This Houston, Texas, wedding comes to us from {Lauren Clark Photography}. The stunning bride and groom were married at the gorgeous {Ashton Gardens}. How beautiful is this decor!? To see more check out Lauren’s {Blog}.
Describe the proposal: John schemed an incredible proposal over a period of months, seeking out the help of my best friend, Meredith Ramsey. Not only did he travel far and wide (Dallas) to pick out a gorgeous one of a kind ring, but even thought to confirm that the diamond was conflict-free. He knows me well! After spending the weekend in Lubbock, Texas (home to our alma mater, Texas Tech) John took me out to a local favorite for dinner. We went back to my apartment to find that he had canvases and paints set up for us to ‘speed paint’ our way through 3 canvases over a little Dave Matthews. The last canvas John painted was unforgettable, depicting a ‘proposal scene’; He then dropped to his knee with an actual ring and a million wonderful words of his affection. John arranged for my sweet friends to meet us after for champagne and cake. It was the best.
What attracted me to my husband was: I loved John’s sense of humor and spontaneity. He has such a creative, romantic spirit and would send me handwritten love notes in the mail.
Why do you love your husband? I love my husband for his servanthood, ambitious nature, and constant support. He makes me joyful and giddy, and challenges me to never settle!
What attracted me to my wife was: The first thing that attracted me to her was that she wasn’t just beautiful outside, but she was so selfless and beautiful on the inside. I knew instantaneously that she was the kind of girl I needed in my life.
The weather on our wedding day was: We could have done without the Houston humidity, but it was incredibly sunny and gorgeous.
What was the design inspiration for your wedding? I love design and started a notebook from day one of the engagement. The colors were eggplant and celadon with accents of gold throughout. With it being an afternoon wedding, I was hoping for a semi-formal ‘garden party’ with lots of organic elements and as many DIY projects as I could get my hands on. We incorporated pears throughout in lieu of our ‘perfect pair’ theme, and I found tons of inspiration via wedding/design blogs that I navigated on a daily basis.
Favorite design element of your big day: We both agree that the most beautiful design element was the actual venue itself. Ashton Gardens is a one-stop treasure with a quaint limestone chapel connected to a ballroom adorned with crystal chandeliers and floor to ceiling windows. There is a simplicity and natural beauty of the whole place as it sits tucked away in a forest.
Tell us about finding your wedding dress: I certainly don’t want to discourage any bride-to-be, but I probably tried on 30 dresses before I found the one. For me, it was completely different than what I anticipated on getting, so I encourage you to go with an open mind! It ended up being so perfect for me. Also, though slightly irritating at the time, I am so grateful my mom took pictures of every dress I tried on. She even printed them out and created a binder – this helped to see how they photographed. I had some of my closest friends flip through and vote on their favorite.
Describe your wedding flowers: Exactly as I envisioned. Fresh, uniquely textured, perfect accent to the bridesmaid’s dresses and the other décor.
Describe your wedding cake: Simple vintage, yet elegant with fresh fruits and a touch of foliage. The groom’s cake was a snare drum after John’s talent and passion for music – it was enormous and detailed perfectly.
What was your most memorable moment about your wedding day? Reading our very personal, intimate vows to one another in a room filled with our family and closest friends, while John’s father officiated, was an irreplaceable memory. I cried tears of joy virtually the entire time and felt so much love.
Three adjectives that describe the day are: anointed, blissful, authentic
Did you write your own vows? If so, what was your favorite phrase/verse/or line ? We combined the traditional vows with a few more personal lines that really represented our commitment to one another. My favorite verse was ‘ I will listen to you with compassion and understanding, and speak to you with encouragement.’
What advice would you give to someone planning their wedding? Let others help! Don’t try to do it all on your own, and planning ahead is always a great idea. Make sure it’s about you (not in a Bridezilla way!), and that it reflects you. Enjoy the process, because the wedding flies by!
Congratulations to Allison + John. We wish you a lifetime of happiness!
Lovely details! I’m so inspired.
The carnation box is one of my favorites…I first came upon this idea while planning my wedding in 2000, ah the memories…
I love creative placecards! Lots of great finds! I love the show where Martha creates the carnation board too.
This inspiration board is lovely! Thanks for featuring our wine cork and topiary place-card holders! I’m glad you liked them!
Wanwisa, you are totally amazing!! All of these are so unique! love love.
Ok so I completely had my heart set on the sea shell place card, and I just went to bride.com to look for them again, and it’s not longer available. If anyone could help and tell me who the vendor is it would be much appreciated! Thanks so much!