

Wedding Day

The Professed: Temple of San Felipe Neri

Ceremony

Interactive Museum of Economics

Reception

Our Wedding

Lucky Number 17

10.20.2020From the eyes of Cristian RodriquezLooking back on the way Clarissa and I met five years later really reminds me of just how lucky I am. Not only did I meet a one-in-a-million girl, but we found a way to meet right in the middle of a global pandemic after growing up miles apart. Even more than that, if you would have met both of us as we were growing up, you never would have guessed we would end up together. While Clarissa was a cheerleader and Prom Queen, I was up in Orange County playing volleyball and watching anime. The nerd in me everyday still cannot comprehend why she chose me, but I thank God every day that she did. Though very different upbringings and personalities, somehow the universe led both our paths to the same destination, Loma Linda University where we began pharmacy school in 2020.

Given the global pandemic, in person classes were made optional, with only a few required days to be present on campus such as the white coat ceremony above. It was on this day that I first took notice of the beautiful doctor in the making that was Clarissa. Now remember, I have a tattoo of Spiderman on my chest, so the nerd in me sees a pretty girl and instantly thinks, "There is no chance." Well let's fast forward to about a month later when I got my shot.

10.20.2020 I will forever remember that day as the day I "shot my shot" with my future wife. It was a Tuesday in Pharmaceutics class, I was in person as I lived in Loma Linda at the time and Clarissa was at home in San Diego. For those of you wondering what Pharmaceutics class is, I could not tell you a single thing I remember from that class other than this moment with Clarissa. I was asked to answer a question in front of the class (probably got it wrong), but afterwards I was told to pick a number 1-72 to choose who will answer the next question. My entire life, my lucky number has always been 17. Every sports team I played on that I got to choose my number, it was always #17. So naturally, I chose number 17. Now it just so happened that "Garcia" landed Clarissa at number 17 on the roster. So my first interaction with my future wife was putting her on the spot in front of the class when in reality, she probably was not paying attention and was either playing with Roxy at home or making margaritas with Mark. Regardless, this gave me a reason to message her. So I took to Instagram and sent her a DM to apologize for putting her on the spot, and we have not stopped talking since.

On October 17 (would you look at that coincidence ;) ) 2026, we are beyond excited to celebrate years of love, memories, Padres games, difficult pharmacy exams, our many trips across the globe, but most of all, the life we have begun to build together. The impact each of you have had on either or both of us has led us to this day and we cannot be more thankful for shaping us into the people we have become. For me personally, I could not have dreamt up a more perfect person to spend the rest of my life with, and I am honored to be joining into her family and welcoming her into mine.

Our story is not finished, this was just the re-telling of how it all began. So many characters have contributed to the plot, and we look forward to writing another chapter with you all soon in Mexico City!

Clarissa's POV This will be brief since Cristian already shared our story above, but I wanted to share my side. I first met Cristian at our pharmacy school’s beginning of the year retreat in Big Bear. He caught my eye right away (kind of hard to miss him), and when we eventually made our way around to introducing ourselves, I remember the first thing I said to him was "I like your socks." Now, when someone compliments me, I thank them and immediately tell them where I got the thing they’re complimenting (even when they don’t ask). All he said was “thank you,” with a shy smile. No sock backstory, no follow-up—nothing. I remember thinking, uhhh… is that it? So from that point on, I made it my mission to get to know him. Since I met him in pharmacy school I knew he was smart, he was obviously good-looking, and from what I could tell, genuinely kind—everyone seemed to gravitate toward him. He has that effect; everyone loves him. The more time I spent with him, the more I started to love him too, but at the same time I kept waiting for the other shoe to drop. I kept thinking, no one is this thoughtful, loving, and easygoing ALL the time… are they? Well, Cristian is! He continues to be everything I could have ever hoped for in a life partner. We found each other at the perfect time in our lives, and while I could say it was luck or fate that brought us together, I really think it was his charisma, his genuine heart, and those blue Stance socks that did the job. And I’m so glad they did.

Our Story

Martin Bailey

Isabel Barnachia

Mark Garcia

Christina Oliver

Ron Levinson

Khadijah Posey

Jordan Rodriquez Ponce de Leon

Arbelena Jackob

Wedding Party

Here are some great options we have toured as possible places to stay for the wedding. Note prices are in USD. Please feel free to look in the area close to these hotels for other options as prices fluctuate as we get closer to October! To book for the rates at the first hotel below, call 55 6448 8773 or email rfuentesr@norte19.com and specify which hotel and code "Boda Cristian y Clarissa"

Closer to Restaurants and Tourist Areas

1 Queen bed - $165/night2 Full bed - $179/night

City Express Plus by Marriott Ciudad de México Reforma El Ángel

Closer to Venue (Walking Distance)

For this hotel, call 55 5226 5867 or email reservaciones@hotelbellasartes.com and mention code: Boda Cristian y Clarissa 2026

Single Queen: $89/nightDouble Queen: $97/nightDouble Queen with Balcony: $102/nightKing Suite with Balcony: $97/night

Hotel Bellas Artes

Hotel

We know traveling internationally can feel intimidating—this page has everything you need.

Getting There

Best airport: Mexico City International Airport AICM (MEX)If you decided to walk across the border and fly from Tijuana (much cheaper) be prepared to pay Mexican tourism tax if you stay 7+ days (~$47) Optional Welcome Cocktail Party will be held Friday evening. Plan to arrive no later than Saturday morning as weather can be unpredictable, so this will account for potential delays.

Getting Around

Uber is safe, reliable, and recommended. Mexico City traffic can be worse than Los Angeles depending on time of day, please plan accordingly. The Bride and Groom will be arranging hotel shuttles for travel to and from the venue for Saturday's events (Reforma Hotels). Please plan to be on time if using this service, details to come.

General Tips

Mexico City is safe—use normal big-city awareness. Drink bottled or filtered water and avoid ice. Note Mexico City sits at a high altitude (7300 ft above sea level) Use credit cards when possible, but good to carry some cash as well.Currency: Mexican Peso (MXN) Tipping norms:Restaurants: 10–15%Uber: optional but appreciatedHotel staff: small cash tips The official language is Spanish. English is commonly spoken in many hospitality and tourist-facing settings. While not necessary, traveling with someone who speaks basic Spanish may be useful when exploring the city.

If you have any other questions, we are happy to help!- Cristian &amp; Clarissa

Travel Guide

Food

Rosetta - blend of Mexican and Italian cuisineEl Cardenal - traditional Mexican breakfastCafé La Habana - historically where Fidel Castro ateLa Opera Bar - popular bar with unique drinksTaller Xilotl - seafoodFideo Gordo - Japanese cuisine

Centro Histórico

Historic, cultural, very walkable Zócalo (Main Plaza) – One of the largest city squares in the worldMetropolitan Cathedral – Stunning architecture right off the ZócaloTemplo Mayor – Aztec ruins next to the cathedralPalacio de Bellas Artes – Iconic building; murals and performances

Polanco

Upscale, stylish, great dining and shopping Museo Soumaya – Free, iconic silver buildingAvenida Presidente Masaryk – Luxury shoppingChic boutiques and cafés throughout the neighborhood

Reforma

Wide boulevard, landmarks, parks, and museums Ángel de la Independencia – Famous monument and photo spotMonumento a la RevoluciónMuseo de Antropología – World-class museum (a must if you visit one museum)Chapultepec Park – One of the largest city parks in the worldWalking paths, lakes, zoo, and Chapultepec Castle

Things to Do

Registry

After Wedding Photos!

Photos

Welcome Cocktail Party - Cocktail Wedding and Reception - Black Tie

Cristian & Clarissa

Cristian & Clarissa

C&C

Welcome Cocktail Party

Wedding Day

Ceremony

Reception