Lupe Martinez and Rafael Gonzalez’s relationship followed an unusual path: Rafael drove Lupe home once in high school, but they didn’t see each other again until a family gathering 14 years later. They went to church on their first date, which was followed by a romantic gondola ride with flowers and wine. When it came time to wed, it was love at first sight when they toured The Fillmore on Central. They created a romantic and abundantly floral wedding that honored their Latino heritage. Lupe walked down the aisle to “Helium” by Sia, performed on harp and cello by Strange Interlude. With the couple’s three daughters standing beside them and their dogs serving as ring bearers, the ceremony was extra special for them. Their abuelitas (grandmothers) placed a lasso made of hydrangeas over them. Usually, the tradition is carried out by a married couple, but these two women have played significant roles in Lupe’s and Rafael’s lives. The major theme of the wedding was flowers—not surprising since Lupe grows flowers—and most of the florals were planted and harvested specifically for the wedding. This included roses, snapdragons, hanging amaranthus and ranunculus. With their Latino backgrounds, the couple wanted music to be an important part of the night. The couple made a memorable entrance to the reception, arriving to the beat of a banda, and the guests subsequently danced the night away. So much fun was had that even a couple of tables and flower arrangements were knocked over during the garter toss, a moment to remember from a perfect day.
