Karlie and Austin Ontiveros

HOW DID YOU MEET?

My now husband and I met at a highschool party back in 2010. We had the same friend group all through school - we were constantly with one another. The funny fact is, though, we were never close. In college, my parents had a house for rent. I, as well as Austin and a couple of our friends needed a place to live. He soon went from a "buddy" to my absolute best friend. We had seen each other through failed relationships, listened to each other as we vented about school, and laughed at inside jokes no one else cared to understand. Fast forward a couple of years later and we finally accepted our feelings; we liked one another. We ran away to Arizona to ring in 2017. It was just us two, and it was our first trip alone together. I remember, as we watched the countdown hit the 3 second mark, he looked at me and said "I'm falling in love with you." It was like something from a fairytale. From 2010 to 2020, our happily ever after was something beautiful in the making. I believe we are the true definition of: “Everything happens for a reason," and “Good things come to those who wait."

WHAT MAKES YOUR LOVE LEGENDARY?

We have gone through some hardships in the past. What relationship hasn't? But, in our 3.5 years together, not once were we ever willing to give up. Something about the closeness we had built was special. I have never felt so cherished. My dad was the only man who has ever made me feel like a princess. Then Austin stepped in and made me feel just as special, in his own way. I believe every love has its own version of what "legendary" is. My own love..the only way I can explain it is — pure. There is nothing for show. Nothing is forced. We have a legendary love because we don't even have to try. We just love.

WHY DID YOU BOOK YOUR WEDDING EVENT AT THE PLAZA HOTEL PIONEER PARK?

Boy was God working hard to be in our favor. This was a blessing beyond belief. I'll share some of the backstory. In February 2020, we finalized a venue at our favorite resort in Mexico for December 18th, 2020. A few weeks later, Covid made her grand entrance. The venue verbally said they would work with us, and that was a huge fail. We decided to move our wedding to my parents backyard. The issue of a winter wedding, outside, became something we could no longer ignore. In early October, we decided to move the wedding date up to October 24th. Not but a few days later, our NM governor made new restrictions which made our ceremony impossible. Distraught and heartbroken, I was giving up hope. On October 14th, I learned that The Plaza was welcoming us with open arms. We visited the venue, days before our wedding date. It was the same venue I had my bridal shower months before. It was perfect. There was no other thought, except YES. The views, the atmosphere, the elegance. It was everything we wanted.

WHAT DID YOU APPRECIATE MOST ABOUT YOUR WEDDING EXPERIENCE AT THE HOTEL?

I have no words. The amount of gratitude and appreciation my husband and I feel for this amazing hotel is endless. Yvonne and the rest of the amazing staff were able to make our dreams come true. We went from doubting anything would work out, to experiencing the most amazing day. Absolutely everything was spectacular.

Our guests still tell us how immaculate the day was. It wouldn't have been possible to have such an experience without The Plaza. They were able to provide the space, food, and atmosphere with just a few days to plan. It may not have been my Mexican beach dream wedding, but I genuinely would not ask for a better day. It was our day. And it is now my favorite memory. Thank you so much for allowing us to have our day at this beautiful place.

The craziest part of it all? I mean beyond a pandemic wedding in general. It snowed a couple of days after our ceremony! We were blessed with beautiful weather the day of. Then, El Paso experienced a Covid threat of a lock down. I'm still in shock as to how it all worked out so perfectly. Again, “Everything happens for a reason." Thank you all so much for everything you provided. From your patience, sense of urgency, and complete kindness. Forever our favorite hotel.