On December 16, Christina Ortiz and her husband Yazen tied the knot in a short and sweet wedding ceremony in Las Vegas. But unlike a typical Vegas wedding, the couple said “I do” at Taco Bell.
Speaking to PEOPLE, Ortiz says the idea came about after she came across photos of a Taco Bell Cantina wedding online. According to the fast food chain’s website, the Las Vegas flagship Catina restaurant is offering a wedding package complete with party favors, reception space and a bouquet of Taco Bell dip packets. The price of the package is 777 dollars.
“Originally, we were going to have a more formal wedding in our hometown and put down a non-refundable deposit for the venue and everything. But after seeing how much everything was going to cost — catering, flowers, open bar, etc. — we decided, ‘Why not host a Taco Bell? Wedding?’ Ortiz, 27, says.
“Being a food blogger and a couple of foodies who appreciate everything from fine dining to fast food, it just seemed like a no-brainer when we thought about it,” she adds.
When Ortiz and her now-husband first told their friends they were getting married at Taco Bell, they were confused.
“Our families were supportive, but they definitely thought it was unconventional and they definitely tried to steer us in a different direction, but we knew it was 100% what we wanted,” she says. “Afterwards, all the family members really loved it and realized that it was definitely our perfect wedding for us as a couple.”
“We just envisioned a fun day to remember with lots of love,” she continues. “We had some close family members show up and we streamed it live for family and friends who couldn’t make it. And it ended up being the perfect little intimate wedding.”
Las Vegas Taco Bell Cantina Wedding.
Photo by Marissa Lader / Christina Maria Ortiz
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Looking back on her special day, the Orlando, Fla., native recalls walking down the aisle to her family humming the “Wedding March.” Ortiz says the venue does not play music during the ceremony so as not to disturb guests downstairs.
“You only have access to the chapel for the ceremony and reception for just 30 minutes, but you’re welcome to stay as long as you like,” she says.
Ortiz adds that her dress was from the Legend Bridal boutique in Miami. She says as soon as she tried on the dress, she knew it was the right one. “I thought it was so beautiful and I felt the style of it would go so well with the Vegas vibe,” she said.
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Las Vegas Taco Bell Cantina Wedding.
Photo by Marissa Lader / Christina Maria Ortiz
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At the altar, the couple exchanged Taco Bell-themed vows filled with puns by Catine, who also had an officiant on-site. (Ortiz, meanwhile, says the couple — who met in college — will exchange their real vows during their honeymoon in Iceland in the spring.)
They then enjoyed a party pack of tacos, a sweet cake and even toasted a Baja Blast, which she says was “so much fun.” Ortiz adds, “They give you a bouquet of their hot sauces, which was so sweet!”
“Unfortunately, you can’t keep it because it’s supposed to be something you borrowed,” she notes.
“The Taco Bell wedding package also comes with a Cinnabon Delights cake and it was delicious,” she says of the dessert offerings. “It was topped with a cream cheese frosting that tasted similar to the filling inside the Cinnabon Delights, and the cake itself was topped with a Cinnabon Delight rim so it was almost like two desserts in one!”
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Las Vegas Taco Bell Cantina Wedding.
Photo by Marissa Lader / Christina Maria Ortiz
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With their wedding behind them, Ortiz and her husband are ready to spend the rest of their lives together. “We are so excited to continue going on adventures together and just living life knowing that we have our person in our corner every step of the way,” she says.
“Throughout our relationship, we always knew it would be the two of us forever,” Ortiz continues, adding, “We are truly best friends first, and committing to marriage only further solidified our commitment to not only be with each other, but to grow together as well.” we go through different stages of life together and it’s a great comfort to have that person with whom you live your life.”
Categories: Trends
Source: HIS Education