Meet the Groomsmen

Left to Right:

Nader (friend)

Jose (groom)

Ralph (brother and best man)

Mike Ochoa (friend and best man)

Ruben (friend)

Jose and Mike Rappaport (friend)

Registry Information

We are registered at Macy's and Crate and Barrel


Macy's Registry:

http://macys.weddingchannel.com/gvr/guestregistrydetail.action?retailer_registry_uid=310791140&listby=dept

Crate and Barrel:

http://www.crateandbarrel.com/Gift-Registry/Guest/ViewRegistry.aspx?grid=4317461

Ceremony Location

Our wedding ceremony will take place at the beautiful and historic San Fernando Mission Rey de España. We recommend that you get to the ceremony location early to walk the beautiful grounds.

Cermony Time: 4:30PMLocation: 15151 San Fernando Mission BlvdMission Hills, CA 93145-1109

HISTORY OF THE MISSION
Mission San Fernando Rey de España was founded on September 8, 1797 by Father Fermín Lasuén, making it the fourth mission site he had established in as many months. The prime location the padre selected, located along the principal highway leading to the Pueblo de Los Angeles, had been occupied by Francisco Reyes (then Los Angeles’ mayor). However, after brief negotiations construction of the first buildings was soon underway (Mission records list Reyes as godfather to the first infant baptized at San Fernando).In 1845, Governor Pío Pico declared the Mission buildings for sale and, in 1846, made Mission San Fernando Rey de España his headquarters. The Mission was utilized in a number of ways during the late 1800s: it was a station for the Butterfield Stage Lines; it served as a warehouse for the Porter Land and Water Company; and in 1896, the quadrangle was used as a hog farm. San Fernando’s church became a working church again in 1923 when the Oblate priests arrived. Many attempts were made to restore the old Mission from the early 1900s, but it was not until the Hearst Foundation gave a large gift of money in the 1940s, that the Mission was finally restored. In 1971, a large earthquake damaged the church, which had to be completely rebuilt. The repairs were completed in 1974. It continues to be very well cared for and is still used as a chapel-of-ease.

Our Story

We met during our sophomore year at the University of California, Riverside. We were both Business majors and had a lot of classes together. We were also part of the same business and social clubs on campus. During our college years we were strictly friends as cupid had yet to strike his bow. However for some reason, we both knew that we had a very special connection and that our lives would somehow stay connected in the future.

We both graduated in June of 2001 with a degree in Business Administration. Looking back at graduation, we even sat next to each other (perhaps that was a foreshadowing of things to come).

After graduation, we maintained in touch via frequent phone calls. However it was not until middle of 2004 when we realized our feelings for each other stemmed a bit further than just “friends”. How did this happen? How did we go from being just friends to becoming romantically involved? It has been said that absence sharpens love while presence strengthens it. This was certainly true for us. At the time, Yansy’s job required her to do a lot of international travel. She was out of the country quite frequently. Although she was miles away, sometimes oceans apart and even in different time zones, we managed to talk on the phone on a regular basis. Sometimes for hours upon hours never getting bored with each other and always discovering something new. There was a certain level of comfort over these phone conversations that often accompanied a smile of remembrance. It was during one of those long phone conversations when we both admitted to having a crush on each other. Long story short, we decided to go on a date as soon as Yansy returned from her trip. One date turned into three and four and by the time winter of 2004 rolled around, we were officially boyfriend/girlfriend.

It had been an amazing journey, discovering one another on a deeper level, getting to know each other’s friends and family, and being there for each other through the good, the bad, and the ugly. It was during one of those good days, a lovely summer afternoon in late June 2008 when we got engaged. The engagement was beautiful and understated. We had lunch on the beach at a restaurant overlooking Laguna Beach. After lunch we decided to take a walk along the water to watch the sunset. Right as the sun was setting on the beautiful Laguna coastline, Jose propped down on one knee and spoke the magic words “What are you doing for the rest of your life?". The rest is history! We are both extremely lucky and greatful to have found each other and are looking forward to growing with one another as the next chapters of our lives unfold.

Thank you for being such great friends and we hope that you will continue to be a part of our lives :)

xoxo

yansy and jose

Meet the Bridesmaids

Cynthia – Cousin of the bride: Cynthia and Yansy have always been close and always hung out together when they were younger. She is married and has two beautiful boys (Brandon and Jerimiah)

Linh – Friend of the bride: Yansy met Linh in 2001 while working at Ernst & Young LLP (maybe that is where all good friendships begin?) lol. Linh is an extremely creative person (she was the brainchild behind the save-the-date cards). She is also very stylish, considerate, and fun.

Leah – Friend of the Bride: Leah and Yansy met in 2001 while working at Ernst & Young LLP. Leah was one of the first “cool” people that Yansy met at work and they instantly bonded. Leah is the perfect friend to laugh with; she is very funny and finds the humor in every situation and had a big heart. Yansy and Leah have shared many great memories together, especially those surrounding travel, wine, and martinis. Leah is also a huge dog lover, which makes her more luvable.

Jenny – friend of the bride: Yansy and Jenny used to work together at Ernst & Young LLP. They were also ex-roommates. They shared an apartment in Sherman Oaks and became super close friends. Yansy and Jenny have shared many moments together and too many sushi dinners.

Martha – Friend of the bride and sister of the groom: Martha and Yansy were friends long before she dated Jose. Martha is an extremely funny and clever person. She has the best one-liners out there and can always make you laugh. She also loves to party and is very family oriented.

Mimi - friend of the bride: Yansy and Mimi met while working at Ernst & Young. They have shared many fun memories and dinners together. Mimi is a great cook, a loyal friend, and alwys there for her friends.