Welcome BBQ

San Juan Island Grange Hall

Wedding Day

Our Wedding

For Mona and Justin, it all started with coffee on the West Side(of San Juan Island) and turned into a family. This is how many people picture their love story and as true as it is, there were many complications along the way. There was almost a move to Texas, a breakup, mending of hearts, a trip to Texas, and rekindling of love. As Justin knows who the villain in the story is, he also knows that he has helped build a life of love. Together they have struggled and will continue to struggle throughout their life, it isn’t about the struggles that they face, but how they face them in unison. These struggles served to build the foundation of their relationship out of resiliency and strength. The frame is their love for each other and their family. The roof is constructed out of ongoing hardship, so that it runs off their home. The siding is crafted from respect and understanding which is rigid enough to weather storms, but flexible enough not to break. Their love story is not a common love story, for their love is not a common love. They have been through a lot and will continue to have trials to overcome. Mona & Justin are very different people, with very different perspectives. Together they use this as an advantage to have open conversations about things that are difficult and find solutions to problems. Together they will continue to grow with each other and be both a sword and shield for each other and their kids.

Our Story

Photos

Valeria medina

I’ve known Mona for over 15 years. We met through our parents when we were moody pre-teens and unwillingly became acquainted. To be honest, she was terrifying. Here I was, an 11 year old goody two shoes and I had met my match in this 13 year old little rebel. How did we become besties for the resties? There was likely some higher power at work there. Somewhere along the way, in this unlikely relationship, we accepted that we would be best friends. From then on she’s been by my side through thick and thin for over half of my life. (And yes, there’s photographic proof that I will someday use as blackmail). Like every relationship, ours went though ebbs and flows but at the end of the day I knew she had me and she knew I had her. Ride or die. I will never find another friend like her. Loyal beyond belief. Fierce protector (although a little clumsy) but the intent is there. Biggest supporter and kindred spirit. She gladly accepted my now husband as part of our duo and I welcomed Justin as part of our trio. Now we have a village. Who would’ve seen it coming? Like I said, higher power.

Halle Carrier

Mona and I met when she started working at Osito’s. She was friendly, and funny, and we bonded immediately. In no time we were spending all our time together, attached at the hip (we joke to this day that my parents thought we were dating). She has always been the life of the party, and able to make you feel right at home. She helped me feel like I was able to be myself free of judgment and still be loved. I was in high school when we met, so only a few years after becoming friends it was off to college out of state, and even now I am a hundred miles away, but the distance means nothing. Mona is still my better half. Life may get in the way, but she is always there when you need her. She has been my rock and my closest friend for these past ten years, and I am so excited to be there for her when she finds her happiness.

Fei Cooper

I have known Mona since the moment I landed on the island. She was one of the first families to greet me at the airport. Since then we’ve been inseparable; going on camping trips, Christmas in Mexico, potlucks, and sleep overs. Her family is my family and mine is hers. I was honored in 2011 when she asked me to be the godmother and namesake of Emma Fei. I have been blessed to be apart of her family as it grows. Now she has a wonderful and supportive partner and family man, Justin. Justin stepped into the position of father and husband almost seamlessly. Together they have faced all the ups and downs of life thus far and I know that they can handle anything as partners and equals.

Caroline Sullivan

Mona and I have known each other for 6 years now. I moved to San Juan Island, just for the summer, back in 2018. I didn’t know anyone there except my Dad. I got a job at Hermosa, where I met Mona my first day. I immediately sensed her warm welcome, positive energy and we connected very quickly. Fast forward to the end of the summer and we were hanging out all the time. She showed me her favorite beaches, sunset spots, hikes and coffee shops. I felt very close to her, a lot of her friends and Emma ❤️ It was such a loving and inclusive community I found myself in. I was sad when it came time to leave the island, but It wasn’t hard to keep in touch with Mona. She is the type of friend who makes you feel like no time has gone by and who really puts in the effort to find out what has been going on in your life since you last spoke (especially if it involves boys, she’s gotta be in the know!!). Mona is a lifelong friend, a confidant and my soul sister. I’m so excited to be along side her and Justin for this next adventure in life!

Tristan Daffan

As Justin's older brother, I have gotten to watch him grow and develop over the course of his 34 years of life. I have I've seen him go from popping waterbeds and running through walls to playing late night video games and being backyard hoop stars. He has had a very spontaneous and nomadic way of life for a long time. It wasn't until he met Mona and Emma before things started changing. When he first left Friday Harbor, he would still talk about his time there and about his best friend, Mona...ALL THE TIME! We could tell he was missing something, for his heart was elsewhere; it was the San Juan Islands and with Mona. I wasn't surprised when he said he was moving back. It has been a journey to watch him go from a boy to a man to a full-time family man. This is just the beginning of their adventure together and I am excited to see how they continue to grow with one another and as a family.

Shasta White

I met Justin a few years ago. We were both working at Ace Hardware. Fast forward a few months and we were both assistant managers helping move the store in a positive direction. On our breaks we got to know a little about each other. During that time, we talked about personal goals and wants for the future. One of the things Justin spoke about a lot was his rekindling with an old Flame. Mona happened to be that wonderful Flame burning in his heart (I know cheesy line). As Justin and Mona reconnected and established their lives and family unit, I was glad that I was accepted to be a part of that growth and development. I was asked and graciously accepted to observe and be a part of their legal wedding (as well as this one to celebrate). Getting to know both Justin and Mona, I know how much both are very family driven. And not just to their kids, but to each other. With all relationships, there are many trials and tribulations that are faced. Knowing that these two started out trying to move forward together makes me believe that no matter what the future holds they will continue to grow, not just individually, but as a couple as well.&nbsp;

Alex Estrada

Justin and I have been friends since before the plague times as it were. We first met when he first started going out with Mona (so we thought), and she introduced him to the friend group. Justin very quickly became a steadfast member of the group with his sense of humor, and kind nature, as well as his similar interests (we are all kind of nerds haha). Justin has the ability to make you laugh at some joke that shouldn't be funny because of his infectious smile and laugh. Which he used to his advantage to win us over. As his and Mona's relationship became more serious, you could see how great he was with Mona and her daughter. Now their family is larger, and it has all the hallmarks of being a lifelong, close-knit family. I have seen how much he has stepped up to the plate with their family, and I'm excited to see where this next step in life takes them. I'm happy to be able to be park of it and am honored to be included.

Emma Anderson

I met Justin at the age eight. Him and my mom were just "friends" when I met him. He was both funny and kind. Fast forward four years later, to when I was eleven years old, and he asked if it were okay to marry my mom. Of course, I said YES! Another year past by and he has brought smiles and laughter to the house. He is a good stepdad and a good friend. We goof around a lot, which makes mom annoyed a lot of the time. One day she had to ask us "can you two try and get along?" and quickly replied "that doesn't sound like us." But he is also a great person TO annoy and then it goes back to joking and annoying mom, we are a team like that. With all joking a side, he has made this house a better place.

Wedding Party

Q + A

The visitors bureau will have all the information you need to make your island visit perfect.  It will help with travel info, accommodations, things to do, and even the best places to eat. 

San Juan Islands Visitors Bureau

If you plan to drive on, we highly recommend booking ferry reservations as soon as possible. If you’re staying in town then we recommend walking-on. All wedding events will be in town and everything is within walking distance. There are also multiple transportation options on island. 

Washington State Ferries

We recommend booking any vacation rentals through this company. You’ll avoid having to pay extra taxes and fees that Airbnb and VRBO charge. 

Mona y Justin

Mona y Justin

M&J

Welcome BBQ

Wedding Day