Hacienda de las Flores

Wedding Day

Wedding

Reception

Our Wedding

While Rachel and Alex knew of each through mutual friends, neither of them would have picked the other out as even an acquaintance. In fact one day, on a school trip, Rachel was taking a picture on a old couch and Alex jumped into the picture. After it was taken, he walked off and Rachel wondered who it was. Then one fateful day they were seated next to each other on the plane to a school trip in France. At first Rachel thought Alex was a little tiresome when he kept trying to get her to read his GameStop magazine. Finally they got to talking and really enjoyed each other's conversation. During the trip Rachel was rooming with bridesmaid, Erica, who was already good friends with Alex at the time. The three of them spent a lot of time together. As much as Rachel tried to ignore it, she felt something growing between her and Alex. As aloof as she tried to act, Alex didn't buy it and didn't give up on getting the girl. One night, partway through the trip, Alex was tired of Rachel's antics and asked her the point blank question: "Have you ever had a really good kiss?" Taken aback, Rachel said no. Alex leaned in and they had the most romantic, butterfly filled, heart stopping first kiss. It was that moment Rachel knew she had found someone special.When they returned home Rachel encouraged Alex to start going to church with her. He decided he wanted his relationship with Christ to be more prominent in his life. The two have been able to spend the past almost five years loving, living and motivating each other in Christ. Not without bumps of course, but each hard turn has lead them into a better, stronger part of their relationship. Alex has grown into an amazing, lion hearted, Christ loving man and Rachel has encouraged and been encouraged by his faith.

Our Story

Details

Photos

Conner is one of the most genuine, hospitable and  exuberant people Alex and Rachel have ever met. He knew them first separately and has gotten to see their relationship grow the past few years. He has alway been a positive encouragement in both of their lives. He also isn't afraid to push the two out of their comfort zone. His energy for life is inpiring to the couple. Alex is so glad he has such a great friend to be by his side on such a big day!

Conner Burns

Not everyone is lucky enough to have such a fun, genuine and loving older sister like Liz! Growing up so close in age, Liz &amp; Rachel were each other's first friends and biggest supporters. Even though they now live a country apart from each other, it doesn't stop them from conintually growing their friendship. Rachel always feels encouraged and strengthened by Liz's uplifting prayers and honest words. She couldn't think of anyone else she could want standing next to her on her big day!

Liz Lubansky 

It was nothing short of an act of God that Pat and Alex met. Alex had just started a new job at a coffee shop and noticed Pat coming in for hours almost every. He wondered what Pat could possibly do to be able to spend so much time drinking coffee. When Alex finally asked, Pat told him that he was a worship pastor at a local church. Alex and Rachel had been searching for a church for a long time and started going that following Sunday. A few weeks later, the couple invited Pat and his wife, Casey, over for dinner and the two have been best buds since!

Pat Little 

On the magical day Melissa and Rachel met, they knew instantly they were meant to be in each other's lives. The next night the two went to dinner together and three hours later they were kicked out of the dining room. That didn't stop them from finding a spot to sit and continue talking for hours more. Although they live in different time zones, they talk every day and would go through hell or high waters for each other.

Melissa Gray

Erica's big heart and spirit for life are two things Rachel loves about her. She radiates joy and encouragement wherever she goes! Erica was first friends with Alex and played a part in the two falling in love. Rachel is inspired by Erica's passion for life and is so glad she will be there so to spread love and joy on the big day! Wepa!

Erica Sabalones

Wedding Party

Registry

Q + A

For those not wanting to rent a car, the BART is a great way to get around. It goes to and from both local airports (Oakland and SFO). It also goes into San Francisco and throughout the Bay Area for those who want to travel around. The Walnut Creek BART is about 8 miles from the venue. Which you can use lyft, uber or a taxi to get to and from the venue.

BART: Walnut Creek

There are a few great hotels we are happy to recommend in the area, but Airbnb is by far the best deal and there are many great ones in the area. For people new to Airbnb you can use this code to get a discount:<a href="http://www.airbnb.com/c/rachelv68">www.airbnb.com/c/rachelv68</a> We do suggest that you don't stay in East or West Oakland

Airbnb 

Lyft or Uber are a great way to get around the area. They are easy to find and are less expensive than the local taxis. For those new to Lyft you can use the promo code: Rachel2929 toget a discount on your first ride!

Lyft 

The hotel is about 8 miles from the venue. It does not have transportation to or from the airport, but does have a shuttle service that can go back and forth to the local BART station. As a reminder, this is just a friendly suggestion, we do not have a wedding room block here.

Walnut Creek Marriott

Travel

One thing to do in San Francisco is take a day or night tour of Alcatraz Island. It leaves from Pier 33 in Fisherman's Wharf (a tourist focused part of the city). Bring a jacket! It is windy on the Bay!

Alcatraz Island

Full of local food, it is always fun to walk through the Ferry Building. You can also continue to walk throughout the Embarcadero and see beautiful sites of the Bay and the Bridge!

San Francisco Ferry Building, Sausalito - San Francisco Ferry Building, San Francisco, CA, United States

Angel island is a beautiful quick get away in the bay. You can take a ferry over and then rent bikes to ride up to the top of the island. There are great restaurants and views for miles!

Angel Island

For those that are a little more adventurous. The Palomarin Trail hike to Alemere Falls is one of our favorite hikes! You will hike to the top of a cliff with two small waterfalls that lead into a large waterfall. You can climb down the cliff onto the sand where to large waterfall is bringing fresh water to meet the ocean!

Rachel & Alex

Rachel & Alex

Things to Do

Alcatraz Island

San Francisco Ferry Building, Sausalito - San Francisco Ferry Building, San Francisco, CA, United States

Angel Island

Alamere Falls Trail, Bolinas, CA, United States