Quinta Mazatlan

Ryan & Valeria's Wedding Day

Ceremony

Reception

Our Wedding

Stronger than gravity...

For those who don't like to read- These two are madly in love, and can't wait to celebrate their happily ever after with you. For those who do like to read-Their love story is one of a couple of band kids whose paths crossed at a Disney World bus stop of all places, and whose paths would continue to mingle through high school until they found themselves together. Through several football games, marching contests, concerts, passing periods and some shared classes, their friendship grew into more than just a typical high school friendship. After moving in together in 2017 (with the help of Valerie's little big sister) they got a running start on their adult lives. Valerie started going to school, and Ryan was working full time. They'd scrape together whatever funds they could to take trips whenever possible. Concerts in Austin, Six Flags in San Antonio, and even a couple trips up to Dallas thrown in, these two high school sweethearts started to grow into real adults, paying bills, doing their taxes, so on and so forth. The couple would start their zoo with their beloved four legged goofball Nova, giving the already famous Brownie a sister. Eventually they would add in a couple reptiles, rodents and amphibians to the mix as well. They even got their first tattoos together, which matched of course. In 2021 they took the next step in their relationship and found a place of their own! They wasted no time turning a small apartment in Edinburg into their home, complete with nearly every game console known to man, plenty of wall decor (which included a "Road Work Ahead" sign), a 75 gallon fish tank, and much more. As they grew as a couple, so too did their family, adding and fostering dogs, cats, lizards and snakes all along the way. Their love for travel never stopped, throwing in even MORE concerts, vacations, and even a trip to Chicago! Basically the day they moved in, they had outgrown their two bedroom apartment, and were looking for a more permanent and spacious place they could truly call their home. In March of 2024. Valerie and Ryan got the keys to their brand new house, a goal that they both hoped, prayed and worked extremely hard for. Almost as quickly as their apartment, they turned it into a cozy home that they both love to spend time in, whether they're napping on the living room couch, playing Guitar Hero in the game room, or playing fetch with the dogs in the backyard. More recently, they started 2025 off on the other side of the planet, when the couple took a two week trip to Japan. Ryan cleverly seized the opportunity to propose on Mt. Fuji, which Valerie surely, definitely didn't see coming (she did). The pictures on the save the dates, invitations, and some on the website are from that beautiful day! Ryan &amp; Valerie's relationship is full of the usual ups and downs that any love story has, with even some time apart thrown in. Even still, those invisible strings seem to pull these two together. Through their shared love of video games, music, traveling, space, and adventure, coupled with their huge web of loving friends and an ultra-supportive family, the couple believes they were made for each other. Ryan's values and virtues compliments Valerie's soul and beliefs to a level that rivals gravity. January 17th, 2026 is the start of the next chapter in their lives, and they are pleased and grateful to celebrate the day/night with you!

Our Story

Photos

The eldest of the legendary Lira sisters. Vicky is older than Valerie by about 12 years. Valeria makes it widely known that Vicky basically raised her in a way, with sharing her love of music, all animals, video games, anime, and many different oddities. The love that Vicky has always given Valeria shows even way back when she was always recording Valerie as a baby on the family video camera, to encouraging her to pursue her interests in high school and joining drumline despite her shyness, and just generally being her true self throughout life no matter what. Val will always appreciate Vicky's openminded, kind, honest, and extroverted persona and strives to match some of those qualities. Val feels the love from her big sis even though she's all the way in Tokyo, Japan.

Victoria Talbert

A man who needs no introduction, but gets one anyway. Husband to Valerie's eldest sister Vicky, Doug has been a wise, inspirational and entertaining presence for Ryan, even from across the globe! He's always lending insight into his uniquely functioning brain, constantly coming up with questions ranging from comical to philosophical and everything in between. Doug & Ryan bonded over their shared interest of golf, food, space and their mutual desire to be forever curious about the world around them and beyond. From the first day they met, Ryan knew Douglas was a great person, a kind soul and someone who he'd be honored to call a brother and a best man.

Douglas Talbert

Middle sis of the Lira sisters and songbird of the family (causing Val to join choir in middle school and show choir in high school). Vanessa and Valeria's age gap is about 9 years. Vanessa also was a caretaker to Val growing up and helped her music taste grow and her humor blossom. She was never shy to back down to defend her baby sister or give her the advice she needed to walk confidently in life. Ness has always been there for her little pumpkinhead through any and all situations. Valeria appreciates her nurturing and humorous personality and her determination to not only achieve her own goals, but to help and love others. May God help whoever gets in the way of Ness and the ones she loves.

Vanessa Lira

Devin & Ryan met in 6th grade, way back in 2010. From the first day they met they were instant best friends, playing football together before school, serving lunch detention together, and hanging out after and outside of school. Their shared love for video games, the outdoors, football and music, plus a large network of common friends has kept the duo close throughout the years, whether they were miles, hours, or states apart. They've both always been there for each other no matter what life throws at them, and they've always been in each other's corner. Ryan's sister Mitzi has always regarded Devin as her second little brother, and Ryan sees him just the same- the brother he never had. 

Devin Davis

Valerie's bonus sister. Having met in 2015, the pair bonded over the years with their love of music, travel, food, ICE CREAM, and of course, the love they both share for the groom, Ryan AKA Mitzi's little booger. Valerie knows she can count on Mitzi to keep any secret, step in at a moment's notice to perform or help with any task, and just to be an amazing and supportive sister and friend. Valerie is so excited to officially have Mitzi as her new sister and be brought into the Salcedo family, even though they've already been the sweetest and most welcoming from the very start. R+V's invisible string theory continues with Mitzi having graduated with Val's sister, Vanessa, and Val's bro-in-law Doug. :)

Mitzi Madrigal

Though Devin is the brother Ryan never had, John is the big brother he didn't know he needed. John is a true jack of all trades and a walking encyclopedia. Incredibly knowledgeable about everything from the medical field to cars and mechanics, he's always been more than willing to teach and share what he knows with Ryan, whether its changing brakes on his car to the basics of dove hunting. Throw in a shared love for food, the outdoors, a witty sense of humor and a toughness that rivals Kratos, it's easy to see why John is one of the most influential figures in making Ryan the man he is today and will be in the future. Even more invisible string theory: John and Val's big sis, Vicky, graduated together as well! 

Johnathan Madrigal

Having met as percussionists in middle school band in the 6th grade, Valeria and Olivia became inseparable starting in 2010. In general, the Mata family became a safe haven for Valeria; she was constantly over at the Mata's and she was welcomed with open arms and outpouring love. Olivia's selfless, loving, and hilarious characteristics assured Valeria that this was a friendship of a lifetime. From childhood into adulthood, the two have leaned on each other like sisters, hence the Maid of Honor title. Valeria knows that with Olivia, there is zero judgement, all secrets are safe, all words are heard, and all trips for a sweet treat are valid... after our gym sessions, of course.

Olivia Mata

Justin is the best man that Ryan has known the longest, ever since way back in 2nd grade at Rayburn Elementary. Though Justin would move several times throughout elementary, middle and high school, the two stayed in constant contact, hung out whenever possible, and remained the best of friends, still today. Countless hours were spent playing games like GTAV. Call of Duty, Siege, and talking about movies, football (Go Pack Go, he says) and whatever else piqued their interest. Justin's natural humor, caring personality and loyal friendship are just a few of the traits that Ryan appreciates so much in one of his long-time best friends. 

Justin Diaz

Cindy and Valeria met in 2004 in their pre-k classroom at just 4 years old! They'd have different teachers and friend groups throughout the years of elementary school and of course middle/high school, but with constant hangouts playing video games, sleepovers, their shared time in high school marching band, and tagging along for errands and vacations with their families, they obviously continued to gravitate towards each other as time went on. Nowadays, they both share their love for animals, music, collectibles, reminiscing fondly on old times, and just being their genuine selves with each other even after nearly 22 years. Valeria loves that Cindy truly gets her and knows who she is to her very core since she's been there from the very start.

Cynthia Mata

Shortly after meeting Justin, Ryan and Andrew also met at Rayburn in the 3rd grade at their after-school program. The pair along with a few other friends formed the legendary elementary school multi-sport team known as The Cougars, specializing in kickball specifically. In high school, AJ and Ryan would share a few classes and get called on more than once for being occasional hooligans. When AJ got his spot on the varsity roster as the starting Right Guard (and eventually Right Tackle), Ryan and Valerie were his biggest fans, making sure to come down from their spots with the band to get some post-game pictures. Into adulthood, AJ's parents treated Ryan and Valerie like children of their own, always inviting them over for Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas and the occasional Cowboys game. 

Andrew Tipton

Emma and Val met in 2010 in their GT classrooms at Travis Middle School. They truly were 2 odd peas in a pod, sharing funny videos, memes, & jokes and spending their time together constantly whether that be in class, band, or choir. It was them two, or NOTHING. That followed into high school, but they unfortunately didn't have classes together and mainly spent some brief time together in band before Emma moved high schools after their freshman year. Through so much time apart, they still managed to keep their tightknit friendship made up of their weird personalities and love for their ever-growing friendship.

Emma Zamora

While everyone in the wedding party has a great sense of humor, nobody's compares to that of Jefry. The mildly successful Youtuber and business owner has been great friends to Valerie, Ryan and plenty of the wedding party since high school. His witty banter combined with his aggressive accent never fails to cheer you up. Like much of the wedding party, Jefry has a love for food, the outdoors and travelling, and is a welcome and dear friend to Ryan and Valerie both, as well as the much appreciated comic-relief. Full of hilarious stories and always willing to lend a hand with whatever you may need, Jefry really could be viewed as the glue to hold the group together. 

Jefry Garcia

Taíz and Valeria met in 2010 in their band class in the 6th grade. Valeria was very shy, but Taíz's kind and vibrant personality and talkativeness got her out of her shell, and a friendship quickly formed. They bonded over their love of books, movies, and music. During their freshman year of high school, Taíz was able to officially introduce Valeria and Ryan through mutual friends after R+V briefly met at Disney World due to the marching band trip in 2014 and the rest is history. Although Taíz now resides in San Antonio, Valeria knows that she can always count on her fierce friend to shower her with love and good book recommendations.

Taíz Carrizales

Kevin met Ryan basically on accident, way back in 2014 playing Destiny. The two happened to be in the same public lobby, and after some conversation discovered they lived barely an hour apart. Their online friendship quickly shifted to a real-life one. Living in Rio Grande City, any time the friend group got to hang out with Kevin was a celebration in it of itself. He's remarkably caring, incredibly smart and has a fierce love for his family and friends, a common trend amongst the wedding party. Kevin likes to party, and will be sure to bring that energy to the wedding, no doubt. 

Kevin Medina

Jasmine and Valerie met in 2017 while working together at Petco, Valerie's first job! They instantly clicked while Jasmine showed Valerie how to do everything at work (really demonstrating her patience and kindheartedness), and they shared their love of all animals, music, travel, and each other. A day at work without one another dragged and made time go by so slowly. Even though both of them would go in and out of different jobs and even eventually experience a friendship with a new motherhood dynamic thrown in, they stayed close and always took care of each other in tough situations and still enjoy being goofy together on the regular.

Jasmine Torres

Another one of Val's best bros via Xbox since 2011. Allen and Val met through one of their close mutual friends from Allen's hometown in New York. Through them, Valerie gained numerous friendships that are still going strong to this day despite the distance. Allen is always there to offer his support to Ryan and Val and to brighten up the day with his witty banter and goofy ideas. Valerie is endlessly thankful for Allen and the rest of her NY squad for being there for her through thick and thin and bringing her into their small and tightknit circle of friends.

Allen Button

Sabs and Val met in 2018 while Valerie worked as a dog trainer at Petco and trained Sabrina's then husky puppy, Jay. They had lots of shared interests such as dogs, of course, tattoos, music, and thrifting. At the time, they lived about an hour apart, but still made time to hang out and go to markets, consignment shops, ramen restaurants or buffets, or take their dogs to the dog park together. Sabrina's loyalty and attentiveness is always apparent in their friendship and Valerie always says that Sabrina is the little sister she never had.

Sabrina Barrera

Valerie's little bro via Xbox since 2012. Jack is from South Carolina, but him and Valerie met through some mutual friends (New York squad) on Xbox and stayed best friends through video calls and games like Halo: Reach, GTA 5, Elder Scrolls Online, Resident Evil and several dozens more. Val can always count on Jack to check up on her, lend a listening ear, lighten up her mood with a co-op game, or to provide a laugh over the most stupid things. The McCommon fam was also a pillar of support during her cancer journey and she's forever appreciative of that. Valerie is so grateful for this friendship that has grown despite the time and miles that separate them.

Jackson McCommon

Wedding Party

Q + A

For all ye non-Texan folk...

Here we have listed a few hotels around the venue area. The first hotel listed- the Verta Hotel- is right down the street from the venue, a literal 5 minute walk! They offer discounted rates so please let us know if you need any assistance getting that special pricing. The McAllen-Edinburg-Pharr area has plenty to do between the cities, so we highly recommend AirBnB's for those wishing to spend an extended period of time here in the Valley!

This is the hotel right down the road from the venue! Again, mention our wedding and they'll offer you special event pricing.

Verta Hotel McAllen Airport

A beautiful hotel right in the heart of south McAllen, close to the highway for travel to Pharr, Edinburg or South Padre Island.

DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Hotel McAllen

Another hotel that's a &lt;5 minute drive from the venue, right in front of La Plaza Mall.

Best Western Plus McAllen Airport

This hotel has you right in the Convention Center district, where there are plenty of shops, restaurants and sights to see during your stay!

Embassy Suites by Hilton McAllen Convention Center

Also in the Convention Center district, this option may be slightly more affordable!

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham McAllen Convention Center

Travel

GET INKED UP!

Our dear friends and talented tattoo artists Vanessa (<a href="https://www.instagram.com/vanna_kiss/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@vanna_kiss</a>) &amp; Anthony (<a href="https://www.instagram.com/ants_ur_uncle/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@ants_ur_uncle</a>) from Lionheart Tattoo will be present and offering small tattoos from their flash sheets and even a special RyVal themed flash sheet! Tattoo costs are covered, but tips for our artists are encouraged and highly appreciated!

Get your game on!

Take it back to the days of quarter arcades and dance machines with the help of our friend Hamm and Hamm's Arcade. Whether its fighting, racing or rhythm games, we've got you covered and entertained all night long!

LET'S GET TIPSY!

All of the night's alcoholic beverages will be provided by our dear friends from <a href="https://www.instagram.com/the.tipsytrailer/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Tipsy Trailer</a>! We will have specialty themed cocktails named after our cats, along with other alcoholic beverages. Please drink responsibly.

WE ALL SCREAM FOR ICE CREAM!

It wouldn't be Valerie's wedding without ice cream! Ben &amp; Jerry's will be providing a late night snack from 8-9pm, offering a few classic flavors in your choice of a cup or cone!