Real Wedding | Erin + Jared

They say everything is a little bigger and better in Texas. When it comes to this beautiful spring wedding, I couldn’t agree more. Although intimate in size, it was overflowing with love, style and personality. Check out the adorable DIY mini-flags they passed out to guests exclaiming “Yay!” An elegant evening…a beautiful bride…and a joyful celebration. Congratulations to this lovely couple!

Erin + Jared | April 2, 2011 | The Parador, Houston, Texas

The ceremony

Our ceremony truly reflected our life together: filled with laughter, light and love. The Parador, a beautifully preserved former church featuring a soaring 35 foot dome and exquisite gardens, provided an elegant but intimate atmosphere for our closest family and friends. As we exited the ceremony, a string trio played “Wouldn’t It Be Nice” by the Beach Boys, closing an unforgettable ceremony filled with both tears and laughter.

The reception

The reception began with a cocktail hour amidst the beautiful blooming gardens of The Parador, followed by a candle lit dinner under the Byzantine duomo.  The evening was elegant, but paired the sophistication and fun personal touches, such as “YAY” flags for our guests to wave throughout the evening, a photo booth, a southern comfort food station. Wine corks and bottles collected over our year-long engagement were used as vases, candle holders and escort card place markers.

How Erin felt in her wedding dress

Glamorous, Royal, Feminine. Of all the elements at my wedding, my Kenneth Pool Flirtation gown was definitely my favorite and the center of attention. Its hand-beaded waist and skirt veritably glowed among the candlelight.  I truly felt like royalty.

Why Erin decided to sell her wedding dress

This gown is too beautiful to sit wrapped up in my closet. I would be thrilled for another bride to feel as amazing as I did! I’ve never received so many compliments in my life as I did that evening.

Erin’s wedding dress: Kenneth Pool, Flirtation / Photography: Hazel West Photography