After two years of navigating the challenges of a long-distance relationship, this Puerto Rican groom, residing in Dallas, TX, made the heartfelt decision to marry his beloved Mexican bride in Oklahoma City. Their love story is a testament to the power of patience, commitment, and devotion—qualities they nurtured while being miles apart.

For two years, they bridged the distance with frequent trips between Texas and Oklahoma, strengthening their bond with every visit, call, and shared moment. The miles that separated them only deepened their love and made every reunion more meaningful.

When the time was right, the groom made his way to Oklahoma City with a clear intention: to transform their long-distance relationship into a lifetime commitment. Their wedding was intimate and deeply personal, a celebration of not only their love but the journey they had taken to get to this point.

A touching part of their ceremony was the sand ritual, symbolizing the union of two lives, two hearts, and two different places. With each handful of sand, they blended their individual journeys, creating something new and unbreakable. Just as the grains of sand can never be separated, so too will their lives be forever intertwined.

​Their story is one of perseverance and unwavering love—a love that knows no boundaries, be it distance or time. The celebration of their marriage marks the beginning of a new chapter, one where they no longer have to count the miles but can simply count the moments they now share together. For this couple, love truly conquered all, and their wedding day in Oklahoma City will forever be a beautiful reminder of their incredible journey.
 
Best wishes to Israel & Maria!
 
Review from Maria the bride: “From start to finish, Rev. Yareni Alvarado was warm, professional, and truly listened to our vision. One of the most special moments was the sand ceremony she included, symbolizing the blending of our families and cultures so beautifully. It added such a personal touch! Thank you for making our day unforgettable and for helping us start our married life with such a meaningful experience!”

​Después de dos años de navegar por los desafíos de una relación a larga distancia, este novio Puertorriqueño, residente en Dallas, TX, tomó la sincera decisión de casarse con su amada novia Mexicana en Oklahoma City. Su historia de amor es un testimonio del poder de la paciencia, el compromiso y la devoción, cualidades que cultivaron estando a millas de distancia.

Durante dos años, salvaron la distancia con viajes frecuentes entre Texas y Oklahoma, fortaleciendo su vínculo con cada visita, llamada y momento compartido. Las millas que los separaban solo profundizaron su amor e hicieron que cada reunión fuera más significativa.

Cuando llegó el momento adecuado, el novio se dirigió a Oklahoma City con una clara intención: transformar su relación a larga distancia en un compromiso de por vida. Su boda fue íntima y profundamente personal, una celebración no solo de su amor, sino también del viaje que habían realizado para llegar a este punto.

Una parte conmovedora de su ceremonia fue el ritual de la arena, que simboliza la unión de dos vidas, dos corazones y dos lugares diferentes. Con cada puñado de arena, fusionaron sus viajes individuales, creando algo nuevo e inquebrantable. Así como los granos de arena nunca pueden separarse, también sus vidas estarán entrelazadas para siempre.

​Su historia es una de perseverancia y amor inquebrantable, un amor que no conoce límites, ya sea la distancia o el tiempo. La celebración de su matrimonio marca el comienzo de un nuevo capítulo, uno en el que ya no tienen que contar los millas, sino simplemente pueden contar los momentos que ahora comparten juntos. Para esta pareja, el amor realmente lo conquistó todo, y el día de su boda en Oklahoma City será por siempre un hermoso recordatorio de su increíble viaje.
 
¡Les deseo lo mejor a Israel y a María!
 
Recomendación de María, la novia: “De principio a fin, la Rev. Yareni Alvarado fue cálida, profesional y realmente escuchó nuestra visión. Uno de los momentos más especiales fue la ceremonia de arena que incluyó, que simboliza la fusión de nuestras familias y culturas de manera tan hermosa. ¡Le agregó un toque muy personal! ¡Gracias por hacer que nuestro día fuera inolvidable y por ayudarnos a comenzar nuestra vida de casados ​​con una experiencia tan significativa!”

A Summer Love Story at Myriad Botanical Gardens
​
On a sizzling summer day in the heart of downtown Oklahoma City, love bloomed amidst the vibrant greenery of the Myriad Botanical Gardens. Despite the heat, the gardens offered a serene oasis, perfect for a wedding. The air was filled with anticipation as friends and family gathered by the tranquil waters, where ducks paddled lazily, creating a picturesque backdrop.

The couple chose this urban sanctuary for its natural beauty and the peaceful ambiance of its surroundings. Towering trees provided much-needed shade, and the sound of water from nearby fountains brought a refreshing coolness to the warm afternoon. As guests arrived, they were greeted by a scene that felt straight out of a fairytale—a lush landscape overflowing with life, love, and laughter.

The ceremony took place under the botanical gardens at the east side lakes area. As the bride walked down the aisle, the sunlight danced through the tree leaves, casting a beautiful pattern on the water. The groom waited with a broad smile, his eyes only for her. But the real star of the show was their young son, the ring bearer.
 He walked down the aisle with a look of concentration, carrying a security case that held the rings—small circles that symbolized eternal love. His presence brought an extra layer of joy to the day, as guests couldn’t help but smile at the sight of the little one taking his role so seriously. His parents beamed with pride, their hearts full as they watched their son play a crucial part in their special day.

 As the couple exchanged vows, the sound of gentle ripples in the water and the soft quacking of ducks created a symphony that was uniquely their own. The moment was pure magic—a beautiful blending of nature and love, with the sun casting a golden hue over everything. It was a scene that felt both intimate and grand, a perfect reflection of the couple’s journey together.

After the ceremony, guests mingled and celebrated, enjoying the shade of the trees and the coolness of the garden’s many water features. The Myriad Botanical Gardens proved to be the ideal venue for this couple’s summer wedding—a place where love could flourish amidst the beauty of nature, even on the hottest of days.

 As the sun set and the sky turned a deep shade of pink, the newlyweds shared a kiss, surrounded by the people who mattered most to them. It was a day that would be remembered not just for its beauty, but for the love and joy that filled the air—a day where a family was celebrated, and new memories were made.
 
Review from Oritza the bride: “Thank you, Rev. Yareni Alvarado, for making our day so incredibly special! You are amazing, and we couldn't have asked for a better officiant to make our wedding dreams come true.”
 
 
♡

Una historia de amor de verano en los jardines botánicos Myriad

En un caluroso día de verano en el centro de la ciudad de Oklahoma, el amor floreció entre la vibrante vegetación de los jardines botánicos Myriad. A pesar del calor, los jardines ofrecían un oasis de serenidad, perfecto para una boda. El aire estaba lleno de anticipación mientras los amigos y la familia se reunían junto a las tranquilas aguas, donde los patos chapoteaban perezosamente, creando un pintoresco telón de fondo.

La pareja eligió este lugar urbano por su belleza natural y el ambiente tranquilo de sus alrededores. Los árboles imponentes proporcionaban la sombra que tanto necesitaban, y el sonido del agua de las fuentes cercanas aportaba una frescura refrescante a la cálida tarde. Cuando llegaron los invitados, fueron recibidos por una escena que parecía sacada de un cuento de hadas: un paisaje exuberante rebosante de vida, amor y risas.
 
La ceremonia se llevó a cabo bajo los jardines botánicos en el área de los lagos del lado este. Mientras la novia caminaba por el pasillo, la luz del sol bailaba a través de las hojas de los árboles, proyectando un hermoso patrón en el agua. El novio esperaba con una amplia sonrisa, con los ojos puestos solo en ella. Pero la verdadera estrella del espectáculo era su hijo pequeño, el portador de los anillos.

Caminó por el pasillo con una mirada concentrada, llevando un estuche de seguridad que contenía los anillos, pequeños círculos que simbolizaban el amor eterno. Su presencia trajo una capa extra de alegría al día, ya que los invitados no pudieron evitar sonreír al ver al pequeño tomándose su papel tan en serio. Sus padres sonrieron de orgullo, con el corazón lleno mientras veían a su hijo desempeñar un papel crucial en su día especial.

Mientras la pareja intercambiaba votos, el sonido de las suaves ondas en el agua y el suave graznido de los patos crearon una sinfonía que era exclusivamente suya. El momento fue pura magia, una hermosa combinación de naturaleza y amor, con el sol arrojando un tono dorado sobre todo. Fue una escena que se sintió íntima y grandiosa a la vez, un reflejo perfecto del viaje de la pareja juntos.

​Después de la ceremonia, los invitados se mezclaron y celebraron, disfrutando de la sombra de los árboles y la frescura de las numerosas fuentes del jardín. El Myriad Botanical Gardens resultó ser el lugar ideal para la boda de verano de esta pareja, un lugar donde el amor podía florecer en medio de la belleza de la naturaleza, incluso en los días más calurosos.

Cuando el sol se puso y el cielo se tornó de un profundo tono rosa, los recién casados ​​se besaron, rodeados de las personas que más les importaban. Fue un día que sería recordado no solo por su belleza, sino por el amor y la alegría que llenaron el aire, un día en el que se celebró a una familia y se crearon nuevos recuerdos.
 
Recomendacion de Oritza, la novia: “¡Gracias, Reverenda Yareni Alvarado, por hacer que nuestro día fuera tan increíblemente especial! Eres increíble y no podríamos haber pedido un mejor oficiante de bodas para hacer realidad nuestros sueños de boda”.

Love can happen when you least expect it, and for Leah and Nino, it all started with a simple swipe right. In just a few short months, their connection grew so strong that they knew they were meant to spend the rest of their lives together. This is the story of how these two amazing women met, fell madly in love, and celebrated their love at the beautiful P. Alice venue in Oklahoma City.

​Leah and Nino both signed up for the dating app with no expectations, but fate had other plans. From the moment they matched, their conversations flowed effortlessly, and they soon discovered how much they had in common. Their first date was filled with laughter, deep conversation, and a sense of comfort that neither had experienced before. As the weeks turned into months, they knew they had found something extraordinary.

Choosing the right venue was important to Leah and Nino, and when they visited P. Alice in Oklahoma City, they knew it was the perfect place to say “I do.” The venue’s modern, intimate atmosphere matched their vision perfectly. Surrounded by close family and friends, Leah and Nino exchanged vows in a heartfelt ceremony that reflected their deep love and commitment to each other.

Leah describes their relationship as one of pure joy and deep understanding, while Nino says she knew from the start that Leah was the one she had been waiting for her whole life. They continue to support and uplift each other every day, grateful for the love they found when they least expected it.

Leah and Nino's love story is a beautiful reminder that love knows no boundaries. Whether it’s found in person, through a friend, or with the help of a dating app, true love is always worth the wait.

Best wishes to Nino & Leah!

Review from Leah: “Choosing Rev. Yareni Alvarado as our wedding officiant was one of the best decisions we made! From our first meeting to the big day, she went above and beyond to make our ceremony truly special. She took the time to get to know us as a couple, listened to our story, and crafted a personalized ceremony that perfectly reflected our love and values. Her warmth, professionalism, and attention to detail were unmatched. We are still talking about how beautiful and heartfelt the ceremony was. We couldn't have asked for a better officiant to guide us through this momentous occasion. Thank you for making our day unforgettable!”

​​A love sealed with a combination lock. 
 
On a beautiful summer day, under the clear Oklahoma skies, Ana and Jesús celebrated their one-year anniversary in a truly unique and special way. The couple decided to elope at the picturesque Scissortail Park, surrounded by blooming flowers and the gentle rustle of the trees, creating a magical setting for their intimate ceremony. Ana, with her radiant smile and eyes full of love, stood hand in hand with Jesús, her partner in life and love. 
 
Their journey together had been filled with laughter, tears, and countless precious moments that had brought them to this place, ready to take the next step in their shared adventure. As they exchanged heartfelt vows, promising to support each other through thick and thin, Ana and Jesús took out a sleek combination lock that they had chosen to symbolize the unbreakable bond they shared. With a click and a twist, they locked the padlock onto a beautiful wrought-iron gate, signifying their commitment to each other and their promise to cherish and protect their love.  
The sun cast a warm glow over the park as Ana and Jesús sealed their marriage with the combination lock, a tangible reminder of the strength and security they found in each other. Surrounded by the natural beauty of Scissortail Park, they felt a sense of peace and joy that filled their hearts to the brim. 
 
 After the ceremony, the newlyweds wandered through the park, hand in hand, basking in the glow of their love and the magic of the day. They laughed, they danced, and they whispered sweet nothings to each other, grateful for the gift of finding their soulmate in each other.
 
 As the sun began to set, casting a warm golden light over the park, Ana and Jesús knew that their elopement at Scissortail Park would forever hold a special place in their hearts. It was a day of love, laughter, and promises made, a day that marked the beginning of a new chapter in their lives together. 
 
 May their love continue to bloom and grow, just like the flowers in Scissortail Park, and may the combination lock they placed there always remind them of the strong and unbreakable bond they share. Best wishes to Ana and Jesús, a couple whose love shines bright like the Oklahoma sun.

Review from Ana the bride: ​"Choosing Rev. Yareni Alvarado as our wedding officiant was one of the best decisions we made for our special day. She was incredibly flexible and accommodating throughout the entire process, always willing to tailor the ceremony to reflect our unique love story. Despite last-minute changes and requests, she remained calm and understanding, making sure our ceremony was exactly how we envisioned it. Her warmth and flexibility truly made our wedding day unforgettable. We couldn't have asked for a better officiant to marry us. Thank you, Rev. Yareni Alvarado, for your exceptional service and for making our day so magical!"

Eduardo and Maria of Choctaw, OK married at El Encanto Event Center in Oklahoma City, OK.

Maria outdid herself with the decorations of her own ceremony. She was the brains of the whole operation and everything looked so lovely! I even suggested to her to become a wedding planner since she has a natural talent to decorate and is highly detailed oriented.

Eduardo and Maria are originally from Colorado and recently relocated to the OKC metro. They had family and friends travel from out of state to join them on their nuptials.

The highlight of the wedding ceremony was their toddler son being the ring bearer of their wedding rings. It was the cutest thing ever!

Lots of love and laughter was had at Eduardo and Maria’s wedding ceremony!

Best wishes to the happy couple!

Review from the bride: “We can’t thank you enough for performing our wedding ceremony. We enjoyed it so much! Thank you!”

​Kenneth and Raquel of Oklahoma City, OK married at Will Rogers Park.

The newlywed couple exchanged vows under severe weather watch. It was the calm before the storm but that didn’t stop Kenneth and Raquel from uniting in holy matrimony.

The couple had a sand ceremony in front of the water fountain at Will Rogers Park. The significance of a sand ceremony is the merging of two lives and the building of a strong relationship.

Kenneth and Raquel’s foundation is strong and they are both willing to whether any storms together until the end of time.

Best wishes to Kenneth and Raquel!

Review from bride: “We loved our wedding ceremony so much! Thanks for working with us throughout it all.”

​This weekend I celebrated my fifteen anniversary as a wedding officiant. I am so used to celebrating others that I didn’t even know how to act! I had the greatest of time laughing and conversating with my family and friends. The joy and laughter of my family and friends having a great time meant everything to me.
 
I reminisced about performing my very first wedding ceremony and the hundreds of wedding ceremonies that I have performed throughout fifteen years. The many lives that I have touched and impacted by performing wedding ceremonies. How word of mouth has played such a big part in my success as a wedding officiant. The constant referrals that I have received from past couples to marry their family and friends that has led to lifelong friendships.
 
The love of performing wedding ceremonies comes from being in a constant state of love and gratitude. From a very young age, my mom was heavily involved in weddings. Brides would hire my mom to iron out their dresses, alterations, catering, decorations, and my mom would even read scripture during mass for their wedding ceremonies. I fell in love with weddings as a child. I gained so much knowledge from watching the behind the scenes and all aspects of what it takes to make a wedding possible.

I always wanted to be like my mom. She was so talented at everything! She inspired me to be a wedding officiant and to create something for myself. I always wanted to be different and stand out from the crowd. My mom was my number one supporter of all things wedding officiant etc. I miss my mom with all of my being. However, I know that she wanted me to be happy and thriving. I will continue to do just that.

Through my work, I not only get to officiate weddings but I also get to spread love everywhere I go. My mom taught me to always treat people with the utmost kindness, respect, and to be non-judgmental. She was so adamant for me to perform weddings like it was my first performance because your first performance is your best performance and people deserve your best performance.

I will forever hold my mom's words of wisdom near and dear to my heart.

Being a wedding officiant was once just a dream. The fact that I’ve been performing wedding ceremonies this long is an astonishing accomplishment for myself and I am so proud of myself!

I am so grateful for those that love and support me throughout all the phases of life.
 
Cheers to the next fifteen years!

I wanted a simple white cake with florals. My brother David did an amazing job decorating my cake! I absolutely loved it!

It was a must for me to have plant based soaps from Sage & Elm Apothecary as thank you party favors! My dear friend Krystle did an exceptional job!
So grateful for her products. If you're into plant based soaps checkout her website for more info:​
www.sageandelmapothecary.com/

Brittany of B-Sweet knocked it out of the park with the number 15 anniversary cake!

Check out her facebook page here:
m.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091944387953

The cake table was magical!

The dessert table was top tier! There was plenty of fresh fruit along with some sourdough mini conchas and full sized conchas that I made. With the help of my brother David, we were able to make over 60 mini cheese cake bites for our family and friends. Everyone loved the dessert table and even got some to go!

Checkout my new sourdough baking business: ​www.instagram.com/botonsbakery/

Picture by: Tonya Little ​

My sweet friends Chef Bryan Lindsay of Sacred Chef & Co and his fiancé Krystle Robinson-Hershey did an amazing job catering the event. Chef Bryan's food is made with so much love and flavor. I hope everyone in OKC and beyond gets to taste his food! 

Chef Bryan Lindsay's instagram:
www.instagram.com/sacredchefnyc/
​
Picture by: Tonya Little 

Chef Bryan Lindsay made me a rack of lamb that melted in my mouth. The meat was so juicy and full of flavor. The sauce! Can we talk about the sauce?! The sauce was everything! The citrus and herb combo was top notch and like nothing I have tasted before.

A huge thank you to Vicky for being able to provide her services last minute! The celebration wouldn't have been the same without you! Thank you for being you!

La Vicky Bartending Services

Picture by: Tonya Little

My bestie Christie is the sweetest friend a girl could ever ask for! We have been friends since the first grade and this woman has supported me through everything! 

Christie, her husband Tito, and myself. Love you both!

My bff Rosa and her daughter Alynna. So happy they were both able to attend the celebration!

Myself and my bff Rosa! I've known Rosa since high school and we've been supportive of each other ever since. Thank you for contributing to the event! You're a life saver!

If you're expecting and looking for an ultrasound checkout her business Little Peanut 4D Ultrasound: 
​littlepeanutultrasound.com/

My friend Tonya is one of the most kindest souls I've ever met! This woman is an entrepreneur, go getter, and has been the biggest supporter of all my business and creative adventures.

If you're looking to unwind and relax check out her business Float OKC:​
​www.floatokc.com/

Oscar and Nelly are one of the past couples that I have married at Lake Hefner in 2019. They are my favorite Mexican and Belizean couple!

Anahi, her husband Jesus, and their daughters. Anahi is my childhood friend and neighbor. We have so many shared memories together and still keep in touch throughout our milestones.

Anahi runs her parents snowcone business check them out here:
​ www.instagram.com/laplacitasnowcones/

My sweetest of godparents! I got so lucky to have Abel and Angelina Angeles as my godparents!

​They were the first entrepreneurs that I knew as a kid and always inspired me to accomplish great things in life. They own a snow cone business in South OKC in the Capitol Hill district. As a teen, my very first job was working at their snow cone stand. Working there taught me a lot about customer service, active listening, responsibility, the importance of having a schedule, and these are just a few of the learned skills that I apply to my own business.

I am so grateful for the their love and support of all my milestones.

Abel and Angelina are owners of La Placita Snowcones check them out here:
www.instagram.com/laplacitasnowcones/

The dream team! My brother David and I met Krystle at her booth at ScissorTail Park last year. She was selling her soaps from her business Sage & Elm Apothecary. We loved them so much that we kept going back for more! We've created such a strong friendship with Krystle and her fiancé Bryan that we plan on creating big things together!

My brother David, myself, and Krystle.

I am so grateful to have crossed paths with my dear friend Krystle. She is light and keeps me grounded. Krystle not only motivates me but also inspires me that great things are possible regardless of what my circumstances are.

​I love this woman so much!

My youngest brother David has been supportive of all my endeavors. He's always been with me through my journey as a wedding officiant and is only a phone call away. This event wouldn't have been possible if it wasn't for David's event coordinating skills. I am so grateful for him and loved unconditionally by this amazing man that I get to call my little brother!

Bryan and Krystle noticed my talents and skills since we met. These two amazing souls have not only watered me but also planted seeds in me. We have so many great things planned for the near future and I am so excited to see how the future unfolds!

I am so grateful that the universe brought us all together!
​
​Love you both so much!

Lastly, my brother David gifted me a bouquet of red roses in honor of our mother. Red roses were our mom's favorite flowers.
​
My mom would have been so proud of what her kids have accomplished.

I wholeheartedly am grateful to everyone that came out to celebrate my 15th year anniversary!

Cheers to love, laughter, and happily ever after!

With profound gratitude,

​Rev. Yareni Alvarado

Fredy and Andrea of Oklahoma City, OK married at Eventos Lunas. The couple chose to have custom wedding vows along with a sand ceremony to unite them in holy matrimony. I wrote vows that pertained to their love story and how they both plan on spending the rest of their lives with each other through life's trials and tribulations. Their main focus is family and growth in their union. 

​The couple are both from different religious backgrounds. Fredy and Andrea wanted to combine both religious views into their wedding ceremony. I was able to accommodate that request and it made for a heartfelt wedding ceremony.

I was invited to stay for the dinner reception and enjoyed a lovely meal. They had traditional Mexican wedding food that included carne asada, potato salad, and rice and beans. The couple had a beautiful cake to share with their loved ones. Overall, it was such a lovely time marrying Andrea and Fredy.
​
Best wishes to Freddy and Andrea!

Review from bride: "We loved our wedding so much! Thank you for being so flexible and understanding. We appreciate everything that you do!"

Rafael and Angela of Oklahoma City, OK married at the Hefner Lake Lighthouse.

The couple wanted a sunset wedding at Hefner Lake during golden hour. It was a cloudy day on the lake and the sun was not expected to make an appearance. However, towards the end of the wedding ceremony the sun peaked out from the clouds and the couple got their dream wedding ceremony at Hefner Lake!

During the wedding ceremony Angela and Rafael chose to write their own wedding vows. The bride wore a black dress that symbolizes the bride's devotion to her husband until death. The couple looks forward to spending many happy years together!

Best wishes to Rafael and Angela!

Emma and Soniya of Oklahoma City, OK married at Lake Arcadia in Edmond, OK. The newlywed couple met over a year ago at the salon that Soniya is an esthetician at. Emma would go in and get her eyebrows done with Soniya. They both knew from the beginning that things were going to get serious between them and eventually exchanged phone numbers. Soniya and Emma have been together ever since and look forward to the many adventures ahead of them. They both feel they can be themselves around each other and also comfortable like they have found their home within each other. 

Emma and Soniya wrote their own vows and expressed how they wanted their future to look like. Their words were from the heart and emotionally driven that it made for the most romantic intimate wedding ceremony at Arcadia Lake during sunset.

From Soniya: "Thank you for being so accommodating and chill with us. We loved our intimate wedding so much and we will never forget it. Thank you for being you!"



Photo credit: David Alvarado