Celina Ruiz
& Sean O’Connor
Photography by Taylor Salerno Photography
Celina and Sean first met in high school marching band, sharing a memorable experience playing together in the Rose Bowl parade. After dating for over two years, they went their separate ways for another five, unaware their individual journeys were shaping them into the match they were to become. Fate intervened in 2018, as Celina and Sean found themselves back home in Texas. A chance encounter rekindled their connection, and they never looked back.
After a beautiful surprise proposal in Santa Barbara, Calif., in 2021, Celina and Sean embarked on making their dream wedding a reality. Envisioning a modern theme with a wine emphasis, they employed a color palette of terracotta, wine, rust and blush to set the stage for a romantic ambiance. Wine-inspired elements were intricately woven throughout their design, from cut wine bottles repurposed as candle holders to wine splashes adorning the escort cards. Even their guest books took the form of cherished wine bottles, inviting guests to leave their well wishes on these meaningful mementos.
FLOWER GRANNIES Celina’s abuela and Sean’s grandmothers served as “flower grannies,” a fun and creative way to have flower girls at their adults-only wedding. “They were so excited and had a ton of fun with it,” Celina says.
ODE TO PINOT Another cherished detail was the inclusion of their beloved Frenchie named Pinot. While she couldn’t be present physically, edible drink toppers and cocktail napkins featuring her face, as well as the name “Pinot’s Bar and Cocktail Hour,” ensured she was present in spirit, adding a playful touch to the festivities.
A highlight of the wedding was the “We’re so glad you’re here” book, where Celina and Sean wrote a bio about each guest and included funny or sweet facts about them. “Everyone loved them so much and told us how much it meant to them,” Celina says. “This was my favorite detail, because we got to express how much we cared for each and every person that was there.”
As for their favorite moments, the intimate moments between them held the most significance. The 15 minutes between the bride and groom portraits and the entrance to the reception provided a cherished opportunity to reflect on their journey, exchange heartfelt words and revel in the joy of finally being married.
MEANINGFUL MUSIC Carefully selected songs added a personal touch to each moment. Celina made her grand entrance to “Perfect” by Atlys while the recessional, “Just the Two of Us,” marked the beginning of their new chapter as a married couple.
Wedding Vendors We Love
Venue & catering: Lazy S Hacienda and Magdalena’s
Hair + Makeup Lip Service Makeup Beer Burros Sweet Ass Servers
More Vendors
Photography Taylor Salerno Photography Event Planning + Design Claryssa Rochon, Narrative Events Co. Bakery Butterfly Cakery Florist The Floral Eclectic Videography Senders Film Co Rentals Top Tier Event Rentals + Staffing Music Sanchez Entertainment Photo Booth Palm+Pine Photo Truck Bartending Liquid Love Co. Taco Vendor Aurora Acosta