Robert Porras and Richard Mena were introduced through a mutual family friend. Since they were both single at the time, their friend figured they’d be a good match – and soon after, the two went on their first date.
“The first time we saw each other was truly love at first sight,” Richard recalls. “The connection was genuine and we both knew we had finally found our soulmate. As each year passes, our relationship gets better and stronger.
"WE SUPPORT EACH OTHER, UNDERSTAND EACH OTHER, AND ENCOURAGE EACH OTHER.”
We work well together as a team, and the love we have for each other helped us get through our ups and downs. We support each other, understand each other, and encourage each other. We make sure that we make time for each other, whether it’s 15 to 20 minutes of catching up on life’s happenings, doing house projects together, or enjoying a date night at home or out at our favorite nightspots.”
Richard and Robert’s favorite getaway is Palm Springs, where they often go to escape the noise and nonstop lifestyle of Los Angeles. On April 22, 2017, the couple found themselves enjoying a romantic Palm Springs weekend at the Parker Hotel when Robert decided to propose.
“The wedding process was fun and easy for the two of us, because of our two dear friends who are professionals and experts in the field of event planning,” says Richard. “They know us well and understood what we wanted.”
Robert and Richard’s wedding day was filled with love, laughter, friends, and family. The ceremony and reception were held in downtown Los Angeles, and the ambiance was chic, sophisticated, and modern with a color palette of black, white, and red. Only red roses were used as the accent color, symbolizing the couple’s love and devotion to each other.
After the grooms exchanged vows on a balcony overlooking their guests, everyone was escorted to a 35th floor penthouse enclosed by floor-to-ceiling glass windows with incredible views of the city. “The enchanted evening began with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres served by male-only model waiters,” describes Richard. “We had live entertainment featuring another friend of ours, Morganne Picard, International Chanteuse.”
The dining space was set with glass tables and candelabras, and the backdrop to the grooms’ table showcased a glass enclosed waterfall. Samba music and feathered Brazilian dancers set the tone for the newlyweds’ grand entrance, and the dance floor was filled until the early hours of the morning.
For their honeymoon, Robert and Richard took a cruise on the Mexican Riviera.
WEDDING TALENT
Photography: Gloria Mesa, Los Angeles, CA
