Ashley and David’s Classic Sophistication Wedding in Houston

Featured in the Winter 2019 issue of MunaLuchi Bride Magazine!
View the digital magazine format here, and click here to order your print copy today – while still available! 

Houston natives Ashley and David shared a circle of mutual friends but never truly knew each other until they first met on the campus of the University of Texas. It was in Ashley’s sophomore year and David’s freshman year that their friendship first began. With so much in common their connection was instantaneous, even having a few of the same courses and studying together. But with Ashley already in a relationship at the time she thought no further than friendship. It wouldn’t be until a few years later when their love story truly began. Ashley, now single, followed her heart in pursuing David. Flirting back and forth for while they finally decided to go on an official first date, and in Ashley’s words, “we have been inseparable ever since…nine years later and I still get butterflies when he walks into the room!”

Bride & Groom:  Ashley & David
Wedding Location: Houston, Texas
Wedding Date: August 13th 2018
Photographed by: Pharris Photography

For the proposal, David knew it would be perfect to take the knee on the campus of the place where their love began – the University of Texas. It was during the last home game of the season, Ashley and David had special passes that gave them field access along with a group of friends and family. After the end of the game they took to the field, tossing around the football. After running the ball down the field and back, David asks Ashley to go out for another route. Turning around to come back, Ashley finds David down on one knee along the fifty yard line. After a brief moment it all clicked into place and she realized what was happening. With their friends and family watching, David asked Ashley to spend the rest of their lives together as husband and wife.

Ashley and David’s classically sophisticated wedding took place at the lovely Astorian in Houston, Texas. Ashley, a picture of elegance, wore a gorgeous fit and flare, form-fitted ivory gown with a sweetheart neckline and low V-cut center, adorned with beautiful beading and lace – completed with a classic train. David handsomely awaited his bride by the altar where they were forever joined together as husband and wife. Their union featured a sand pouring ceremony symbolizing the permanence of their love, followed by a jumping of the broom to honor their African American heritage.      

Best Memories: The best memory is being able to stop for a moment during the reception and take in the entire wedding and see all of the love and support in the room there for David and I. It was bittersweet because the day was going by so fast but I was able to take in that one moment and it warmed my heart so much. To see our day come together so beautifully was more than we could have ever imagined. I want to do it all over again!

Advice for Engaged Couples: The most important thing is to remain as stress free as possible! The planning process goes by so fast as does the wedding day, so take in and enjoy every single moment! Start planning as early as possible because so many vendors book out well in advance, this too will help decrease stress. It’s your time, so enjoy it! You can’t please everyone!

Vendors:
bride’s dress: Gown 1: Isabelle Armstrong; Gown 2: Galia Lahav
bridal salon: Ivory Bridal Atelier
bride’s headpiece and/or veil: Lauras Couture & Alterations
bride’s shoes: Jimmy Choo
bridesmaids dresses: Theia Matte Gold Sequin Mermaid Gown
cakes/desserts: Wedding Cakes by Tammy Allen; Tiffs Treats
catering: Cordua Catering
ceremony venue: The Astorian
event decor/design: The Bloom Room
entertainment: DJ Donte Shepard (DJ Dontizl); Harmony Strings
event planner: The Wedding Planning RN
florals: The Bloom Room
groom’s attire: Olympus Stylings
groomsmen attire: Olympus Stylings
hair: Salon EJS stylist Ella Bilton
lighting: The Astorian
linens: The Perfect Touch
makeup: Color Du Jour
photography: Pharris Photography
reception venue: The Astorian
rentals: The Perfect Touch
stationery: Vivian Jade; Minted
videography: Pharris Photography
Day of Coordinator: A Rare Affair Events