The Turnip Rose Promenade & Gardens

Wedding Day

Ceremony

Reception

Event Info

3-2-1, play! The road to forever started over ten years ago... but we didn't know it quite yet at that time. Joel went to high school with Zach and Spencer—Ashley's twin, younger brothers—but only knew Zach in passing. It wasn't until after high school Joel and Zach became closer friends, where Joel began to merge onto the friends-and-family-gatherings freeway of a ton of food, drinks, and lots of laughs at Tom and Lynne's house, their parents. We're not sure at which occasion we met, exactly. The earliest one each of us remembers was at Ashley's parents' house for her big 30th birthday / New-Year's-Eve party. A Hollywood-theme'd party with "Black Swan" dressed servers, 120 guests dressed in Oscar-winning attire, a grandma-designed sky-high cupcake tower, and endless supply of munchies, it was a night to remember. Between then and now, we crossed paths at the occasional super bowl party, birthday party, fight night, getting to know each other more and more, including our similar interest in tv and film. Being a coder, Joel got into a show called "Mr. Robot" about a vigilante hacker, which he recommended to Zach, who then suggested it to Ashley. It was then we started connecting outside of all the get-togethers, finding new shows to watch separately, but together; Ashley on her couch, Joel on his, synchronizing each episode by texting: "3-2-1, play!" Over the years, we found an ease in our friendship, finding ourselves becoming a more integral part in each other's lives. Moments like; Joel helping Ashley get through a rough day or photographing her with her dog, Titan, after she bought her first house, Ashley mailing Joel an oversized pot to aid in his meal-prepping or sending donuts to Joel's house before his big Google interview. Although Joel's feelings for Ashley grew, the uncertainty of his career path discouraged him from pursuing her romantically. To Joel's surprise (but not Ashley's) Google made him an offer he couldn't refuse and agreed to move to San Jose, California. The excitement and joy Ashley had for Joel was dampened with sadness as she had grown to love Joel over the years as well. Uncharacteristically, without discussing it with Joel, Ashley purchased a plane ticket to San Jose and texted a screenshot of her flight info. Joel interpreted the message as, "your move," and decided it's now or never. The weeks leading up to the trip were filled with butterflies and nervousness as neither of us knew how serious the other felt. Soon after Ashley arrived, with a small gesture of Joel holding her hand, everything fell into place. And we both shared our last first kiss. ~ fin ~

Our Story

Our Wedding

The Beginning

Wonder Years

Road to Adulting

Together Time

Photos

MJ has known Ashley for over 20+ years, having spent years as Zachary’s close friend since high school. He’s also been close with Joel for many many years, sharing in life talks, shenanigan filled adventures and even a slight stabbing incident. As he has personally known Ashley and Joel individually for so long and now as a couple, he’s a great conduit to join them in matrimony.

MJ Baffa- Officiant 

Jeff is Joel’s younger brother. Like Joel, Jeff is also a musician, but plays drums and piano and has traveled the country performing in, and coaching drumlines. Jeff has been nothing but supportive since finding out about Joel and Ashley’s engagement, and they are very happy to Jeff stand beside them.

Jeff Ramos - Best Man 

Zach is Ashley’s younger brother, a twin, and one of Joel’s closest friends. He welcomed the idea of his BFF and sister as a couple with minimal hesitation and a growing excitement. Joel and Ashley are both thrilled to have him standing next to them in support of this momentous occasion.

Zachary Heckwolf - Groomsman 

Spencer is Ashley’s brother from Brooklyn, the younger twin by 2 minutes. Spencer thought Joel and Ashley were pulling one over on him when they told him of the marriage plan. After the shock wore off, he was quite pleased. It’s amazing to have him here today all the way from NYC.

Spencer Heckwolf - Groomsman 

Chanel has been Ashley’s ride or die BFF for almost 15 years. They’ve traveled all over the world together, jumped out of airplanes and oh-if-the-walls-could talk. Joel has capitulated he’s basically marrying Chanel as well today. Ashley just couldn't say "I do," without her.

Chanel Diaz - Maid of Honor 

Alex is Zachary’s girlfriend and has become like a sister to Ashley over the last few years. She has been an immense supporter throughout the whole wedding extravaganza process. It is amazing having Alex by Ashley's side on her Big Day.

Alexandra  Hammers - Bridesmaid

Jessica and Ashley met at work almost 15 years ago. On one fateful fun-filled night out, they became lifelong friends. Jessica continually checked in on Ashley during Covid, concerned she might feel isolated during lock down living alone. Ashley feels blessed Jessica can stand next to her today knowing she won’t be alone again.

Jessica Campbell - Bridesmaid

Julia and Ashley initially got to know one another from work several years ago, but quickly learned they are each other’s spirit animal and have been bonded ever since. She'll be opening the ceremony with a reading from the 1 Corinthians 13:4-8. (Ask her about her hats!!)

Julia Warter- Opening Ceremony Blessing  

Emma is Ashley's cousin and heart. A 17-year age difference and residing on opposite coasts, there really is nothing that can keep these two apart for too long. Emma has written some beautiful words to share with all of us today.

Emma Damakosh

Ceremony Program

Location

The Wayfarer

<a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/The+Wayfarer/@33.6428237,-117.9362606,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x80dd207affc9d27d:0x94c84ef6dddd86ca!8m2!3d33.6428193!4d-117.9340719" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">843 W 19th St,</a><a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/The+Wayfarer/@33.6428237,-117.9362606,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x80dd207affc9d27d:0x94c84ef6dddd86ca!8m2!3d33.6428193!4d-117.9340719" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Costa Mesa, CA 92627</a>

Text us if you want to go so we can get tickets!

INSTRUCTIONS

BRING ID! After the wedding, head over to the Wayfarer. It is about a 12 minute drive. When you get there, do not wait in line and DO NOT pay cover. Give the door guy "Joel Ramos" name- with the big wedding group. They should let you right in. HELPFUL TIP- If you use Uber you can pre-order your UBER for a specific time. Maybe say 10:05pm. There will be a ton of people trying to get out all at once.

AFTER PARTY

Wedding Party

~~~~~~ What's the plan? ~~~~~~

What to wear

OMG, Shoes:The ceremony will be on the lawn, so ladies be wary of your heel choice! Dinner and dancing will be on solid ground. Fancy pants!Anywhere between cocktail and black-tie attire. Let's get fancy!

Cocktail Time

Drinks are on us!Drinks and hors d'oeuvres start following the ceremony. Beer, wine, and cocktails will be available throughout dinner... and dancing.

Dinner

Oooh, yum!Each guest will be served dinner as a plated "Duet Entrée" with poultry and beef. Please note any dietary restrictions or food allergies in your RSVP. (The RSVP will have a spot for these)

Who's invited

Adult Event Little ones:We love your kids—we really do.But we want our wedding to be your night off!

Parking

Beep beep!The venue has plenty-o-parking on site; valet not required. BUT ... This is going to be a party, so safely plan your rides! If your party animal comes out unplanned, cars can be left over night in the parking lot, as long as you wake up and throw on a pair of sunglasses to pick them up before 11:00am on Saturday morning.

Schedule

Ceremony4:30 pm-5pm Cocktail Hour5pm-6pm Dinner6pm-7:30pm Party time!7:30pm-10pm After party at The Wayfarer featuring live band SEGA Genecide (90s cover band) 10pm-??? 843 W 19th St.Costa Mesa, CA 92627

~~~~~~ Close to the Venue ~~~~~~

Distance from the venue:3.4 miles

Crowne Plaza Costa Mesa Orange County, an IHG Hotel

Distance from the venue:3.6 miles

The Westin South Coast Plaza, Costa Mesa

Distance from the venue:3.8 miles

Avenue of the Arts Costa Mesa, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel

Distance from the venue:4.3 miles

Ayres Hotel Costa Mesa/Newport Beach

~~~~~~ Make it a vacation ~~~~~~

Distance from the venue:7.8 miles

Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort And Spa

Distance from the venue:8.3 miles

Lido House, Autograph Collection

Distance from the venue:10 miles

Hyatt Regency Newport Beach

Distance from the venue:20.2 miles

Surf and Sand Resort

Hotel

Airports

John Wayne Airport (SNA) - recommended18601 Airport Way, Santa Ana, CA 92707<a href="https://www.ocair.com/default" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">ocair.com</a> John Wayne is a smaller, more local airport, but might be more expensive to fly into. Distance from the venue:5.3 miles

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)World Way, Los Angeles, CA 90045<a href="https://www.flylax.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">flylax.com</a> LAX is a large airport. Depending on arrival/departure time, it could take 1.5 to 2.5 hours to travel to your hotel/wedding venue. But, it might be more cost efficient. Distance from the venue:36.4 miles

Uber & Lyft

There are plenty of Uber and Lyft drivers here. Typical wait times are 3 to 7 minutes. Download the Uber app<a href="https://skuo.app.link/Wnc0AB7j0ib?%243p=a_custom_47734&amp;%24uri_redirect_mode=1&amp;uclick_id=8655e8ed-1bfd-4e3c-ae9f-0f8e6caf7d2d&amp;~campaign=uber-com-footer&amp;~tune_publisher_sub1=adde3e82-1ee0-4fa0-9628-630627cf3c71" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">iPhone</a> | <a href="https://skuo.app.link/Wnc0AB7j0ib?%243p=a_custom_47734&amp;%24uri_redirect_mode=1&amp;uclick_id=8655e8ed-1bfd-4e3c-ae9f-0f8e6caf7d2d&amp;~campaign=uber-com-footer&amp;~tune_publisher_sub1=adde3e82-1ee0-4fa0-9628-630627cf3c71" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Android</a> Download the Lyft app<a href="https://apps.apple.com/us/app/lyft/id529379082" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">iPhone</a> | <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=me.lyft.android&amp;hl=en_US&amp;gl=US" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Android</a>

Car Rentals

<a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=john+wayne+airport+rental+car" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">John Wayne Airport - Car Rental Agencies</a> <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=los+angeles+international+airport+airport+rental+car" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Los Angeles International Airport - Care Rental Agencies</a>

Joel & Ashley