Il Fornaio

Rehearsal Dinner

Wedding Rehearsal

Founders Chapel

Wedding Ceremony

Ceremony

Lomas Santa Fe Country Club

Reception

Our Wedding

We saw each other for the first time on the Santa Clara campus in the fall of 2018. When Matt walked into the Intro to Business class, Kate spotted his sweet smile, and Matt noticed her bright eyes. We began dating a few weeks later, on December 7th, 2018.&nbsp; Little did we know, we shared an "invisible string" that tied us to Solana Beach. Kate's grandparents have owned a place there since she was born and Matt grew up there. We met each other's families during Christmas time that year in Solana Beach; it was the first of many lovely family dinners shared.&nbsp; For the next few years, Kate and Matt were in school together studying, learning, and growing in our faith. We enjoyed day trips to Monterey, Napa Valley, and Santa Cruz. Matt graduated in 2021 with a degree in Accounting and Kate graduated in 2022 with a degree in Marketing.&nbsp; We spent the few years following graduation dreaming of our future and starting our careers. Matt began working for Deloitte within the Audit &amp; Assurance Practice and Kate worked remotely for the Lacek Group Marketing Agency. In June of 2024, Matt was offered a job at TaylorMade Golf as a financial accountant. This new opportunity was a dream come true. We moved to Carlsbad together and enjoyed the San Diego sun and being close to friends and family in the area. Matt proposed in Solana Beach exactly six years after he asked Kate to be his girlfriend on December 7th, 2024, and Kate could not have been more excited.&nbsp; We are so thrilled to celebrate the sacrament of marriage surrounded by our loved ones at Founders Chapel where Kate’s parents were married in 1995 and have the reception at Lomas Santa Fe Country Club (Also known as Matt’s Happy Place) where Matt’s family are members.

Invisible String

On an adventure together 

Our Love Story

A few of our favorite memories together.

Our Photos

Flying in from Parker, CO, Charlotte is Kate's sister and a Theater Teacher.

Charlotte Padrnos

Ella is Kate's sister, and studies Dance & Communications at Chapman University in Orange, CA.

Ella Padrnos

Local to San Diego, Jake is Matt's cousin, best friend, and a licensed attorney.

Jake Mendes

Grace is local to the San Diego Area. Grace is Matt's sister, studying Law at the University of San Diego.

Grace Mendes

Flying in from South Bend, IN, Kayla is Matt's sister and is studying Psychology at Notre Dame.

Kayla Mendes

Flying in from San Francisco, CA, Sayu is Matt's close friend from Santa Clara University and is working as a software engineer at Overflow. 

Sayu Ranamukaarachchi

Coming in from Santa Monica, CA, Mary is Kate's best friend from Kindergarten and is currently studying acting in LA.

Mary Dyson

Coming in from Morgan Hill, CA, Andy is Matt's close friend from Santa Clara University and a software engineer at Maxar.

Andy Yi

Coming in from Parker, CO, Ella is Kate's friend from 3rd grade and is a recent graduate of the University of Denver Law School. 

Ella Thompson

Flying in from Madison, WI, Kinsey is a close friend since middle school and is working on the BUBBL’R Marketing team.

Kinsey Baber

Coming down from San Jose, CA, Colleen is Kate's close friend from Santa Clara and was her Sorority Big Sister and is currently working as a Tax Accountant. 

Colleen Moran

Coming down from San Jose, CA, James was Matt's freshmen year roommate from Santa Clara University, and remain close friends. James works as a manufacturing engineer at Intuitive.

James Forman

Coming up from Waco, TX, Emily has been a close friend of Kate's since Pine Grove Elementary School and is working at Unite America.

Emily Amundson

Emma has been there for Kate since middle school and is living in Sandy, UT and is working on Marketing for the Alumni Office at the University of Utah.

Emma Hansen

Flying in from San Jose, CA, Ben is Matt's friend from Santa Clara and Deloitte. Ben works within the Accounting Department at Chegg.

Ben Rhoades

Flying in from Parker, CO, Miranda and Kate have been inseparable since High School. Miranda is a Lead Developer and Real Estate Broker.

Miranda Silva

Flying in from San Jose, CA, Jacob is Matt's good friend and is working within Audit and Assurance at Deloitte in San Jose.

Jacob Lazar

Flying in from London, UK, Izzy is Kate's Sorority Sister and close friend from Santa Clara and works on Spanish and Italian communications for a makeup brand called Look Fantastic.

Izzy Benson

Local to San Diego, Justin is Matt's close friend from Junior Golf and works as an IRD Support Specialist at LPL Financial.

Justin McGrath 

From Cherry Creek, CO, Elana grew up a few minutes away from Kate, but they met at Santa Clara and are Sorority Sisters. She works with Backroads and travels the world!

Elana Fisher

Wedding Party

Q + A

Fly into San Diego

We recommend flying into San Diego International Airport (SAN). This is the closest option and most airlines have a direct flight from Denver to San Diego.

NOTE: Our room block will close 9/26; please book before that date to secure our pricing for your desired dates! We have limited spaces available, so book early to secure your spot! The San Diego Marriott Del Mar offers a prime location within driving distance of beaches, upscale dining, and attractions like Torrey Pines and La Jolla. Guests enjoy modern, comfortable rooms, an outdoor heated pool, a fitness center, and on-site cafe and dining at Arterra Restaurant &amp; Bar. This Marriott Hotel is a perfect midway point for the wedding festivities. -Distance to Airport ~22 Minutes (17.7 Miles) -Distance to Founders Chapel Ceremony ~20 Minutes (16 Miles) -Distance to Lomas Santa Fe Country Club ~12 Minutes (6 Miles) Click Website below to book in the Mendes room block!

San Diego Marriott Del Mar

Travel to San Diego

If you’ve ever visited Matt and Kate in San Diego—you’ve been here! It’s one of our favorites with delicious Mexican food. We love to order the strawberry house margarita!

Fidels Little Mexico

Annie's Canyon offers a unique and stunning hiking experience through narrow sandstone slot canyons, with vibrant colors and intricate rock formations. The hike provides a mix of adventure and natural beauty, leading to breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape and the San Elijo Lagoon. It's a short but memorable trek off the beaten path in Del Mar.

Annie's Canyon Hike

Balboa Park is a cultural hub, home to world-class museums, beautiful gardens, and historic architecture, offering something for everyone. The park's stunning landscapes and tranquil paths make it perfect for outdoor walks, picnics, and relaxation. With attractions like the San Diego Zoo and performing arts venues, Balboa Park provides a rich, diverse experience that showcases the best of San Diego’s arts, nature, and history. A few of the things nearby:The San Diego ZooThe San Diego Natural History MuseumThe Japanese Friendship GardenThe San Diego Museum of ArtThe botanical building

Balboa Park

Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve offers breathtaking coastal views, rugged cliffs, and unique hiking trails. The park is home to the rare Torrey Pine tree and diverse wildlife. Whether you’re hiking, relaxing on the beach, or enjoying the scenic vistas, Torrey Pines is a must-visit for anyone seeking natural beauty and tranquility near San Diego.

Torrey Pines 

La Jolla Cove offers stunning ocean views, wildlife encounters with sea lions, and outdoor activities like snorkeling and kayaking. Prospect Street is the heart of La Jolla's shopping and dining scene, featuring upscale boutiques, art galleries, and gourmet restaurants. Together, they provide a perfect mix of natural beauty and vibrant culture for a memorable San Diego experience.

La Jolla

Coronado is known for its beautiful beaches, with soft sand and stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. The historic Hotel del Coronado is a must-see landmark, offering a glimpse into the island’s rich history and luxury. With charming shops, cafes, and a laid-back vibe, Coronado is a peaceful yet vibrant destination ideal for a day trip.

Kate & Matt

Kate & Matt

Our Registry

We can’t wait to celebrate with you! If you’d like to help us start our next chapter together, we’ve created a registry with some things we love and would appreciate. Your love and support mean the world to us—thank you!