Story
Victoria and Andrew's story begins much like that of any great romance - above average coffee in a café at Deloitte University, some very eccentric socks, and the balcony at the Black Friar Pub in Uptown, Dallas. Initially just flirtatious friends, opportunities to spend time with Victoria quickly became Andrew's favorite part of a day.
Andrew used his knowledge, wit, and the Skype for Business Messenger application to send Victoria "Fun Facts of the Day" on a near daily basis just to prompt a conversation. After several months, Andrew finally worked up the nerve to ask Victoria to dinner - Chinese food at Trinity Groves followed by a piece of chocolate at Kate Weiser. The rest, as they say, is history.
Tidbits
How did you first meet?
We met in the café at Deloitte University.
Who made the first move? How?
Andrew made the first, and second, and third, and 20th move, which were apparently not particularly obvious to Victoria until her cousin, Leslye, pointed out that "motorcycle boy" was very interested in Victoria.
What was your most memorable date?
Andrew: My most memorable date with Victoria will always be going to the Dodger's game in L.A. It will sound silly, but Victoria offering to go grab me a beer from the concession stands really struck me, and I still have the tickets to this day, albeit digital ones.
How did you propose?
After purchasing the ring and asking David and Patricia for permission, I enlisted the help of two professionals - Ana and Tania - to help me find a spot! Though the ease at which they lied to Victoria was concerning, it was crucial to make sure Victoria had no idea what was coming. After looking at a lot of different options, I settled on proposing in the courtyard at the Crescent Hotel in Uptown, Dallas.
The tricky part of the proposal was getting Victoria to the courtyard without her suspecting anything. The courtyard sits in the middle of the building between the hotel lobby and some shops and restaurants. I had our close friends - Conner and Melissa - pretend to make a reservation at Sixty Vines. The issue was that I needed to park on the hotel side of the building - and its more expensive valet - so that we would arrive in the courtyard before Sixty Vines.
Victoria was very confused as I pulled up to the hotel side of the building, telling me that I should just drive around. "It's fine, we're already here," I explained. As the valet opened my door, he asked where we were headed. I told him that we were going to Sixty Vines, which prompted him to point out, "you know, the other side has much cheaper valet if you're not a guest at the hotel." I tried to discreetly tell him it was fine, but Victoria, always the thrifty one in our relationship, was very annoyed. "Why are you parking on this side!? It's so much more expensive! I don't know why you never believe me when I'm always right!" I completely ignored her, hoping that she would get over my poor spending habits quickly because we were only about 50 feet from the courtyard.
We made it to the courtyard and I managed to squeak out most of the speech I had practiced all day long. She said yes, and we spent a moment taking pictures with a photographer I had hired for the occasion. After the photographer left, I told Victoria we were going to Happiest Hour to celebrate with a couple of our friends. As we walked up the stairs to the rooftop, I explained that I forgot to mention a few other people would be meeting us. She was thrilled to discover I had arranged for both of our families and lots of our friends to be at the party!
It was the perfect proposal, and I couldn't have done it without the help of all of our friends and family whom we love so very much. Thank you all!
What's your favorite activity together?
Traveling, hiking, hosting pasta nights with our friends, and anything that involves our pup, Charlie.
Where are you going for your honeymoon?
We're doing two honeymoons! First, we're going to head to Europe immediately following our wedding for a short trip before Victoria starts her final year of her MBA program at Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management. After a week on our own, we'll be joining a few hundred of our closest friends for "Yacht Week" in the Aegean Sea. After she graduates, we will head to Africa for a 2-3 week adventure!
What's the best meal you have eaten together?
Andrew: I'm not sure if it's the tastiest meal we've ever eaten, but my favorite meal was one I cooked in Victoria's Dallas apartment. I made steak on a cast iron skillet, broccoli, and potatoes served with a bottle of probably cheap red wine and an A+ romantic playlist I had put together over the course of the week.
Victoria: Definitely not a conventional meal, but the first time Andrew and I went to New York together we ordered 24 dumplings from Mimi Cheng's and ate every single one. Our shared obsession with dumplings has only grown since then!
What's the most memorable trip you have taken together?
Andrew: This is a hard one, we've been so many places together, but my favorite has to be all of our trips to NYC. Wandering the city at Christmas, going to the U.S. Open, Broadway plays... it never gets old.
Victoria: I surprised Andrew with a trip to Moab, Utah over Labor Day weekend in 2019. We spent three days hiking in Arches and Canyonlands National Park - although the best part might have been that we inadvertently chose a weekend with no moon, which allowed us to see the Milky Way.
Schedule
Registry
Your love, laughter, and company is all we could wish for on our special day. However, if you would like to honor us with a gift, please view the registry below!
If prompted, please use the address below:
Patricia Valadez
2609 E. Mile 4 Rd.
Mission, TX 78573
Travel
Getting In
We recommend flying into Austin-Bergstrom International Airport!
Getting Downtown
There are lots of ways to get to downtown Austin! There are several car rental options, and Lyft and Uber are relatively inexpensive. If you are feeling more adventurous, the Austin Airport Bus is only a few dollars to downtown Austin!
August is when most students at the University of Texas move in! Please make your arrangements as soon as possible for the best rates and availability.
Austin Marriott Downtown, East Cesar Chavez Street, Austin, TX, USA
This is where Victoria and I will be staying during the wedding festivities. Our After Party will be in downtown Austin so if you would like to join us for that, we recommend you stay here or in another property nearby!
Courtyard by Marriott Austin-University Area, North Interstate Highway 35, Austin, TX, USA
Our Favorite Restaurants
Things to do in Austin
Booking Assistant - Find Hotels Near Our Venue
Suggested Stay:
Fri, August 19 - Sun, August 21
Austin, TX, USA
Q & A
For all our friends and family who have lots of questions, please check out our Q & A first!
When is the RSVP deadline?
Please RSVP by July 20th, so we can have an accurate headcount. :)
Are there any special requests from the couple?
To allow all of our guests to safely celebrate this occasion, we kindly request that all in attendance have been fully vaccinated for the COVID-19 virus.
Can I bring my children to the wedding?
Although we love your little ones, we kindly request no children attend the wedding or reception.
Can I bring a date?
Please check your invite for information regarding +1's!
What will the weather be like?
Welcome to Texas, all of you out-of-towners! The weather here will be hot hot hot! During the day Austin can average 95 degrees, with a low of 75. Please make sure you stay hydrated!
Where should I park?
There is plenty of free parking at the venue.
What should I wear?
Please see our Schedule for the dress code.
Is the wedding indoors or outdoors?
Our wedding ceremony is outdoors, but our reception will be indoors.
Is it okay to take pictures with our phones and cameras during the wedding?
Yes! Please refrain from taking photos during the ceremony but we would love for you to take photos and share them with us!
Whom should I call with questions?
Please call the wonderful mother of the bride with questions at 956-648-5924.
Wedding Party
Kristin Blackwell
Matron of Honor
Clarissa Suarez
Bridesmaid
Katelyn (KK) Heflin
Bridesmaid
Sarah DeWaele
Bridesmaid
Ana Salazar
Bridesmaid
Tania Thomlison
Bridesmaid
Stephanie Wenclawski
Bridesmaid
Charlie
Greeter
Adam Dodson
Best Man
Conner Lunsford
Best Man
Derek Ince
Groomsman
Jon Ribera
Groomsman
Conner Reynolds
Groomsman
Yun Lim
Groomsman
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