Occupations Abby is a senior manager of frontend engineering; Arturo is a senior systems admin.
Wedding date April 6, 2024
Number of Guests 185
Number of Attendants Six bridesmaids and seven groomsmen
How You Met Our mutual friend at college, Becca, was putting together a dance performance for Loyola University’s Latin Night. She needed one more dancer and asked me, Abby, to join the group. A few months later, with some liquid courage on that same mutual friend’s birthday, I approached Arturo to tell him that I was interested . . . and that was it. Basically, it was thanks to our friend, Becca.
The Engagement Arturo always surprises me for my birthday, so my 30th was no different. (He never tells me any details, so I was used to that.) But this time, he seemed extra stressed. He drove me, per usual, into the city, except his family decided to join us from New Jersey because it was such a “milestone birthday.” My mother-in-law even suggested that we take photos. She has always loved a good photoshoot, so it wasn’t that weird. Arturo drove into the parking lot right next to Broadway Pier in Fells Point, where he surprised me with my parents—my mom grinning from ear to ear. We walked to the pier, and that’s where we met the photographer. Pretty soon after starting the photoshoot, Arturo got down on one knee whilst I was turned around. The combination of wind, cold, and Arturo’s quick ask made it hard for me to hear, but I got the picture and said yes, immediately. But the surprises didn’t end there. He had all my friends and family waiting for me at Amicci’s, who also didn’t know we got engaged, just that it was my birthday. It was so fun to walk in, throw out my hand, and have everyone jump up, applaud, and whistle. It was just a wonderful night, and we’ll never forget it.
Wedding Design Inspiration We didn’t want it overly formal because that didn’t feel like us, but at the same time, there’s something so stunning about the springtime and all its signature colors, and I wanted to match that vibe. I’ve always loved a romantic, garden feel. That’s why we were drawn to Winslow. The mix of our romantic garden color scheme with the Winslow’s industrial modern look felt perfect for us.
What Was Unique and Special About Your Wedding Day We were able to be married at the same place we met: our alma mater, Loyola University. We were married at the Loyola University Alumni Chapel, which is right in the middle of campus. Specifically, it’s right next to the bridge where Arturo and I would pass each other on our way to class, where oftentimes, in the beginning, we were just a little too nervous to fully acknowledge each other. In a full circle moment, we were both dropped off for the ceremony (separately, of course) right at that same bridge.
Favorite Details We had so many favorite details, but I think our favorite was how we incorporated our dog, a German Shepherd named Luna, throughout our day. From our wedding cake to having a drink named after her (La Luna Loca), she was everywhere. We even printed out fatheads of her to use during La Hora Loca. It was hilarious to see that people were totally okay with dancing with her and how she was passed around.
Most Unexpected Event On Your Wedding Day Our families are from pretty different backgrounds. Mine is from rural Maryland and both of Arturo’s parents are from Ecuador. So, we weren’t exactly expecting them to mesh on the dance floor, but we were very wrong. Everyone danced the whole night to all the array of music that played, from the Killers to Gerardo Moran. Even members of the waitstaff were dancing as well.
Piece of Advice Amidst all the stressful planning, remember your why. Whenever we would get stressed about all the bad things that could happen, we would always tell each other, “As long as you’re the one at the end of the aisle.” So cheesy, but I knew as long as my best friend was waiting for me at the church, the day would be perfect (and it was).
Beauty Caitlyn Meyer Pro Beauty Team Bridesmaids Azazie Caterer & Cake Linwoods Floral Design Kate Campbell Floral Groom and Groomsmen Jos. A. Bank Honeymoon Hotel Xcaret Arte, Mexico Invitations Minted and Truly Engaging (invitations); PaperDollCalligraphy on Etsy (Baltimore skyline insert) Location Loyola University’s Alumni Chapel (ceremony); The Winslow (reception) Music Barr Entertainment Officiant Rev. William C. Rickle, SJ, PhD Photographer Alicia Wiley Photography Signage Lynn Cipollone Transportation Thoroughbred Transportation Videographer Rivion Films Wedding Outfits Garnish Boutique (ceremony); Nadine Merabi (reception) Wedding Planner The Otherside Creatives