For Lena and Sal, their wedding day wasn’t just a celebration of their love, it was a celebration of living authentically.
“We both grew up Mormon and were both in marriages with men. We both struggled a lot doing the ‘right thing’ but eventually met each other through mutual friends,” theys hare. “As our friendship grew, we realized there was much more to just being friends- we had feelings for each other. This opened up a lot more questions and having to really look inward on who we really were outside of the church. We were still a part of the church, so we couldn’t act on it. We eventually left the church, which was really hard on our families as well. It was important to both of us to live authentically for our children as well.”
And as they navigated the challenges and conversations, Lena and Sal remained committed to living honestly and embracing the love they found together.
On May 22, 2025, surrounded by their closest friends and family, they finally got to celebrate that journey with an oceanfront wedding that was every bit as joyful, colorful, and authentic as the life they’ve built together.
Because the beach has always been a meaningful part of their relationship, Crescent Bay Park was the perfect place to exchange vows. With the Pacific Ocean serving as their backdrop, the couple gathered approximately 75 to 100 loved ones for an intimate ceremony filled with the people who had supported them through every chapter of their story.
The wedding’s rainbow-inspired design was more than a theme, it was a reflection of the couple themselves. Rather than relying on bright primary colors, Lena and Sal opted for a richer palette of jewel-toned rainbow hues that felt elevated, vibrant, and celebratory. The ceremony setup featured rainbow ribbons and disco balls as Sal skateboarded her way to the altar, alongside her kids, while Lena, dressed in a Grace Loves Lace gown, was walked down the aisle by her boys, with the two families — which they’ve dubbed their “rainbow squad” meeting together as one. Their wedding party further brought the theme to life, wearing different-colored gowns that together created a stunning rainbow effect.
Following the vows, everyone made their way to a lush greenhouse reception that perfectly complemented the couple’s vision. Designed by Cassandra Lee & Co. Events, the space was filled with thoughtful details that balanced whimsy and sophistication. Vintage-inspired lounge furniture, colorful tablescapes, and playful décor elements transformed the greenhouse into a vibrant celebration of love.
One of the couple’s favorite design elements was the floral décor by Kilkea Designs. Wanting arrangements that felt organic and effortless, they chose colorful blooms that looked as though they had been freshly gathered from a local flower market.
Keeping their celebration approachable and budget-conscious, Lena and Sal opted for a taco bar from SOHO Tacos for dinner. The meal was simple, delicious, and exactly what they envisioned for a relaxed evening with family and friends. For dessert, guests enjoyed a cake topped with a rainbow — a nod to tradition for a couple who admittedly aren’t big cake fans — as well as a churro cart that quickly became one of the evening’s biggest hits.
The reception was filled with personal touches, including custom tarot cards placed at each table for guests. But the most memorable moments came on the dance floor.
Immediately after entering the reception, Lena and Sal shared their first dance to Justin Bieber’s “That’s What Love Is.” Partway through the song, the music transitioned into Katy Perry’s “Unconditionally,” and the couple invited their children to join them on the dance floor. The moment beautifully reflected what the day was truly about: not only the marriage of two people, but the joining and celebration of a family, as cold sparks flew.
Later in the evening, Lena surprised Sal with a custom dance performance before opening the dance floor to guests — one of many unforgettable moments from a day filled with love and laughter.
More than the colorful details, the ocean views, or the packed dance floor, their wedding was a celebration of choosing themselves and each other. After years of searching for where they belonged, Lena and Sal created a day that honored their journey, their family, and the love that made it all possible.
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“We love the beach and spend a lot of time together there. we wanted something affordable but also with the ocean behind us.”
We eventually left the church, which was really hard on our families, but was important to both of us to live authentically for our children.”
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