The Wedding of Kristen Melendez & Geovanni Rosales

Ceremony

Reception

Winter

Our Wedding

We met in 2014 at CSU Channel Islands when we were just 18 years old, stepping into adulthood and not knowing how much our lives were about to change. What started as a simple connection grew into something deeper as we spent our college years falling in love throughout Ventura County. Between the pressures of classes, exams, and figuring out our futures, we also created endless fun, by volunteering, spending time at the beach, supporting our teams, and hanging out with friends who became lifelong family. We bonded over our shared love for sports, the beach, music, and, most importantly, family. Those early years built the foundation of the life we are creating today.Our relationship has been shaped by both beautiful and challenging moments. After Geo's accident, our love grew stronger in ways we never imagined. It showed us that love is not only about the easy days, but about standing beside each other through the hard ones. We learned that together we can overcome anything, and that even in the most trying times, love can bring strength, patience, and hope.We also spent years navigating long distance between Sacramento and Los Angeles. It wasn't always easy, but it taught us commitment, trust, and the importance of choosing each other every single day.Since Geo's accident, traveling has become one of our greatest joys. We've explored new places and created unforgettable memories together, from visiting El Salvador and seeing volcanoes, to relaxing in Isla Mujeres in Mexico. Adventuring through Bend, Boise, Twin Falls, Seattle, Phoenix,Sedona, Miami, The Keys , Lake Tahoe, Point Reyes , San Francisco ,Chicago, Santa Fe , and Albuquerque. We've also fallen in love with visiting national parks, slowing down, and appreciating the beauty around us. These trips remind us how precious life is and how grateful we are to share it side by side.In 2022, we took another big step and moved in together in Sacramento. This has been filled with love, resilience, and new beginnings. We love the simple moments too-going on walks around our neighborhood, dreaming about the future, and continuing to support each other every day, especially as Geo works through therapy. Through it all, we've been endlessly grateful for our community, the people who have stood with us, loved us, and lifted us up throughout the years.On May 17, 2024, we got engaged at a Luke Combs concert to one of our favorite songs. We don't have any physical evidence of that moment, but what we do have is a lasting memory of our lives entering a new chapter while a sold-out crowd sang around us. It was imperfect, unforgettable, and completely us.Our story is one of growth, faith, and choosing each other through every season. We are so excited to celebrate this next chapter surrounded by the people we love most.

Our Story

Photos

For 18 years, Nessa has been more than a friend she became another big sister to me. She has had a front row seat to my life, watching me grow from the end of 8th grade through high school , celebrating my college graduation, and witnessing me step into adulthood. She’s the one I run to for honest advice ,comfort, and a guarantee laugh. Nessa has many titles friend/sister/herMana. I am now honored to have her as my Maid of Honor.

Nessa Miranda

Erin and I grew up side by side, navigating every phase together . Even when separate high schools, different colleges, and living in different cities tried to put distance between us.  From childhood memories that only  we truly understand (all-nighters) to our adult adventures. Erin has seen every version of me. She will stand by my side for yet another season of life. I am honored  to have her as my Bridesmaid. 

Erin Delany

Adan is my little brother , but there has been so many moments he showed strength, brotherhood, and support beyond  his years. We have leaned on each other, especially when life wasn’t easy. Humor will always be our anchor. I am honored to have him stand as my Best Man. 

Adan Sega 

Misael brings the energy, the honesty, and the accountability. He’s my cousin, but has always felt like my older brother. He is willing to be the person to call me out when I am off track. However, when life got hard for me , Misa didn’t disappear and sat with me through it. I appreciate our gym sessions,   wild childhood memories, and all our FIFA matches. He’s been a role model of what to do and sometimes what not do. I am honored to have him beside me as my Groomsman. 

Misael Arias 

Karena Melendez 

Wedding Party

Q + A

Hotels 

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Ukiah by IHG

Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites Ukiah Mendocino County

Hampton Inn Ukiah

Airports

Charles M. Schulz–Sonoma County Airport

Oakland San Francisco Bay Airport

Sacramento International Airport

San Francisco International Airport

Travel

Lake Mendocino Recreational Area

The Mendocino Book Company

City of Ten Thousand Buddhas - Three Arch Gate

&nbsp;Walk the 2-mile Montgomery Trail along Montgomery Creek to feel the awe of this silent, ancient forest filled with 300-foot-tall trees

Montgomery Woods State Natural Reserve

Places to Eat 

Schat's Bakery & Cafe

The Nook Artisan Gelato

Black Oak Coffee Roasters

El Molcajete

Things to Do

What Is Cocktail Wedding Attire?

Cocktail Dresses to Add to Your Cart ASAP

What Guys Need to Know About Dress Codes

We invite you to dress in Cocktail Hour Attire with colors that complement our wedding palette. Some colors include sage green ,dusty blue , mauve , blush pink, dark brown.Kindly refrain from wearing navy blue, ivory/cream, and terracotta/burnt orange. Thank you for celebrating us in style.

Dress Code

Registry

Kristen + Geovanni

Kristen + Geovanni

Dress Code

COCKTAIL HOUR ATTIRE

Ideas & Advice