Welcome Celebrations

Welcome Cocktail

Rehearsal Dinner

Wedding Day

Ceremony

Cocktail Hour

Reception

Winter

Our Wedding

After years of playing a bit of cat-and-mouse (nearly 5 years, actually...), we finally met for our first date in October 2020. Mel talked non-stop for most of that date, and on our second date, Seb leaned in for the first kiss—but Mel nervously turned away! Seb walked away that night thinking we’d probably just be friends. But just a few minutes later, Mel sent a message apologizing for the missed kiss (she really liked him and was just nervous). Luckily, on our next date, we shared that first kiss—and from that moment on, there was no looking back. Our love story has been filled with adventure, starting with our first trip to The Keys and followed by unforgettable journeys to places like Mexico, Ecuador, Turks and Caicos, France, the Dominican Republic and beyond, as well as visits to see family in Maryland, New York, and Texas. Every destination brought us closer together, but one place has always held a special place in our hearts: Rancho Santana, the beautiful setting where we’ll say “I do.” As much as we love to travel, we also love being active together—whether it’s playing pickleball, running, or simply hanging out with Junior and enjoying the outdoors. The beach has been our go-to spot for long, relaxing days, and spending time with family has always been a priority. Our relationship has grown strong through lots of laughter, open communication, and, of course, love. We’re beyond excited to start this next chapter together, knowing it’ll be filled with more adventures, laughter, and all the things that make our relationship so special.

our story

Our Story

Travel and Lodging for Our Wedding at Rancho SantanaWe are so thrilled to celebrate our wedding with you at the stunning Rancho Santana in Nicaragua! Below, you’ll find all the details to make your travel and stay as smooth as possible. Lodging InformationFor lodging, please reach out to our Reservations team directly at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:reservations@ranchosantana.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">reservations@ranchosantana.com</a>&nbsp;or by phone at&nbsp;+1 (310) 299-7550&nbsp;as dialed from&nbsp;the&nbsp;US or locally at&nbsp;+505 7555 5509.&nbsp;Use code 'sebandmel' and mention the "Larrea Wedding" for a discount to be applied. ﻿ Suggested ItineraryWhile Seb and Mel will be staying for the week, we recommend a 4-night stay (Wednesday to Sunday) if you can in order to explore the area. This will give you plenty of time to relax and enjoy the celebrations. Our official wedding weekend events include:Friday Evening: Welcome cocktail and rehearsal dinner (we hope all guests can join us!)Saturday Evening: Wedding ceremony followed by the reception. Travel Information to Managua, Nicaragua (MGA) - we strongly recommend everyone fly into this airport. - From New York City (NYC): Direct and connecting flights are available.- From Washington, D.C. (DC): Look for flights via major airlines with one connection.- From Miami (MIA): Direct flights are frequent and convenient. American Airlines and Avianca are preferred airlines. *Please note you will need $10 for a travel visa that you will purchase in cash only at the customs desk at the airport in Managua. Transportation to Rancho Santana - This will be covered and coordinated by Seb &amp; Mel. Pending more information that will be emailed to your groups closer to the wedding.All transportation from Managua to Rancho Santana will be coordinated through the resort. We will have shuttles that take us on a 2 hour journey with snacks, drinks, WiFi and plenty of room for all our luggage. Next StepsBook your stay: Start with The Inn, using the code provided above.Plan your flights: Coordinate with friends and family to travel together for an easier trip from Managua to the resort.Reach out to the resort concierge: They’ll help with transportation and other accommodations if The Inn is fully booked. We can’t wait to celebrate this special moment with all of you! 🌴

Rancho Santana

Travel & Rooms

Where is the wedding taking place?The wedding will be held at Rancho Santana in Nicaragua, located on the stunning Pacific coast. We will have events at two different locations on site: La Boquita and The Inn. What is the dress code?The attire will be tropical chic or beach cocktail. Here is a Pinterest board with some inspiration: <a href="https://pin.it/6pndkup1m" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://pin.it/6pndkup1m</a> Are children invited?As much as we love your little ones, we’re hoping to keep the celebration an adult affair so everyone can fully relax and enjoy themselves. Do I need a visa to travel to Nicaragua?Most visitors, including U.S. citizens, do not need a visa but will need to purchase a&nbsp;tourist card&nbsp;upon arrival, which costs approximately $10 and they only take cash. Please check if any other travel documents are required based on your country of origin. Will there be transportation provided on-site?Yes, we will arrange shuttles between select nearby accommodations and the venue on the day of the wedding. More details will be shared as we get closer to the date. What are the accommodation options?Please refer to the travel &amp; rooms website page. What’s the weather like in Nicaragua in August?In August, expect warm weather with temperatures ranging from&nbsp;75-80°F. Light showers are possible during this season! What language is spoken in Nicaragua?The official language in Nicaragua is&nbsp;Spanish, but Rancho Santana staff and many locals in the area speak&nbsp;English. While most interactions will be easy for English speakers, it could be helpful to know a few basic Spanish phrases for your trip! Do I need to exchange money for Nicaraguan currency?Nicaragua uses the&nbsp;Córdoba (NIO), but&nbsp;U.S. dollars&nbsp;are widely accepted in most places, including Rancho Santana. Everything on the resort can be charged to the room or paid with credit card. What can I do while I'm there?Rancho Santana is the perfect place to relax or explore! There is no need to ever leave the resort. You can surf, take yoga classes, go hiking, horseback riding, or simply unwind on one of the five beaches. The venue also has delicious farm-to-table dining and a spa if you’re looking for a little extra pampering. All guests who stay on-site will have access to a concierge who can help you book experiences for you! Will there be any events before or after the wedding?Yes! We’re planning a welcome event the night before the wedding. Keep an eye on this site for more details as we get closer to the date. What should I do about gifts?Your presence is gift enough for us! However, if you feel inclined, we will have a registry with a few meaningful items that will help us start our new life together.

Q + A

<a href="https://ranchosantana.com/the-ranch/destination/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Rancho Santana</a> is more than just a beautiful venue—it's a destination that offers a wide range of experiences for you to enjoy before and after the wedding. For those who love the beach, you can explore five private, pristine beaches, perfect for swimming, lounging, or even catching some waves. Adventure seekers can dive into activities like surfing, hiking through lush trails, or horseback riding along the coastline. If relaxation is more your style, you can indulge at the spa, take part in a yoga class, or simply soak in the stunning ocean views. Foodies will love the farm-to-table dining options, with fresh, locally sourced ingredients served in a variety of delicious meals. Whether you're enjoying a casual bite or a more formal meal, the dining at Rancho Santana is amazing. We hope you take full advantage of everything this incredible place has to offer. For more details on the experiences available during your stay, talk to your concierge or visit&nbsp;<a href="https://ranchosantana.com/experience/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Rancho&nbsp;Santana&nbsp;Experiences</a>.

Explore Rancho Santana

Registry

By the sea

in the park

photos by <a href="https://theschau.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">the Schau photography </a>

engagement photos

Wedding Party

Melissa and Sebastian

Melissa and Sebastian

Registry

If you’d like to contribute, we’ve curated a few gifts and experiences that will help us create lasting memories. We’re so grateful for your love and support!