Willson Butihi
Chester Lopez
Willson Butihi
Chester Lopez
August 23, 2025
Our Story
Chester and Willson exchanged glances in 2006 at the Kahului 24 Hour Fitness on Maui. They never met, never greeted each other, and never exchanged contact information. Their story began in August 2009 after Chester texted Willson that he shouldn't display his cell phone number on Facebook because "weird people are going to text you." Their friendship flourished and they finally went steady in October 2009, but their romance was cut short when Willson left for military basic training in January 2010. Despite their distance, their relationship remained strong. Upon Willson's return, they continued to build their relationship and moved in together in 2011. They lived in Honolulu juggling college and work while dreaming of bigger things. In 2021, they packed up their lives and moved to Los Angeles, chasing larger goals. They wed alone in August 2022 without their loving family and friends. In 2025, they would love to renew their vows with family and friends who have been part of their journey.
Schedule
Friday, August 22, 2025
Welcome Dinner
6:00 pm
27188 Middleton Street, Valencia, CA 91381
Casual Attire: Anything goes, from sundresses and sandals to jeans and tees.
Saturday, August 23, 2025
Ceremony
5:00 pm - 5:30 pm
26550 Heritage View Lane, Valencia, CA 91381
Cocktail Attire: Wear cocktail dresses, LBDs, dressy jumpsuits, and slacks.
Cocktails
5:30 pm - 6:30 pm
26550 Heritage View Lane, Valencia, CA 91381
Cocktail Attire: Wear cocktail dresses, LBDs, dressy jumpsuits, and slacks.
Reception
6:30 pm - 11:00 pm
26550 Heritage View Drive, Valencia, CA 91381
Cocktail Attire: Wear cocktail dresses, LBDs, dressy jumpsuits, and slacks.
All meals will be served with: Kale Salad | Kale chiffonade, parmesan cheese, torn basil, her croutons, gratin, with Caesar dressing Herbed Parmesan Orzo Seasonal Vegetable Medley
RSVP
Please enter the first and last name of one member of your party below.
If you're responding for you and a guest (or your family), you'll be able to RSVP for your entire group on the next page.
Travel
Flight
Los Angeles International Airport
LAX is 41 miles or 45 minutes from Valencia. For those traveling from Hawai`i, LAX is likely your most convenient airport. For loyal Hawaiian Airlines travelers, please know that gates are located in the international terminal, a 30-minute walk to/from curbside.
Flight
Hollywood Burbank Airport
BUR is 24 miles or 26 minutes from Valencia. For those traveling from the lower 48 states, BUR is likely your ideal airport.
Flight
Ontario International Airport
ONT is 73 miles or 1 hour 17 minutes from Valencia. This airport is an alternative to LAX. While the travel to Valencia is longer, ONT is more manageable to navigate in and out of considering the volume of travelers and terrible infrastructure at LAX. Additionally, the city of Ontario is home to California's largest outlet mall - Ontario Mills, perfect for shopping!
Hotel
Hyatt Regency Valencia
Hyatt is near the venue as well as near the city center. You have convenient access to the mall (Westfield Valencia Town Center), Target, Total Wine, and many shops and restaurants within walking distance.
Hotel
Hilton Garden Inn Valencia Six Flags
Hilton Garden Inn is nearest to the Six Flags Magic Mountain and Hurricane Harbor parks. An In-N-Out Burger joint is within walking distance for late-night appetites. This hotel is also nearest to the venue and Ches and Will's home.
Wedding Party
Dexter Lopez
Chester's Best Man
Chester's kooky twin brother in the Air Force who can't tell a wrench from a ladle, yet somehow manages to cook their Mom's Filipino dishes to taste like home. He has likely tried to polish his boots with shoyu (soy sauce), but his adobo dishes could make even the toughest captain or colonel swoon. Despite his blunders, his culinary skills are a delightful mystery that keeps Chester and his siblings well-fed and entertained.
Ian Custer
Willson's Best Man
Willson's best friend Ian is a cop who looks like he could bench press a squad car, but cries at heartwarming puppy videos. He can chase down bad guys by day then find and share with you the most heartfelt GIFs and memes by night. He's the only person who can intimidate you with a glare, then melt your heart with a hug and excellent listening skills.
Ruby Amelia Villegas
Bridesmaid
Chester met Ruby while at their job out of college and remained great friends since. Ruby has a knack for conversations. She's funny, mostly because she tries so hard to be funny that it becomes endearing. Her jokes might not always land, but her enthusiasm is always a hit. Even though they're not colleagues anymore, her hilarious attempts at humor keep their friendship close.
Margie Butihi
Bridesmaid
Willson met Margie a year after he was born, and have been siblings ever since. Growing up, they were convinced they were twins, inspired by the movie, Escape to Witch Mountain. Willson cherishes his sister's thoughtfulness, selflessness, and eagerness to lend an ear. What starts as a quick call to her inevitably turns into a marathon chat session lasting several hours. With Margie, there's no such thing as a brief conversation, but that's just part of her charm!
Lee-Jefferson Lising
Groomsman
Chester met Jeff back in grade school, and have been buddies ever since. They even shared a home in college partying up with late-night jam sessions. Now, he's a big-shot DJ in Maui, making waves with his beats. Unfortunately, he's Chester's groomsman, and his equipment is on a permanent vacation in Maui. So, no DJ Jeff at the wedding—but at least he won't be stealing the show with his epic playlist!
William Butihi
Groomsman
William surprised Willson as his younger brother 7 years after Willson was born. He is like Google, an answer for everything, but with fewer ads and more sarcasm. He's also got an emergency kit for every situation—zombie apocalypse included—and will politely tell you why your plan has a 73% chance of failing. Even though they've lived miles apart, he's consistently managed to be the ultimate little brother, outwitting, outsmarting, and outpreparing from afar. Despite all that, he's still the little brother who Willson can't help but admire.
Phung Dao
Groomsman
Chester met Phung in high school, and have been great buddies ever since, even sharing a home in college. Phung keeps Chester entertained with endless political arguments that, thanks to him, Chester is constantly up-to-date on the political climate, whether he wants to be or not. Phung has become Chester's primary news source and constant dose of entertainment!
Alexander Del Pilar
Groomsman
Willson met Alex in college through his now sister-in-law Tracy, and they've been cracking each other up ever since. Willson appreciates Alex's clever and subtle humor, which often catches him off guard in the best way. He's particularly thrilled to have found someone who excels at delivering perfect dad jokes. Their conversations are a treasure trove of puns and witty one-liners, making every hangout feel like a comedy show. With Alex, Willson always has a "pun" time.
Raydante Garo, Jr.
Groomsman
Rayboi is like the Vegas strip: flashy, unpredictable, and always up for a good time. Even though he started as Chester's brother's buddy, he quickly made it clear that Chester was in on the friendship, too. They've survived middle and high school together, from late-night cruises to epic pranks. Now he's living it up in Sin City, but they never miss a chance to reminisce and laugh about their past adventures. If Rayboi were a movie, he’d be a blockbuster comedy with a whole lot of heart.
Royden Oroku
Groomsman
Willson met Roy through his now older sister-in-law Cheryl in college, and they've been buddies ever since. Willson can always rely on Roy to laugh at all his jokes, no matter how cheesy or lame. As the oldest sibling, Willson loves having Roy around to finally feel what it's like to have an older brother. Roy's hearty laughs and easygoing nature make every moment together a blast. Now, Willson can pass the torch and enjoy being the "younger" brother for a change!
Gallery
Things To Do & Eat
Six Flags Magic Mountain & Hurricane Harbor
Distance from Valencia: 1 mile or 5 minutes. Home of the world's most rollercoasters in one park. It's the only place where you can scream your lungs out on rides named after superheroes and still have the energy to tackle a deep-dried funnel cake the size of your head. At Hurricane Harbor, get a sunburn, brain freeze, and wedgie all in the same afternoon.
MB2 Entertainment Santa Clarita
Distance from Valencia: 6 miles or 12 minutes. Ches and Will's entertainment spot for drinks, go-karts, axe-throwing, and arcade games!
IKEA
Distance from Valencia: 26 miles of 30 minutes. The largest IKEA in North America and near Valencia! Hawai`i people: we know you're/were thinking about it!
Universal Studios Hollywood
Distance from Valencia: 27 miles or 30 minutes. Yes! The new Super Nintendo World is open!
Griffith Observatory
Distance from Valencia: 34 miles or 41 minutes. Prove to your FaceBook and Insta fans that you were in LA? This observatory offers views of Downtown Los Angeles and the Hollywood Sign.
Knott's Berry Farm
Distance from Valencia: 57 miles or 59 minutes. Great for all ages, but best for ages 5 and up! Home of SoCal's best wooden rollercoaster, GhostRider!
Disneyland Resort
Distance from Valencia: 61 miles or 1 hour and 10 minutes. You have all the info you need (see distance 👀).
Ontario Mills
Distance from Valencia: 76 miles or 1 hour 30 minutes. Largest indoor outlet mall boasting the most retailers in California. While a distance away, best for travelers flying in/out of Ontario International Airport.
Toppers Pizza
Distance from Valencia: 3 miles or 5 minutes. Arguably the best pizza in the San Fernando and Santa Clarita Valleys. Eat in or take out, drink or don't drink, but definitely get its THE MEATINATOR pizza and add CHORIZO!
Porto's Bakery and Cafe
Distance from Valencia: 23 miles or 30 minutes. SoCal staple bakery. Must try their Potato Balls, Cheese Rolls, and Guava and Cheese Strudels!
FAQs
Question
What's the weather like in Valencia in August?
Answer
In August, Valencia, feels like someone left the oven door open. The temperatures bake you at a toasty 88-93°F during the day and cools off to a "chilly" 63-65°F at night, just enough to remind you what cool air feels like. Humidity is practically on vacation. You might find yourself double-checking if you've accidentally walked into a giant air dryer instead of stepping outside. Rain? You're more likely to spot a unicorn than get caught in a downpour. On the bright side, you get 12 hours of uninterrupted sunshine daily, perfect for cooking eggs on the sidewalk.
Question
What do I wear at the Wedding Ceremony and Reception?
Answer
For the wedding, think classy but not stuffy: gents, suit up in something sharp but leave the tux at home - even though we are in Los Angeles (county), this isn't the Oscars. Ladies, a cocktail dress that's chic yet comfy enough for dancing the Macarena is your best bet. Just remember, if you look in the mirror and think, "I could crash a fancy party in this," you're on the right track!
Question
Where is Valencia?
Answer
Valencia is like Los Angeles' quirky little cousin who lives 40 miles north of the big city. Nestled in the city of Santa Clarita, Valencia is known for its perfect suburban vibes, roller coaster screams from Six Flags Magic Mountain, and roundabouts that confuse everyone. It's where you can get a taste of small-town charm with a twist of theme park thrill, all while being close enough to Los Angeles to still say you're "from the city" without dealing with the traffic.
Question
Why Valencia?
Answer
Valencia is the perfect blend of suburban bliss and proximity to the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles. Chester and Willson moved here, bought their first home here, and have been loving their suburban life for two and a half years. Valencia shaves them an hour off their 6-hour drive to their siblings in Northern California and 30 minutes off their 4-hour drive to Las Vegas. They've become pros at balancing weekend trips to new places with quiet nights in their perfect little neighborhood.