Solana Spanish Villas

Sip & Social

The Tanque Verde Ranch and The Barn

Wedding Day

Ceremony

Cocktail Hour

Reception

Our Wedding

Emma was born on April 14, 1997, in Naperville, Illinois, and spent her early years in California before her family settled in Minnesota. She later attended Creighton University, where she studied Nursing and joined ROTC—beginning a journey of service and compassion that continues to define her today. After graduating and commissioning as an officer, Emma's first duty station was Fort Bliss, Texas. From the moment I met Emma, it was clear how deeply she values family and faith. I’ve heard countless heartwarming stories about her childhood with her brother, Will, her sisters, Katie and Lizzie, and parents, Rob and Ann. Her love for the people around her is undeniable, and her strength of character is something I admire every single day. One of the things that never fails to make Emma smile is her dog, Manchester. Whether she's taking him on long walks, spoiling him with treats, or just cuddling on the couch, her bond with Manchester says so much about the love and care she gives so freely. Whether she was hosting Sunday football games with her roommates, Katy and Matt, or simply lighting up a room with her laugh, Emma has a natural gift for bringing joy wherever she goes. She’s endlessly patient, wonderfully steady, and always ready to roll with whatever life throws her way (which I’m especially grateful for!). Most of all, I feel truly blessed to share life with someone whose kindness, warmth, and laughter brighten every day. And yes—she even laughs at all my dad jokes!

Emma (written by Nena)

Nena was born on December 14, 1996, in Mesa, Arizona. In middle school, her family moved to Carlsbad, California, where she found two of her greatest passions: school (yes, she was proudly a nerd) and softball. As both a stellar student and a standout athlete, Nena was recruited to play softball at the United States Military Academy at West Point, without fully knowing what she was getting herself into. From the moment I met Nena, it was clear she was driven by three things: her love for family, her deep faith, and her passion to become the best helicopter pilot she could be. Her stories—like the alternate language or "Riccaphonics" her dad invented (cheese crips instead of quesadillas), or the thrilling stories of her riding ATVs through the sand dunes—had me belly laughing from the start. But it was in the quieter, more meaningful moments that I truly began to fall for her. Every year on her birthday, Nena makes tamales with her mom and Nana—a cherished tradition full of laughter, love, and the all-important olive hidden in the center. It's a tradition that reflects who she is: rooted, joyful, and intentional with the people she loves most. She lights up when talking about her love for engineering, and I’ll never forget how proud she was describing her senior-year project—a drone design so innovative it earned her a patent. And then there’s her fascination with space and legos, which only confirmed what I already knew: I had fallen for the sweetest nerd on this planet. Nena shares a special bond with her dog, Gordito. He’s her baby—the one she can never say no to—and now I can’t either. Nena is the most intelligent, driven, and charismatic person I’ve ever known. Her presence lights up every room, and her strength continues to inspire me every day. I feel deeply blessed to share my life with someone so full of heart, wonder, and warmth—and yes, even someone who still calls quesadillas “cheese crips.”

Nena (written by Emma)

We first met in the summer of 2021 in El Paso, Texas. Our very first date was a casual (and unforgettable!) meal at Chick-Fil-A—right after Nena returned from the National Training Center, a little dusty and definitely in need of a shower, but full of stories and laughter. From those early dates, something just clicked. We quickly grew close, and before we knew it, we couldn’t imagine life without each other. On August 5, 2023, we got engaged and celebrated that special moment surrounded by our closest friends and family over a beautiful dinner. Now, we're so excited to begin this next chapter together with our dogs, Manny and Gordi, and cat, Wobbles—and even more thrilled to share it with all of you.

Our Story

Photos

Sarah is my younger sister and has the honor of serving as my Maid of Honor. Most people mistake us as twins, but we promise you, I am older!

Sarah

Casey is my closest guy friend. We met while serving as platoon leaders at Fort Bliss. Casey and his wife, Megan, have always welcomed me into their family, and have been there since the beginning of my relationship with Emma.

Casey

Izzy is one of my best friends. We attended West Point together and have never spent more than a couple of months apart until now! Izzy has been a rock for me through our 9 years of friendship.

Izzy

Lauren and I met during flight school while I flew with Lauren's husband, John. Lauren and Izzy share the title of my best friends. Lauren can always be seen laughing and lighting up the room. 

Lauren

Garret and I met while serving as platoon leaders at Fort Bliss. Garret and I are now stationed together in Washington. Garret has always treated me like a sister, and I am proud to call Garret my honorary brother!

Garret

Parker and I met while serving as platoon leaders at Fort Bliss. Parker will cut up the dance floor with his killer moves! He has always been a reliable and caring friend to me.

Parker

Nena's Bridal Party

My older and wiser sister. The calm in the chaos, and the one trusted to legally bind this whole thing together.

Katie – Matron of Honor / Wedding Officiant   

The baby of the family and my maid of honor. She may tower over me, but I’ve got seven years of wisdom, embarrassing stories, and big sister rights on my side.

Lizzie -- Maid of Honor

Fellow nurse and battle buddy—we trauma bonded through COVID shifts and haven’t stopped laughing since. Kansas City Chiefs ride-or-die, legendary party co-host, and my spontaneous adventure buddy.

Katy – Bridesmaid

Megan’s the friend who keeps it cool, keeps it fun, and somehow always wins at Cribbage. I wouldn’t do this day without her.

Megan – Bridesmaid

My oldest friend. We bonded over softball and French class, and somehow we’re still laughing at the same jokes 15 years later.

Lexie – Bridesmaid

Longtime roommate, cross-country co-pilot, and dishwasher-flooding legend. Alexis is the kind of friend who turns chaos into fun and car rides into karaoke.

Alexis – Bridesmaid   

Brilliant, all-around gem of a person, and the kind of friend who shows up with a smile and somehow makes everything better.

Hannah – Bridesmaid

Emma's Bridal Party

Q + A

Nena and Emma recommend looking at AirBnBs or VRBOs, since there are many that are close to Tanque Verde Ranch. Taxis, Ubers and Lyfts are available throughout Tucson for ease of access to the venue and the Sip N Social. There are hotels in the area, here are a few: <a href="https://www.tanqueverderanch.com/?utm_source=google&amp;utm_medium=organic&amp;utm_campaign=gbp_listing" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Tanque Verde Ranch</a>Space is limited, but the wedding venue is a quaint ranch with lodging available.14301 E Speedway Blvd, Tucson, AZ 85748 <a href="https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/tushehf-hilton-tucson-east/?arrivalDate=2025-07-28&amp;departureDate=2025-07-29&amp;flexibleDates=false&amp;numRooms=1&amp;numAdults=1&amp;numChildren=0&amp;room1ChildAges=&amp;room1AdultAges=&amp;sessionToken=bd892bb8-f4ef-4904-a8bc-a403be328c27" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Hilton Tucson East</a>10 miles~ 20 minutes to Tanque Verde Ranch700 E Broadway Blvd, Tucson, AZ 85710 <a href="https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/tuseees-embassy-suites-tucson-east/?arrivalDate=2025-07-28&amp;departureDate=2025-07-29&amp;flexibleDates=false&amp;numRooms=1&amp;numAdults=1&amp;numChildren=0&amp;room1ChildAges=&amp;room1AdultAges=&amp;sessionToken=9520f3e5-e8bd-496b-8a0b-ad8422a45d7a" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Embassy Suites Tucson East</a>10.3 miles ~ 20 minutes to Tanque Verde Ranch6555 E Speedway Blvd, Tucson, Arizona, 85710, USA <a href="https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/tuseahx-hampton-suites-tucson-east-williams-center/?arrivalDate=2025-07-28&amp;departureDate=2025-07-29&amp;flexibleDates=false&amp;numRooms=1&amp;numAdults=1&amp;numChildren=0&amp;room1ChildAges=&amp;room1AdultAges=&amp;sessionToken=9520f3e5-e8bd-496b-8a0b-ad8422a45d7a" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Hampton Inn and Suites East/Williams Center</a>11.8 miles~ 23 minutes to Tanque Verde Ranch251 South Wilmot Road, Tucson, Arizona, 85711, USA

Emma & Nena

Emma & Nena

Registry