Long before we met, the universe was already setting things in motion. Tom’s great-grandparents crossed the ocean seeking opportunity in Chicago, planting the first seeds of a life that would lead to him. From his family, he inherited curiosity, precision, and the drive to chase the sky — all of which brought him to Los Angeles. Across time, my own story unfolded. My grandfather came from Mexico on the Fourth of July, fireworks lighting the start of a new chapter. Those two threads, one from Europe, one from Mexico, finally met in Los Angeles where fate was patient. Generations of choices, crossings, and leaps of faith came together. When we met, it didn’t feel like chance. It felt like destiny remembering its promise. (with a bumble swipe) We fell in love. Los Angeles was the perfect setting for our love story. We fell in love between beach sunsets, dodger games, street tacos, and countless nights baking together. In the rhythm of everyday life, we discovered even if we tried we could never let each other go. We chose to marry on Olvera Street in downtown Los Angeles at La Iglesia de Nuestra Señora la Reina de los Ángeles — the city’s first church, founded in 1814. The city itself was named after this church, which means “The Town of Our Lady the Queen of the Angels of the Porciúncula River." For friends and family traveling from far distances, we are so excited to share the rich history of this city with you and to celebrate our families’ stories alongside yours at this very special celebration. For my friends and family in Los Angeles, we are thrilled to celebrate right here in the city we call home, surrounded by the places and stories that shaped us. <3