An Elegant, Romantic Wedding at Chateau Cocomar in Houston, Texas

Amanda Lopez (27 and an office manager) and Juan Hernandez (27 and a real estate investor) put a rustic twist on a winter wonderland theme with shades of gray, frosted leaves and natural wood accents. The couple chose the elegant Chateau Cocomar as the setting for the November wedding because Amanda feels it is “the most beautiful venue in Houston,” with its charming European-style architecture, renaissance gardens, stately chandeliers and gilded trim. The pair kicked off the day with a glamorous Catholic ceremony, with aisles framed with wood arches overflowing with ivory hydrangeas and roses. The couple’s son served as the ring bearer. “It was a special moment to watch him carry our rings down the aisle,” the bride says. A palette of ivory and gold dominated the reception, working with flickering pillar candles on gilded candlesticks and tall arrangements of hydrangeas and curly willow to deliver a refined, elegant vibe. The towering nine-layer cake was a masterpiece with Grand Marnier ganache, raspberry almond cream ganache and handmade roses. After dancing to pop and Tejano classics, the newlyweds made their exit in Juan’s Rolls-Royce, with sparklers and fireworks lighting the way.