Wedding Day

Ceremony

Reception

Our Wedding

Once upon a time, on a warm summer day, precisely on August 11, 2019, our story began. Little did we know, it was the start of a beautiful journey that would lead us to the altar.At the time, I was content with the idea of being single, enjoying my independence, and juggling two jobs. However, fate had different plans for me. A persistent friend, kept urging me to meet someone special. Despite my resistance, I found myself agreeing to a date, partly to put an end to the constant pestering.On that fateful day, I threw on the most basic outfit, convinced that this encounter would be nothing more than a fleeting moment. Little did I know that destiny had a surprise in store for me.Our meeting point was Bosque Brewing, a place that would forever hold significance in our hearts. I ordered a beer, thinking little of it, only to discover it wasn't to my liking. He noticed my discomfort and, with a kind gesture, switched his beer with mine. In that simple act, I caught a glimpse of the caring and attentive soul that would soon become my partner for life.As we engaged in conversation, I noticed the nervousness in his red cheeks, a charming vulnerability that drew me in. We spoke about everything – from our favorite shows to the intricacies of our work and school experiences. With every word exchanged, an invisible thread of connection wove itself between us.The evening took an unexpected turn when he reached out to hold my hand as we strolled together. It was a gesture so genuine, so unscripted, that it took my breath away. Little did I know that handhold would mark the beginning of our story.From that day forward, he never let go – not of my hand, nor my heart. Our journey unfolded with shared laughter, quiet moments, and countless adventures. And now, as we stand on the threshold of forever, we reflect on that ordinary day that led to an extraordinary love. Our love story, born from a simple date at Bosque Brewing, has evolved into a tale of commitment, companionship, and a promise to hold each other's hands through all the chapters that lie ahead.

A pity date

Never would have thought I’d meet the love of my life on a blind date, let alone one where I had no idea that’s what was happening. This minor mistake cost me nearly a year of courtship before I’d the chance at another date. At which time I’d attempt to take her to a restaurant that was closed. Being the persistent one I convinced her to meet at a nearby brewery instead. Mikaeldean having prior plans to meet Zanedillon and Taly for what was most likely a planned excuse to leave should the date be going poorly, found me charming enough (or at least interesting enough) to instead invite me with her. At the time I couldn’t quite describe what about her was compelling me to go, but from that first date on I couldn’t get enough of her. I’ve felt this magnetism towards her that’s continued pulling me forward since. Having years of hindsight I know that initial draw I had to her and one of the many reasons that made me fall in love with her was her authenticity to others along with herself.

My side of the story

Our Story

Photos

Meet my incredible maid of honor, more than just a cousin, she's the sister of my heart. From sharing the same roof to dancing wildly at concerts of our favorite bands, and exploring the world hand in hand, we've created unforgettable moments together. She's been by my side through all my firsts, always my confidante, my partner in adventure. With her calming presence, she's the anchor in my stormy seas, the sweetest soul I'm fortunate to call my best friend.










Citlali (Taly) Martinez

Meet my cousin, my laughter partner and meme/movie quote twin. As we've grown older, we've grown closer, sharing inside jokes and endless giggles. She's the one who never fails to crack me up, effortlessly mirroring my humor and sharing a wavelength that sparks joy. She is also my patient listener, enduring my lengthy tangents with unwavering attention (most times if she isn't dissociating).

Marilyn Valencia


Meet my cousin and partner in crime. She's the one who's never hesitated to stand by my side, always fiercely defending me, even when I couldn't find the words myself. Together, we've embarked on countless misadventures, agreeing to each other's wild schemes and facing the consequences with unwavering solidarity. She's my fearless ally, my partner in mischief, and my unwavering supporter through thick and thin.










Phoenix Leon

Next up, meet Emmillia (Mill). It all started two years ago in our radiology program when she complimented my pink stationary- we bonded instantly. She was my very first friend in the program and has been by my side since. She has proven to be one of the most loyal friends I have ever had.  I do mean loyal- like, "drop everything and show up with snacks and a shovel" kind of loyal. She is truly my twin flame on this earth and has been such a golden person in my life. 

Emmillia Burnett

Meet my bridesmaid Armani,
From our childhood pillow forts to adulting adventures, Armani has been one of the main points of fun in my life. We've laughed until our sides ached, cried at movie deaths, and even shared the joy of getting engaged simultaneously. But beyond the laughter and games, Armani has also shown me the importance of standing up for what you believe in, even if it means passionately defending yourself in a room full of cynics. Him and his husband never hesitated to welcome my fiancé with open arms, making them the best coupled friends we have ever made.

Armani Leon

Often when you ask someone about their relationship with their sibling, they’ll tell you about them being best friends, the good times they had together, the fights, the stuff they hid from their parents. All of these being true, I’ve always looked up to my brother. He’s one of greatest men that I’ve had the privilege to know. He’s always looking to better himself, never settling for the status quo. I admire the way his passion has pushed him to continue learning as much as he can. He’s been an inspiration for myself and always does his best to look out for his family. Brandon has been there for me in ways few others have. He’s never been one to shy away from having the tough conversations and has always listened to my genuine opinion whether he’s asked for it or not. Things weren’t always easy for us, often I was the annoying little brother mom forced him to bring along to hang out with his friends. Other times we’ve had to make tough choices when trying to look out for one another. Despite this we’ve always had each others backs and I’ve always appreciated being able to rely on him

Brandon Christensen

Now I get to introduce my bridesmaid, Madison. I met her in school right alongside Emmillia, and from that moment, we became the cutest trio. Madison is always my “yes” person—if you tell her there's a party, she's there.
She’s also the one who never fails to hype me up and, honestly, the one who cheers me on through every dumb decision I’ve ever made. I couldn’t imagine this day without her. 

Madison

Wedding Party

Q + A

You are welcome to come in to Oaxaca earlier and leave later if you're planning to also vacation. When calling to book, please let the hotel know that you will be joining us for Mikey and Jonathon's wedding on the 6th. We are excited to have you join us at Nana Vida! Due to an overwhelming response, we want to inform you that the hotel operates on a first-come, first-served basis. While we have reserved rooms for most of you, there may be a few guests who will need to stay at a nearby hotel just down the street, as we’ve exceeded our capacity at Nana Vida. We’ve worked to ensure that this alternate hotel offers a similar level of comfort and service, so you can enjoy your stay just as much. Our team will assist with your check-in, and we will make sure your accommodations are seamless.Thank you for your understanding, and we look forward to seeing you soon!

NaNa Vida Hotel Boutique

To help you navigate the airport and get to your hotel smoothly, here’s what you need to know once you arrive:Customs and Luggage:After collecting your luggage and completing your customs forms, you will need to place your luggage on a conveyor belt and press a button. If the light turns&nbsp;green, you're free to go! If the light turns&nbsp;red, your bags will be checked by customs. Please don’t worry – this process is completely random and not based on any suspicion.Currency Exchange:After passing through customs, you’ll want to exchange some currency. If you arrive&nbsp;during the day, the exchange stall will be open. If you arrive later in the&nbsp;evening, you’ll need to use an ATM machine to withdraw local currency.Getting to Your Hotel:Look for the&nbsp;“TAXI”&nbsp;stall once you're ready to leave the airport. The team there will assist you in getting into a&nbsp;shuttle&nbsp;that will take you directly to your hotel.We want to make your arrival as easy as possible, so if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out.

Shuttle to the hotel and currency exchange

Travel

Got two hours? You'll need it for the Museum of Oaxacan Cultures, housed in the beautiful monastery buildings adjoining the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.lonelyplanet.com/pois/1379805" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Templo de Santo Domingo</a>. This is one of Mexico's best regional museums. The rich displays take you right through the history and cultures of Oaxaca state up to the present day, emphasizing the continuity between pre-Hispanic and contemporary cultures in areas such as crafts, medicine and food.

Museum of Cultures of Oaxaca, Santo Domingo

The Jardín Etnobotánico in Oaxaca is a botanical garden focused on preserving and showcasing the diverse plant species important to indigenous cultures in the region. It serves as a living museum, highlighting the traditional uses of plants for food, medicine, and cultural practices. The garden's layout reflects the indigenous cosmovision, emphasizing harmony between humans and nature. It's a place of education, conservation, and cultural celebration, offering visitors insights into Oaxaca's rich botanical heritage.

Jardín Etnobotánico de Oaxaca

The Museo del Chocolate Mayordomo in Oaxaca is a museum dedicated to chocolate, showcasing the history, production process, and cultural significance of chocolate in Oaxacan traditions. Visitors can learn about chocolate's origins, its importance in indigenous cultures, and experience chocolate-making demonstrations. The museum offers tastings and workshops, allowing visitors to indulge in various chocolate creations while gaining insights into its rich heritage.

museo de chocolate mayordomo

Los Amantes Mezcalería is a renowned mezcal bar known for its authentic selection of mezcal, a distilled alcoholic beverage from Mexico. It offers a diverse range of mezcal varieties, providing an immersive experience into Mexican culture and tradition. With its vibrant ambiance and knowledgeable staff, Los Amantes Mezcalería is a destination for aficionados and newcomers alike seeking to explore and enjoy the rich flavors of mezcal.

Los Amantes Mezcalería

Casa Crespo offers hands-on cooking classes where participants learn to prepare traditional Oaxacan dishes in a friendly and immersive environment. The classes often include a visit to the local market to purchase fresh ingredients before heading back to the kitchen to cook and enjoy the meal together.

Casa Crespo

This gallery showcases a wide range of contemporary Mexican art, including paintings, sculptures, and crafts, providing visitors with an enriching cultural experience.

Galería Quetzalli

Mercado Benito Juárez is a bustling traditional market located in Oaxaca, Mexico. It offers a vibrant array of local produce, spices, crafts, and traditional foods, providing visitors with an authentic taste of Oaxacan culture and cuisine. The market is known for its lively atmosphere and diverse offerings, making it a popular destination for both locals and tourists seeking to immerse themselves in the vibrant colors and flavors of Mexico.

Mercado Benito Juárez

A Monte Albán tour in Oaxaca offers a captivating exploration of the ancient Zapotec ruins atop a hill overlooking the valley. Led by knowledgeable guides, visitors discover the rich history, architecture, and cultural significance of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. The tour typically includes visits to impressive pyramids, ball courts, and observatories, providing insight into the civilization that thrived there over 2,000 years ago.

Tours en Oaxaca Montealban Tours.

At La Casa de los Artesanos Oaxaqueños, you can participate in workshops that teach the art of alebrije painting. Located in the heart of Oaxaca's historic center, this cultural space offers hands-on classes led by experienced artisans, allowing participants to create their own colorful and intricate alebrijes while learning about the history and techniques of this traditional Mexican art

Mikaeldean & Jonathon

Mikaeldean & Jonathon

M&J

Wedding Day