Wedding Date on Jun 26, 2021

Elena and Nelson met through their law firm. Based in Palo Alto, she worked on the corporate team. Based in San Francisco, he worked on employment and litigation. So close yet so far, they rarely crossed paths or emails the first year. Not until a group trip to Maui, organized by their colleagues, did they realize their chemistry. After dating for a year and a half, Nelson proposed to Elena during their first - but certainly not last - photoshoot. Elena wanted to do a shoot for a while, and Nelson used this opportunity for the ultimate surprise. So on September 22nd, 2018, kneeling upon the ruins of Sutro Baths, Nelson asked Elena if she would marry him….and she said “yes.”  Elena and Nelson began planning their dream Italian wedding in the scenic Lake Como. The date was set, invitations were sent, flowers chosen, but it was not meant to be...yet. They realized they were not ready as a couple and decided to take a step away from the best-laid plans. That same year, Elena’s father passed away unexpectedly, and all wedding talk got put on hold…  During this difficult time, Nelson was the person Elena could always count on. He was her shoulder to cry on, her rock, her anchor. By the same token, Elena was Nelson’s inspiration, his motivation -- the compass rose that guided him as he navigated a career transition.  Although it was no longer their official “honeymoon,” Elena and Nelson kept their flights to Tanzania in January 2020. As serious travel lovers, an African safari had been on their “bucket list.” Lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants, and buffalo -- they saw them all in the majestic Serengeti. Then they explored the historic Stone Town and dipped into the crystal blue ocean off the coast of Zanzibar. 2020 seemed to be off to a fantastic start, or so they thought... Despite the challenges of 2020, their relationship and appreciation for one another continued to grow and develop. They moved in together. They painted a wall. They literally drove through fire and smoke in Oregon and came out on the other side. And then they started their quarantine family, adding everyone’s favorite kitten - Rombauer (“Rombo,” “Bau,” “Shmeow Beow”).  After all of this, they could no longer wait for the stars to align and the pandemic to end when they knew their hearts and minds were ready. So on February 12th, 2021, Nelson and Elena eloped and officially became Husband and Wife. Nelson & Elena look forward to celebrating their union with you - their closest friends and family - on June 26th, 2021, at Charles Krug Winery in Napa Valley.