Rehearsal Dinner

The Blue Magnolia

Wedding Day

Ceremony

Reception

Our Wedding

We first met on Bumble in 2022. Sanny in College Station and Nauder in Baytown, and decided to meet halfway in Houston. For Sanny, it was more of a dating game, she had her close friends weighing in on who she should meet or not, Nauder got the date approval, and the rest was history... Our very first date was at the Holocaust Museum, of all places, because they were hosting a special Ruth Bader Ginsburg exhibit that Sanny was so excited to see. Definitely not your typical first-date spot, but from the moment we met, it felt like we had known each other forever. What was supposed to be a quick museum date turned into a whole day together, we simply didn’t want it to end. After the museum, Nauder asked where Sanny wanted to go for dinner, and of course she picked her favorite, Chuy’s. Over cheesy Tex-Mex in a booth, we dove into stories about our childhoods, our families, and our lives, talking like two people who could have stayed there forever. Nauder still remembers the way Sanny ordered her quesadillas “extra crispy” a little detail he’s never forgotten and still gets for her to this day. But the night didn’t stop there. We wandered over to a beautiful temple we’d both never heard of before (pictured above), then grabbed ice cream and strolled through the shops at Memorial City. Under the Houston night sky, we had our first kiss before saying goodbye in front of the museum where it all began.The very next day, we went on our second date, and from then on, we never really stopped seeing each other. That one Bumble swipe turned into forever, and now, here we are, getting married.

How we met...

Our Story

Photos!

Patty and Sanny have literally been together since day one. Conception LOL. Patty is Sanny’s twin, she is also her biggest motivator, best friend, and personal bully all wrapped into one; and truly, her everything. She’s the patience to Sanny’s fortitude, just like the lion statues outside the New York Public Library where they grew up going together.

Patty Bennett

Nauder and Travis grew up together in Baytown, but really bonded when they discovered their shared love of racing. They got into all sorts of trouble until Stephany came along. The three became inseparable, Nauder proudly third-wheeling- they’re the OG crew. 

Travis Cantrell

What started as a Greek-life “faux little sister” connection turned into a lifelong friendship. Karen became family, not just to Sanny, but to her entire family. She’s been there through every season of life, and now she stands next to Sanny on the biggest day of her life as one of her best and most loyal friends.

Karen Lopez

Nauder and Jonathan met in adulthood, and their friendship quickly became pivotal. Jonathan has been a huge source of motivation and support, and the two have guided each other through life’s challenges with laughter and honesty. Not only is Jon a mentor in work, but a great motivator helping Nauder navigate life.

Jonathan 

Sanny and Cindy met in college but became confidants in adulthood, even with Cindy living in D.C. She’s Sanny’s most thoughtful, honest, and dependable friend (and was her go-to for debriefing every dating disaster).

Cindy Martinez

Jake is Nauder’s future brother-in-law, and though they started as strangers dating twin sisters, the two are now besties. Whether it’s poking fun, roughhousing, or navigating the crazy Rivera family, they’ve built a bond that feels like brotherhood.

Jake Bennett

Catie and Sanny instantly clicked in college, bonding over their shared dreams, similar career paths, and the kind of conversations that never end. She’s a best friend who feels like a sister, and someone Sanny admires deeply.

Catie Selvaggi

Introduced through Sanny’s bestie Karen, Javi and Nauder found an easy friendship. Whether chatting about cars or life, they keep each other company at every gathering and have become close friends. Javi always shows up for Nauder, no matter what. It quickly became clear he’d be a lifelong friend and an important part of their story.

Javi Lozano

Ellie is dating Sanny’s brother, but she’s truly the little sister Sanny always wanted. She makes Manny so happy and has become part of the family in every way.

Ellie Casanova

Manny is Sanny’s little brother and Nauder’s future brother-in-law. Though hard to crack, Manny is the key to truly understanding Sanny, he's her favorite person. Earning Manny’s approval has meant everything to Nauder and he's honored to have him stand beside him.

Manny Rivera

Stephany came into Sanny’s life through Nauder’s best friend, and it was an instant soul-sister connection. She’s pure joy, always keeps the guys in check, and has become someone Sanny loves dearly.

Stephany Cantrell

Zack is Nauder’s cousin, and the two grew up learning about life side by side. Their bond is rooted in family, respect, and shared experiences, making Zack a cornerstone of Nauder’s story.

Zack Basatankhah

Wedding Party

Registry

Q + A

Formal

Dress Code

The wedding block is reserved for the Bastankhah-Rivera Wedding. Hotel is 15 minutes from the venue. Please use this direct booking link:<a href="https://www.hilton.com/en/book/reservation/rooms/?ctyhocn=IAHTWES&amp;arrivalDate=2026-04-03&amp;departureDate=2026-04-05&amp;groupCode=91R&amp;room1NumAdults=1" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> https://www.hilton.com/en/book/reservation/rooms/?ctyhocn=IAHTWES&amp;arrivalDate=2026-04-03&amp;departureDate=2026-04-05&amp;groupCode=91R&amp;room1NumAdults=1</a> No transportation is provided.

Sanny & Nauder

Sanny & Nauder

Wedding Block- Hotel

Embassy Suites by Hilton The Woodlands® at Hughes Landing