Rocío and Luke

Rocio and Luke

April 24, 2027

Pazo Do Tambre • A Coruña, Spain

449 Days
5 Hours
45 Minutes
41 Seconds

Our Story

How it all began

Our story started in the summertime 2023 in Anchorage, Alaska. Luke was serving in the Army while Rocío was working on base as an Au pair. She was looking to steal his time teaching her English and helping her sound more natural. However, Luke already had his sights set and was bound and determined to make this woman his wife. Luke asked Rocío to go on a date at Thunderbird Falls where they could go on a short hike together. What it turned into was both of them awkwardly stumbling over a language barrier but it was a foundation for what laid ahead.

We were able to enjoy a year and a half in Alaska learning about what God had in store for us. We took this time exploring Alaska, from the Chena Hot Springs in the dead of winter to the Solomon Gulch Hatchery in Valdez. During this time we prayed a lot trying to figure out what God wanted in our lives and what He wanted in our relationship.

On September 14th, 2025 Luke proposed to Rocío on the beach of the Mediterranean Sea in Tossa de Mar, Girona, Spain. It was a calm morning after a several days of thunder storming. We really couldn't have asked God for a better day. To Luke's relief, Rocío said yes and we are both so excited to celebrate this next chapter of our life with you.

Wedding Events

Join us for these special moments

Welcome Tapas

Friday, April 23 • 6:00 PM

TBD
TBD, A Coruña, Spain

Join us for a casual evening to kick off the wedding weekend. Cocktails and tapas will be served.

Ceremony & Reception

Saturday, April 24 • 6:00 PM

Pazo Do Tambre
15286 Serra de Outes, A Coruña, Spain

Ceremony begins at 6:00 PM followed by cocktail hour and reception. Dinner and dancing at a spanish estate in Galicia. Formal attire requested.

Farewell Brunch

Sunday, April 26 • 10:00 AM

Pazo do Tambre
15286 Serra de Outes, A Coruña, Spain

Please join us for a relaxing brunch to say goodbye before everyone heads home. Casual attire welcome.

Travel & Stay

Everything you need to know

Getting There

The nearest airport is Santiago-Rosalía de Castro Airport (SCQ), about 40 minutes from the venue. We will have a shuttle bus picking up guests at [TIMES] on Friday and [TIMES] on Saturday morning. However, we recommend renting a car for the easiest transportation around galician country, especially if you plan to explore nearby villages, beaches, or rural areas during your stay.

View directions →

Where to Stay

We've reserved room blocks at two hotels close to the venue. Please mention the Van Ess wedding when booking to receive the group rate.

Luz de Viro
15287 Viro, A Coruña, Spain
Book your room →

Hotel Noia
R. Curros Enríquez, 27, 15200 Noia, A Coruña, Spain
Book your room →

Things to Do

While you’re staying in rural Galicia, there’s a wonderful mix of natural beauty, historic villages, and coastal scenery within easy reach. The estuaries and beaches around Porto do Son and Outes, are wonderful spots for a peaceful walk. For those who love scenic outlooks, the trails in the surrounding hills show a panorama of the Atlantic coast. Lastly the area’s local seafood is worth try at the small taverns scattered around the nearby villages.

See our recommendations →

Registry

Your presence is the best present

We nned to find a registry page

View Registry

Honeymoon Fund

Contribute

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We can't wait to celebrate with you