Carrie Hanley and Kevin Powers continued to meet in the elevator of the building downtown where the two work. After each encounter, Carrie would return to her office blushing and excited. Noticing this, Carrie’s co-workers took action. They found Kevin’s email address, and when Carrie was away from her desk, sent him an email asking for a date. The co-workers signed the request “elevator girl.” After the email, the two went on a date, began a relationship, and were soon engaged.

“Our first step was to hire wedding coordinator, Jo Ann Schwartz Woodward of Schwartz & Woodward. This removed much of the worry and concern over the planning and execution of the ceremony and reception,” said Carrie.

In addition to Jo Ann, the planning became a family affair. When Carrie went shopping for her wedding dress, the whole family, both old and new, tagged along to Louise Blum. Here she found the perfect dress from the Rivini Bridal Collection.

Carrie’s soon-to-be mother-in-law worked closely with Blooming Gallery to create the ceremony’s visual concept. The church was decorated with cascading roses, orchids and lilies. Every pew was adorned with bouquets and the altar with elaborate arrangements.

Pre-wedding festivities included a luncheon at Ouisie's Table and a day-of-wedding bridal luncheon at the Omni Houston Hotel followed by hair and makeup by The Perfect Face.

Carrie continued the family involvement by having her brother escort her down the aisle while wearing a garter embroidered with a “rocking P,” the Power’s family cattle brand. For a wedding gift, she gave Kevin, who wore a tuxedo from Al's Formal Wear, custom-made cuff links with the same insignia.

With help from Darryl & Co., the reception at La Colombe d'Or Grand Salon was an equally stunning floral scene. Four-foot arrangements with hanging crystals graced the tables while the cake, created by Susie's Cakes & Confections, was placed on a silver plateau encrusted with roses.

Just like the way they met, Carrie and Kevin wanted their reception to be fun and light-hearted. Their first dance was a country two-step.

“I think it was our way of saying to our guests, “Have a fun, great time”… and they did,” Kevin recalled.