Elizabeth Smith & Christopher Newton
A Night to Remember
Married
May 22, 2021
Houston ,
Texas
Photo Credit
Kelly Hornberger
Style Guide
Color Palette
Style
Formal
Season
Spring
The Proposal
Two days before Christmas, on December 23, 2019, Christopher whisked Elizabeth away for a spa weekend at Hotel Galvez in Galveston, Texas. Elizabeth was under the impression that this was Christopher’s Christmas gift to her. During the drive from Houston to Galveston Elizabeth noticed he was rather fidgety but chalked it up to him being excited about their mini-vacation. After arriving at the hotel, Elizabeth went straight to the spa as Christopher insisted that she get her nails done. Looking back on this moment, she can’t believe she didn’t know right then that a proposal was about to happen. When Elizabeth returned to their guest suite she joked to Christopher that he really went all out for their mini-vacation. Then, as she was getting ready for their dinner reservation, with her hair half curled and wearing mismatched socks, Christopher dropped to one knee and popped the question. It was such an intimate and private moment; it was perfectly “them.”
In Preparation
Elizabeth and Christopher, just like many other couples, had to deal with the challenges of planning a wedding during a pandemic. As soon as they began making decisions, such as selecting a date, the pandemic hit, and cities shut down. Fortunately, Victoria of Belle Events, helped the couple navigate all of the restrictions and guidelines that came and went as the pandemic played out, and luckily enough, as the COVID-19 vaccine became available to the public, Elizabeth and Christopher were able to say “I do” on their original wedding date. The couple also worked with event designer and florist, Blooming Gallery, to curate the most romantic and timeless ballroom reception. Elizabeth envisioned a “floral wonderland” and over-the-top details. She wanted it to be an extraordinary night of celebration that everyone would remember.
The Big Day
On May 22, 2021, Elizabeth and Christopher married in a traditional Episcopalian ceremony surrounded by 150 family members and friends. The bride’s father walked her down the aisle as Christopher adoringly watched his soon-to-be wife draw nearer. The morning of, Elizabeth and her bridesmaids got ready in a lavish suite at Hotel Zaza while the groom and his groomsmen relaxed poolside in a cabana. Belle Events ensured the entire day ran smoothly and the transition from ceremony to cocktail hour to reception was seamless. The cocktail hour featured a one-ton bar made completely out of ice, a raw bar, passed appetizers, and a live pianist. During this time, the bride and groom savored a private dinner together before joining their guests for the remainder of the evening. Drywater Band kept everyone dancing until it was time for Elizabeth and Christopher to make their exit in a flower-covered, vintage Rolls Royce. As they departed, fireworks shot through the air as they bid farewell to their guests.
The Retreat
The newlyweds honeymooned in Hawaii at the luxurious Four Seasons Resort Maui for ten glorious nights. Elizabeth and Christopher enjoyed exploring the island and taking in the beautiful sights of the land. They also hiked, attended a luau, and spent many, many hours by the pool and beach. Their first time traveling as husband and wife went by in the blink of an eye and they will forever cherish their memories made in Maui.
Featured Wedding Vendors
PHOTOGRAPHER
EVENT PLANNER
DESIGNER, FLORIST, & DECOR
Blooming Gallery
CEREMONY VENUE
St. Martin’s Episcopal Church
RECEPTION VENUE & CATERER
Hotel Zaza Houston Museum District
WEDDING & GROOM’S CAKE
Susie’s Cakes
INVITATIONS
Mesh by Alex
GOWN & VEIL
Monique Lhuillier from Casa de Novia Bridal Couture
BRIDAL SHOES
Manolo Blahnik
RECEPTION DRESS
Romona Keveža Collection from Warren Barrón Bridal
BRIDESMAID DRESS
Bella Bridesmaids
GROOM’S TUX
The Black Tux
ENGAGEMENT RING & WEDDING BANDS
Nazar’s & Co. Jewelers
HAIR & MAKEUP
Hey Lovely Beauty & Aesthetics
ENTERTAINMENT
Drywater Band
VIDEOGRAPHER
Bear Hands Media
MONOGRAM WEDDING CREST
Shuler Studio
FAVORS & GIFTS
Callidora Candles
TRANSPORTATION
Monarch British Limousines
HONEYMOON ACCOMMODATIONS
Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea
