Our Story
Sarina and Phill’s origin story is entwined with the South Florida comic convention scene in which Sarina worked from 2015-2018. Sarina was a full-time office staff while Phill, related to the owners, would come in during the events to assist in AV. In fact, Sarina still recalls the first time she made notice of Phill as the cute skinny kid with weird facial hair packing the truck outside of the MACC in the dark during Animate Miami 2015, even though she didn’t catch his name.
Their second interaction at Magic 2016 was even more chaotic as Phill had the chance to witness Sarina’s complete emotional breakdown in room MACC 100, as Josh and Ursula fed her food from their hidden stash after the staff provisions had been gobbled up while she was still running around trying to keep it all together during her first time running Guest Relations. At least that interaction gave him a peek at what he was getting into.
Later that year, while Phill was doing his apprenticeship, he started to come by the Fort Lauderdale office more to grift off of the free Wi-Fi. It was then that they started to connect. Their mutual friend, Sara, even went as far as to schedule a dinner at New York Grilled Cheese, only to bow out last minute so it was just them.
After texting over Thanksgiving break, they decided to go see a movie together. Dr. Strange because the first movie they had planned to see, Sarina had ended up seeing with family during the break (through no fault of her own! Her family changed the movie choice last minute!). At the office a few days before, the following exchange occurred:
Phill: “Is this a date?”
Sarina: “I don’t know…”
Phill: “Well, let me know when you do.”
It did indeed turn out to be their first date, and they stayed up until 1 AM after the movie talking, with Sarina unaware that Phill had to be at work at 4 AM and was sacrificing sleep to meet at a time that worked for her.
After that, things moved pretty quickly. It helped that Phill’s studio was only 5 minutes from the office so Sarina could avoid her 45-minute commute from Miami. In the summer of 2017, Sarina found a place in Fort Lauderdale, and Phill planned to keep his place. But after just a few days, Phill realized he was lonely in his studio now, so he dropped his apartment and they moved into the new place together.
In Spring 2019, Phill received a job offer and so they moved to the Orlando Area. A year later, just before the lockdowns started, Phill proposed to Sarina in front of family and friends at a lovely party on the patio of a local French restaurant. In January of 2021, they moved yet again, but this time into a house of their own in Kissimmee.
This fall, Sarina and Phill are looking forward to hosting their wedding with their symbolic ceremony and celebrating with everyone at The Grand at Moon Palace after all the time apart from everyone the last two years. Legal paperwork will have been handled in the States as is typical with destination weddings in Mexico.Wedding Venue & Map
Please join us at The Grand at Moon Palace, a 5-Star All-Inclusive Resort in Cancun, Mexico
NOTE: This resort is an All-Inclusive, meaning that all food and alcohol is included in your room cost, along with many of the activities.
Set upon a stunning beach in the Riviera Maya with views of the Mexican Caribbean coast, The Grand at Moon Palace is a gigantic luxury resort like no other.
This all-inclusive resort features over-the-top amenities like opulent bars, limitless fun with incredible playrooms, and even a waterpark, as well as a renowned Golf and Spa complex.
When you stay at The Grand at Moon Palace, your charming, boutique-style suite is decorated with upscale coastal textures in neutral, sand-like hues and has a double whirlpool tub. Head out for some fun at the Waterpark, FlowRider Double wave simulator, arcade, nightclubs, tennis courts, and a motorized water sports marina.
There are 11 restaurants and 12 bars (all included with your room!), ranging from beach-casual to fine-dining. The 5 swim-up bars, 9 outdoor pools (including one adults-only pool with a live DJ), and beach club offer unmatched customer service in stunning settings.
Transportation
The Grand at Moon Palace
Cancun - Chetumal KM 36.5, Riviera Maya, 77500 Cancún, Q.R., MexicoApprox. 15 minutes from the Cancun International Airport
The resort offers a transportation service which can be booked by emailing transfercancun@palaceresorts.com
This service is included in stays of 4+ nights.
You are welcome to arrange independent transportation if desired.
Can’t Attend?
We understand but will miss you dearly! Please let us know through the form below. You can specify if you’d still like to receive a full invite package or not, as well as leave us a message (that won’t be read until the weekend of)!
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