Importance Score: 30 / 100 šµ
Couple Celebrates Second Chance at Love with Antigua, Guatemala Wedding
Against the backdrop of the historic Convento Santa Clara in Antigua, Guatemala, Keri Ann Meslar and Trevor Thomas Galko marked their wedding with a spectacular surprise firework display. Friends and family joined the couple at the 18th-century convent ruins, where the strains of Avicii’s “Wake Me Up” filled the air as vibrant fireworks illuminated the night sky, framed by the majestic VolcĆ”n de Agua.
A Moment of Pure Joy
Recounting the emotional climax of their celebration, Mr. Galko described the breathtaking fireworks display. “The fireworks intensified, ascending ever higher above the venue, eliciting enthusiastic reactions from everyone,” he shared. “Tears of pure happiness streamed down my face.” He encapsulated the moment, “It was undeniably the most incredible three and a half minutes of my life.”
Ms. Meslar echoed the sentiment, describing the outpouring of support from loved ones. “It felt like a collective expression of love, a joyful acknowledgment that our time had come,” she explained.
Unconventional Path to Matrimony
Brian Luftman, a college friend and groomsman, emphasized the unique journey the couple undertook. “These are two individuals in their forties who forged an unconventional path to reach this point, proving that true love ultimately triumphs,” Mr. Luftman noted.
A Boomerang Romance
Mr. Luftman characterized their relationship as a “boomerang,” highlighting their early romance, subsequent separation, and eventual reunion a decade later.
From Washington to Wedding Bells: Their Story
The couple’s story began in Washington D.C. in 2006. Ms. Meslar was working for the Washington Commanders (then the Redskins), and Mr. Galko was in tech sales.
The Roommate Ad and a Sports Bar
Their initial meeting was serendipitous. Ms. Meslar’s best friend responded to Mr. Galko’s Craigslist ad for a roommate. “I accompanied her to view the apartment, and I found him attractive. He invited us to join him and his friends out,” Ms. Meslar recalled. “And I accepted.” Their first encounter culminated in closing down a local sports bar. Ms. Meslar remembered Mr. Galko’s considerate gesture of providing cab fare, while Mr. Galko was amused by Ms. Meslar’s enjoyment of the 10-cent wings.
First Date and Meeting the Parents
Two weeks later, their first official date was a Blue October concert at the 9:30 Club. Three months later, their relationship became official. A memorable, humorous moment occurred that summer when Ms. Meslar unexpectedly introduced Mr. Galko to her parents at a bar after a kayaking trip. “I was caught off guard and only had my clothes from the previous night. So, I wore Trevorās basketball shorts and a T-shirt,” Ms. Meslar recounted with a laugh.
Navigating Distance and Divergent Paths
In 2007, career opportunities led Ms. Meslar to Charlotte, N.C., to work for the Charlotte Bobcats. The couple attempted a long-distance relationship, but their demanding careers and separate lives led them to drift apart. They ended their relationship in 2009.
Katherine Kennedy Allen, the friend who answered the Craigslist ad and later served as a bridesmaid, explained, āTiming was a significant factor. Keri Annās career was advancing rapidly, involving extensive travel, and she was focused on personal growth.ā Ms. Meslar’s career trajectory included roles at major corporations like Coca-Cola, Burger King, and Nandoās. Mr. Galko married in 2016 but later divorced.
Reconnection and Rekindled Romance
Fate intervened in 2019 when Mr. Galko watched a March Madness basketball game featuring the University of Tennessee Volunteers, Ms. Meslarās alma mater. “A wave of nostalgia washed over me,” he admitted. “I realized how much I missed Keri.” He reached out with a simple text: “Go Vols.” Ms. Meslar, who was attending the game, responded with a photo, sparking renewed communication.
Dinner and a Second Chance
After six months of texting, they arranged a dinner at Maydan, a Middle Eastern restaurant in Washington D.C. Both put effort into their appearance. “It felt like a courtship, even though this was someone I knew intimately,” Ms. Meslar reflected.
Growing Together, Again
Both individuals had evolved during their time apart. “I didnāt even own a passport when Trevor and I first met, but since then, I had traveled to 20 countries,” Ms. Meslar noted. Their compatibility as a couple seemed even stronger the second time around. By July 2020, they had moved in together.
Ms. Allen recalled her disbelief and joy when they shared their rekindled romance during a Zoom happy hour. “During their first relationship, Keri Ann and I would daydream about her wedding,” she said. “When they reunited, it felt undeniably right, as if they were destined to be together forever.”
Paths to Present
Mr. Galko, originally from New Berlin, Wis., graduated from Miami University of Oxford, Ohio, with a finance degree. He is currently employed in software sales at Chainguard, a tech startup.
Ms. Meslar, who grew up in Oak Hill, Va., holds a communications degree from the University of Tennessee. She is now a marketing executive at Call Your Mother, a Washington-based deli chain.
Welsh Engagement and Guatemalan Wedding Celebration
The couple, residing in Arlington, Va., got engaged in March during a trip to Wales. Despite jet lag after landing in London and a four-hour drive, Mr. Galko insisted on a further 45-minute drive for a hike.
A Magical Proposal Location
“We arrived at the most enchanting place I had ever witnessed,” she recounted. “The location featured a stunning ocean view and perfectly sculpted rolling hills, maintained by wild Shetland ponies.” Mr. Galko enlisted a passerby to film as he proposed. Later, celebrating their engagement, they met four Englishmen who invited them for celebratory drinks at a nearby rented lighthouse.
Legal Nuptials in Georgetown and Destination Wedding in Antigua
The couple legally married on March 17 in Washington D.C., completing paperwork at the Holy Trinity Church in Georgetown, a meaningful location where Ms. Meslar’s grandparents had become engaged. Washington D.C. allows self-officiating marriages.
Guatemala was chosen for their wedding celebration due to their frequent visits and Mr. Galkoās investment in Antigua Cerveza, a local brewery. “I wanted to introduce our friends to a place they might not otherwise experience,” Ms. Meslar explained. Approximately 150 guests joined them for the destination wedding.
Wedding Festivities Across Antigua
The festivities commenced on Wednesday, March 19, with Mr. Galko spontaneously inviting guests to El Tigre Negro. “We explored Antigua’s streets, searching for this unmarked speakeasy,” Ms. Allen recalled. “It was a fantastic dimly lit space, almost like a hidden den, where we relaxed and socialized.”
Rooftop Welcome and Volcanic Views
Thursday’s welcome event took place at Casa Troccoli, a rooftop bar and restaurant boasting views of the active volcano. Local cuisine, including handmade tortillas and a taco stand, was offered. A DJ and saxophone player entertained guests with popular music. “The song āMurder on the Dance Floorā was a hit with all the girls,” Ms. Allen noted, referencing a nostalgic favorite from their Washington years.
Formal Wedding and Fireworks Finale
Friday, the formal wedding day, began with sentimental gift exchanges. Arriving separately at the convent, Ms. Meslar was greeted by cheering locals who made her feel “like royalty.” A mariachi band accompanied the wedding party for photos around Antigua. Following a 25-minute vow exchange officiated by Ms. Meslar’s brother-in-law, David Watson, the reception commenced.
āYou enter through a cave-like passage and emerge into a breathtaking space,ā described Mr. Luftman. “It was a perfect day in a stunning garden setting with incredible floral arrangements.” He added that the dance floor remained packed for hours.
āMy expectations were exceeded,ā he concluded. āI havenāt attended Tom Brady and Giseleās wedding, but I canāt imagine it being superior to this.ā
Brewery After-Party and Lasting Memories
Following the 9 p.m. fireworks display, guests were transported to Mr. Galko’s brewery, nestled in a garden setting. Lasers illuminated the dance floor, and attendees enjoyed a sāmores station and wood-fired pizza.
Ms. Meslar reflected on the week-long celebration, “It was absolutely worth the wait. Everyone embraced our story and celebrated our reunion with such joy. It truly was our happily ever after.”
Event Details
Date
March 21, 2025
Location
Convento Santa Clara, Antigua, Guatemala
Post-Wedding Trip
The couple and 18 guests embarked on a “Groupiemoon” to Lake AtitlĆ”n, Guatemala, for sightseeing, relaxation, and celebration.
Local Vendors
The bride and bridal party’s makeup was expertly done by Monica Boppel, a Guatemala-based makeup artist recommended by a friend of the groom.
Guest Experience
The groom curated a list of recommended Antigua restaurants, bars, and spas for guests and utilized a “Find My Friends” app to enhance the wedding weekend experience.