R&B Wedding Day

Summer

Our Wedding

The Path to Us: A Story of Growth, Faith, and Perfect Timing Growing up, life has a way of taking us on different journeys to teach us who we are. Back in junior high, Ray and I were simply great friends. He was always full of life and flirtatious energy, and while I always thought he was cute, I was the serious one with big plans to take care of business. We were in entirely different spaces; he still had some growing up to do, and I was focused on the future. Little did I know back then, he was secretly singing Can We Talk in his head—to him, I was already his Dreamgirl. But our paths weren't meant to cross romantically yet. We went our separate ways, built our lives, and poured everything into raising our families. For over 25 years, our lives were entirely separate. We never crossed paths, never spoke, and had absolutely no connection. That all changed because of one mutual friend’s 50th birthday party. If not for that single evening, our paths might never have crossed again. At the time, life had brought heavy seasons for both of us. Ray was navigating the profound loss of his parents. I was walking through my own deep valley of heartache and pain at home, facing the devastating loss of my father, turning 50 myself, and realizing that the life I had built was missing the true partnership and support I needed. When we unexpectedly ran into each other at that party, we didn't find romance right away—we found a lifeline. Through the sharing of God’s word and daily devotions, we became a safe space for one another when we simply needed a friend to lean on. What I didn't know then was that Ray eventually began creating distance. Seeing me at that party had brought all his junior high feelings rushing back to the surface. He later shared that while he might not have fully understood what love was as a teenager, he now knows that what he felt for me all along was the real thing. He chose to step back and give me space out of pure respect for me and my family. We choose to pursue God first and grow in our faith together. I watched Ray transform. Seeing him grow intentionally into a devoted, God-fearing man who took his spiritual and personal growth seriously, changed everything. Slowly, beautifully, a friendship that started decades ago blossomed into a lifelong love. Ray became my safe place, my comfort, and my absolute joy—the other half that makes me laugh, appreciates life, and now we look forward to the future. Through the grace of God, His divine timing, and a path we both accept as our true calling, we are putting Him first to ensure our life together endures in this world and beyond. We took a 25-year scenic route, but looking at him now, the truth is clear: It’s Always Been You. I'll Risk it All for You.

Our Story

This is US!

Ray Rivera Jr.

Angelina Galindo

Kiana Romero

Veronica Molina Carraza

Noah Calvo

Eric Carranza

Cayden  Calvo

Vanessa Perez

Alyanna, Aviaya, Amieko, Akari

Wedding Party & Honorable Family Mentions

Q + A

Four Points by Sheraton San Jose Downtown is set in the Downtown San Jose district in San Jose, 984 feet from San Jose Convention Center. The property building is eligible for the National Register of Historical Places, and is already on the California Register of Historical Places. The property offers 2 small conference rooms. HP Pavilion at San Jose is 0.8 mi from Four Points by Sheraton San Jose Downtown, while San Jose Civic Auditorium is 984 feet away. The nearest airport is Mineta San Jose International Airport, 3.1 mi from Four Points by Sheraton San Jose Downtown.

Four Points by Sheraton San Jose Downtown

Experience Elevated Hospitality at the Heart of Downtown San Jose Perfectly located in the vibrant downtown core, Signia by Hilton San Jose offers guests an exceptional stay with refined amenities and convenient access to the city’s top attractions. The hotel features a stunning rooftop pool, two on-site dining venues—one with an inviting bar—and is just a 10-minute walk from SAP Center and San Jose State University. All guest rooms include marble bathrooms with walk-in showers, premium toiletries, tea kettles, and Nespresso coffee machines. Suites are enhanced with plush bathrobes for added comfort and sophistication. Stay energized with access to a state-of-the-art Fitness Center. Dining highlights include elegant breakfast and weekend brunch at Fountain Restaurant, as well as craft cocktails and shareable plates in the stylish lobby lounge, AJI Bar and Robata. San Jose Convention Center is a short five-minute walk away, while the Children's Discovery Museum can be reached in 15 minutes. San Jose Mineta International Airport is a convenient 10-minute drive from the hotel.

Signia by Hilton San Jose

Located in Central San Jose, San Jose Marriott offers a 24-hour fitness center and an outdoor swimming pool. This hotel is conveniently located 2 minutes’ walk from San Jose McEnery Convention Center. A work desk and a flat-screen TV are included in each guest room at San Jose Marriott. The air-conditioned rooms also include a coffee machine, a mini-refrigerator, an in-room safe and ironing facilities. A business center, a concierge lounge, a gift shop and valet parking are available to guests of Marriott San Jose. SAP Center at San Jose is 1 mi away. Boutique shopping opportunities Santana Row are 15 minutes’ drive away. Mineta San Jose International Airport is 4 mi away.

San Jose Marriott

Located 3.1 mi from San Jose International Airport, this San Jose hotel offers free Wi-Fi. All guest rooms include an iPod docking station. A 42-inch HD cable TV with available mobile device connectivity is featured in each guest room at Hyatt Place San Jose, Downtown. A compact fridge and coffee machine are also provided. A 24-hour front desk welcomes guests to Hyatt Place San Jose, Downtown. A fitness center is located on site. The San Jose Convention Center is 853 feet away. San Jose State University is 0.6 mi away. Santana Row Shopping Center is 4.7 mi away.

Ray & Bernadette

Ray & Bernadette

This is US!

July 19, 2025