Wedding Day

Sunset Ceremony

Cocktail Hour

Reception Begins

Dancing Begins

Last Song of the Night

Acre Ranch
13721 Eldridge Avenue
Sylmar, CA 91342

Our Wedding

We went to the same HS all four years and were in the same graduating class. Though we later learned that we knew who the other was, we never interacted or spoke to each other during that time. 8 years after HS, Renie was in a band (A.M.I.A.) with Sam's best friend/best man/Lorelai's Godfather. It was at the band's first gig on September 27, 2009 that Sam &amp; Renie officially met, and it was a conversation that only lasted a few seconds. Renie was immediately smitten. Sam became smitten later that night when Renie performed. She was more nervous performing in front of him than to perform in a Rock band for the first time. The next day Sam requested Renie on Facebook and wrote on her Feed saying, "You have a crazy beautiful voice." We began chatting, and two weeks later, on October 11, 2009, had our first date. We've been together ever since. Technically, Renie asked Sam out, but we were both unsure if our first date was an actual date until the end. It was the BEST first date EVER! And longest, as it ended up being 7 hours. We crossed paths multiple times over the years leading up to our meeting, but it was never our time. Since being together, we've had our ups and downs, highs and lows, challenges, milestones, heartbreaks, celebrations, and we've lived apart too many times to count including living on opposite ends of the country TWICE. In 2020, we had our beautiful miracle baby (flower girl), Lorelai Aria Mendoza. And on January 1, 2024, Sam took Renie on an early morning hike up to the highest point in Griffith Park, and proposed. We will be getting married on our 16th anniversary (someone recently pointed out, it's our relationship's Sweet 16). What sweeter way to celebrate than by getting married and having all of you join us! We can't wait to celebrate this long-time coming, momentous occasion and hope you will join us (or watch the Livestream, if you can't make it)!
 
Photo: January 2010 -- The night Sammy brought Renie home to meet his family for the first time; for their niece Samantha's 4th birthday celebration.

Our Story

Photos

Bride's Bestie (20 years) -- Met in Holy Family 5:30 Youth Choir

Dominica "D" Park

Bride's BFF (32 years) -- Met at Griffin Avenue Elementary School

Maria Huerta

Bride's Friend (27 years) -- Met in Holy Family 5:30 Youth Choir

Jolinda "Jo" Layvas

Bride's Friend (17 years) -- Met at Cal State LA Music Department

Gabriela "Gabi" Digrazia

Groom's Best Friend (34 years) -- Met at Aragon Avenue Elementary School

Hector "Hex" Velasco

Groom's Friend (35 years) -- Met at the Velasco household (Hector's brother)

Fernando "Fernie" "Baldy" Velasco

Oscar "Rolly" Velasco

Groom's Friend (27 years) -- Met at Abraham Lincoln High School

Richard Franquez

Lorelai Aria Mendoza

Damian Martinez

Wedding Party

Q + A

Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR), formerly known as the Bob Hope Airport, is the closest airport to Acre Ranch (the venue), but you could also fly into LAX, if you prefer. The airport is about 15 minutes (14 miles) to Acre Ranch. And about 10 minutes (less than 4 miles) from suggested hotels in Burbank.

Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR)

This is the closest and most central hotel to the airport and the venue, though it is farther away from Downtown Burbank, which has more restaurants, shops, and things to do. 4 minutes from Burbank Airport, 15 minutes from Acre Ranch, and 6 minutes from Downtown Burbank.

Hampton Inn and Suites Los Angeles Burbank Airport

Hotel Burbank

Hilton Garden Inn Burbank Los Angeles

SpringHill Suites Los Angeles Burbank/Downtown

Residence Inn Los Angeles Burbank/Downtown

Travel

If you are coming in from out of town, we recommend staying in Downtown Burbank. It is about 10 minutes from the Burbank Airport and about 20 minutes from our wedding venue in Sylmar, Acre Ranch. Burbank offers a variety of attractions, including&nbsp;studio tours, entertainment, and outdoor activities.&nbsp;You can explore the&nbsp;Warner Bros. Studio Tour, Universal City/City Walk,&nbsp;or enjoy the vibrant&nbsp;Downtown Burbank&nbsp;area (which is where all recommended hotels are).&nbsp;Please reach out to Renie if you have questions or want additional information or recommendations while you're in town.

Irene & Samuel

Irene & Samuel

Wedding Party