A Classic, Romantic Wedding at Chateau Polonez in Houston, Texas

Erin Murphy (33 and a human resources manager) and Jose Salinas (32 and an IT manager consultant) met on EHarmony. Jose took Erin out to an intimate Spanish restaurant in Houston for her 30th birthday, and from then on, they were hooked. Three years later, the couple went to Boston for a long weekend celebration of their anniversary. After a romantic dinner atop John Hancock Tower, Erin and Jose returned to their hotel for drinks, where Jose handed Erin a gift bag. Inside an iPhone box, Erin found note cards that read “Erin… Murphy… Will you… Please… Close your eyes?” Confused, she closed her eyes, and when she opened them again, Jose was down on one knee holding up a Tacori engagement rings. Erin emphatically said “Yes!” The engagement ring design holds great significance to the couple: It is a cushion cut diamond with a halo setting, and on either side of the diamond is a half moon sapphire, representing Erin’s birthstone and the somber date the couple met, September 11th. Their wedding ceremony was held at Prince of Peace Catholic Church in Houston, and the reception took place at Chateau Polonez. To achieve a classic, romantic style, the couple used a color palette of navy, ivory and silver, inspired by Erin’s engagement ring. As a special touch, a Spanish guitarist provided music and guests could select the couple’s personal paella recipe as an entree, a tribute to the couple’s first date and Jose’s family visiting from Spain. Since Jose is from Peru, the couple served Pisco, a traditional liquor that guests enjoyed in a signature cocktail called ‘Mango Pisco Sour de Amor.’ Following dinner, guests picked up whimsical props and kept the dance floor packed all night.