Leo and I met at the España Restaurant on Cabrillo Boulevard which is now El Torito.  We both worked at the restaurant and Fiesta was greatly celebrated at the España during the 1970's. The España was owned by the Castagnola family and the España name and a beautiful picture is still tiled today on the side wall facing the bike rental store.  The bar was famous for blended margaritas as well as customers swinging from the chandeliers on Fiesta to the point that the chandelier was soon removed on parade day. 

We married December 1, 1973 at Saint Anthony's Chapel behind the Mission.  The chapel was full of our families and friends and we will never forget the day or the intimacy of the setting and acoustics!

Leo was originally from Santa Barbara and his parents attended mass at Saint Barbara's Parish.  I was a Westmont graduate and stayed in Santa Barbara to teach elementary school in Carpinteria.  Our paths crossed at the España in the Summer of 1972.  We later moved to San Rafael in Northern California where we raised two children and lived for 33 years.  We moved back to Santa Barbara in 2011 and attend the Saint Barbara's Mission Parish currently.

We look forward to having our Marriage Vows blessed at Saint Barbara's on August sixth.  We love Santa Barbara and the idea of promising again to love each other and face the future with joy and anticipation.  It is especially meaningful to do this at Fiesta which we enjoy yearly and celebrate with a group of Friends on Friday evening after the parade.  We celebrate at home outside in our courtyard with blended Margaritas and wonderful Santa Maria BBQ.  We celebrate our friends and long lasting relationships.

¡Viva la Fiesta!