Erik Gajeton
Kaleb Lewis
Erik Gajeton
Kaleb Lewis
December 14, 2024
Prologue
Erik is an elementary school teacher who works hard and sleeps harder. An introvert who masquerades as an extrovert, he enjoys laughing at himself and his awful jokes. Kaleb, who works in the world of academia, is a jack of all trades when it comes to his interests. To him, it's more about who he's with than what he's doing. Erik and Kaleb matched on Bumble and immediately connected through their quick wit and passion for education. This is a story about falling in love over dinner, surviving a global pandemic, and making sweet memories with sweet pastries.
Chapter ONE
After a week of messaging back-and-forth, Erik and Kaleb decided to meet for a bite to eat. With a restaurant picked and reservations made, an inauspicious case of pink eye made them postpone their first date. Fast forward to a doctor's prescription and a few days later, their rich conversations over dinner shut down the restaurant and they quickly scheduled date number two.
Chapter TWO
Moving in together is an exciting and stressful time for any couple. After nearly a year of dating, Erik and Kaleb decided to move in together. What the two didn't account for was a 1.5 year global shutdown that would start weeks before their move-in date. Between teaching 30 second graders, navigating a job promotion and new responsibilities, and each finishing a masters degree, there was rarely a dull moment in that 800 square ft one bedroom + den apartment. Thank goodness for that den!
Chapter THREE
Kaleb surprised Erik with his proposal over breakfast at a 5-star hotel in Washington, DC. The couple were celebrating the start of Erik's new job, and the beginning of a new school year with a "Treat Yourself" weekend. Having gotten gourmet doughnuts from a local Filipino bakery, the two returned to their hotel room where Kaleb asked Erik to take a picture of the artistic pastry with a mural in the background. Erik, with his back turned to Kaleb and focused on taking the picture exclaimed, "I don't like how my hand looks in this picture." And that's when Kaleb, already on one knee said, "That's because it's missing something," and pulled out the ring.
Chapter FOUR
Become a part of their story, and join Erik and Kaleb as they write this next chapter of their lives together.
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.
Schedule
Saturday, December 14, 2024
Dinner on Your Own
5:00 pm - 6:45 pm
There are a number of great restaurants within a 10-minute drive to the venue that you can enjoy before joining us for the evening. A few of our party's favorites include: Quemar (Latin American); Esoteric (Modern American); Eurasia Cafe (Modern American); The Atlantic on Pacific (Seafood); The Butcher's Son (Steakhouse); and Waterman's Surfside Grille (Seafood).
Explore the Museum
6:45 pm - 7:30 pm
2200 Parks Avenue, Virginia Beach, VA 23451
As you arrive at the museum, we encourage you to explore the captivating exhibits. Virginia MOCA celebrates the vibrant art of today and welcomes all to experience the boundless possibilities of art. As a contemporary, non-collecting museum, MOCA features innovative art and artists, and believes in the power of shared, inclusive perspectives. Take in all the museum has to offer while listening to a customized, romantic playlist of songs that are special to the grooms.
Ceremony
7:30 pm - 8:00 pm
2200 Parks Avenue, Virginia Beach, VA 23451
Our wedding ceremony is a celebration of love, commitment, and the beginning of a new chapter of our lives. Join us as we exchange vows, promising a lifetime of love and devotion in the presence of our cherished chosen family.
Reception
8:00 pm - 11:30 pm
2200 Parks Avenue, Virginia Beach, VA 23451
Get ready to sip, dance, and socialize as we serve up a fantastic array of drinks, mouthwatering desserts, and delectable finger foods. From signature cocktails to sweet treats and savory bites, we promise a night of fun for all.
Wedding Party
Alexa Gajeton
Maid of Honor
Matthew Myers
Best Man
Covenant Babatunde
Groomsmaid
Sean Link
Groomsman
Hope Jackson
Officiant
Travel
Flight
Norfolk International Airport (ORF)
Hotel
Holiday Inn VA Beach-Oceanside (21st St), an IHG Hotel
Hotel
Hilton Garden Inn Virginia Beach Oceanfront
Hotel
Residence Inn by Marriott Virginia Beach Oceanfront
Hotel
Four Points by Sheraton Virginia Beach Oceanfront
Registry
FAQs
Question
When should I RSVP by?
Answer
Please RSVP by Sunday, November 10, 2024.
Question
Is the wedding indoors or outdoors?
Answer
Celebrate with us indoors! Both our ceremony and reception will be held indoors, ensuring everyone's comfort and enjoyment regardless of the weather. Considering the average December temperature in Virginia Beach typically ranges from 54 to 36 degrees, we recommend our guests dress accordingly (more info on the dress code below), especially if you plan on stepping outside during the evening. To make your experience even more comfortable, each guest will have an assigned table where you can store your belongings, so you can dance, mingle, and enjoy the celebration knowing your personal items have a seat!
Question
What Should I Wear?
Answer
Come dressed to celebrate with us in style! With cocktail attire required, this is your chance to be playful and imaginative with your outfit choices. Feel free to experiment with colors, patterns, and accessories. Our goal is for every guest to feel like a work of art themselves, contributing to the overall aesthetic of our special day. So let your imagination run wild, and let your attire be a reflection of your artistic spirit.
Question
Can I bring a date?
Answer
We are so excited to celebrate our special day with you! So that the evening can be as intimate and special as possible, we have reserved seats only for those who have received formal invitations.
Question
Are kids invited?
Answer
We kindly request that our wedding be an adults-only celebration. While we love and appreciate the presence of all our friends and family, we have chosen to create an evening that allows everyone to relax and enjoy themselves to the fullest.
Question
Is dinner provided?
Answer
Look forward to a night of drinks, delectable desserts, and delightful finger foods! Although we won't be serving a formal dinner, we promise to provide a delicious assortment of small bites and treats to keep you satisfied throughout the evening.
Question
Is there transportation to and from the hotel?
Answer
We have made arrangements to ensure your safety and convenience. Guests are welcome to park their vehicles in either of MOCA's parking lots during the event. The museum has also kindly offered the option for guests to leave their cars parked overnight, just in case the celebration gets a bit lively. For those of you staying at nearby recommended hotels, a quick Uber or Lyft ride will have you at your accommodations in no time. We've selected these hotels for their proximity and convenience. Please note that MOCA has requested that vehicles be picked up by 10 a.m. on Sunday, so you have plenty of time to retrieve your car and continue your journey.
Question
Is it okay to take pictures during the ceremony?
Answer
We want you to fully immerse yourself in this special evening with us, and that's why we kindly request that you refrain from taking pictures during the ceremony. Our professional photographers will be capturing all the beautiful moments, and we promise to share these photos with our guests afterward. We would be so grateful if you could turn off your phones, put away your cameras, and let us all be fully present in this meaningful moment together. However, you're more than welcome to take photos during other parts of the celebration, such as the reception.
Question
What Filipino traditions can guests expect to participate in?
Answer
From Erik: Filipinos are a very humble people, but if there's one thing we know we do well, it's how to have a good time! One of the ways we hope to spread the joy on our special evening is to line dance the night away. You can expect the usual staples, but some Filipino-specific line dances you'll want to learn before the party starts are the Todo Todo and September. Not sure of the steps? No need to fret! Click the link below to see quick video tutorials that have been made just for you, courtesy of two professional dancers, our beautiful Maid of Honor and Groomsmaid. Copy and paste this URL to access our dance tutorials: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/12-EWf-ddNW80lQT5qHuPYE-v00YEGqbW?usp=sharing Another tradition we'd love our guests to enjoy is the Filipino Money Dance. During wedding receptions, it's tradition for the DJ to ask guests to form two lines (one for each groom), grab a safety pin, and wait their turn to attach money to and dance with the newlyweds. The money received during the dances is perceived as a sign of good fortune. Whether it's singles or the Benjamins, we'll bring the pins if you bring the bills!