a celebration with purpose
Ziggy & Alma: A Love Story 25 Years in the Making
Alma and Ziggy met in the winter of 1996 on Valentine’s Day at a singles bar in Chula Vista, California. Their connection was instant and undeniable. What started as a dance turned into long nights of conversation, adventures, and dreams. In just a few short years, they built a life together and got married in the fall of 1999 on Ocotber 2nd. Their wedding was a beautiful celebration of love, full of joy, laughter, and a promise to build a future side by side.
Building a Life Together
Together, they built successful businesses from the ground up, demonstrating the power of teamwork, mutual respect, and unwavering support. Together, they raised a three children and created a family full of love, laughter, and memories that would last a lifetime. Their children were their pride and joy, the living embodiment of the love that had grown between them over the years.
In 2019, life took them on a new kind of journey—Ziggy received the devastating news that he had been diagnosed with cancer.
What followed was five years of fierce battles, hospital visits, treatments, and moments of hope. Through it all, Ziggy never lost his spirit, and Alma was his unwavering pillar of strength. Together, they faced each challenge with love, resilience, and an unbreakable bond. They traveled and lived life to the fullest. But by September of 2024, the doctors gave them heartbreaking news: there was nothing more they could do.
A Final Wish: Renewing Their Vows
Amidst the pain, Ziggy and Alma held onto one thing: their love for each other. Through the darkest of days, they remained determined to make their final wish come true—a vow renewal on their 25th wedding anniversary, October 2, 2025. For them, this was not just a celebration of love—it was a testament to the journey they had shared, the challenges they had overcome, and the legacy they were leaving behind for their children.
MatchBox Event Co, in partnership with Wish Upon A Wedding, joined forces to make this dream a reality. With the help of over 18 wedding partners, they meticulously crafted a vow renewal that would honor the past and Ziggy’s legacy—a celebration of love, strength, and hope.
A Vow Renewal Like No Other
The vow renewal ceremony was nothing short of magical. With each detail carefully thought out, many of the elements replicated their original wedding in 1999. From the tullips in the brides bouquet to the vintage vanilla raspberry cream cake, every piece of the celebration was designed to bring the couple back to the love-filled day they had first promised forever to each other. It was a reflection of not just the love they shared but the legacy of their partnership—one that had seen them through highs and lows, laughter and tears.
Their children were there, of course, as well as close family and friends who had supported them throughout their journey. The ceremony was an emotional reminder of the power of love, and the vows exchanged were a testament to their enduring commitment to each other.
Ziggy's Passing: A Love That Endures Beyond Life
Sadly, Ziggy’s health continued to decline after the vow renewal, but his love for Alma and their family never wavered. Just one month later, on November 14th, 2024, Ziggy passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by the people who loved him most—his children and his beloved wife, Alma.
His final days were filled with love and reflection, and though his body grew weaker, his spirit remained strong. The vow renewal ceremony they had so carefully planned together became an enduring testament to their incredible bond. Ziggy’s passing, just one month after the ceremony, may have marked the end of his earthly journey, but his love for Alma and their children will continue to live on forever.
With Love and Gratitude
The ceremony of Ziggy and Alma’s vow renewal was made possible by the collaboration of MatchBox Event Co , Wish Upon A Wedding, and an incredible network of the following vendor partners
Planning and Design: @matchboxeventco
Venue: @jeuneperche
Photo + Video: @justinegracephoto.film @steven.film
Content Creator: @sandiegocontentcreator
Rentals: @adorefolklore
Floral: @nancylobodesigns @lobofloral
Catering & Mocktails: @anythingbutordinarycatering
Cake: @cutecakes
DJ: @cageandaquarium
Live Music: @samuel.alexander.music
Live Painter: @johngarcia_eventpainter
Day of Stationary & Signage: @madebymadidesignco
Invitations: @minted
HMUA: @alyrosebeautyteam
Linen: @nuagedesignsinc
Dress: @monamie
Tux: @generationtux
Photobooth: @oceventphotobooths
