This Couple Turned Rancho Valencia Into a Mexican Wedding Fiesta

Cue Bonnie Tyler’s “Total Eclipse of the Heart” for this unconventional proposal. Josh saw the summer 2017 solar eclipse as a magical moment to ask Elizabeth to be the sunshine of his life. “The last few seconds of a total solar eclipse are named the ‘diamond ring’ due to the visual effect caused by the sunlight reappearing,” Elizabeth says. “Right at this moment, Josh snuck behind me and popped the question.”

As a sixth-generation Californian who’d moved to Denver, she planned the entire wedding from out of state, with Everafter Events doing much of the groundwork locally. Her vision? Transform their venue, Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa, into a full-on fiesta, complete with a mariachi, a build-your-own-margarita bar, a dinner menu of shrimp ceviche, street tacos, pork loin, and more; plus piñatas to smash.

“It was truly the little details that made it so special to us. We had little papel picado flags and confetti while we walked down the aisle. To finally see everything come to life after a year of planning brought tears to our eyes.”

Far and Wide

“We had guests join us from all over the country, and to be able to laugh, cry, dance, and celebrate all together was one of the most memorable parts of our special day.”