Gilbert & Xiomara

Join us for a wedding across the stars.

Thursday December 26, 2019

St. Augustine, FL, USA

2025 days 16 hrs 3 mins ago

Story

Xio and Gil’s modern day fairytale began one August evening at a bar. Of course, since neither of them are anything but ordinary, it was at a video game bar on Pokémon/Digimon trivia night. A former trivia host and lover of all things trivia, Xio went with one of her friends (and now bridesmaid) Miriam who had called upon reinforcements to try and dominate the evening. Well *her* reinforcements brought additional friends, and among them was Gil. Eyes locked, conversation was had, and trash was talked (mostly by Xio) about who was Pokemon Go master at the time. Unfortunately, bad intel on either camp led the other to believe they were not available so the night ended with nothing more than a hug and a 'see you later'.

A couple of months would pass until Miriam would bring Xio and Gil back together at Halloween Horror Nights. Here, they had a chance to talk a bit more; well, as much as one could talk going from haunted house to haunted house. It wasn't until Xio got home that she saw a new friend request from a handsome, Yankee-cap wearing guy with perhaps the cutest dog she's ever seen. We can all guess who that was.

It would be another three or four months, however, before Gil found his "in" with Xio in the form of a Facebook post centering around a favorite Marvel character to them both: Groot. After some back and forth banter in the comments section, Gil made his move and reached out to her privately, asked for her number, and the rest, as they say, is history.

Tidbits

How did you propose?

A long time ago (December 2017) in a galaxy far, far away (Kissimmee, Florida), Gilbert decided that he wanted to make Xiomara a part of his life forever. After talking to his parents and asking her mom for her blessing, he decided the time was right and started to find the perfect way to propose. Using Xiomara's gullibility and naive nature of taking things at face value, he arranged everything in front of her; even going as far as asking her opinions on what he was planning! In all fairness, Gilbert did have the perfect cover: his brother, Matthew, was engaged at the time, so he was able to throw Xiomara off the trail by saying all the planning was a belated celebration for him.

After months of plotting and preparation, the fateful day finally arrived on March 31, 2018. His brother and his fiancé had flown in two days before, and the rest of the family arrived the day after. They all went to Disney's Polynesian Village Resort (the setting of their second date) under the pretense of taking some photos before they went on a fireworks cruise for "Matthew and Marilea's engagement party". Gilbert led them all to the beach, keeping things light and airy. While holding her hand, he went into the story of how they met and the exact moment he knew he loved her. Still oblivious to the fact of what was going on (no, really, their whole family was standing across from them, on the other side of the beach, all holding camera's to capture the moment and she *still* didn't realize anything odd), Gilbert got on one knee and asked Xiomara to spend the rest of their lives together. Overjoyed with the moment, she enthusiastically said yes! A ring on her finger and a lingering kiss later and they were engaged!

And that fireworks cruise? Xiomara soon learned that it was to celebrate her and Gilbert's engagement :) The entire Guzman-Ramirez clan boarded a decorated and champagne-filled pontoon which would travel the Seven Seas Lagoon. It parked itself in front of the Magic Kingdom where the newly engaged couple watched the fireworks in each others arms. It was a perfect way to not only cap off months-long planning but also a perfect way to cap off a wonderful day and kick off the road to Happily Ever After.

Who made the first move? How?

Gil did when he sent Xio a message on Facebook. Xio remembers: "It was on a weekend and we spent the entire day talking on there. At one point, he just asked what my schedule was and said we should hang out sometime. We made plans over the next couple of days for our first date :)"

Who's going to take out the trash?

Whoever sees they can't fit anything else in there, lol.

What was your most memorable date?

Our second date at the Polynesian in Disney. We grabbed drinks at Trader Sam's and had our first deep conversation about our lives - where we've been, what we wanted to do, etc. We listened to great music and saw the last day of Magic Kingdom's Wishes fireworks. Overall, it was just a perfect night.

What's your favorite activity together?

Trivia! And going to theme parks.

Where are you going for your honeymoon?

A 7-night Southern Caribbean cruise. So if you have any recommendations for tours, send them our way!

What's the best meal you have eaten together?

It's a tie! We both had an amazing meal at Cooper's Hawk during Magical Dining Month. Also, Gil makes a bomb Chicken Parm Soup that just warms your soul.

What's the most memorable trip you have taken together?

Our overnight Tampa adventure to see Taylor Swift which was Gil's first concert ever. The next day, we took Chewie to his first beach experience.

Wedding Party

Q & A

For all our friends and family who have lots of questions, please check out our Q & A first!

Does your wedding have a theme?

Yes! The theme is 1920's Art Deco with a very light Star Wars overlay.

Is the wedding indoors or outdoors?

The wedding and reception will both be located indoors.

When is the RSVP deadline?

TBD

Can I bring a date?

Unfortunately, unless there was a plus one attributed to your invitation, we ask that you do not bring a date to the ceremony/reception. We have limited seating with every seat accounted for.

Are kids welcome?

Due to space limitations, we've only allowed a certain number of children to be a part of our festivities. Unless otherwise noted on your individual invitation, no other children will be accounted for.

I am coming from out of town. Where should I stay?

Great question! There are two wonderful Marriott properties to choose from, depending on your budget:

Renaissance World Golf Village Resort - $139 plus taxes per night
Parking: Self - $7/night; Valet - $20/night
Please call (800) 468-3571 and use group code GRWGRWB
Last day to reserve - 11/27/2019

Fairfield Inn - $119 plus taxes per night
Complimentary Parking
Complimentary Breakfast
Please call (904) 810-9892 and mention the Guzman-Ramirez Wedding
Last day to reserve - 11/25/2019

What should I wear?

We encourage everyone attending to wear cocktail attire.

Are there any colors that guests should avoid wearing?

Aside from the obvious white, nope! You are free to rock whatever other color (within cocktail attire definitions, lol) you feel your best in.

What kind of shoes should/shouldn't I wear?

Whatever you can dance in!! We fully expect everyone to join us out on the dance floor ;)

What time should I arrive?

At the very minimum, 15 minutes prior to the start time listed on the invitation. We want to make sure you find a good seat and that you don't miss the bride & groom's grand entrances!

Is it okay to take pictures with our phones and cameras during the wedding?

No; this will be an unplugged ceremony so please sit back and enjoy. Only the enlisted personal photographer and select individuals will be allowed to take photos during the ceremony portion.

Will food be served?

Yes! There will be a catered buffet featuring a variety of foods and delicacies.

What if I have a dietary restriction?

There will be gluten free and meatless options available for those that have those dietary restrictions. If there is a specific allergy that was not listed, please contact the bride and groom no later than November 15th so that we can make sure there are food choices available to you.

Will there be dancing?

Of course there will be! This is a Puerto Rican wedding after all.

Will last names be changing after the wedding?

Xiomara would like to change her last name as fast as the government will allow her (realistically, it will probably be after the honeymoon at the end of January).

I have a question not answered here; how do I contact you?

Please feel free to contact either of us until about a month before the wedding! As we get closer, we'll be posting our Day-Of Coordinator's information for any last minute questions :)

Registry

Please note that your love and support is all we ask for on our special day. However, if you do wish to celebrate with a gift, we are registered at these fine locations. Click the link to go to our custom pages or if you are at a store just look under our names.

Travel

Plane

Getting In

We recommend flying into Jacksonville Airport if you are staying in St. Augustine.

Note

Christmas time in St. Augustine

The day before our wedding is Christmas so it will be quite busy in St. Augustine during that time frame. I recommend booking your reservations early to make sure you aren't left out or booked too far away.

Hotel Product

World Golf Village Renaissance St. Augustine Resort, South Legacy Trail, St. Augustine, FL, USA

I would highly recommend calling to book versus online. There will be far more room types available when you call. Please use group code GRWGRWB. Last day to reserve - 11/27/2019

Phone
800-468-3571
Hotel Product

Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott St. Augustine I-95, Outlet Mall Boulevard, St. Augustine, FL, USA

Mention the Guzman-Ramirez Wedding when booking. Last day to reserve - 11/25/2019

Phone
904-810-9892
Assistance

Booking Assistant - Find Hotels Near Our Venue

Suggested Stay:

Wed, December 25 - Fri, December 27

St. Augustine, FL, USA

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