A message from Aimee -- (new on 8/8/19)

Dear friends and family,

We got hitched! Despite living in separate countries, we have now joined more deeply as a couple and as a family. What a journey!!! Thanks for reading and visiting this site and being a part of it! In lieu of material gifts, we have this registry to help make our celebrations and reunions...it's not too late if you feel moved to gift or post a note on the virtual guest book. Read on for the scoop on our private and semi-private ceremonies!

First, on Tuesday, July 16, Einar (Tito) and I had a private ceremony in Barbados, one of the few countries Cubans can visit and where the marriage paperwork was relatively simple. In front of the sea in St. Philip, the wind blowing and the waves roaring, with our son Isagani Iré and two witnesses (Andrew our photographer and Elma the housekeeper), and a magistrate from Bridgetown, we performed our vows and signed papers. We stayed in Barbados for a few more days to enjoy precious time (See photos in update!)

Then, at Caleton beach near Santiago de Cuba, on Sunday, July 28, with about fifteen family and friends, mostly from Santiago, we had another ceremony, this time saying our own vows (and in Tito's case, a song) and a reception in which Tito and friends prepared fish, chicken, rice and avocado and guests enjoyed eating and the sea in a little rented house. Our low-budget celebrations were simple but abundant with joy and familial love. (Photos coming soon!)

Our "luna de miel" or honeymoon was not typical; it simply involved spending time together and with friends visiting from Florida and California in an Airbnb in Santiago, and a couple nights out without the baby (woohoo!). As gifted by a couple of friends on this honeyfund, we were able to rent one night at the airbnb and leave baby at home at with abuela Xiomara (Aimee's second night EVER without the baby since he was born 8 months ago!)

One day, we hope to have a third church ceremony in the USA, but meanwhile, we are grateful to have been able to ritualize our important bond.

Very shortly, we'll post some photos here to give you all a glimpse of our unique journey of amor! Thank you for being a part of it and for your blessings, wishes and love! -- Aimee and Einar

Original message from Aimee (7/19)

Hello friends and family,

We're excited to share that we are moving forward to get married! The date posted for the marriage is only an estimate for a private, civil ceremony to be followed by a small ceremony/fiesta.

Like our family, our journey is unique! From my Filipino roots to Cuba, we met in 2016 when I was studying dance and Tito (Einar) was playing drums. We are committed to love each other, crossing borders and seas to live one day in California together to raise our son. As you know, we have a beautiful baby boy, now 7 months old on June 29, 2019. So far, Tito has only been able to meet and hold his son during one visit in February, and we sustain on video chats as our boy grows so fast.

Unlike a traditional registry or honeymoon fundraiser, our hopes are foundational. We don't need fancy platters, top-of-the-line blenders, or a safari; we want to get married, enjoy a few days as a couple and as na family and work to bring Tito here; in this current climate, it's a goal that requires all of the energy and prayers and patience we can muster. Of course, we'd love to have a few "special" items like flowers, some food for a Cuba-based party, a photographer to capture the moments and a dinner out after our civil ceremony to celebrate!

This wedding registry exists as an opportunity for our beloved community to support our union, such as the costs of travel, room and board and a few ceremony items.

The process of gathering paperwork alone has taken months and once married, a visa could take 1 or more years. Isagani and I will travel when possible to Cuba while we wait. But this is not a sob story - it's a journey of love! - we are not shaken in our dream, no matter how long it takes.

We are so grateful for the Village who has helped gather around me and Isagani Iré and help me raise him until we are all together. You have given us strength, and the challenges have more fortified as a couple and as a family. Thank you for being a part of our beloved community.

Now...time to get hitched!

With gratitude and love,

Aimee and Tito