Joe and Ellie Vazquez
TELL US ABOUT YOUR LOVE STORY!
How did you meet?
We met in the heat of the action quite literally! We’re both firefighters and first crossed paths at work. Joe joined the department a few months before I did, and from the start, there was something special about our connection. We became best friends, both on and off duty, always having each other’s backs, whether we were responding to a call or grabbing coffee after a long shift.
For months, we stayed in that close friendship zone, building a bond grounded in mutual respect, shared purpose, and plenty of laughs. Over time, those feelings deepened, and we realized that what we had was something more than just friendship.
How did you know he was “The One”?
When I first met Joe, I was coming out of a really difficult chapter in my life and rebuilding from the ground up. He showed up during one of the toughest times not with pressure or expectations, but with kindness, patience, and unwavering friendship. He never pushed me to be anything more than a friend until I was ready, and that alone spoke volumes about the kind of man he is.
I knew Joe was “the one” because being with him just felt like coming home. He’s my best friend, my safe place, and the one person I can truly be myself with. We’re complete opposites in all the best ways. We balance each other out and bring out the best in one another.
As first responders, we both understand the unpredictable schedules, long hours, and emotional toll of the job. That shared understanding has only made our bond stronger. In every way, Joe is my perfect match.
How did he propose?
Joe had originally planned to propose at the Hermosa Beach Pier, the same special spot where he first asked me to be his girlfriend. It was the perfect full-circle moment until California surprised us with something it rarely does: a massive rainstorm! With his plans quite literally washed away, Joe had to pivot quickly.
He brought me to the South Coast Botanic Garden instead, where a stunning Christmas light display lit up the night. As we walked beneath the glowing trees and stars, he got down on one knee and asked me to spend forever with him.
To make the moment even more special, his entire family had come out to witness it hiding nearby to surprise us after I said yes! It wasn’t the original plan, but in the end, it was even more magical than we could have imagined.
Describe your wedding planning process
Who helped with the planning?
I took the lead on planning, with lots of love and help from two incredible women in my life, my mom and my mother-in-law. My mom was truly a superhero: she hand-sewed our flower girl dresses, altered my bridal gown, made my garter, and even cooked for our rehearsal dinner. Her talents are endless, and having her so involved made everything feel that much more special. My mother-in-law was equally amazing, helping us find our caterer, joining in on dress shopping, and offering steady guidance through every twist and turn of planning. I truly couldn’t have done it without them.
Did you hire a planner or day-of-coordinator?
We didn’t have a full-service planner, but our venue provided an incredible day-of coordinator, Lauryn. She made sure our day ran smoothly and flawlessly. Every detail was handled with care, and thanks to her, we were able to simply enjoy every moment.
Did you DIY any aspect of your wedding?
Absolutely! I’ve always been a crafty girl, so DIYing was one of my favorite parts. My dad and I sourced antique pine boards and built a custom wooden photobooth backdrop, which we mounted with a neon sign. It added the perfect touch of rustic-boho charm and became a guest favorite! I also created all of our signage, seating chart, card box, memorial table, and entryway decor. Pouring my creativity into the details made everything feel so personal.
Did you have a specific theme?
We didn’t follow a strict theme, but our vision was a blend of rustic boho and western elegance, laid-back yet refined, full of warmth, texture, and natural beauty.
How many guests were invited?
We invited 208 guests, with 145 attending. Since Joe and I are both from out of state, we had many friends and family traveling in to celebrate with us.
Where did you save the most?
DIYing saved us a ton — from signage to decor — and having my mom handle all the sewing and alterations was a huge blessing. Our rehearsal dinner was also made extra special and budget-friendly by having it onsite with delicious home cooking prepared by my parents. For attire, our groomsmen wore Wrangler jeans — they were comfortable and totally on theme! And instead of a large wedding cake, we served tiramisu cheesecakes (our favorite!), which our guests devoured.
Where did you splurge?
Our biggest splurges were on the venue and florals — and both were worth every penny. Our florist, Reiley and Rose, absolutely nailed the vision and made everything look breathtaking.
Why did you choose your venue?
From the moment we arrived at Harper Hill Ranch, we just knew it was the one. The scenic drive, welcoming animals, charming stained-glass details in the barn, and warm staff made us feel at home right away. We loved that the ranch house was included, so we could host our rehearsal dinner, ceremony, reception, and after-party all in one place. It was a dream. Being able to stay onsite with our family and bridal party took away so much stress and made the entire weekend feel like a celebration.
Did you incorporate any special traditions or sentimental details in your ceremony or reception?
I included peonies, my mom’s and my favorite flower, throughout our florals. Instead of tossing my bouquet, I dedicated it to my mom, the most incredible woman I know. I wore a necklace my dad gave my mom for their first anniversary and borrowed her earrings for my “something old” and “something borrowed.” My mother-in-law was my “something blue,” wearing a stunning navy gown. We also honored our late grandfathers with a memorial table and displayed framed family photos at the reception entryway, a meaningful touch that reflected how deeply family-oriented we both are.
What was your most stressful decision?
Surprisingly, choosing a caterer! We wanted something unique and personal. After months of searching, my mother-in-law suggested Cuban food, and it clicked immediately. Not only is it a favorite of ours, but it’s also something Joe loves to cook for me. It made dinner extra meaningful.
What turned out to be your best decision surrounding the big day?
Staying at our venue for the entire weekend. Everything was in one place, so we could fully enjoy the experience without worrying about logistics. Another standout choice was hiring a content creator! We didn’t have a videographer, but our content creator delivered amazing candid photos and videos just days after the wedding, giving us memories to look back on while we awaited the full gallery.
Tell Us About...
Your dress:
Evie Young Bridal, Edwina in Ivory.
Your flowers:
A soft, dreamy palette of peaches, pinks, neutrals, and dried elements, arranged in lush compotes and bud vases. Our ceremony arch, sweetheart table, and photobooth backdrop were all styled with these florals, and candlelight added a romantic glow.
The Food:
A Cuban-inspired menu that stole the show!
Appetizers: A 6ft charcuterie grazing table
Dinner: Pollo encebollado, ropa vieja, Caesar salad, cold Cuban pasta salad
Sides: White rice, black beans, yucca con mojo, platanos maduros
The cake:
We had a two-tier white cake with raspberry filling and vanilla buttercream for us to cut. We also brought tiramisu cheesecakes for our guests. I ordered our cake from the HEB Bakery and had our florist deliver cake florals. My mom placed the florals on our cake and I purchased and placed the topper.
Recap your big day for us
What made you laugh?
The entire morning with my girls was full of laughter and joy. Joe and I shared some funny moments in our personal vows, and our best man and maids of honor delivered hilarious speeches that had everyone cracking up.
What made you cry?
We gave sentimental gifts to our parents, photo books for the moms, custom tie patches for the dads, and handwritten letters that brought all of us to tears. My first look with my dad was another emotional highlight.
What were the most memorable moments?
My most memorable moment was walking down the aisle. We didn’t do a first look, so that moment was powerful and unforgettable. Our private last dance at the end of the night was incredibly special, just the two of us, soaking it all in. And the unexpected? We jumped into the pool to end the night spontaneously, and joyfully. It was the perfect way to close out the celebration!
Did anything unexpected happen?
We jumped in the pool at the end of the night! Neither of us expected to, but it was the perfect end to our wedding and ended up turning into the most fun after party with our bridal party and guests. Other than that, nothing too unexpected happened due to our amazing coordinator.
What’s the best advice you can give a bride and groom planning their wedding?
Stay true to who you are as a couple. You don’t need to follow every tradition or trend. Your wedding should reflect you. Infuse your day with personal touches, big or small, and your guests will feel the love and meaning in every detail. Also: book your vendors early, stay organized with a planning spreadsheet, and trust your instincts!
What did you look forward to most as Mr. and Mrs.?
Spending forever with my best friend building a life full of laughter, support, and love. We’re just as excited for the quiet, everyday moments as we are for the big ones.
Local Vendors:
Wedding Venue: Harper Hill Ranch
Reception Venue: Harper Hill Ranch
Photographer: John G Photography
Caterer: Chef Garcia with Cocina Cubana
Florist: Reiley and Rose
Cake/Dessert: HEB Bakery
Rentals: Sue Bee Vintage
Bridal Shop: Olivia Grace Bridal
Makeup Artist: Southern Tease
Hair Stylist: Southern Tease
Bartending/Beverage Service: Southern Standard
Music/Entertainment: TOAST Entertainment
Wedding Coordinator: Lauryn Curtis with Events of NV
Content Creation: Social Charm by Bri
Wedding Music:
Processional: Thank God by Kane Brown and Kaitlyn Brown
Bride’s Entrance: I Get to Love You (acoustic) by Mysha Didi
Recessional: You Make My Dreams (Come True) by Daryl Hall and John Oates
First Dance: Next Thing You Know by Jordan Davis
Father/Daughter Dance: C’mon Cowgirl by Cody Johnson
Mother/Son Dance: Her Little Man by Jami Grooms
Last Dance: The Good I’ll Do by Zach Bryan
