1. How did the two of you meet?
New Years Eve 09-10! We were both friends with a friend of a friend. Having so many of the same connections, it was insane that we had not met each other sooner. We hit off and the rest was history!
2. How did he propose?
Stephen went to state twice in golf while in high school. I am not Tiger Woods, but I happen to be a huge fan of putt-putt. On one of our date nights, he took me out on a scavenger hunt...putt putt, of course, was on the list. Yes, I did get the fairy tale ending...when I bent down to get my ball in the hole there was a ring underneath. To my surprise, it was my mother's first wedding band. It holds a HUGE sentimental value to me. Three of the most important parts of my life, my mom, my dad and my best friend/the love of my life. I get the privilege of having that little piece of each of them with me every day.
3. What three characteristics made you fall for your husband?
He has a heart of gold, he is the most ambitious person I know, and he can make me laugh at the drop of a pin. I've never experienced this sort of love with someone that inspires me. It is absolutely incredible. Every day, I make it a goal to try to be more like Stephen. I could not go a day without him. God truly blessed me when he sent him my way.
4. What was the inspiration behind the design of your wedding?
I am infatuated with the beach, everything about it. We knew in the very beginning that if we were to have a destination wedding, not all of our family and friends would be able to attend. So, why not bring the destination close to home!
Well, that's exactly what we did! The Hotel Alsace & Spa Resort just happened to fulfill all of our requirements. It was a cozy venue with a breathtaking view of Media River Valley and Historic Castroville, Texas. Palm trees framed the ceremony site with an occasional cactus here and there. It was the perfect amount of Texas and paradise.
We decided that the only colors we would use during the ceremony and reception would be the color of the flowers and the flower girls. (Hence the name) Flowerwise, we decided to go with a few different shades of pink, tangerine, and a white to neutralize. Where there weren't flowers there were sea shells! Gobs and gobs of sea shells. This was our continued reminder of our destination theme!
I wore a fabulous dress designed by Maggie Soterro. Simple yet so elaborate in many ways, and very hard to explain! The dress had a Spanish flair with ivory shell shaped ruffles from the waist to the ground. The groom wore a tux with an ivory vest and tie to match! The bride's bouquet was made of white garden roses and well as the groom's boutonnière. The flower girls wore tutus that were custom made; hot pink and tangerine to match all of the flowers.
These precious girls carried seashell balls as they walked down the aisle. We put the bridesmaids in champagne shantung, silk dresses. The neutral color made their flowers pop and the fabrics shimmer added some sass.
These were nicely complemented by the black tuxedos with the matching champagne vest and neck tie, which the groomsmen wore. The groomsmen also wore either a pink or tangerine boutonnière, which matched the color of their socks! Yes, they wore either pink or tangerine colored socks. The ringbearers matched the groomsmen! They had tiny star fish attached to their boutonnière, which was a smaller version of the groomsmen's. They carried huge seashells as there pillows. The seashells were stuffed with a hot pink fabric mocking the tutus! The bride's family wore hot pink lady rose boutineers and the grooms side wore tangerine! We kept the ceremony site simple and elegant. We had to large white buckets at the entrance with programs attached to popsicle sticks (custom-made) to keep our guest cool, and white parasols to shade their heads.
White tulle adorned with flowers framed the pergola. The large reception area included formal white linens on the tables with a simple centerpiece of either a flower arrangement and candlescapes of a tall glass cylinder filled with sand and sea shells accompanied by a gathered runner, neatly placed candle-scapes and large starfish, sand dollars and sea-biskets. The cake table stood alone with the brides cake mocking the ruffles on the brides dress, handcrafted and painted edible sea shells. Flowers also adorned this gorgeous cake with a raspberry filling and buttercream icing. The groom's cake was a collage of favorite interest and hobbies of the groom. A large electric guitar with the bottom half being a Dallas Cowboy themed and the top Texas A&M. The groom is an Aggie alumnus. The neck of the guitar was a golf green complete with a golf club made of fondant and rice crispies! This cake included an oreo-cookie filling!
The menu was buffet style fajitas. Beef, chicken and a delicious pulled pork, Spanish white rice pilaf, a large green salad, black beans, fresh pico and all of the trimmings. Simply delicious! Last but not least no reception would be complete without the infamous candy bar. Covered in pink, white and tangerine candies placed in vases. Along, with white chocolate chip cupcakes adorned with matching sprinkles, which were enjoyed by both the young and young at heart.
5. What was the most trying part of the planning process?
Coordinating everything! My mother nor I have a degree in interior design or had ever done anything like this before. Today, we are patting ourselves on the back. We pulled it off!
6. Did either of you have a bride/groomzilla moment?
We had our moments, but they mostly consisted of crying, being exhausted or being delirious because we were exhausted. There was no zilla just late nights!
7. What element of the wedding exceeded your expectations?
We were truly amazed by the constant support and input we received from all of our vendors. They went above and beyond what we had expected. It was an amazing experience working with such kind people. Not only did we make great memories, we made great new friends!
8. If you were a guest attending your wedding, how would you describe it?
"A taste of Cabo in Castroville, Texas"
9. Besides marrying the love of your life, what was the most important part of the day?
Pictures. We surrounded ourselves with the ones we love. Relaxed and enjoyed eachothers' company. We had an amazing time with our photographer, Dave. I cannot express my gratitude for him and all of the amazing memories that he captured. When we look back on our wedding day, whether we are showing friends, children or family...Because of Dave, our pictures will truly tell our story without words.
10. What are you plans for the future?
Stephen is manufacturing engineer currently working for Lancer Corporation in San Antonio and I am attending UTSA! We plan on an occasional vacation here and there and are trying focus on having fun for the next few years. We are beginning to build a foundation for the family that we will one day have and cannot wait to see what else may be in store for us on this new journey that we are sharing together. Our lives have just begun! We are absolutely thrilled to be able to take this adventure on hand in hand!
Wedding Details:
Rehearsal Dinner Venue & Guest Accommodations: Hotel Alsace & Spa Resort
Ceremony & Reception Venue: Hotel Alsace Spa & Resort
Bridesmaids' Dress Shop: Bella Bridesmaid
Flower Girl Tutus: Rebecca at SewLovedBoutique on Etsy.com
Tuxedo Shop: Men's Wearhouse
Bridal Hair & Makeup: Misty's Salon
Invitations & Wedding Stationery: Caroline at Pink Orchid Invitations on Etsy.com
Caterer & Bar Service: Alsatian Restaurant
Cake: The Cake Art Shop
Florist, Rentals & Decor: De Vinnie's Paradise
Reception Musicians: The Zach Edwards Band
Photographer: Ardore Photography