Lisa and Tommy Parra’s wedding at Monserate Winery felt like stepping into a romantic corner of Tuscany—right in Southern California. Their celebration embraced a palette of soft neutrals and natural textures, accented with blush tones and warm gold details that reflected the couple’s love of timeless sophistication.
The day unfolded with thoughtful intention at every turn. Guests gathered beside a cascading waterfall ceremony backdrop surrounded by lush greenery before transitioning into an intimate courtyard dinner beneath café lights and olive trees. Long tables framed the courtyard perimeter, creating a warm, family-style setting where everyone shared in the toasts, first dance, and golden-hour glow that defined the evening.
“Love is a choice. Unlike family, we choose our partner every single day.”
How did you two meet? What were your first impressions of one another?
Tommy and I met at Cabo Cantina in Venice, California, during my last weekend in town while I was job hunting in LA. I was staying with a college friend’s family, and she invited me to a casual dinner with several longtime family friends. That night, I ended up splitting nachos and a margarita with Tommy’s mom, Julie, and we immediately clicked. After chatting for a while, she smiled and suggested I meet her son. That was it.
From the day we met, we have been inseparable. We were instantly each other’s type. Tommy was more reserved and grounded, and I was confident and talkative. He steadies me and I uplift him. We balance one another in the best way. Five years later, we were saying “I do.”
Tell us a funny story relating to your wedding day or relationship!
Our first dance song at our wedding was “At Last” by Etta James, and we took it very seriously. So seriously, in fact, that it ended up being our number one song on Spotify Wrapped that year.
We practiced constantly. In the living room, in the kitchen, and even in our front yard, probably giving the neighbors an unexpected show. At one point, we could not hear the opening notes without automatically stepping into position.
By the time the wedding day arrived, we were equal parts confident and amused at how much we had rehearsed. But when the song played that night, it felt effortless and so special. Every single front yard practice made that moment even sweeter.
Describe a hurdle you had to overcome in your relationship or during your wedding planning.
In late 2022, Tommy lost his mom, Julie, after her cancer returned. It was an incredibly heavy season for both of us. I had never experienced a loss that close before, and navigating grief as a couple required patience, strength, and deep compassion. It felt like time stood still for us while the world kept moving.
Through that heartbreak, we grew stronger. We learned how to truly show up for one another. The following August, Tommy proposed, a moment filled with joy and the quiet understanding that Julie’s love was still guiding us.
As our wedding approached, we found peace in knowing I had meaningful time with her before her passing. On our wedding day, we reserved a front row seat in her honor, a simple but powerful reminder that she was still very much part of our story.
Any special ways you incorporated your family or family history into your wedding day?
One of the most meaningful elements of our ceremony was having Donald Rogers officiate. He and his wife, Chere, were Julie’s closest friends, neighbors who supported each other as single mothers while raising their children. Over time, they discovered they had both been privately battling cancer at the same time, each trying to protect the other from worry. Their bond was extraordinary.
After Julie’s passing, Chere and Don became like second parents to us. During a visit to Florida before we were engaged, Don, a Navy chaplain, guided us through conversations about faith and our future. Tommy is Catholic and I am Baptist. His wisdom meant so much to us that when we got engaged, there was no question we wanted him to marry us.
We were married on Memorial Day, which made having an active service member officiate even more meaningful.
Another deeply personal choice was having both of my parents walk me down the aisle. It was incredibly important to me to honor my mom in that moment. Mothers are not always equally recognized in tradition, and having her by my side meant everything.
What part of your wedding day was/is most important to you?
Our first look and personal vows were the most important moments of the day. Tommy and I share everything, so keeping my dress and our vows a secret was surprisingly difficult. That anticipation made it even more special.
Sharing those vulnerable words in front of our closest friends and family was unforgettable. It felt intimate yet communal, a shared surprise that made the moment even more powerful.
What is the best thing you’ve learned from one another?
Tommy has taught me the beauty of steady leadership. While I am often the planner, he steps in seamlessly where I fall short. He listens deeply and leads with calm confidence.
Lisa has taught me patience and partnership. She has an incredible ability to work through challenges as a team. There have been moments I could not have navigated without her unwavering support.
What is your favorite thing about each other?
My favorite thing about Tommy is his ability to be my true partner. He is my sense of reason and always supports my ideas. His easygoing nature balances me perfectly.
My favorite thing about Lisa is her heart. She is fiercely loyal and endlessly supportive. Her honesty and strength may be intimidating to some, but to me they are qualities I deeply admire.
What was your favorite part about planning your wedding?
One of my favorite parts was designing three completely distinct bridal looks for the night. I wanted each part of the evening to feel like its own chapter. They were not just dress changes, but full transformations with different hair, makeup, jewelry, veils, and shoes to match each moment.
For the ceremony, I wore the Bartlett gown by Anne Barge, styled with a classic updo, a cathedral veil, gold knot earrings, and traditional white pumps. It felt timeless and romantic.
For the reception, I transformed the same gown by removing the overskirt and bustling it. I swapped the cathedral veil for a scarf veil, let my hair down into soft curls, changed into statement earrings, and added a bold pop of blue heels. It felt lighter and more celebratory while still elegant.
For the party portion of the night, including cake cutting and our espresso martini tower, I changed into the Camille dress by Rosé Étienne. I wore my hair in a high ponytail, added subtle glitter to my hair and shoulders, and paired it with playful platform heels and statement earrings. It was fun, modern, and the perfect way to close out the night.
Tommy joined in on the shift in energy by removing his jacket and revealing suspenders with white sneakers for the party. It made the final portion of the evening feel relaxed, joyful, and completely us.
If you had one piece of advice for other couples, what would it be?
Never stop dating. Marriage can easily become routine once the wedding excitement fades. Keep choosing each other. Make time to connect and protect that spark. It is one of the most important investments you can make.
What is the most honest thing you can say about love?
Love is a choice. Unlike family, we choose our partner every single day. That makes it incredibly vulnerable but also incredibly powerful. The love we choose is not required or guaranteed, which is what makes it so deep, selfless, and meaningful.
Coordination: LuckEleven Events / @luckeleven_events
Venue: Monserate Winery / @monserateweddings
Photography: Tray Pacana Photography / @tracypacana
Videography: Ricky Meyer Films / @rickymeyerfilms
Content Creator: The Social Club / @thesocialclub.xx
Florals: Soiree Floral Design / @soireefloraldesign
Rentals: Raphael’s Party Rentals / @raphaelspartyrentals
Cake: Elegance on Display / @eleganceondisplaybakery
Ceremony Music: Organic String Quartet / @organicstringquartet
DJ: DJ Dre Motion / @djdremotion
Hair: Beauty by Laren / @beauty.by.laren
Makeup: Makeup by Shadi / @makeupbyshadi
Live Painter: Nicolette Martin Art / @nicmartin_event
Photo Booth: Photomatica / @photomatica
Transportation: Stryder Transportation / @strydertransportation
Publisher at The White Wren and Bajan Wed, Award Winning Photography + Videographer at Live View Studios, Dad, 80s music lover, crunchy health advocate
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