Saint Raphael Catholic Church

Ceremony

Como Park Zoo & Conservatory

Reception

Our Wedding

In the bustling streets of St. Paul, a modern-day fairy tale unfolded, guided by fate and friendship. Oscar, a kind-hearted soul with a twinkle in his eye, crossed paths with Sonia, a gentle spirit with dreams as vast as the sky, all orchestrated by their dear friends Oscar (Oscar's bf) and Cristina. Their meeting was like something out of a storybook—a chance encounter that ignited a spark of curiosity, leading to a whirlwind romance filled with stolen glances and shared laughter. It was during one of these stolen moments that Oscar, inspired by the depth of his feelings for Sonia, dedicated Si Tú Quieres by Elefante to her, a song that captured the essence of their love. As they walked through the streets of St. Paul, Oscar and Sonias love blossomed, growing stronger with each passing day. But it was their children, Geovanni and Jakzenny, who truly brought them together, their laughter and innocence acting as the glue that bound their hearts as one family. On Christmas Eve in 2023, beneath the glow of twinkling lights and the enchanting views of Stillwater Oscar dropped to one knee, presenting Sonia with a ring that sparkled as brightly as her eyes. Filled with joy and happines, Sonia accepted, feeling as though she had stepped into a fairy tale of her own. Now, as the summer sun paints the sky with hues of gold and amber, Oscar and Sonia eagerly await their wedding day on August 10th, 2024. Surrounded by the love and support of their families, specially their children Geovanni and Jakzenny, they will exchange vows, sealing their love with a kiss that echoes through the ages. Their wedding will be a celebration of love, magic, and the belief that happily ever afters do come true. Oscar, Sonia, Geovanni, and Jakzenny stand as living proof that even in the modern world, fairy tales are real, and love is the greatest magic of all.

Our Fairy Tale 

Our Story

Photos

As their officiant, I am humbled to witness this sacred union, blessed by the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. With hearts full of faith and hope, Oscar and Sonia embark on this journey together, guided by the teachings of the Church and the love of God. Let us surround them with prayers and support as they vow to build a Christian home, where they will nurture each other in faith and love, and where Christ's presence will be the foundation of their marriage. 

Reverend Nick Hagen

Geo is an amazing person, we couldn't get married without him being by our side, he is Oscar's biggest love, best friend, best man and the best person to custody our wedding rings. I love him a lot and I have the gift to be called "His other mom" and that is more than I could ever ask. Who knows he may be willing to give the best man speech (only if he wants to) :)

Geovanni Duarte

Jakzenny is our oldest daughter, she loves Oscar's as it was his biological dad and have many similarities to his way of being. I am happy to have found not just the love of my life but the best father figure I could ever asked for. Keep an eye for Monse's surprise performance at the reception :) 

Jakzenny Reynosa

Isabella is my one and only niece (I do have 3 more nephews) but she is the only girl. She is a little princess lighthearted and sweet. She makes everyone around her smile with her contagious laugh and I am happy to have her as my flower girl :) in our big day! 

Isabella Rodriguez 

One of my younger cousins, she is funny, kind and caring. She is also a soon-to-be wife to her boyfriend James, they are engaged, and I guess she will be the next one :) 

Fatima Gomez 

At the youthful age of 14, Samantha embodies the essence of joy and enthusiasm. With her infectious laughter and boundless energy, she brings a vibrant charm to every moment of the festivities.

Samantha Garcia 

One of my favorites person ever. I guess that is all I have to say :) 

Valeria Garcia 

Jayden is the one that made Oscar uncle for the 1st time. When he was little he used to sneak in Oscar’s room to use his computers, not knowing that he would take pictures of himself leaving a trace behind :). He's biggest dream is to outgrow Oscar, but that day is also still yet to come, or may not ever come? Take your guess! 

Jayden

The youngest nephew aka Kawa. He’s funny and always makes people smile :), He easily gets in trouble. Until today he is still trying to beat Oscar in video games and that day is still yet to come.  

Christopher

Wedding Party

Q + A

In St. Paul (Downtown St. Paul)Make yourself at home in one of the 210 guestrooms featuring refrigerators and LED televisions. Cable television is provided for your entertainment. Private bathrooms with showers feature complimentary toiletries and hair dryers. Conveniences include desks and microwaves, as well as phones with free local calls.A stay at Drury Plaza Hotel St. Paul Downtown places you

Drury Plaza Hotel St. Paul Downtown

Near Xcel Energy CenterMake yourself at home in one of the 251 air-conditioned rooms featuring refrigerators and flat-screen televisions. Cable programming and video-game consoles are provided for your entertainment, while complimentary wireless internet access keeps you connected. Private bathrooms have designer toiletries and hair dryers. Conveniences include phones, as well as safes and desks.I

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel St. Paul Downtown

Near Xcel Energy CenterMake yourself at home in one of the 100 guestrooms, featuring kitchens with full-sized refrigerators/freezers and stovetops. Wired and wireless internet access is complimentary, while 50-inch LED televisions with cable programming provide entertainment. Conveniences include desks and separate sitting areas, as well as phones with free local calls.With a stay at Residence Inn

Residence Inn by Marriott St. Paul Downtown

In St. Paul (Summit - University)Make yourself at home in one of the 8 individually decorated guestrooms, featuring kitchenettes. 42-inch flat-screen televisions with satellite programming provide entertainment, while complimentary wireless internet access keeps you connected. Bathrooms with separate bathtubs and showers feature jetted bathtubs and designer toiletries. Conveniences include safes a

The Davidson

Como Lake Bed and Breakfast.

In St. Paul (Union Park)Make yourself at home in one of the 93 guestrooms. Complimentary wireless internet access keeps you connected, and cable programming is available for your entertainment. Bathrooms have shower/tub combinations and hair dryers. Conveniences include desks and coffee/tea makers, and housekeeping is provided daily.With a stay at Quality Inn St. Paul-Minneapolis-Midway in St. Pau

Quality Inn St. Paul Minneapolis Midway

In the business districtMake yourself at home in one of the 113 air-conditioned rooms featuring refrigerators and microwaves. Your pillowtop bed comes with premium bedding. 48-inch flat-screen televisions with cable programming provide entertainment, while complimentary wireless internet access keeps you connected. Private bathrooms with shower/tub combinations feature complimentary toiletries and

LivINN Hotel St. Paul – I 94 – East 3M Area

Near M Health Fairview Woodwinds HospitalMake yourself at home in one of the 152 air-conditioned rooms featuring refrigerators and flat-screen televisions. Your pillowtop bed comes with premium bedding. Complimentary wireless internet access keeps you connected, and cable programming is available for your entertainment. Conveniences include desks and microwaves, and housekeeping is provided daily.

Country Inn & Suites by Radisson Woodbury MN

Near Rosedale CenterMake yourself at home in one of the 175 air-conditioned rooms featuring refrigerators and flat-screen televisions. Complimentary wireless internet access keeps you connected, and cable programming is available for your entertainment. Private bathrooms with shower/tub combinations feature designer toiletries and hair dryers. Conveniences include desks and complimentary newspaper

Norwood Inn & Suites Roseville

Travel

Giant 4-level mall with hundreds of stores, plus restaurants, a theme park, cinema &amp; aquarium.

Mall of America®

Modest residential Como draws families to Como Regional Park, home of the Como Park Zoo and Conservatory, the latter featuring a 1915 glasshouse with ferns and orchids. Trails encircle Como Lake, with boat rentals and an elegant lakeside pavilion that hosts summer concerts. There's also a small amusement park, an antique carousel and an 18-hole golf course that becomes a cross-country ski area in winter.

Oscar + Sonia

Oscar + Sonia

Q + A

What time should I arrive to the ceremony?

What is the dress code?

Will the ceremony and reception take place indoors or outdoors?

What will the weather be like?

What will your wedding-day timeline look like?