Emmanuel Mendoza
Hannah Andrews
Emmanuel Mendoza
Hannah Andrews
September 8, 2024
How We Met
Hannah saw Emmanuel’s profile on Hinge and thought he was cute and had the deepest, kindest, most soulful eyes she’d ever seen. She sent him a message and waited what seemed at least a week for his response. Emmanuel hardly used the app at all and didn’t see her message, but when he did, he responded with the kind of deep and thoughtful (and long!) texts that Hannah loves. Before long, we scheduled our first Facetime call and since then it’s been non-stop, staying in touch through the miles that lie between us. It was almost a month and a half before our schedules aligned and we could meet in person. Because of Covid restrictions, Emmanuel had to come to Seattle and bet his savings on a ticket to meet the person he felt would be the love of his life. When we first saw each other on the ferry pier, it was like an invisible string tying our hearts together. From that moment on and into all of forever.
The Proposal
Due to Covid restrictions finally getting lifted in October, it was the first time Hannah was going to Canada, and she thought it was only to celebrate his birthday over the weekend. When she arrived at the airport, he was waiting her, wearing a chauffeur hat, holding a special commissioned painting with significant symbolism and imagery for our relationship, and “Hannah Mendoza” painted across it. We joked about the name all the time, so she just thought it was such a sweet gesture and gift. Emmanuel was all prepared. He had told Hannah long before that he’d wanted to show her a special spot in Victoria that he loved. Since it was (conveniently) on the way home from the airport, he suggested that he show her the spot on the way. Earlier, he had gone with his best friend to put lights all around the beach outlook and his friend was stationed in the bushes to take pictures and video. As they approached the spot, Emmanuel explained to her how special this place was, and how it was the spot where one day, he had decided to change his life forever. Then he got down on one knee and made that choice again: “Would you change your life with me?” Hannah was screaming and kissing him in such an ecstasy that she forgot at first to actually say YES!! But of course, it was a given and they began their journey of changing their lives together.
Schedule
Sunday, July 20, 2025
The Wedding
1:30 pm - 6:00 pm
5801 Trolley Lane, Tacoma, WA 98407
It is a summer wedding, so please wear something elegant but also that makes you feel comfortable. For example, casual suits, or a dressy casual outfit such as a dress shirt and slacks; chic midi/maxi dresses, flowy, formal tops and slacks or a classy skirt, etc. We want you to be able to express yourself with your best style! It will be an outside ceremony and an indoor reception.
We want everyone to feel welcome and included, and we can’t wait to take pictures with each of you! On another note, snacks only will be provided at the reception, so please be aware when making your plans.
Registry
Wedding Party
Kat Andrews
Person of Honor
Hannah: Kat is one of those people who will always stand by you no matter what, love with a fierce, defensive loyalty, practicing grace in giving you whatever you need without letting it get in the way of the relationship, and making you feel like you belong. Thank you so much, Kat, for being here with me through everything, never wavering in your belief in me, and for your endless support as I grow in my relationship with Emmanuel and for supporting both of us no matter what. I’m so lucky to be your sister and to have you as a best friend (and also to have someone else who would help me coordinate a family play haha). I love you so much!!
Abbie Andrews
Maid of Honor
Hannah: Abbie is my sweet and sassy partner-in-crime. She has been with me through everything, has incredible capacity to listen even to the longest stories or monologues, and brings an aura of peace and love wherever she goes. Abbie always seems to know the exact right thing to say, giving helpful insights and encouragement. I am also so grateful for her and her never ending support in my relationship. Abbie, thank you for being an incredible best friend, for teaching me so many things, and for always trusting me and having grace no matter what. And for going to a million concerts with me and being fangirls together. I love you so much!!
Alicia Curtis
Bridesmaid
Hannah: Alicia has been my closest friend for years, but it feels like we’ve known each other for decades. Alicia is stalwartly loyal, effortlessly gentle without being afraid to speak truth, and whenever you’re with her, you feel overwhelmed with peace and love. She is one of the least judgmental people I know, and always inspires me to show grace and compassion to everyone, including myself. Thank you, Alicia, for standing by me through everything, and for supporting me in my relationship and getting just as excited as I was at every moment. Thank you for being so flexible in making plans, and for putting in the effort to maintain our friendship no matter what (although with us, we always pick up right where we left off like no time passed!), cause we’re gonna be friends till we’re old grandmas! I love you so much!!
Luke Iwasaki
Wedding Coordinator
Hannah: Luke has been my little charge since I was 10, and we were buddies for most of my growing up, sharing silly moments and new discoveries alike with each other. I always felt like he quickly outgrew me not only in height, but also in deep, poignant observations and advice. He is such a solid dependable person, and has shared relational wisdom and support with me; I know I can always count on him whenever I need a listening ear or even a good solid hug. Thank you, Luke, for sticking with me through thick and thin, for being a strong pillar of love, and also for introducing me to one of my favorite artists. I couldn’t have asked for a better little brother! I love you so much!!
Risa Iwasaki
Wedding Coordinator
Hannah: Risa is someone who will do whatever she can to build relationships and make time for you no matter what. We haven’t had as much time together as I would like, but I love randomly getting tiktoks that made her think of me, and I can’t wait to spend more time going adventuring with her! She has showed up time and time again to help us out with anything we need, give us date activity ideas, help with our wedding, and just be as present as possible. She is one of the most creative people I know, offering a bajillion ideas that she tailored exactly to my tastes whenever she’s helping me. Thank you, Risa, for your heart to reach out and touch everyone around with your strong center of gentle tact and resilience that creates a place where everyone can feel loved, cared for and secure. Thank you for having grace with me, and for supporting me and who I am. We are so grateful for Risa’s support as we are making this step, and I am so happy to have her as a sister! I love you so much!!
Laurel Andrews
Mother of the Bride
Hannah: my mom has been my rock, my cheerleader, my confidante, and is always showing her endless support. She is full of love and practices giving you all the space and grace to grow without any judgment. My mom is queen of going the extra mile to take care of her people, and has and does go out of her way to do favors for me (little and big) to make my life easier and continue to take care of me, even though I’m an adult now. And not only did she welcome Emmanuel with open arms, but she has found so many ways to include him as part of the family already and blessed us both with the way that she shows up for us. Thank you, Mom, for being there for me, for believing in me even when I didn’t believe in myself, for encouraging me in everything I attempted, and for reminding me who I am every day. You are truly such an inspiration to me and I hope that when I grow up, I can exhibit those same qualities. Thank you for showing me unconditional love and support! I love you so much!!
Jim Andrews
Father of the Bride
Hannah: My dad always does everything he can to be there for his kids. He is an incredibly patient person, and gave me a safe place to learn everything growing up, from nauseatingly repetitive times tables to endless parallel parking. I am so grateful to have a father who supported my interests, as I tried out many different activities and experiences. From the moment he met Emmanuel, he welcomed and accepted him and whispered to me, “He’s a keeper!”. I am overwhelmed with the love he has since showed to both of us, supporting us through every step, even when it was going the extra mile (quite literally sometimes, driving to Canada!) and offering to do so much more. Thank you, Daddy, for showing up, for pursuing every day the practical application of love, and for holding all of us close to your heart. I love you so much!!
Ben Andrews
Food Coordinator
Hannah: Ben is the big brother I always venerated as a kid, and even now, I still do, holding a great deal of respect for him and especially the way he handles his relationships. Ben is someone who will stick up for you, but also maintain respect and tact with everyone he comes into contact with. He inspires me with his resilience, his loyalty, his grace and patience. Thank you Ben, for being a big brother to me growing up, and doing your best to look out for me and give me new perspectives. Thank you for your continued grace as I got older, understanding my struggles and giving me space to grow without distancing yourself. And thank you for your support and excitement over me finding Emmanuel, every big moment along the way, and for your acceptance when you met him, instantly welcoming him into the family. I love you so much, and I’m so grateful to have you for a brother!!
Lynn Andrews
Food Coordinator
Hannah: Lynn has always done everything she can to show up for me in every way possible, demonstrating that it’s possible to be present even if you are hundreds of miles away. Her patience and understanding when things were hard has touched my heart every time and I am so grateful to have her as my sister! Thank you, Lynn, for seeking out ways to connect with me and the interests we shared that we could nerd out over together, as well as your clear communication that helped me feel secure in the context of our relationship. Thank you for your understanding, for not judging me, and for being so supportive with my relationship with Emmanuel from the beginning, getting excited with me at every milestone and cheering me on! I hope we find ways to continue growing closer, despite the distance. I love you so much!!
Allen Andrews
Candid Photographer
Hannah: Allen is always in for a bit of fun with maybe a sprinkling of trouble on the side, and he will say yes to my crazy ideas even if it turns out we walk a mile and a half in the broiling sun. I love having a buddy with whom I can do cool things, especially those things that I always wanted to do when I was younger. He included Emmanuel in the family immediately, organizing a water balloon fight with everyone and doing everything he could to make Emmanuel feel welcome. Thank you, Allen, for spending time with me, for including me, for making me feel cool even when I know I’m not, and for always being down for a pizza party! I love you so much!!
Peter Andrews
Master of Ceremonies
Hannah: Peter was my biggest rival as a kid, which gradually turned into a strong bond of close sibling friendship as we became adults. We have shared many steps along our journey with each other, celebrating the wins and supporting each other through the hard times. Thank you, Peter, for always going the extra mile to reach out and connect; for making time for me even with a crazy busy schedule, and for being a patient, listening ear many a time when I needed it. Thank you for being a protective big brother, but also reaching out as peers and encouraging me in my strengths whenever I felt discouraged. Thank you for expressing your excitement and eagerness to meet Emmanuel, and supporting me every step of the way. I am so lucky to have you as my brother. I love you so much!!
Emma Magaña
Mother of the Groom
Emmanuel: Mi madre es la mejor persona que conozco. Siempre ha sido mi soporte, mi amiga, y mi persona favorita. Ella es la razón de la persona que soy hoy en día. Mis valores, mi forma de amar, y mi determinación, todo se lo debo a ella. Esta mujer me enseño que puedo obtener todo lo que quiero, solo debo creer en mi mismo, y dar siempre lo mejor de mi. Mamá, eres un ejemplo de amor, resiliencia, y compasión. No podría elegir a una mejor persona para acompañarme en ese camino al altar, en donde iniciaré esta nueva etapa junto al amor de mi vida. Gracias por ser la mejor mamá del mundo mundial, mi mejor amiga, y mi fan número 1. Te amo mamá
Diego Mendoza
Best Man
Emmanuel: Diego es mi hermano pequeño, y quizá la persona más inteligente que conozco. Si tuviera que describirlo en una palabra, esta sería determinado. Es increíble verlo lograr todo lo que se propone. Es un ejemplo de trabajo duro y constancia. Me siento orgulloso de ser su hermano mayor, y no podría elegir a una mejor persona para ser mi padrino. Se que siempre puedo contar con el, y por eso quiero tenerlo a mi lado en este día tan especial. Querido Diego, me siento honrado de ser tu hermano mayor y aconsejarte en tus decisiones de vida. Pero de igual forma, me siento bendecido por tener la oportunidad de aprender tanto de ti. Siempre voy a estar orgulloso de ti.
Sergio Mendoza
Groomsman
Emmanuel: Sergio es mi hermano menor, pero principalmente mi compañero incondicional de aventuras y travesuras. Crecer a su lado ha sido toda una experiencia. Se que siempre puedo contar con el, ya que él es mi definición de una persona de buen corazón. Desde niños siempre estuvimos juntos, teníamos un gran interés por buscar y ocasionar problemas. Pero siempre salimos de ellos como equipo. Me encantaría tenerte este día aquí conmigo flaco, pero se que no importa la distancia, ya que muchas de las cosas buenas que tengo en mi, las aprendí de ti. Te quiero hermano, gracias por siempre estar a mi lado. Somos un gran equipo.
Alexis Esparza
Groomsman
Emmanuel: Alexis es una persona increíble, uno de mis mejores amigos. Estudiar a su lado fue un privilegio, siempre un honorable adversario. Yo lo definiría como una persona inteligente, necio como el solo, y dedicado a cumplir sus metas. Mi querido Alexis, eres una gran persona. Tu demuestras día a día que puedes cumplir tus objetivos y ser fiel a tus principios. Te admiro mucho y te respeto por eso. Siempre supe que serias una persona exitosa, pero te admiro más como amigo. Se que siempre puedo contar contigo, y que tendrás tiempo para escuchar y darme un consejo. Te quiero hermano.
Montserrat Martínez
Groomswoman
Emmanuel: Montse es una gran amiga. Ella llegó a mi vida en uno de los momentos más complicados. Mudarse a otro país, puede ser difícil. Pero si tienes suerte, quizá encuentres una Montse en tu camino. Desde el momento en que nos conocimos, Montse siempre me ayudó a ver el lado bueno de la vida. Siempre tenía un sabio consejo y una actitud relajada. Ella es una persona admirable, y el claro ejemplo de que se puede ser joven y lleno de sabiduría al mismo tiempo. Querida Montse, gracias por todo tu tiempo y consejos. Gracias por escucharme y entenderme. Gracias por mostrarme que aún los peores problemas se pueden resolver, que solo necesitas tiempo, una malteada de fresa, un panecito, y una buena conversación con un amigo. Es un honor para mi tenerte en este día. Tu eres gran parte para que esto fuera posible. Te quiero.
Oscar Téllez
Groomsman
Oscar es un gran amigo. Desde que lo conocí en Canadá, supé que sería una persona con la que tendría largas conversaciones. Oscar tiene la capacidad de escuchar y brindar consejos desde un punto de vista neutral, y eso es de admirarse. Querido amigo, te admiro por la persona que eres. Eres honesto y feliz contigo mismo. Sabes como escuchar a un amigo y brindar un buen consejo cuando lo necesita. Se que tenemos poco tiempo de amistad, pero espero que esta dure por muchos años más. Te agradezco por estar conmigo en este día tan especial y ser parte de esta bonita historia.
Pato Mendoza
Ring Bearer
Hannah and Emmanuel: Pato arrived randomly into Emmanuel’s life when he was in a season of big changes. He was there for Emmanuel during some difficult but good moments, providing support when Emmanuel was missing his home while making his way in Canada, and keeping him company as he built his community in a new country, as well as giving him the best hugs, at least until Emmanuel met Hannah. Pato of course has been here for every step of our relationship. Emmanuel gave him to Hannah on the night of our engagement, a little piece of Emmanuel for Hannah to take back with her to keep her company when she missed him the most, to give her the second best hugs and to take care of her when Emmanuel couldn’t be here physically. Pato goes everywhere with Hannah (except where he could get lost forever) and takes the best care of her, giving her hugs, love, comfort and reassurance during this long year until Emmanuel could finally arrive. He is truly a trooper, our little son, and he has a special place in both our hearts! We love you Pato!
Gallery
FAQs
Question
Where do I park?
Answer
there is complimentary parking: two handicap spaces, approx. 72 vehicles can park on surrounding surface streets, limited overflow parking in general Point Defiance Park parking areas.
Question
Is there a dress code?
Answer
It is a summer wedding, so please wear something elegant but also that makes you feel comfortable. For example, casual suits, or a dressy casual outfit such as a dress shirt and slacks; chic midi/maxi dresses, flowy, formal tops and slacks or a classy skirt, etc. We want you to be able to express yourself with your best style! It will be an outside ceremony and an indoor reception.
Question
Can I bring a date?
Answer
Absolutely! Please just let us know in your RSVP :)
Question
When should I RSVP by?
Answer
We understand that many of you need to check school schedules, request time off work, etc. so we totally get it if it takes some time. But we would really appreciate if you could make the deadline of May 15, 2025 for RSVPs. :)
RSVP
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