The Oaks Club at Valencia

Wedding Day

Ceremony

Cocktail Hour

Reception

Announcement: Effective 11/04/2021, the city of Los Angeles will require residents and visitors to show proof of a COVID-19 vaccine in order to eat, drink, or shop in indoor establishments across the city. This includes restaurants, bars, coffee shops, stores, gyms, spas, or salons. While our wedding venue will not require proof of vaccine, please be mindful of this ordinance as you travel within Los Angeles city limits. For more information, go to https://clkrep.lacity.org/onlinedocs/2021/21-0878_ord_draft_9-24-21.pdf.

Our Wedding

We met on July 20, 2013 in Bangkok, Thailand. Kyle decided to take a mission year while at Walla Walla University in Washington. He originally planned to go to Costa Rica, but through a series of events, he ended up going to Thailand. I was at Southern Adventist University in Tennessee and had also decided to take a mission year. I had opted for either Thailand, Cambodia, or Mongolia, but Thailand ended up choosing me.There were only four student missionaries where we were placed in Ubon Ratchathani, Thailand, so Kyle and I had lots of time to get acquainted. We bought our groceries together, rode to school together, and even rode as a mini bicycle gang together through the streets of the city. Towards the end of our mission year, Kyle confessed that he liked me. I, however, was fully convinced that this was a matter of slim pickings and that he would soon get over me after returning to the states. We said goodbye at the end of year in July of 2014, fully convinced that we would likely not see each other again.Kyle and I continued to stay in contact as friends and supported each other through the reverse culture shock process of going back to school. He impressed me with his constant friendship and support, never once making me feel pressured. What changed things for me was a roll of toilet paper. He sent me a care package while I was at Southern that consisted of items he knew I would love. He included an ultra soft roll of toilet paper because, in his words, "we both know how valuable it is" - an item that is still as valuable today! In Thailand, we learned to quickly adjust to water hoses and a consistent lack of TP! After seeing that care package, I knew Kyle was different. He was a complete gentleman with a kind, loving heart who knew me. He confessed that he still liked me, fortunately proving my slim pickings theory wrong. We started talking with the intention of getting to know each other for dating, and on December 19, 2015, we officially started dating. On December 20, 2020, we will be married after being together for five years. We can't wait to celebrate the culmination of our love story with you!

Our Story

2.4 miles from wedding venue. Rates starting at $180/night.

Hyatt Regency Valencia

4.8 miles from wedding venue. Rates starting at $149/night.

Courtyard by Marriott Santa Clarita Valencia

2.2 miles from wedding venue. Rates starting at $108/night.

Hilton Garden Inn Valencia Six Flags

3.1 miles from wedding venue. Rates starting at $104/night.

Hampton Inn Los Angeles/Santa Clarita

4.8 miles from wedding venue. Rates starting at $140/night.

Embassy Suites by Hilton Valencia

3.3 miles from wedding venue. Rates starting at $116/night.

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Santa Clarita - Valencia

2.9 miles from wedding venue. Rates starting at $149/night.

Fairfield Inn by Marriott Santa Clarita Valencia

2.2 miles from wedding venue. Rates starting at $107/night.

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Santa Clarita

Los Angeles International Airport

22.5 miles from wedding venue. Smaller airport with flights that cost more.

Hollywood Burbank Airport RITC

Travel

Six Flags Magic Mountain is a 262-acre theme park located in the Valencia neighborhood of Santa Clarita, California, 35 miles northwest of downtown Los Angeles. Single-day adult tickets starting at $62.99, child tickets starting at $59.99.

Six Flags Magic Mountain

Universal Studios Hollywood is a film studio and theme park in the San Fernando Valley area of Los Angeles County, California. 1-day General Admission ticket starting at $109.

Universal Studios Hollywood

Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood is a public attraction situated inside Warner Bros. Studios, Burbank close to Hollywood and part of the greater Los Angeles area. It offers visitors the chance to glimpse behind the scenes of one the oldest and most popular film studios in the world over a two to three hour period. Studio tour tickets starting at $69.

Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood

The Americana at Brand is a large shopping, dining, entertainment and residential complex in Glendale, California. The Americana is also located directly across the Glendale Galleria and the Museum of Neon Art.

The Americana at Brand

The&nbsp;Hollywood Walk of Fame&nbsp;comprises more than 2,600&nbsp;five-pointed&nbsp;terrazzo&nbsp;and&nbsp;brass&nbsp;stars embedded in the&nbsp;sidewalks&nbsp;along 15&nbsp;blocks&nbsp;of&nbsp;Hollywood Boulevard&nbsp;and three blocks of&nbsp;Vine Street&nbsp;in&nbsp;Hollywood,&nbsp;California. Attractions along the way include the TCL Chinese Theater, Ripley's Believe It or Not Museum, Madame Tussauds, the Hollywood Wax Museum, and the Museum of Selfies.

Hollywood Walk of Fame

Things to Do

The Bridesmaids

My best friend since age 9, this person is the definition of a forever friend. We've gone through elementary, high school, and even college together. She knows me better than I know myself, and her humor and love for others is why she's my maid of honor.

Andrea Aguirre

Our very first encounter was when I was sitting behind Julie in freshman religion class. I asked if I could braid her hair, and she said no. We've been friends ever since! I always laugh and have the greatest adventures with her, and I can't wait to share my big day with her.

Julie Meier

I met April in my second year of college, and we instantly bonded over our love of cheesy jokes. I am never not smiling when I am with her. I've known she would be my bridesmaid ever since we were friends back in 2012!

April Riseley

My cousin Brenda is the person that I love to brag about because she is so accomplished and such a great person. She's helped me through some of the toughest patches in life and is always willing to go out and be there for me. Family are forever friends!

Brenda Miranda

She's a soon to be sister-in-law, but she's feels like a sister already! Ever since I met Kaitlin when I first started dating Kyle, she has been so supportive and someone I can always go to for good food, laughs, and advice.

Kaitlin Santos

I gained this sister-in-law in 2018, and boy did my brother hit the jackpot! She is funny, charismatic, and down-to-earth. Plus, she gives the best gifts - what more could you ask for in a sister?

Ashley Weider

I've watched  my cousin Kendra grow up, all the way from holding her when she born to seeing her at almost 15 years old. Her love of Disney rivals no other, and she is a young entrepreneur as well (check out her IG @kendra.minnie.ears). I can't imagine having my wedding without her!

Kendra Warner

Savannah is the spunkiest, sweetest, and smartest 11-year-old you'll meet. A fun night for us consists of battling it out at Catan. I'm so happy to have my little cousin join me as a junior bridesmaid!

Savannah Warner

The Groomsmen

My oldest brother. I knew him ever since I said adiós to my mama’s womb. I got to grow up with him through childhood and we’ve bonded ever more since I started living in Florida. He’s been there for heart-to-heart, nonstop game nights, and by my side when I get hitched.

Andrew Santos

My other brochacho. One of the two funniest fellas that I’ve ever known. But this guy is much more than just crackin’ a joke. He’s provides fantastic advice, is a brilliant lawyer, and has a devotion to God that I highly admire.

Zach Santos

The other funniest man to have ever graced me with his presence. Shuck has been my best friend since we were nine years old. We met after church one Sabbath and we hit it off immediately. We have been the textbook definition of bromance, until Melissa tore us apart. (Jk! Love you, Babe!)

Jason Logan

My cousin who I’ve known since I was two years old, but became like a brother in 2017 when I attended University of Central Florida alongside him. We’ve had many an adventure since then, and all of them involved some pretty dope dances. When you see me tearin’ up the dance floor, you’ll know where I got my ill moves from.

Brandon Torres

Money Maker Mike. I met him during my freshman year at Walla Walla University and I had the honor of graduating with him too. This man is the perfect balance of gentleman and scholar. Him, Shuck and I were the ultimate trio in Wally World. From late-night food runs, to dominating the football field together (in B-league intramurals that is), there was nothing we couldn’t conquer!

Michael Riley

Although I met Izzy during the start of my last year at Walla Walla, I mainly got to know him the summer before I left. But in those 2 months, we became homies for life. Beyond the countless nonsense movies we watched and the pizza ingesting sessions, we also had great talks about relationships and our spiritual walk with God.

Israel Rodriguez

The soon-to-be newest addition to my bro dream team. Luis is Melissa’s wise and charismatic older brother. He has been a great source of advice and encouragement to both Mel and I. But of course, just like everyone else on this list, I can crack jokes and talk nonsense with him. I am blessed to soon call him my brother-in-law and to be a part of the legendary Rodas clan!

Melissa & Kyle

Melissa & Kyle

Photos