Sequoia Mansion by Wedgewood Weddings

Wedding Day

Ceremony

Social Hour

Reception

Attire

Attire: Cocktail Attire

Our Wedding

Our Love Story Sometimes, the best love stories unfold over time, like the perfect plot in a movie. Our story began in 2008 when we first met. Though life took us in different directions, and we didn’t stay connected, we would occasionally cross paths over the years, as if fate was gently reminding us of each other. It wasn’t until we both found ourselves back in Sacramento, CA that we reconnected—not as a couple, but as friends. Through our friendship, we were able to get to know each other organically, realizing that we shared many of the same values and morals. We discovered our shared passions, strong family bonds, a love for the outdoors, our strong faith, and an impressive talent for binging Netflix. As we spent more time together, our friendship blossomed into something beautiful. We realized that what we had was more than just a connection; it was something extraordinary. Our love grew naturally, rooted in friendship, trust, and a shared vision for the future. These days we stay active and busy (maybe subconsciously making up for lost time) doing all the things we love together – hiking, attending music and food festivals, sporting events, farmer’s markets, and the movies, taking walks in the park, and traveling near and far. Some of our most cherished memories include our first trip to New York, where we explored the city hand in hand, our adventures in Costa Rica, soaking in its natural beauty, and in Ghana, immersing ourselves in its vibrant culture. But the essence of our relationship is in the everyday moments—the laughter, the inside jokes, the impromptu karaoke solos, and the sheer joy of being goofy together. We bring out the best in each other, creating a home where there's never a dull moment. What makes our story truly special is how it blossomed after years of knowing each other, never realizing that we were meant to be. We met later in life, at 33 and 39 years old, but that only made our connection stronger and more meaningful. It took time, but the best things in life always do. Now, after all we've been through, we know we are each other's life partners, ready to face the future together with love, laughter, and endless adventures.

Our Story

Photos

Parents of the Bride & Groom

Marie & Ced Young

Joe & Suk Medeiros

Betsy Katz

Julius Katz

Maid of Honor

Tomika Levi

I met Mika in 2008 during our freshman year at UC Santa Barbara. We pledged the same sorority, Zeta Phi Beta, Sorority, Inc., in 2009, and the rest is history. Summing up a 15+ year friendship is no easy task because no single moment defines our bond. It is the cumulative collection of laughs, tears, international travels, loved ones lost, new jobs, cross-country moves, heartbreaks, shared dreams, and goals abandoned that forge (present tense) an unbreakable friendship and sisterhood. Mika has been there for every good and challenging moment in my life. I am blessed to call her my best friend, my sister, and now my maid of honor. Shoutout to NEXTPHAZE who have all been along this wild ride called life!

Best Man

Mandingo Buchongo

I met Mandingo around 2000–2001 at Salesian High School, and from the jump we bonded over our love for music, especially hip hop. Countless hours of ciphers, battles, and NBA/NFL 2K1 on Dreamcast laid the foundation for what became a true brotherhood. Few friendships are truly lifelong, but ours is one of them. From long conversations and philosophical debates to trips up to Berkeley for open mics, digging through crates of records at Rasputin’s and Amoeba, and grabbing pizza at Fat Slice, no friend has taught me more. College took us to opposite ends of the country, but our friendship remained. It’s the cross-country trips, family reunions, being the best man at his wedding, and even traveling to Ghana together that continue to shape the bond we share today. Mandingo has been there through every high and low, and I’m grateful to call him my brother for life.

Wedding Party

Airport and Recommended Stays

The wedding venue is approximately 1 hour from Sacramento International Airport (SMF). We will be staying in Downtown Sacramento at the Kimpton Sawyer Hotel the night of the wedding. If you’d like to be close to us and enjoy easy access to restaurants, nightlife and activities, downtown Sacramento is a great choice (about a 40-minute drive to the venue). For guests who prefer to stay closer to the venue, we recommend Folsom, CA (approx. 20–25 mins from the venue), which has plenty of hotels, stores, and dining options. If you’re looking for something more cozy and unique, Placerville, CA offers charming Bed &amp; Breakfasts and will give you the shortest travel time to the venue.

Downtown Sacramento Recommendations

Kimpton Sawyer Hotel

Hyatt Centric Downtown Sacramento

Hyatt Regency Sacramento

Holiday Inn Sacramento Downtown - Arena by IHG

Folsom Hotel Recommendations

Use the special Wedgewood Weddings link to schedule reservations at a&nbsp;discounted rate.

Courtyard Sacramento Folsom

Residence Inn Sacramento Folsom

Fairfield Inn & Suites Sacramento Folsom

Larkspur Landing Extended Stay Suites Folsom

Placerville Hotel Recommendations

Best Western is an affordable option and only a 5-minute drive from the wedding venue.

Best Western Plus Placerville Inn

The Historic Cary House is charming with lots of character. It is located just a few minutes from the venue and right in the middle of Downtown Placerville's Main Street.

Historic Cary House Hotel

Red Hawk Resort + Casino

Bed & Breakfasts

Ponderosa Ridge A Bed & Breakfast

North Canyon Inn Bed & Breakfast

Eden Vale Inn

Travel & Accommodations

RSVPs

Plus-Ones & Children

Dress Code

Please refer to these helpful guides about elevated cocktail attire: <a href="https://www.brides.com/cocktail-attire-wedding-4844364" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.brides.com/cocktail-attire-wedding-4844364</a><a href="https://www.theknot.com/content/wedding-guest-attire-cheat-sheet" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.theknot.com/content/wedding-guest-attire-cheat-sheet</a><a href="https://www.theknot.com/content/cocktail-wedding-attire" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.theknot.com/content/cocktail-wedding-attire</a>

Directions, Transportation and Accommodations

Menu & Dietary Restrictions

Wedding Registry & Gifts

<a href="https://www.amazon.com/wedding/share/MelandJeff2025" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.amazon.com/wedding/share/MelandJeff2025</a>

Q + A

Places to Go

Apple Hill is one of Melissa's childhood favorites. Stock up on freshly picked apples, baked apple pies, apple cider donuts, and apple fritters. Our favorite locations include:- High Hill Ranch: full of vendors, great energy, and family-friendly activities. Fill up on apple cider, baked goods, and treats. This is the busiest location in Apple Hill. Get there early to beat the traffic. - Abel's Acre Apples: shorter bakery lines, delicious apple pie a la mode to enjoy in the moment, and overpriced BBQ, but "when in Rome...", right? - Delfino Farms: bring a blanket and enjoy the beautiful hillside while enjoying a treat from Joan's Apple Bakery. - Boa Vista Orchards: the largest selection of apple varieties and apple cider and frozen apple pies to go; this is usually our final stop of the day. - Bonus: Wofford Acres Vineyards: the location Jeff proposed to Melissa overlooking a beautiful, picturesque canyon!

Apple Hill

El Dorado County is home to 70 mountain-grown wineries. There are lots of great places to try out in the area.

El Dorado County Wineries

Red Hawk Resort &amp; Casino is located 10 minutes from our venue and offers a ton of activities: bowling, golf simulators, go karts, VR rides, and more.

The Apex at Red Hawk Resort + Casino

Places to Eat in Placerville

Dimly lit, fairy lights, and mead - a unique experience that we highly recommend at night. Try the mead forest flight!

Enchanted Forest Dining Experience

One of our favorite local burger joint. No frills, reasonably priced, and delicious. P.S. The fry bag is big enough to share.

Shoestring

Great breakfast spot! We really enjoyed the Carnitas Sonora and Eggs Benedict.

Annie’s Mimosas

A good mix of food options that will likely meet everyone's needs. Libations were excellent.

Bricks Eats & Drinks

Weird combinations of food on bread. Something you can't really explain but you should at least try once. Good luck choosing!

Timmy's BROWN BAG

Sacramento Food Favorites

Find our Google Maps list of our favorite, local Sacramento food spots: <a href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/eRGmGrbSMv7rMdHa7" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://maps.app.goo.gl/eRGmGrbSMv7rMdHa7</a>

Melissa & Jeff