Ceremony

Reception

Winter

Our Wedding

Our Love StoryOver 20 Years in the MakingIt all began in 1996, during freshman year at CHSAS High School. Carlos walked into Ms. Dalton’s English class, and at that very moment, Deartra knew he was the one. But fate had a sense of humor — a quick schedule change meant it was the first and last class they'd share until senior year. For the next two and a half years, they flirted from afar, exchanging glances, smiles, and teen-sized butterflies.Then came April 9, 1999 — the night everything changed. During a basketball game, they finally spoke... and shared their very first kiss in front of the entire school. As Carlos walked Deartra to her car afterward, the song "Kiss Me" played on the radio — and yes, they kissed again, one last time before heading home that weekend.In true Carlos fashion, he was grounded that weekend (thanks, Millie!), and when Deartra called, she was met with a firm “No!” But don’t worry — Millie ended up loving her.That summer, in July of 1999, they made it official. They went to prom together, worked side by side at Skate on State, and became inseparable. For nearly a decade, their love blossomed — until life took them in different directions in 2007.They parted ways, each building their own path — Carlos became a proud employee at Ford Motor Co., and Deartra opened a dance studio. Though separated, they never truly let go of each other. Everyone who knew them knew they had no business being apart — but youth has its way of making things complicated.Fast forward to March 2017 — Deartra reconnected with Millie and mentioned she still thought about Carlos. True to form, Millie snapped a picture of the two of them and sent it straight to him. It was the spark that reopened the lines of communication after ten years of silence.Carlos, of course, played it cool — texting here and there. But in December 2017, Deartra called and said, “We have unfinished business.” She needed closure — or maybe something more. That phone call changed everything. Overwhelmed with emotion, she sat in her car smiling... and got rear-ended! But she calls it the happiest accident of her life.On December 27, 2017, they saw each other again for the first time in a decade. Standing outside Carlos’s home, in the snow, they hugged and cried for ten full minutes — one for every year apart. They talked for hours (which turned into three days), shared Chinese food, rang in the New Year together, and have spent every New Year’s Eve together since.They chose to take things slow, getting to know each other again — but this time, as adults. Soon after, Deartra met Carlos’s daughters and began building not just a relationship with him, but a bond with them as well.By 2019, they moved in together and started dreaming about the future. When the world shut down in 2020, they used that time to grow closer — finding peace, healing, and adventure in the stillness.Then came the most exciting chapter yet. In 2021, they learned they were expecting their first child together, and in January 2022, they welcomed a beautiful baby girl. That December, during a family trip to Florida, Carlos got down on one knee and proposed on the stunning shores of Siesta Key — the same beach where they’ll say "I do."They began planning their wedding for December 2024, but life had another surprise: another baby! Their son was born in April 2024, and though plans shifted, their love only grew stronger.Now a family of six, they are ready to celebrate the incredible journey that brought them here. Their love story is one filled with destiny, detours, second chances, and undeniable love.This wedding is more than just a celebration of marriage — it's a tribute to every twist, turn, and triumph in their story. If you're reading this, it means you’ve been part of that journey. So get ready — this party is over 20 years in the making!

We Did It Our Way

Our Story

Our little life  our little bridal party

Alena is Deartra's sister and is Godmother to Charlie Jade.

Alena Aurzada

Charlie Jade is 3 years old and is going to rock this flower girl thing for her mama and papi.

Charlie Jade Velazquez

Zoey is Deartra's niece, and Godmother to Chance. 

Zoey Aurzada

Noah is Deartra's nephew and Godson.  He is Godfather to Chance. 

Noah Aurzada

Nevaeh is 10 years old and so excited to be a part of her papi and Dee's big day!

Neveah Velazquez

Niyela is 10 years old and is excited for her chance to cheer on her Papi and Dee on their wedding day.

Niyela Velazquez

Milagros Kramer

Chance will be 19 months old for the wedding and is the final piece to Deartra & Carlos's story.  He was Carlos’s last “chance” at having his name passed down. 

Chance Velazquez

Mary Cappos

Thomas Kramer

Mike Martinez

Wedding Party

Q + A

There are a ton of Air BnB’s in the strip of Siesta Key beach.&nbsp;It is beautiful there white sand beaches, tons of restaurants, bars, shops and other activities.&nbsp;Highly recommend this area if you plan to stay through NYE.&nbsp; Our ceremony (12-27-25) will be on Siesta Key beach Zone 2 at approximately 4:45-5pm start to coincide with sunset.&nbsp;Our reception will be held about 30min away in Venice Florida.&nbsp;I am listing hotels based on distance from ceremony and reception. If you stay in Siesta key area Uber is your best bet to get around.&nbsp; Ramada by Wyndham Venice Hotel Venezia&nbsp;8 min away from reception&nbsp;27min away from ceremony&nbsp;425 US 41 By-Pass NVenice Florida 34285941-315-8474————————————————-Hampton Inn &amp; Suites Venice Bayside South Sarasota9min from reception26min from ceremony siteFree parking if renting a car and free breakfast&nbsp;881 Venetia Bay BlvdVenice Florida 34292941-488-5900————————————————-Comfort Suites Sarasota Siesta Key15min from ceremony&nbsp;27 min from reception&nbsp;5690 Honore Ave&nbsp;Sarasota Florida 34233941-231-9495————————————————-Siesta Key Inn36 min from reception&nbsp;7min from Ceremony&nbsp;1125 Point of Rock RdSiesta Key Florida 34242941-349-1125————————————————- These places are right along beach if you want to look them up.&nbsp;Most places already have availability to already reserve rooms with ability to cancel and no $$ money down.&nbsp; Our House at The Beach Beach House The Island House Beach Resort Siesta Royal Sandpiper Beach Club

Places to Stay 

The most convenient airport to fly into near both ceremony and reception venue is Sarasota.

Flying In

Travel

Here are some things to do in Siesta Key, Florida in December: Visit the beach: Siesta Key is known for its beaches, and December is a great time to relax in the warm sun.   Watch the sunset: Sunset Point is a popular spot to watch the sunset in the northern part of Siesta Beach.   Go parasailing: Parasailing is a fun and safe water sport that combines the thrill of a powerboat ride with the tranquility of a hot air balloon flight.   Explore Siesta Key Village: Stroll or bike through the village to shop, eat, and experience the Christmas cheer.   Try the seafood: December is a great time to try some of the region's freshest seafood catches.   Go on a dolphin cruise: Take a dolphin cruise while visiting Siesta Key.   Go fishing: Try your luck at fishing.   December is a popular time to visit Siesta Key because the weather is warm and sunny, making it a great escape from the cold. High temperatures in December are usually in the low-to-mid 70s

Top Attractions in Venice Caspersen Beach. 1,866. Beaches. ... Venice Beach. 1,351. Beaches. ... Detwilers Farm Market. 455. Farmers Markets. ... Brohard Paw Park. 478. Parks. ... Sharkys On The Pier. 1,023. Piers & Boardwalks. ... Venice Theatre. 358. Theaters. ... Venice Fishing Pier. 1,079. Piers & Boardwalks. ... Ideal Classic Cars Museum & Showroom. 187. Downtown Venice has lots of shops and restaurants as well