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GARY
and
SELENA

Thursday, November 14, 2024

Thursday, November 14, 2024

Location

Venue: Botanica The Venue

Address: 190 Wilshire Rd, Oceanside, CA 92057

Parking: Available on-site but please carpool if possible

Ceremony

3:00 pm - Guest Arrival

 

3:15 pm - Wedding Ceremony

The ceremony will begin promptly at 3:15pm at the cove and upper lawn on property

Let's Eat

4:00 pm -  Cocktail hour and dinner to follow on the Market Lit Lawn. Don't forget to bring a jacket!

Drinks, Dinner, Desserts

It's a Party

6:45 pm -  Dance Party in the heated tent (Heart of the Garden)

 

Take a photo at the photobooth and join the dance party

OUR LOVE STORY

How we met

Long ago in 2006 a friendship was forged in a pre-algebra class in Corona, California. One was good at math, the other, not so much. As the years went by and the two entered high school as young adults their friendship only grew. Spending holidays together and going to high school dances, supporting each other as they moved through the hustle and bustle of high school. Finding loves and losing loves. Eventually they would separate and the friendship would be set on pause as life had different plans for the two of them. One going to college and the other staying in their hometown. 

Fast forward to

The two would eventually meet up again and rekindle that lost friendship. Occasionally meeting up for food and hanging out at a karaoke bar. They began to grow fond of each others company. Neither of them noticed or saw what was actually happening though. That the deep sense of unconditional love that was always there from the beginning had began to slowly transform into affection for one another. - written by Gary Mai

The proposal

Gary planned the most special proposal ever, working with his sister Ehryn and our close friends and family (thank you, Kamile!) to create an unforgettable moment. He took me to dinner at Javier's, which was already wonderful. Afterward, he surprised me by taking me to a private beach. He told me to wear a dress, but then proceeded to make me run and climb rocks lol. It turns out he didn’t want to miss proposing at sunset, and I had made us late by making him stop so I could pee, hehehe. When we finally got to the spot, I saw a beautiful heart covered in roses. Thinking it was set up for someone else, I suggested we go check it out. To my complete surprise, it was for me. In that magical moment, surrounded by love and intention, Gary proposed, and it was perfect. But he didn’t stop there! He had also planned an after-party with all of our friends to celebrate the engagement. It was an incredible night, filled with joy, laughter, and so much love.

One more thing

FORMAL

DRESS CODE

black tie optional

WE HOPE YOU
CAN JOIN US

SHARE THE LOVE

Gifts and Love

Your presence is the greatest gift we could ask for. Gary and I have been blessed and living together for a few years and don't need anything. If you wish to give something, kindly consider donating to our first home fund & new life together.

Guest Invitation Details

Due to limited space, each invitation will specify the names of the invited guests. To help us manage seating arrangements efficiently, we kindly ask that you follow the RSVP process as outlined. Please, no surprises! If you wish to request additional invitations, you may do so in the RSVP form. However, we cannot guarantee accommodations, as we are prioritizing our close friends and family. Thank you for your understanding.

  • Where should I stay?
    For our wedding in Oceanside, we recommend a few local hotels that offer great accommodations: SpringHill Suites by Marriott San Diego Oceanside/Downtown Holiday Inn Oceanside Marina, an IHG Hotel Club Wyndham Oceanside Pier Resort Best Western Plus Oceanside Palms Additionally, we have had a lot of luck with Airbnb and Hotwire for better deals closer to the date. These options can provide a more personalized stay and potentially lower rates. We suggest checking these platforms as you get closer to the wedding for the best offers. We look forward to celebrating with you!
  • What should I wear?
    Our wedding is a formal event (black-tie optional), so we encourage you to dress in what makes you feel good! Additionally, please bring a jacket, as the ceremony and dinner will be held outdoors and it may get chilly in the evening. We will have outdoor heaters, but it’s best to be prepared. The reception will be held in a heated tent.
  • How do I RSVP?
    To RSVP, please use the button above that says "RSVP." We kindly ask that you RSVP for each person individually to help us manage our guest list and seating arrangements. Please note that only those addressed in the invitation are invited. We ask that you do not bring any surprise guests to allow room for our close family and friends. Thank you for your understanding, and we look forward to celebrating with you!
  • When do I need to RSVP by?
    Kindly confirm your attendance by September 20, 2024 to ensure we have a seat for you!
  • Do I need to bring my ID?
    Yes, please if you plan to drink lol
  • Where do I park?
    Parking is available on-site, but we highly recommend considering carpooling to make the process smoother for everyone. We also strongly suggest getting an Uber from your hotel or Airbnb to streamline your arrival and, of course, to fully enjoy the open bar without any worries. Please plan to arrive early to avoid any delays.
  • Registry and Gifts
    A gift in this economy? 🤣We are blessed to not need anything as we have been living together for awhile now. Your presence is our present! If you wish to give us a gift, our goals are to buy our first home and take a honeymoon. Blessings toward these goals are appreciated but not expected by any means. You can do this under the gifts tab.
  • TL;DR
    Friendly Reminders: Arrival Time: Please plan to arrive by 3:00 PM, as the ceremony will begin at 3:15 PM. Formal Attire/ Black Tie Optional: Dress in something that makes you feel good! The ceremony and dinner will be held outdoors, we kindly ask that you bring a jacket for the evening. The reception will be in a heated tent. RSVP: Kindly RSVP for all attending family members, including yourself, your spouse, parents, and children. Please, no surprise guests—unless your surprise guest is Ariana Grande. 😍 RSVP by September 20, 2024 to ensure we save your seat! Contact info: Selena - 9514548926 text only please. Gary - 9514967236

FAQ

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