Blush & Gold Wedding by Christa Elyce Photography

From high school acquaintances to college sweethearts, Jessica and Lukas hit it off at a fateful New Year’s Eve party, where the pair spent the whole evening talking beside a crackling campfire. Four years later, the two lovebirds graduated together from Texas A&M–and not long after, Lukas surprised Jessica by popping the question: “He decided to take me to the restaurant we went on our first big date,” recalls the bride. “I somehow was completely clueless to what was really happening.” Once they finished eating, Lukas got down on one knee and asked Jessica to be his wife… “Obviously, I said yes!” Afterwards, the couple met up with family and friends at the fabulous Hotel ZaZa to celebrate their newly-engaged status. According to Jessica, “the whole night was absolutely perfect.” Fast-forward to the pair’s summer wedding at The Parador, complete with an emotional ceremony (“we were both bawling”) and a romantic reception with an “eclectic feel” that was achieved with lots of candles, mercury glass and blush flower arrangements. Check out their GORGEOUS photos from Christa Elyce Photography below!

Blush & Gold Wedding by Christa Elyce Photography Blush & Gold Wedding by Christa Elyce Photography Blush & Gold Wedding by Christa Elyce Photography Blush & Gold Wedding by Christa Elyce Photography Blush & Gold Wedding by Christa Elyce Photography Blush & Gold Wedding by Christa Elyce Photography Blush & Gold Wedding by Christa Elyce Photography Blush & Gold Wedding by Christa Elyce Photography Blush & Gold Wedding by Christa Elyce Photography Blush & Gold Wedding by Christa Elyce Photography Blush & Gold Wedding by Christa Elyce Photography Blush & Gold Wedding by Christa Elyce Photography Blush & Gold Wedding by Christa Elyce Photography

Photos: Christa Elyce Photography ~ Ceremony & Reception: The Parador ~ Bridal & Groom Suites: The Magnolia Hotel ~ Mother of the Bride Dress: T. Carolyn Fashions ~ Wedding Night Accommodations: Hotel ZaZa

Peach, Gold & Teal Wedding at The Sam Houston Hotel

Ladies, you never know where you’ll meet the one… He might just live in the same apartment building as you. Just ask Houston bride Kelly who met Miguel at a community barbeque thrown by a mutual friend. It was only a matter of weeks after meeting that Kelly and Miguel had their first date, and the rest was history. The lovely couple chose the Veranda by *17 at The Sam Houston Hotel which provided the perfect backdrop for their modern-vintage wedding theme. Gold mercury glass centerpieces and warm amber lighting filled the room. Sounds gorgeous, right? Just wait ‘til you see the sweet pictures. Congrats to the newlyweds, we wish you a lifetime of happiness!

Peach, Gold & Teal Wedding at The Sam Houston Hotel by Kreative Angle Photography Peach, Gold & Teal Wedding at The Sam Houston Hotel by Kreative Angle Photography Peach, Gold & Teal Wedding at The Sam Houston Hotel by Kreative Angle Photography Peach, Gold & Teal Wedding at The Sam Houston Hotel by Kreative Angle Photography Peach, Gold & Teal Wedding at The Sam Houston Hotel by Kreative Angle Photography Peach, Gold & Teal Wedding at The Sam Houston Hotel by Kreative Angle Photography Peach, Gold & Teal Wedding at The Sam Houston Hotel by Kreative Angle Photography Peach, Gold & Teal Wedding at The Sam Houston Hotel by Kreative Angle Photography Peach, Gold & Teal Wedding at The Sam Houston Hotel by Kreative Angle Photography Peach, Gold & Teal Wedding at The Sam Houston Hotel by Kreative Angle Photography Peach, Gold & Teal Wedding at The Sam Houston Hotel by Kreative Angle Photography Peach, Gold & Teal Wedding at The Sam Houston Hotel by Kreative Angle Photography Peach, Gold & Teal Wedding at The Sam Houston Hotel by Kreative Angle Photography

Photos: Kreative Angle Photography ~ Venue: Veranda by *17 at The Sam Houston Hotel ~ Wedding Gown: Martina Liana from Brickhouse Bridal ~ M.O.B Dress: T. Carolyn Fashions ~ Music, Entertainment, Lighting & Photo Booth: LG Entertainment

Coral and Blue Wedding at Chateau Polonez by Akil Bennett Photography

WEDDINGS IN HOUSTON Spring 2015 | Real Wedding Feature

Julie & Justin ~ April 25, 2014

While European-themed Chateau Polonez was the site of their spring wedding, it was the allure of the islands that served as inspiration for Julie and Justin’s memorable celebration. The couple, who became engaged in St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands, and would eventually honeymoon in French Polynesia, infused their special day with “beachy” elements, from a blue-and-coral palette to sand-rock-and-starfish candle displays, to guest tables named for famed island destinations. Did the newlyweds sail off into the sunset? Not exactly. But after hours of dancing and dining with those they loved most, they did drive off in a 1965 Rolls-Royce the groom had always coveted. “We had such a wonderful time,” the bride says, “and were so thankful to have our family and loved ones there.”

Coral & Blue Wedding at Chateau Polonez by Akil Bennett Photography Coral & Blue Wedding at Chateau Polonez by Akil Bennett Photography Coral & Blue Wedding at Chateau Polonez by Akil Bennett Photography Coral & Blue Wedding at Chateau Polonez by Akil Bennett Photography Coral & Blue Wedding at Chateau Polonez by Akil Bennett Photography Coral & Blue Wedding at Chateau Polonez by Akil Bennett Photography Coral & Blue Wedding at Chateau Polonez by Akil Bennett Photography Coral & Blue Wedding at Chateau Polonez by Akil Bennett Photography Coral & Blue Wedding at Chateau Polonez by Akil Bennett Photography Coral & Blue Wedding at Chateau Polonez by Akil Bennett Photography Coral & Blue Wedding at Chateau Polonez by Akil Bennett Photography Coral & Blue Wedding at Chateau Polonez by Akil Bennett Photography Coral & Blue Wedding at Chateau Polonez by Akil Bennett Photography Coral & Blue Wedding at Chateau Polonez by Akil Bennett Photography Coral & Blue Wedding at Chateau Polonez by Akil Bennett Photography Coral & Blue Wedding at Chateau Polonez by Akil Bennett Photography Coral & Blue Wedding at Chateau Polonez by Akil Bennett Photography Coral & Blue Wedding at Chateau Polonez by Akil Bennett Photography

Photos: Akil Bennett Photography ~ Wedding Dress: Brickhouse Bridal ~ M.O.B. Dress: T. Carolyn Fashions ~ Venue: Chateau Polonez ~ Officiant: Minister Lynn Turner from Weddings Performed ~ Honeymoon: Tahiti & Moorea

Champagne and Red Wedding at Chateau Cocomar by Civic Photos

WEDDINGS IN HOUSTON SPRING 2015 | REAL WEDDING FEATURE

Brittney & Randy ~ July 19, 2014

Listen up, ladies: There’s something to be said for making the first move. Just ask Houston bride Brittney—who may never have ended up with the love of her life if she hadn’t asked handsome Randy for his digits at that Southern Methodist University dorm icebreaker 10 years back. “We ended up talking for hours on end,” she recalls, “then officially started dating on Sept. 24, 2004…and the rest is history!” At the couple’s beautiful Chateau Cocomar wedding, the groom, whose family hails from Ghana, changed into traditional Ghanian clothing halfway through the reception and delighted in watching his family shower his bride in money—a Ghanian tradition that Brittney says, “was a complete surprise to me, but made for an awesome story and a unique experience at our wedding.”

Champagne & Red Wedding at Chateau Cocomar by Civic Photos Champagne & Red Wedding at Chateau Cocomar by Civic Photos Champagne & Red Wedding at Chateau Cocomar by Civic Photos Champagne & Red Wedding at Chateau Cocomar by Civic Photos Champagne & Red Wedding at Chateau Cocomar by Civic Photos Champagne & Red Wedding at Chateau Cocomar by Civic Photos Champagne & Red Wedding at Chateau Cocomar by Civic Photos Champagne & Red Wedding at Chateau Cocomar by Civic Photos Champagne & Red Wedding at Chateau Cocomar by Civic Photos Champagne & Red Wedding at Chateau Cocomar by Civic Photos Champagne & Red Wedding at Chateau Cocomar by Civic Photos Champagne & Red Wedding at Chateau Cocomar by Civic Photos Champagne & Red Wedding at Chateau Cocomar by Civic Photos

Photos: Civic Photos ~ Rehearsal Dinner: Raveneaux Country Club ~ Venue: Chateau Cocomar ~ Consultant & Invitations: A Day to Remember ~ Flowers: Flora & Eventi ~ Decor & Rentals: EB Inc ~ Lighting: DJU Productions ~ Wedding Dress: Pronovias from Weddings by Debbie ~ Mother of the Bride Dress: T. Carolyn Fashions ~ Honeymoon: Jamaica

Sweet Summer Peach and Blue Wedding

WEDDINGS IN HOUSTON Spring 2015 | Real Wedding Feature

Lara & Nick ~ July 12, 2014

We like to think of Lara and Nick’s meeting as a bright silver lining on a very dark cloud: The couple first encountered one another in July 2011 in Fort Payne, Ala., where both were volunteers assisting in tornado relief efforts. Their long-distance relationship—he was in North Carolina, she lived in Houston—blossomed, and in 2012, Nick moved to Houston. With its cornflower-and-peach color scheme and steak-and-lobster menu, the pair’s summer wedding was true Houston classic. The gracious bride adds, “It was also Nick’s brother-in-law’s (he was Nick’s best man) birthday, so after his speech we gave him a cheesecake and sang him, ‘Happy Birthday.’ It was pretty cool to see all 150 people join in and celebrate.”

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Photos: Sarah Ainsworth Photography ~ Wedding Dress & Accessories: La Rêve Bridal Couture ~ M.O.B. Dress: T. Carolyn Fashions ~ Groomswear: Al’s Formal Wear ~ Flowers: Dream Bouquet ~ Cake: Who Made The Cake! ~ Invitations: Katie & Co. ~ Lighting, Entertainment, Photo Booth: LG Entertainment ~ Registry: Williams-Sonoma ~ Honeymoon: Ireland