Rebeca & Justin
February 5, 2011
Bride’s name: Rebeca Mosquera Del Cid
Groom’s name: Justin Durling
Occupations: Rebeca is a trial paralegal, and Justin is a project manager.
How they met: Justin and Rebeca met in December of 2008 at a dinner with friends. After dinner they both went their separates ways. But, somehow Justin got Rebeca’s cell phone number and called her to invite her out. Rebeca had no idea that Justin liked her so much until the day she went MIA. At the time, Rebeca’s work had her on call 24/7. However, that day she was off and so was her cell phone. Little did she know that Justin would be moving heaven and earth trying to get ahold of her. When she turned on her phone the next day, she heard the most beautiful message that she will treasure forever: “Rebeca, when I look at you I see my future. You say that you are okay with being alone. I never expected to find someone like you, but now I have, and I am begging you to reconsider.” Two months after first meeting, Justin and Rebeca started dating and soon realized that they were made for each other.
The proposal: While vacationing in Hawaii, Justin planned a trip to Hapuna Beach to watch the sunset. He knew the exact time the sun was to set and after a 45-minute drive, they made it with just a few minutes to spare. Rebeca was laying out the beach mats while Justin was down by the water writing their names in the sand. “I shouted to Rebeca, ‘Honey! Come see our names in the sand. Don’t worry about the beach mats!’ ” As she got closer, she hadn’t finished reading the big “Marry Me” when Justin was already on his knee, ring in hand. Rebeca laughed and cried at the same time, knelt down and held him there for a spell. “She finally managed to say, ‘Put it on,’ and I said, ‘You haven’t said yes.’ Rebeca laughed and said, ‘Yes! I want to be with you forever,’ and then we kissed.”
Wedding colors: Pearled white, vista blue and sangria
Number of guests: 120
Most memorable moment…
For her: “It was a perfect day! I was so excited when I got to the church,” recalls Rebecca. “I knew that soon I was going to walk down the aisle and marry my best friend. I was calm until the moment I started walking down the aisle. I could feel all the butterflies swirling in my stomach and I could see him, my soon-to-be husband, just waiting for me. His eyes glittered a profound blue. I just wanted to run towards him. As soon as my hand touched his hand and he hugged me all the nerves and butterflies disappeared.”
For him: “It was a long morning in preparation and anticipation, but my dreams were realized when I laid eyes on my soon-to-be wife. She was luminous as she walked down the aisle – actually, I think she thought it was a runway. And as soon as our eyes met, my heart and soul filled with fire, and I forgot what life was like without her. I vowed to love, honor and respect Rebeca for the rest of my life and I was thrilled to have family and friends, especially my mom and dad, witness our promises of love and support. This uplifting feeling continued throughout the day and all the way to F-Street Station.”
Funniest moments: “Rodger dancing. No one had ever seen Uncle Rodger dance! All of a sudden he was jamming in middle of the dance floor with all the girls surrounding him, trying to get some hip swing out of him. It was a memorable moment that he has since tried to forget.”
Unique aspects of the day: “The most creative aspect of the wedding was Rebeca’s handmade decorations including the spectacular table top flair, elegant centerpieces, and decadent party favors – chocolate and coffee; none of which remained at the end of the night. Our maid of honor and best man gave amazing and heartfelt speeches. A special mention has to be given to the dance party that continued throughout the reception and after hours at F-Street Station. It was wonderful.”
Two words that best describe their day: “Fire and Ice. (A Panamanian bride and an Alaskan groom bring it out in a party.)”
If they had the chance to do it again, what they would do differently: Everything was as wonderful as could be, but if there was one thing they could change, they would have asked for more time. “More time to have fun with our friends and family. It was our best day, and it went by way too fast; so fast that we want to repeat it soon. We can’t wait to renew our vows.”
What Justin loves most about his wife: “Rebeca is the fire of my heart and soul. She is everything I want and more. As long as I breathe, I will love her with everything I’ve got. … She amplifies everything good in life.” As much as I try, no words can properly express my feeling for her. … She glows with the warmth of the sun, radiating love and compassion. I don’t know how I’ve lived this long without her.”
What Rebeca loves most about her husband: “I love everything about Justin! But if I have to pick something, I would have to say that I am most keen of the way he looks at me - like it is the first time he has seen me. How he surprises me with roses at work (delivered by him) and little love notes. I appreciate his honesty and adventurous soul. ... I love that he has a different perspective about things and with that we complement each other. He supports me in all of my dreams and endeavors. I have been blessed. He is the most perfect soul on earth. He is my better half and the man I want to grow old with!”
Best advice for a couple planning a wedding: “Take advantage of every moment! And treasure all the memories, not only from the day of your wedding, but all the preparation that goes along with it. Don’t fuss over things. Enjoy this time, because it will all blend into one great and amazing experience.”