What made the wedding special and unique?

We wanted a day we would always look look back with a full heart and smile at such a beautiful day. It was so special marrying my best friend surrounded by all of our loved ones that traveled near and far. I loved getting married around Christmas…simply magical!

Tell us about the gown and where/how you found it!

I researched and researched wedding designers for days, and found several that I was drawn to. I knew I wanted something different, chic, and unique, but still elegant and classic. My mom and sisters drove to Houston and had appointments throughout the day. Mia Bridal was featuring a new designer, Alon Livne, where I tried on all of his GORGEOUS gowns. This is where I fell in love with the dress that was perfect for me and my wedding and I know I will always look back and LOVE my dress.

What were some touches added to make it personal?

Some of my favorite things about my wedding were the little details. Doug is not the biggest fan of cake, but he loves oysters. I replaced the typical groom’s cake with an oyster bar, which he loved! We also had caricature artists for the guests to enjoy. I loved looking at everyone’s drawings and seeing all the love at our wedding. We did not have enough time to sit down and have one done of us, but our sweet and thoughtful wedding planner made that happen for us! We treasure that drawing and hold it very dear to our hearts. Getting married during Christmas season also allows for so many festive and fun ideas to come to life; we had a beautiful Christmas tree at the entrance that had our favors hanging on the tree for our guests, which were ornaments for them to take home with them to remember the day. We also had the most fun getaway: After our ribbon departure, we hopped in an old vintage, baby blue Jolly with Santa as our chauffeur.

What was the most memorable part of the day?

The most memorable part of the day was saying our vows during the ceremony. St. Charles Church holds a special place in my heart with its vintage romantic feel. The church was crowded with our loved ones and guests, but during the vows I felt like it was just me and Doug alone in a magical place expressing our love and lifelong commitment. The lighting and the softness of the atmosphere made it more special, as if we were in a fairy tale. It was, by far, the best moment of the day!

Tell us how you met and became engaged.

My brother-in-law, Joe, came home from a business trip ten years ago announcing that he met my future husband. I didn’t think much about it at the time, since Doug lived all the way across the country at the time. Years passed and brother-in-law eventually hired him, and Doug moved to Lafayette. When he moved here, he bought a house and hired me to be his decorator and help him renovate his house. During this process Joe continued to make things very awkward for Doug and I so we ended up pushing each other away. That very summer they needed extra help in the office, where Doug and I both realized for ourselves our feelings for each other. We began dating in secret, or so we thought, to get passed the awkward stage without Joe’s pestering, but everyone knew the whole time. I guess you cannot deny the connection between us. We were engaged 5 and a half months later when Doug surprisingly popped the question as he recreated our first date. It was sweet, simple, and very personal. I never imagined growing up how I would be proposed to, but if I did, it would be the exact same way.

Photographer: Hannah Mulligan Photography // Planner: Southern Fete // Florist: Root Floral Design // Reception Venue: Paul and Lulu Hilliard Art Museum // Wedding Dress: Mia Bridal Couture // Cake: Kathleen’s Short and Sweet // Oyster Bar: Teak’s Sports Bar // Caterer: Chef Bobby and Dot // Event Rentals: Party Central