Welcome to our wedding website! We’re so glad you’re here to share in the joy of our journey together. From how we met to where we’re headed, we’ve filled this space with little snippets of our story. Whether you’re family, friends, or both, your support means the world to us, and we can’t wait to celebrate this next chapter with you. Take a look around, and get ready to join us on our big day. Let’s make it unforgettable!
Luz and Ricky’s story started one fateful night in Gainesville in the Summer of 2019. Both were out for a casual night, having fun with friends, and neither expected to find their soulmate that night. Luz had just finished her first year at the University of Florida and was going out with some friends to celebrate before the new semester started. Ricky just so happened to be in town for a party that weekend. During the night, the DJ begins to play some Bachata. Everyone begins to pair up on the dance floor. Ricky notices Luz and asks her if she would like to dance, and she thinks “Why not?”. She’s young and free. These seemingly random decisions have now intertwined their lives forever. They dance to a few songs and talk for a little. There was an instant connection, but for whatever reason they got separated before they were able to exchange any contact information. All Luz knew was that Ricky went to USF in Tampa, so she honestly never really thought she would see him again, but fate had other plans. A few days later, Luz is scrolling on Instagram and sees a familiar face. It’s the boy she danced and talked with! She never thought she would see his face again and here he is on her iPhone. Once again, she thinks “why not?” She’s young and free. She follows him on Instagram. He then follows back and sends her a DM, the fairytale begins from there. A modern-day love story.
Luz and Ricky had continued their conversation for a few weeks. Texting every few days turned into texting every day, which then turned into texting nearly every hour of the day. The chemistry was there, but there was just one small problem. They lived nearly 150 miles away from each other. The conversations were hopeful, but they really had no idea when they would be able to see each other again. Through their daily texts, they revealed some exciting information. Luz and Ricky just so happened to be going to Orlando the same exact weekend! This was it, this was fate! This was destiny saying “There’s something more there, go pursue it”. Luz traveled from Gainesville and Ricky from Tampa. They both decided to ditch their friends on a Saturday night in a city that neither of them was from to meet up with each other. Disney Springs became the location where this love story took its next step. There was no extravagant dinner, no fancy dresses or suits, no lavish activities. It was just two kids sitting on a bench, eating a caramel apple and falling for the person beside them. They talked for HOURS, and yet it felt like no time had passed at all. They were in their own world talking about everything; their childhood, their families, their goals, and their dreams. The more time passed on that bench, the more the feeling grew within each of them, they knew they found their person. It was now late and their conversation had been interrupted with the announcement that the park was closing. As they walked out, there was only one question left in both of their heads. “Now what?” Ricky dropped Luz off back at her friend’s house. Neither of them was particularly looking for a relationship (especially a long-distance one), but now they could not just let each other go without trying. They both knew it would be difficult and take a lot of work and sacrifice, but nothing worth having comes easy. The texts and FaceTime calls continued, the spontaneous road trips began, Luz and Ricky officially began dating on October 16th, 2019, and the rest is history. There is so much more to our story, and this is truly the beginning! There was so much luck and so many people involved, so many things had to go right or wrong. But it made us fight for each other and we would not have had it any other way. We’re so grateful for those random summer nights, and the beautiful journey it has led us on. And we are so grateful for all of you, who have played a role in shaping our relationship or making us the people we are today. We cannot wait to celebrate with you all! With love, The Future Iriartes
Ricky proposed to Luz in July 2024, right before our big move to Chicago. Luz didn’t see it coming—she was too busy stressing about medical school (and possibly regretting her neon green nails from the Ferxxo concert). Thankfully, she was talked into a manicure upgrade just in time. It was the perfect surprise, and yes, she said yes!
Right now, we’re soaking up everything Chicago has to offer. Beyond that? Who knows! We dream of moving back to Florida one day to be closer to family and continue creating memories with the people we love. For now, we’re enjoying the journey, one adventure at a time. We cannot wait to start our next chapter .