Ethereal Gardens

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Ceremony

Our Wedding

Brandon and Laura Jo have a magical love story that began at the most magical place on earth - Disneyland! On one particular day, Laura Jo was scheduled to perform as Princess Merida and as fate would have it, Brandon was scheduled as her Entertainment Host for the entire day. Laura Jo, being naturally herself, was silly and wanted to play games with Brandon and the guests around her to spread joy and cheer. Of course, Brandon perfectly complimented her personality by adding in his own whit and sass - they were clearly meant to be! The two instantly clicked and after that day they always were sure to say hi to each other during and after their work shifts. A few months later, Laura Jo invited Brandon to a party to which he declined (WHAT?! I know right? - but wait, it gets better, I promise!). Despite declining her invitation, Brandon later insisted that they go on a date, which consisted of wine, ice cream, and Star Wars - all of the goodies we know them to enjoy today! After that initial date, the two were inseparable… but Laura Jo was due to leave for Shanghai Disney! (Dun dun dunnn!) While she was away, they upheld their romantic relationship overseas. Fortunately, they were re-united six months later and their romance was sustained internationally. You know that saying when you know, you know? Well, these two knew, and boy did they know! After Laura returned back to the US, they decided to move in together with two of their best friends (shout out to Jared and Kaley!!) and have had the privilege to wake up next to each other every day since. Through multiple roommates, a global pandemic, career changes, numerous wins and losses - Brandon and Laura Jo have stuck together, supporting one another with constant love and trust. Over the course of 10 years, they have built a beautiful life together for what will continue to grow into a strong marriage for years and years to come. They simply cannot wait to have their loved ones all together to celebrate their marriage and happily ever after!

Our love story....

Our Story

Photos

Amanda has been Laura Jo's best friend since they were five years old. Growing up, there was never a day they weren't talking on the phone, going swimming, or playing with their Bratz dolls. Always caught laughing about the most random things, Amanda and Laura Jo have never had a bad day together. Even as they grew up and went to separate high schools and colleges, they still remained best friends through it all. Amanda’s constant support for Laura Jo has shown through the countless musicals she sat through, the visits to Disneyland, and all the emotional support she’s given. Through thick and thin, Laura Jo couldn’t imagine anyone other than Amanda by her side on this special day!


Amanda Ake

Jon and I have been friends since the 3rd grade. He's the epitome of the ride - or - die every groom needs in their corner. He may not be the biggest personality in the room but once you get him talking you quickly realize he's probably the coolest. We grew up battling it out in video games (he was always my biggest rival), and all these years later, not much has changed - except now the stakes are higher and the trash talk is worse. Jon's the kind of friend you can count on through anything, and having him as my best man means the world to me.

Jon Ebueng

Laura Jo is so excited for Baylyn, her future sister-in-law, to be her Maid of Honor! Laura Jo has had the joy and privilege of watching Baylyn grow up and blossom into an amazing young woman. From giving Baylyn a stuffed dinosaur the first time they met to going on vacations together, there have been so many amazing memories and moments between the two of them. Baylyn probably knows Laura Jo better than Laura Jo knows herself sometimes. Through the laughs, the heartfelt conversations, and the teasing of Brandon, Laura Jo feels so grateful not only to know Baylyn but to be blessed with such a close relationship with her.


Baylyn Allen

My little brother and best man, Devin has been my built - in best friend since day one. We're three years apart, but grew up doing just about everything together. Whether it was playing games, getting into trouble, or teaming up to wear down our parents ( okay, sometimes I used him to get what I wanted... sorry, Devin I regret nothing ). He's got a bit of a hot head, but no one is more loyal for the people he loves than this guy. I feel incredibly lucky to have a brother like him, and there's no one else I'd rather have standing by me on one of the biggest days of my life.

Devin Allen

Laura Jo has known Katie since she first started working at Disneyland. They had always known of each other but were never extremely close. When Laura Jo admitted to Katie that she had always wanted to become better friends, Katie said she felt the same way — and ever since then, they’ve been great friends! Katie and Laura Jo spend their time together going to drag shows, doing silly crafts, and enjoying random outings. They’re often seen dancing weirdly in the corner, giggling at themselves, or hyping each other up at drag shows. Laura Jo feels so lucky to have a gal pal who can match her silly, goofy energy!


Katie Willert

Conor and I met performing together at Disneyland, and from the very start, it was clear—he’s almost suspiciously nice. Like, Captain America meets golden retriever levels of kind. He’s the guy who always does the right thing, even when the rest of us are definitely not.

We tease him for being the moral compass of the group, but truth is, it’s reassuring knowing he’s got your back. He’s also a staple at our weekly game nights, where he somehow manages to maintain his gentlemanly composure while the rest of us argue over imaginary dragons and cardboard tokens. I couldn’t ask for a better friend to stand beside me on this big day.

Conor Watkins

Laura Jo moved in with Brandon, Kaley, and Jared when she was 21 years old. One evening, Laura Jo asked Kaley if she wanted to watch The Bachelor and drink wine with her. Kaley agreed, and ever since that first episode, they’ve been close friends. When they first met, Kaley even invited Laura Jo to her annual summer girls’ trip to Las Vegas, and their friendship was able to blossom even more each year. Laura Jo and Kaley love talking about their latest workout routines, exploring new crafts and books, and oogling over Kaley’s adorable children. Kaley is a sweet soul with a heart of gold — always willing to listen and never judge — and Laura Jo values that with her whole being!


Kaley Mooney

Jared and I became friends back in senior year of high school, and he's the only one from those days I still keep in touch with, which should tell you something. Our friendship was forged through fierce competition: video games, sports, table tennis, beer pong you name it - we went all out. Jared was annoyingly good at just about everything, so when you managed to best him and caught a glimpse of his frustration you knew you had earned his respect. He also introduced me to the world of board games, which means I can officially blame him for the rabbit hole of tabletop and trading card games I'm still deep in. A true competitor and even truer friend I'm lucky to still have him in my life.

Jared Mooney

Brooke and Laura Jo met while working at Big Canyon Country Club. Laura Jo worked on the kids’ and family portions of the club events with Brooke and was able to learn so much from her during her time there. She instantly knew she wanted to be Brooke’s friend when Brooke told her about her bird, Tequi. Not only does this girl love animals, but she is also extremely creative, talented, and one of the most genuine humans ever!Laura Jo is so happy that she and Brooke confessed to each other at Brooke’s Big Canyon going-away dinner that they both wanted to be each other’s bridesmaids. Sobbing over how much they loved each other sealed just how special this friendship truly is. Laura Jo was so honored to be Brooke’s bridesmaid, and she can’t wait to have Brooke by her side on her own wedding day!


Brooke Cease

Josh and I met while performing at Disney, and like many of my friendships, ours was built on shared interests and fierce competition (especially around the board game table). Despite being a newer friend, he quickly became a staple at game nights—and it didn’t take long for him to feel like one of the usual suspects. Charismatic doesn’t even begin to cover it—this man once got knighted on the spot by the Queen of the Ren Fair and became Sir Adler, and people genuinely thought it was all part of the show. When I started forming this fellowship of groomsmen, Josh was one of the first to come to mind. And like Boromir, he was taken from us too soon… not by orcs, but by a career move to Shanghai Disney. We miss him all the time and couldn’t be more excited he’s coming back to be part of the big day

Josh Adler

Amy is Laura Jo’s cousin from England. Before Laura Jo moved to America, they lived only 15 minutes away from each other and loved playing in the garden together. Even with an entire ocean between them, Laura Jo and Amy have remained extremely close. Whenever they’re able to visit each other, they pick up right where they left off, as if no time has passed. One of Laura Jo’s favorite memories with Amy was traveling to Mexico together to help build a home with Yugo Ministries. They also share a love for performing, all forms of art, and—of course—Love Island (we can’t forget the islanders!). Laura Jo is so appreciative that Amy was able to fly out to be with her on her special day, and she was able to bring her amazing husband and adorable baby Betty! 

Amy McCagherty

I met Christian back in college, and we clicked instantly. Over the years we’ve built a treasure trove of inside jokes, many of which are probably only funny to us (and a few that are sworn to secrecy for the good of society!).

Christian’s competitive streak matches mine—especially when it comes to gaming—and he’s one of the only friends who can rival my late-night, “burning the midnight oil” energy. He’s always up for a spontaneous hangout, something we appreciate more and more as life gets busier.

This man’s an artist through and through. His love of fashion, film and music honestly makes me feel cooler just knowing him. And if we’re being honest he’s responsible for most of the gems in my Spotify library. Laura and I love binging movies and TV with him, and we’re so thankful to have Christian in our lives. We can’t wait to celebrate with him on our special day!

Christian Barbosa

Laura Jo has known Samantha basically since the start of her Disney days. Being able to perform together at The Royal Theatre was what really brought the two of them close! Laura Jo even convinced Sam Jam to join her at Big Canyon Country Club, where they bonded—sometimes traumatically—over pickleball court reservations and Kid Camp as a whole. Sam Jam is one of those friends who will literally stay on the phone with you for an hour just to hear you vent, cry with you, and demand justice on your behalf! She is full of love, light, and lots of musical theatre knowledge. From line dancing to beach days to sip-and-swaps, Laura Jo and Samantha always find something fun to do together, with plenty of giggles and hugs along the way. Laura Jo is so honored to have her be a part of her big day!


Samantha Teter

Joe - aka Sleepy Joe, Big Joe, or whatever name he's going by this week is one of my best friends to come out of my time working at Disneyland. He was technically my dresser in the costuming department, but really, he was the guy making sure I got into costume on time after we finished a few rounds of Smash Bros or an anime deep dive. Joe's got a big heart rivaled only by his bigger appetite. If you're heading to Korean BBQ with him, come hungry. Late night foodie runs, retro arcade games, and chaotic anime marathons are just a few of the things that define our friendship. Happy to have him there are on our big day.

Joseph Carbajal

Rachel and Laura Jo met while working at Shanghai Disney! Rachel was one of the first friends Laura Jo made after she arrived. Seeing Rachel perform and shine in her roles was truly magical. The two bonded over their love of nerdy things, ordering Sherpas, and crying over the live-action Cinderella movie. Even with only six months together, having seen each other only once since their contract ended, and still living in completely different time zones, Laura Jo considers Rachie to be one of her dearest friends. When they’re together, it feels like literally no time has passed. Rachel is one of the kindest, sweetest, and most thoughtful people Laura Jo has ever met. Laura Jo still can’t believe Rachel will be flying all the way from Beijing with her amazing boyfriend Austin to join her on her special day!

Rachel Markham

I met Gus while working at Disneyland, where he was the photographer for one of the shows I performed in. Between sets, we bonded over our shared love of games, collectibles, and basically anything that fuels our inner 12-year-olds. Trading cards, action figures, miniatures—you name it, we’ve probably spent too much money on it. We like to say we’ve gotten better at showing restraint… but anyone who knows us knows that’s highly debatable.

Gus is the definition of a class act. He’s the guy making top-shelf cocktails at game night, cracking a joke at just the right moment, and quietly making sure everyone’s having a good time. Whether it’s a game night, a big celebration, or just hanging out, he shows up with style, humor, and heart. I’m lucky to call him a friend and even luckier to have him standing with me on the big day.

Gus Castellon

Wedding Party

Q + A

Featuring an outdoor swimming pool, this pet-friendly Escondido hotel is 10 miles from the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. Free WiFi and a free continental breakfast is provided daily. Offering a 42-inch flat-screen cable TV, each suite includes a microwave, compact fridge, a seating area and an private bathroom at Best Western Escondido Hotel. Free toiletries and coffee-making facilities are also provided. Fresh waffles, pastries and bagels are just some of the free breakfast items provided at Escondido Hotel Best Western. After a day of activity, guests can relax in the hotel's hot tub. An electric car-charging station is on site. SeaWorld is just 35 minutes’ drive away. San Diego Children's Discovery Museum and California Center for the Arts are within 2 miles of Best Western Escondido Hotel.

Best Western Escondido Hotel

Featuring 3-star accommodations, Hampton Inn San Marcos is located in San Marcos, 12 miles from San Diego Zoo Safari Park and 22 miles from Torrey Pines State Reserve. The hotel provides an outdoor swimming pool and a 24-hour front desk and free WiFi throughout the property. Guest rooms in the hotel are equipped with a flat-screen TV. Certain rooms include a kitchen with a fridge, a dishwasher and a microwave. La Jolla Cove is 28 miles from Hampton Inn San Marcos. McClellan-Palomar Airport is 8.1 miles away.

Hampton Inn San Marcos, CA

For those visiting from out of town, we recommend to stay in Escondido or San Marcos. Those are the two closest and most active cities near the venue. San Marcos is a college town with lots of fun bars and restaurants. Escondido is a homely town with lots of small restaurants and cute walking areas. No matter where you go or where you decide to stay, please eat Mexican food at least once. You'll thank us later.

Travel

If you are going to go anywhere while in town, we highly recommend the San Diego Zoo Safari Park! Once known as The Wild Animal Park, this is a beloved childhood memory for Laura Jo. She has been to this Park probably 100 times with her family growing up.

San Diego Zoo Safari Park

The Orfila Vineyards &amp; Winery is a beautiful winery overlooking the San Pasqual Valley! There are lots of other wineries nearby so it makes a great first stop on a wine tour through Escondido! If you do go and plan to enjoy some wine, we highly encourage utilizing rideshare to fully enjoy the whole experience safely!

Orfila Vineyards and Winery

Only 30 minutes away from the venue, Harrah's is a classic Southern California Casino! Channel your inner Brandon with chancing it in roulette or you can hit the slots just like Laura Jo's grandma loves to do!

Harrah's Resort Southern California - A Caesars Rewards Destination

Need we say more?! It's Legoland, you'll love it... but if you go you have to bring us a Lego set. We don't make the rules.

LEGOLAND California

Things to Do

Registry

We’ll be sprinkling in a few extra celebrations around our wedding —think bonus fun, not required homework. You’re more than welcome to join us for any (or all!) of these events if your schedule allows, but there’s truly no pressure. Come hang when you can, rest when you need, and know that we’re just happy to celebrate together in whatever way works best for you.

Welcome Party 

Let the celebrating begin! Join us for our welcome party as we kick off the wedding weekend with good drinks, great company, and plenty of excitement before the big day. When: Wednesday, February 25th from 2pm - 8pmWhere: 28351 Lawrence Welk Court, Escondido, CA 92026Details: This will be at our Air BNB for the week. We kindly ask that you Uber if you plan to indulge in any adult beverages. Please inform either Laura Jo or Brandon if you plan to attend.What do I need to bring: Just your amazing self! Should you feel obliged to not arrive empty handed, we won't say no to snacks or drinks!

Wedding After Party

Not ready for the night to end? Neither are we. Join us for the after party as we keep the celebration going with more music, drinks, and dancing. When: Thursday, February 26th from 10:30pm - 2:30amWhere: 28351 Lawrence Welk Court, Escondido, CA 92026Details: This will be at our Air BNB for the week. We kindly ask that you Uber if you plan to indulge in any adult beverages. Please inform either Laura Jo or Brandon if you plan to attend.What do I need to bring: Just your amazing self! We highly recommend a comfy change of shoes and a jacket incase it gets chilly!

Laura Jo & Brandon

Laura Jo & Brandon

L&B

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