We are eagerly counting down the days until October 4th and we hope you are too! Please use this website as a helpful guide to our nuptials. Luke and I look forward to toasting to our marriage with our family and friends!
Grace is a native San Diegan and grew up in Rancho Peñasquitos. After graduating high school she studied art history, which inspired her to study abroad in Spain.
While completing her studies at UCSD, Grace began a job at Beverages and More, where she would run the weekly wine tastings. Her love for food and drink expanded as she discovered the art of wine making and tasting.
Currently, Grace works as a birth clerk at Sharp Mary Birch Hospital for Women and Newborns.
Luke Anthony Aguilar
Luke grew up in the charming town of Exeter where he excelled as an athlete in football, basketball, and baseball. A few years after high school, Luke decided to make the move south to San Diego.
After the move, Luke worked various jobs throughout San Diego, until he eventually found his way to Beverages and More. At BevMo Luke was trained as a Level 1 Sommelier, and developed a taste for great wine and beer.
Currently, Luke is in his last semester of radiologic technician school and works as a technician assistant in radiology at Sharp Memorial Hospital.
"Men are like wine -- some turn to vinegar, but the BEST improve with age. " ~ Pope John XXIII
Luke and I owe our future marriage to a bottle of Argentinian Gascon Malbec. It was March 2008, and Southern Wine and Spirits held a wine tasting for BevMo employees across San Diego.
I had just approached the Malbec table to have my first taste of Gascon, when a really cute boy held out his glass next to me to have himself a pour. He flashed me a toothy smile and asked, "How do you like the wine?" I returned his smile and commented on how I enjoyed it.
When the tasting ended, our BevMo gang decided to continue our exploration of libation at Ballast Point Brewery in Mira Mesa. A few glasses of beer in a belly full of wine created the perfect recipe for honest conversation. Sooner then later, Luke asked me the question that would begin it all, "We should hang out sometime...".
I gave him my number.
And...
Timing his call for a perfect not-too-eager-but-still-interested 5 days later, Luke left me a message on St. Patrick's day.
And we never looked back.
Mainly, because if we did, we would find embarrassing pictures like this...
...and especially this...
*sigh*
We were so young back then. Pink shirts and throwin' the deuces... /facepalm
Luke and I were quickly approaching our 5 year anniversary on Cinco de Mayo. We decided to celebrate with dinner on the 4th since I was working on Sunday. But at the last minute Luke surprised me with news that he had made reservations at The Lafayette Hotel in North Park. My wonderful boss hinted that this may be something big, and insisted on working for me on Sunday. I put all my fantastical assumptions at bay to protect myself from setting my hopes too high. It was our 5 anniversary after all, and that may be all Luke planned on celebrating.
But, Oh, was I wrong.
Luke told me we had reservations at 6:30, but as we made our way to the restaurant, he suggested that we make a quick stop at the hotel to check in and maybe have a drink. We pulled up to the parking gate and Luke grabs the hotel key from his wallet. Surprised, I asked, "How did you get the rooms keys? I thought we still had to check in?" Luke simply grinned and said, "They mailed me the keys..." LOL, that's strange, I thought.
We gathered our things and took the elevator to the top floor. As we walk out, Luke happily explained that there were only two rooms on the top floor. At this point I was still fighting the feeling that he had something extra special planned. He unlocked the door to our room and I walked in on a path of rose petals.
Now pause, for a moment. This is somewhat out of character for Luke, we are typically not big romantics, so the rose petals were a definite surprise for me. I followed the rose petal path into the bedroom, and I found this...
Speechless...
Luke proudly smiled and proclaimed that it was his idea to make the heart. He even had the menu from Ra Sushi, which was the restaurant Luke took me to for our first date. He also had a bottle of the Gascon Malbec on the bed, which was the wine we were tasting when we first met.
Luke then directed me to to the side table where he had five bottles of wine and a bottle of sake set up with two wine glasses. He started to explain that he had set up a special tasting for the two of us with wines from New Zealand, Napa Valley, Spain, Italy, France and a Japanese sake. All the places that we would travel to together in the future. This is where my heart strings began to be pulled.
Luke opened the sake and poured a taste for us. I could feel his nerves building as he tried to mask his feelings with laughter. He tenderly grabbed my hand, and I was surprised at how unsteady his hands and words were becoming. I had never seen my extroverted boyfriend like this before...ever. He looked at me and smiled saying, "These last five years have been amazing... Will you make me the luckiest man alive and marry me?"
I was overcome by emotion, after I had met Luke some five years ago, I had wanted nothing more but to spend the rest of my life with him. I could not think of a more perfect person to share all the seasons of life with. Luke has been the only person who has seen me through my highs and lows, and has managed to love me more in spite of my faults. So without hesitation, I enthusiastically said "YES!".
The Happiest Day of my life.
After a few phone calls to my mother, sister and a few of my very good girlfriends, Luke and I continued our special evening with dinner at the restaurant we celebrated our 2 year anniversary years ago, Bleu Boheme.
My Boeuf Bourguignon was exceptional, but the company I kept was better.
After I managed to come back down to Earth, I realized how much thought Luke put into the entire proposal. For weeks he had been consulting with the wonderful couple who own Irelia Fine Jewlry in Little Italy.
The next day Luke took me to their lovely shop to resize the ring. Come to find out, I assumed I wore a size 6 ring, but in reality, I am a 3 1/2! Even though we arrived at Irelia before opening hours, Irelia was happy to open the doors for us. She was so sweet and excited for us as we told her about the proposal. I was also able to meet her husband, Fernando. He immediately resized my ring and it was securely back on my finger just minutes later! While we waited, Irelia told us her and Fernando's love story, and how they built their business together; it made my ring even that much more special.
On our Wedding Maps site, you can view our ceremony and reception destination, as well as get some helpful information for those out of town guests about hotels, rental cars and airports.
I just finished adding the pictures of my bridal party and I couldn't help thinking, "Damn! We have one HOT wedding party!" No seriously, look at these gorgeous faces! I feel like I'm scrolling through the "hot" section of Hot or Not.com (remember that? So early 2000's, lol).
Matron of Honor: Charlene Del Puerto
My beautiful older sister. She is nothing short of amazing and has helped guide me through so much mental and spiritual growth. Besides my mother, she has been the one person who has had the most positive influence in my life. Charlene is an amazing wife and mother whose passion for writing, travel and learning continually inspires me.
The Beautiful Bridesmaids...
Anne Poore
Anne is one of my few friends that I can claim has known me for my entire life. My family lived next door to Anne's grandmother, Baba, who later became my "adopted" grandmother. The story goes, when Anne's mother, Denise, was pregnant with her, my mother rubbed her belly and said she wished she could get pregnant as well. Then nearly a year later I was born! She is the most amazing person and the greatest mother to her two awesome children, Kayden & little Anna!
BFF:
Maureen MacManus
Maureen, or "Mo" as we all like to call her, used to be my roomie when we lived in Del Mar and Pacific Beach during our college years. She is my favorite baking partner and can make a mean Crème Brûlée. Currently, she's in the home stretch for her JD at USD, and is one of the most ambitious people I know.
Kathy Chong
I remember the first time I met Kathy when she started a job at BevMo. My first conversation with her ended with me thinking, "Kathy is such a sweet person!". Years later that has not changed at all. Kathy worked her way through nursing school, and after graduating, she participated in humanitarian work in Africa and Haiti. Just recently has moved back to L.A. to begin the next chapter in her career!
Renee Medina
Renee and I immediately clicked when I met her as a fellow Gallery Guide at The New Children's Museum. She's an amazing artist who studied studio art at UCSD, and even got a second degree in nursing! Renee has a great creative eye and helped style our amazing Save the Date photos. Plus, I can always count on her when I need to nerd-out on Game of Thrones or food.
Bailey Choi
Bailey and I met through mutual friends, and she is just so fabulous! We share a mutual love for great breakfasts, Aila Wang (look her up, she's adorbs), cupcakes, and Home Goods. I don't think I've ever seen her without perfect hair and makeup. Miss Bailey, as her students call her, is just so much fun! She's completing her PhD in Education at UCSD.
Stephanie Smith
Luke and I have known Stephanie just as long as we've known each other. Stephanie is truly a beautiful person inside and out. I am always impressed at how effortlessly fashionable and creative she is. Steph is putting her creativity to use as budding art history major at SDSU.
Anna Aguilar
Anna is Luke's older sister and she has such a big heart. She constantly seeks out adventure, and has worked at Sicon Camp, Camp Cuyamaca, Sequoia National Park, and Yosemite National Park. Her travels have taken her to Ireland, Argentina, and to an outreach program in Mexico.
Marissa Aguilar
Marissa is Luke's youngest sister who is currently living in Texas while going to school to become an ultrasound technician. I first met Marissa when she was still in high school, and I've been lucky to have seen her grow up into a beautiful young woman. She is always smiling :)
Yvonne Gonzalez
Yvonne is Luke's younger cousin, and she is a master at hair and makeup. I look back at my high school pictures and think,"OMG what was I thinking?". Fortunately, Yvonne will not have that same problem because ever since I first met her she always styled herself to perfection!
These ladies are my heart and soul. They are all so special to Luke and I in many different ways. I'm confident our wedding will be a blast with these beautiful girls at my side!
Wow, I feel like singing Wannabe now after that :)
Jake has been one of my closest friends since we were in middle school. We grew up playing basketball, baseball, and football together. He introduced me to video games, one of our favorites was 007 Goldeneye. I love Jake's competitiveness and his leadership qualities. I don't thank Jake enough for introducing me to fantasy sports, the best hobby ever.
The Handsome Groomsmen:
Miguel Balderas
Miguel has been one of my best friends since high school. The first time I met him he said his group of friends could beat my friends, and he challenged us to a basketball game. We grew up competing in sports and battling each other at Madden and FIFA soccer. I've always been inspired by his ambition and drive to be the best. One of my favorite books, Lone Survivor, reminds me of his work ethic. Miguel serves for us in the Navy.
Chris Gonzalez
My cousin Chris is one of the craziest guys I know, and I mean that in a good way. He loves riding his sports bike, surfing, and being the best Dad to two amazing kids. I moved in with Chris right out of high school into our infamous bachelor pad on Main St. I admire the strength he's shown through the tough times; he's definitely taught me to live in the moment.
Isidro Garcia
C-Dro is one of the hardest working guys I know, we've been good friends since high school. I remember he always had his truck fixed up, sitting on some nice wheels and a shiny paint-job. Growing up he amazed me at how he could talk his way out of anything and he always managed to get us out of a bind. I love having beers with this guy, he's always the life of the party.
Edgar Morales
I met Edgar when I first moved to San Diego. We sold women's shoes at Fashion Valley together and have been friends ever since. This guy is one of the best salesman I know and I'm inspired by the success he has made for himself. I've seen his hard work pay off and he now runs his own Hugo Boss store.
Ryan Kuratomi
Ryan, Renee, Gracie and I have all been good friends for the last five years. Ryan and I clicked right away with our love for good food and alcohol. Ryan appreciates good classic music (like Sam Cooke and Souls of Mischief-93 'til Infinity), not most of the crap you hear on the radio these days. He has a passion for helping others through his job at the Media Arts Center in North Park and he is the talent behind our Save the Date.
Brian Visser
Brian has been a great friend and person to know. He has a respect for quality food (Crack Pie!) and great BBQ. Brian has a love for traveling and is a gun enthusiast. I can always rely on him for updates on the latest/coolest TV shows and movies.
Walker Vanos
Walker is a great all around friend. He loves sports, good beer, and playing golf. I'm thankful for all the amazing beer he has shared with us over the years. He definitely has the talent to be the next best brewer in San Diego. He's introduced me to one of my favorite authors Cormac McCarthy.
Nicolas Del Puerto
Nick is Gracie's nephew and he is growing up quick. The creativity runs in Gracie's family-Nick is awesome at video games, loves art, and can sing. He's about to start 7th grade and I'm looking forward to helping him out with basketball. He's going to be talented at whatever he encounters.
Wasn't it just yesterday that Nick was my little bright-eyed boy? Time flies by, and we are so proud of the intelligent and thoughtful person he is becoming.
