Blush & Gold Wedding at Chateau Polonez by Ama Photography & Cinema

This week, as all of us take shelter from the unprecedented deluge of Hurricane Harvey, and take stock of everything that is dear and precious to us, we will be sharing some of our favorite weddings of the last few years. If you need an escape, a moment of peace, a reminder of the importance of family, friends and, above all, love, please settle in, snuggle down and join us. And once the storm clouds clear, and the water recedes, let us know what we can do to help you. We are all in this together. #BeStrongHouston #LoveConquersAll

Fatima and Matthew really are the ultimate sweethearts. Their journey began in elementary school—fourth grade to be exact. Although their paths separated for a short time while they attended different high schools, they reconnected during junior year and that’s where it all finally began! Fatima recalls “what began as ‘young high-school love’ developed into a relationship filled with deep affection, trials and tribulations that we were able to surpass, trust, and the development of something deeper that is unexplainable with simple words.” *sniff sniff* Aargh, we told ourselves we weren’t gonna cry…but just wait for it, this proposal will definitely seal the deal on those tears. Matthew chose a day where Fatima was off work and he knew she would be home. Around 10:30 a.m., Fatima received a package with “Get Ready My Love” written on the outside in script…and inside was a perfect outfit and a note instructing her to be ready by noon. Matthew’s parents picked up Fatima and brought her to Mary Jo Peckam Park, which is a very special place to the couple. It was where Matthew gave Fatima a promise ring on their first anniversary. Sniff sniff again. Ahead of her was an anxiously-waiting boy holding flowers, and a trail of photos and ornaments hanging from the trees. As they stood under photos of memories from the many years they had spent together, Matthew got down on one knee and finally asked Fatima to marry him! Yep, here come the tears. After a day together, the two enjoyed a dinner with both of their families. Fatima and Matthew’s wedding was truly picturesque, complete with a light and fresh color palette of blush, ivory, and gold hues. They vowed their love for one another in a formal Catholic ceremony, and celebrated afterwards with a dreamy reception at Chateau Polonez. Fatima and Matthew said, “Our main focus was not only to celebrate our love, but to enjoy this celebration with our family and friends.” Fatima was a stunning bride in a lace trumpet-style gown designed by Allure Bridals from Parvani Vida Bridal and Formal—where she also found her accessories, bridal party dresses and gown preservation! Now, that’s just a one-stop-shop of perfection. The entire event was documented by Ama Photography & Cinema—and let’s be honest, these photos are just gorgeous. Many congrats to the beautiful couple!

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Photos: Ama Photography & Cinema | Reception Venue: Chateau Polonez | Bridal Gown & Bridesmaids Dresses: Parvani Vida Bridal & Formal

Green, Purple, Teal & Gold Wedding at The Bell Tower on 34th

We’ve heard the most interesting, and adorable ways Houston couples meet the love of their life—but Tamantha and Cory’s love story is definitely one of the cutest.  “We met during residency orientation at UTMB in Galveston. Cory was sitting in the very last row of the auditorium, and I was in front of him. He watched me play Sonic on my iPhone over my shoulder and decided to spark up a conversation. That was the beginning of what I’ll always consider a special friendship,” recounts Tamantha.

Tamantha remembers the proposal like it was just yesterday, “I came home from working a long shift to Cory preparing chicken parmesan for me—which was the first dish he cooked for me when we started dating. Before we could even start thinking of food Cory disappeared from the living room, and our dog ran towards me. He had a little brown jewelry bag on his leash, and next to him was Cory kneeling on one knee!”

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A year later the pair tied the knot at The Bell Tower on 34th. “Our aim was for a fresh look with a mix of bright colors. Everything was planned to be color coordinated—from the invitations, to bridesmaid dresses, and even the cake and flowers,” says Tamantha.

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Cory wanted to add something unique for the groomsmen, so naturally, each one of them wore Marvel hero cuff links and socks.

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“Our wedding day marks our third year anniversary of being together, and will always be a special day for us,” she adds. Congrats and best wishes to the newlyweds!

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Photos: Steve Lee Photography | Venue: The Bell Tower on 34th

Elegant White, Blush & Pink Wedding by Adam Nyholt

It was love at first sight when Rikki saw Boris dressed up as a mustard bottle (yes, a mustard bottle) on Halloween at a college frat party. She asked their mutual friend to set them up, but unfortunately it didn’t work out…until the pair connected again during their first week of senior year.

On a perfectly ordinary afternoon, after Rikki returned from a friend’s bridal shower, a surprise proposal awaited her. “Boris and I had planned on going for a walk on the beach when I got home. Once I opened the door of our apartment, I knew something was up. There were flower petals on the ground, flowers from my favorite flower shop all over, candles, and pictures of us from the past four years all over the walls,” recounts Rikki. “I found Boris waiting for me on our balcony on one knee, and he asked for my hand in marriage with the most beautiful ring!”

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“I felt like Cinderella in my Mira Zwillinger dress from Joan Pillow Bridal Salon,” says Rikki.

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“Our wedding felt like a dream! So many of our closest friends traveled from all over the U.S. to celebrate with us,” adds Rikki.

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The ballroom had a very romantic, elegant feel with white, blush and pink flowers accented with soft candlelight.

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The night ended with ice cream sandwiches from Smoosh Cookies’ truck for everyone to enjoy.

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“Our parents went above and beyond and gave us a wedding weekend we will never forget,” says Rikki. Thanks, Adam Nyholt, for the beautiful photos!

Photos: Adam Nyholt | Bridal Gown: Joan Pillow Bridal Salon | Registry: Bering’s, Kuhl-Linscomb | Baker: Susie’s Cakes & Confections | Wedding-Day Stationery: Isabella Invitations

White, Green & Peach Wedding at Moffitt Oaks by Steve Lee Photography

It’s a pretty big deal for a Texan to trade in big, bright stars for concrete jungle of New York City. However, Sae decided to take on the challenge, and made the move to NYC to pursue a career practicing law…and to the greatest future he never saw coming. One fateful day, Tony, Sae’s friend, made lunch plans in the city. Tony decided to bring along his friend, Jody. Throughout lunch, Sae noticed “Jody’s hand gestures, her speech patterns, her aura—all intriguing.” He was absolutely mesmerized by how confident she was. However, the moment was fleeting…Jody needed to be at the airport for a flight. She was heading back to Texas and Sae was convinced he would never see her again. But a year down the road (or pavement, if you will), Sae felt Texas calling his name and he made the decision to give up his New York lifestyle. He ended up moving into Tony’s place—a great move on his part because Tony’s girlfriend was an active alum for the same sorority as Jody! It wasn’t long before an alumni dinner party brought him face to face with…the girl he never thought he would see again. Preparing himself to make a move, Sae recalls, “I was hyping myself up for an immeasurable feat.” While at the table, everyone began talking about smartphones and comparing features of each.  Sae saw his opportunity and seized it. “I slyly went around the table asking to examine each phone in faux-awe. When Jody’s phone landed in my hands, I surreptitiously, like an undercover agent, input my number and called myself. BINGO, got her number.” Smooth move—guys, take notes. The two began texting, getting to know each other more and over the next four years, they fell madly in love. However, Sae wanted the proposal to be mysterious and a total surprise. In a journal, he began to make a list of all the unique things he loved about Jody. Each page became a special part of her character. Sae presented Jody with the journal, and as she turned the pages, her smile grew bigger and bigger… until she arrived at the final page, which read, “Will you marry me?” On bended knee, Sae repeated his written question out loud and Jody said, “Yes!” Their wedding vision came to life with a rustic-chic lakeside ceremony at Moffitt Oaks, followed by an elegant yet easygoing barn reception. The couple insisted upon a unique celebration—one they had talked about for so long—complete with DIY touches everywhere. Jody was the picture of relaxed glamour as she walked down the aisle to her forever love in a Blue by Enzoani fit-and-flare gown from Weddings by Debbie. We couldn’t be happier that Jody and Sae’s wedding dreams came true. Thank you for these wonderful photos, Steve Lee Photography!

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Photos: Steve Lee Photography | Venue: Moffitt Oaks | Catering: Café Natalie | Bridal Gown: Blue by Enzoani from Weddings by Debbie

White, Gold & Champagne Wedding at The Bell Tower on 34th

Sara and William went out one night as individual moral support to two of their dear friends—having no clue they would be the ones actually meeting their soulmate on that fateful evening. Sara still finds it surreal that the friends they’d chaperoned only dated for a couple of weeks…while she and William ended up getting married! Fast-forward to Easter weekend a few years later, when William accompanied Sara and her family on a fishing trip to Galveston. The couple remembers, “We had a blast spending time together, even though nobody caught a thing!” However, William had bigger plans in mind…he found the perfect opportunity to pull Sara’s dad aside, and asked for her hand in marriage. Her father was thrilled and of course gave his blessing! Later that night, Sara and William were on the balcony of their Galveston condo having a wonderful conversation about their relationship and how lucky they were to have found one another. Then William said, “Do you know what would make this better?” And he dropped to one knee, under the stars, and asked Sara to marry him. Sara couldn’t believe how perfect the moment was—just as she said, “Yes!” the moon cast a dreamy shadow on their balcony as if it was destiny. Sara and William said their vows with an elegant black-tie wedding at The Bell Tower on 34th, with an “all white, gold and champagne” palette, per Sara’s express wishes, and personalized touches everywhere. Sara’s DIY wedding favors and handmade wedding decor touches included stir sticks, coasters and koozies! You go, girl. Best wishes and cheers to the future, Sara and William!

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Photos: Bell Tower Films | Venue, Décor & Rentals: The Bell Tower on 34th