Creekwood Gardens

Wedding Day

Ceremony

Reception

Our Wedding

It all began on Leap Day 2024, when fate decided to give us an extra day—and what better way to spend it than meeting each other at Great Raft Brewery? What started as a simple evening out quickly turned into something that felt like it was meant to be. We quickly realized that shared hobbies of travel, photography, camping, and sampling new foods and beverages was just the beginning. There was a unique chemistry that allowed conversation to flow so easily that time seemed to pass much more quickly than normal! From that day forward, every moment together just fit.

By the end of 2024, we were spending nearly all our free time together, from day trips to a hot air balloon festival to an evening at a corn maze with pumpkin picking at Dixie Maze Farms. In December of that year, we began our travel adventures by going to Conroe together for the first time to celebrate Chelsea’s niece (Bella’s) birthday and to experience the magic of Santa’s Wonderland. Just a few weeks later, we rang in the new year in Gatlinburg. It was raining all evening, stopping just a few minutes before the ball drop, fireworks, and drone show exactly at midnight! We later stayed a night in a beautiful cabin outside of Chattanooga that had the most spectacular view of the sunset. That trip really stirred the feeling in both our hearts that this was just the beginning of something special!

As the months rolled on, so did our adventures. We explored New Orleans with Josh’s family, spent time with Chelsea’s granny in New Braunfels, soaked up the sun in Pensacola for July 4th, explored the beauty of Tennessee (complete with a night at The Grand Ole Opry to celebrate their 100th year!), and floated lazily down the San Marcos River.

Eventually, our travels took us all the way to Washington for one of Chelsea’s work trips. Neither of us knew it yet, but this would become the most meaningful trip of all. While exploring the breathtaking Quinault Rainforest, at an overlook on a hike surrounded by towering western red cedar and Douglas fir trees, Josh leaned in and began speaking about how love grows—strong, steadfast, and resilient— much like the life of a tree. Then, he dropped to one knee and asked the question we’d both been dreaming about:“Will you marry me?”

While this timeline tries to cover the highlights of Chelsea and Joshua's journey from their first date to their engagement, they went on so many more adventures together. As such, there's an alarmingly large number of pictures not included in the above timeline that are worth sharing. Below is a gallery of their favorite memories they've made together.

Our Story

These are Chelsea and Joshua's favorite engagement photos taken by Chelsea's very talented cousin, Ru.

Engagement Photos

Megan is Chelsea’s oldest sister and the mom to her three beautiful (but slightly feral) nieces, the flower girls. They’ve shared so many fun memories over the years, including a trip to Costa Rica! It’s only fitting that Megan stands with Chelsea at the end of the aisle on this important day!

Megan Mejia

Christian is Joshua's older sibling, but not by much. He enviously skipped forward a grade in grade school and they shared a lot of memories on road trips and vacations, and as roommates for a few years.  He now finds success working behind the scenes at a local television station.

Christian Gaude

Riley is Chelsea’s youngest sister and the mom to her handsome nephew, João Luca, the ring bearer. Riley has been there for Chelsea through all the big moments, fun family trips, and will be an amazing support system on the big day!

Riley Vital

Jacob is the eldest cousin of Joshua, and the life of the party. He and Joshua have spent many fun holidays growing up together. He enjoys all things aviation and is bound to be a great pilot. Jacob is determined to be the squirrel hunting king every year at their family's annual hunting trip.

Jacob Nelson

Ashleigh is Joshua's younger sibling. Growing up, she and Joshua did not always get along, but now she is Joshua's favorite sister. Ashleigh is naturally talented and has gone to school in New Orleans where she studied and earned a masters degree in fine arts. Newly engaged to her fiancée Tyler, Joshua and Chelsea will be auctioning off their wedding decorations at a discounted rate to the couple after the reception.

Ashleigh Gaude

Caleb is Joshua's second oldest cousin and the younger brother of Jacob. He is in the US Air Force National Guard. Caleb is very mechanically inclined and loves to get his hands greasy working on old machinery. He has spent many hours in the garage, tinkering away on his family's household devices, much to his parents' dismay.

Caleb "Cleb" Nelson

Jamie is Chelsea’s closest friend from college and her constant companion. Jamie and Chelsea have been there for each other through it all, from career changes, to big moves and everything in between! If you tallied up the amount of time they’ve spent camping or traveling together…. well… it’d be a really big number. Jamie is the perfect fit to the bridal party fun-tivities!

Jamie Hooker

Brandon is Joshua's Childhood friend. He and Joshua went to middle and high school together. Brandon has a passion for music, especially old school rock with a love of the Beatles and The Red Hot Chili Peppers among other bands. Brandon is a man who you can count on and perseveres through thick and thin. The line "I will not let you drag me down" from the Red Hot Chili Peppers' song Power of Equality describes him well.

Brandon Mansfield

Bella is Chelsea’s oldest niece and though she tells everyone that Josh is her “best friend” we all know she’s really excited to spend some extra time with her Aunt Sissy too. Bella is the sweetest little girl you’ll ever meet and will be so much fun to have with the bridal party on the big day!

Isabella "Bella" Mejia

Sophie is Chelsea’s second niece and the epitome of the term “wild child”. If she decides to throw flower petals into your face while walking down the aisle, we apologize in advance. We are excited to see her tear up the dance floor at the reception and know she will bring some “fun” to all the weekend’s festivities!

Sophia "Sophie" Mejia

Liv is Chelsea’s newest niece. Born in June, Liv will be holding down her first job as flower girl before she can walk!

Olivia "Liv" Mejia

João is Chelsea’s only nephew and will be escorted down the aisle in a white wagon while “carrying” the rings. We know he’s more than up to the task and will be one of the cutest additions to the wedding party!

João Luca Vital

Wedding Party

For Women:Dresses - Midi, knee-length, or maxi dresses in fabrics like cotton, jersey, or other lightweight material. Footwear - Wedges, strappy sandals, or elegant flats are ideal, especially for outdoor venues where high heels might sink into the grass.For Men:Bottoms - Chinos or dress pants in lightweight cotton or linen. Jeans are generally not acceptable.Tops - Solid or printed button-down dress shirt or a knit polo.Jackets - Sport coat or blazer, which can be taken off once the reception starts.Suits - A full suit is acceptable, but not necessary.Footwear - Loafers, oxfords, or sleek leather dress shoes. Accessories - A tie is optional, but not required

Dress Code

Hotels

We recommend booking early as lodging in the area is limited. Many hotels in the Ruston area tend to book up this time of year months in advance.

Quality Inn Ruston

Holiday Inn Express Minden by IHG

Holiday Inn Express & Suites West Monroe by IHG

Days Inn by Wyndham Arcadia Louisiana

On Site Accommodations

Tent and RV camping are available on site. Please refer to the website for booking instructions. Cabins are reserved for immediate family.

Other Accommodations

There are also several Airbnb and Vrbo options in the area.

Travel

Timeline

4:30 PM - Guests arrive5:00 PM - Ceremony5:30 PM - Cocktail hour begins6:20 PM - Couple's first dance6:30 PM - Dinner begins8:00 PM - Cake cutting9:45 PM - Last dance10:00 PM - Reception concludes

Timeline of Events

Food Menu

Chopped BrisketPulled PorkHill Country SausageBuns - Gluten free option availableBaked beans Potato salad Sliced onionsSliced picklesBBQ Sauce

Provided Drinks

Bottled WaterSweet TeaUnsweetened TeaCoca-ColaDiet CokeDr. PepperSpriteLopez Lager - Home-brewed lager brewed by Atomic Gecko BreweryGaude IPA - Home-brewed IPA brewed by Atomic Gecko BreweryGreat Raft beer - Local brewery, style TBDMatrimony Mead - Home-brewed mead brewed by JoshuaMichelob UltraModeloRed WineWhite Wine***The venue is BYOB, so feel free to bring whatever you prefer if the provided drinks listed above do not appeal to you***

Things To Do During the Reception

There will be several activities for guests during cocktail hour and throughout the reception, including lawn games, a photo booth, guestbooks, and a DJ to get the party going—plus plenty of space to mingle and dance.

Photo Booth

Enjoy the photo booth available all night—strike a pose, and take home a keepsake to remember Chelsea and Joshua’s celebration.

The Beer Wall

Opens up during cocktail hour, come pour yourself a draft beer. This wall will feature homebrewed beer and mead, as well as a local option from Great Raft Brewery where Chelsea and Joshua kicked off their relationship with a first date.

Corn Hole

Classic cornhole will be available to play—bring your competitive spirit, steady your drink hand, and get ready for some friendly backyard rivalry!

Washers

Like cornhole but a little different—washers will be set out for guests to play, so grab a partner, toss a few, and enjoy some lighthearted competition.

Audio Guestbook

Leave a voicemail for Chelsea and Joshua on their retro rotary phone audio guestbook — share a memory, a toast, or a silly story.

Tree Guestbook

You can write your name on a leaf and drop it into the slot—watch the tree fill up with names throughout the night.

Things to Do

Registry

We don't need anything to start our life together, but if you feel inclined to give, we value experiences over items. After our wedding, we will be taking a honeymoon trip to Europe and will accept any help to fund our "wish list" of experiences such as a gondola ride in Venice, dinner in Athens, tours of Croatia, and drinks at the cliffside bars in Dubrovnik. Thanks in advance for your generosity in making this a trip to remember!

<a href="https://www.gaudesgethitched.com/us/chelsea-lopez-and-joshua-gaude-oct-2026/registry" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Click here to access the fund.</a>The fund is listed as an item on the wedding registry page. It is left open-ended because any amount is appreciated.

Chelsea & Joshua