WE’RE MARRIED!

Freshman year of high school, sitting on completely opposite sides of Mr. Fish's Spanish class, we had no idea who each other were. We had only heard of each other's names. Sofia sat next to one of Tanner's best friends, Jordan, which gave Tanner the perfect excuse to talk to Sofia (and steal her Spanish homework). Right away a friendship blossomed. They talked everyday in Spanish class, copied off of each other's homework and tests, and ate lunch together. Eventually, the casual talking turned into a sweet romance. On March 7, 2013, Tanner asked Sofia to be his girlfriend. The rest is history.

While Sofia was away at college, she asked Tanner to plan a dinner date for both of their families to attend while she would be home for Christmas Break. Little did Sofia know, this would turn into her magical proposal! Tanner planned the whole thing. He invited both his and Sofia's parents, siblings, nieces, and nephews. He planned to have dinner at The Old Spaghetti Factory in Riverside, then to walk around Mission Inn for the Festival of Lights. He even coordinated to have a photographer (family friend, Kelsey Daffern)! A month before the dinner date, Tanner had asked for Sofia's parents’ blessing to have her hand in marriage. After he got their approval, he went to the ring district in Los Angeles, and had the PERFECT ring made for Sofia. The night of December 28, 2016, the family "happened" to run into Kelsey (the photographer) and decided to do an impromptu photoshoot (so Sofia thought). Once it was time to do "couple only" shoots, Sofia and Tanner took a few pictures together, then before Sofia knew what was happening, Tanner was down on one knee in front of the sparkling lights, with the gorgeous ring, asking Sofia to be his wife.

The night before, Tanner stayed at his parents house and Sofia stayed at her parents house, where her mom, Molly, painted her toes and nails and we spent hours making tamales! The next morning Tanner went and played golf while Sofia helped her mom put together bouquets, clean and decorate the house, and other last minute wedding details. Then Sofia’s sister, Chloe, did Sofia’s hair and make up. Around 4pm we all made our way to Tanner’s sisters (Brittani) friend’s property where we would be getting married. Surrounded by our closest loved ones, we were married by Sofia’s Uncle Jesse on that beautiful property with spectacular views. Sofia’s father, Ben, and step father, Drew, walked her down the aisle. We had Chloe and Brittani standing as bridesmaids and Benjamin (Sofia’s little brother) and Ryan (Tanner’s brother in law) standing as groomsmen. The small, intimate ceremony involved sharing our own personal vows, which we hope you were able to hear via the Zoom! After the ceremony, we took many, many photos! Then everyone went to Sofia’s parents house where we ate our homemade tamales, rice, and beans. For dessert, we had pie baked by Sofia’s brother in law, Brandon! We wish we could have had the party we originally planned to celebrate with all of our friends and family, but we are so grateful that our parents and siblings were able to attend this impromptu elopement. We are looking forward to being able to celebrate with everyone!