1. Real Weddings

Ashley & Gavin: A Traditional Wedding in Houston, TX

Though Ashley and Gavin grew up around one another in Houston, they never actually met until years later. Gavin was living in New York at the time, an

Though Ashley and Gavin grew up around one another in Houston, they never actually met until years later. Gavin was living in New York at the time, and some of Ashley's girlfriends set her up with him while he was back visiting his hometown. After just one date, the couple embarked on a long-distance relationship -- and a year later, Gavin moved back to Texas to be near Ashley. The Bride Ashley Senior, 27, clinical psychologist The Groom Gavin Roseman, 28, investment professional The Date September 29 After Gavin proposed, the two began planning a wedding in their hometown. I cannot imagine having the wedding anywhere but Houston, says Ashley. It was so special for our friends from out-of-town to get to see some of our favorite places.

Clusters of hanging amarynthus tied with light pink ribbon hung from the pews along the aisle.
The couple danced the Horah during their reception, a tradition in Jewish weddings.
Ashley and Gavin performed a swing dance to Nat King Cole's L-O-V-E to kick off the reception. They then switched to dancing with their parents, ending with all of their parents on the dance floor with them. We all took lessons to learn the waltz, and I was so proud of how well all of the men picked up the dance, says the bride.
I have known I wanted to get married there for as long as I can remember, says Ashley of the enormous, beautiful sanctuary where she and Gavin married in a traditional Jewish ceremony.
Ashley and Gavin's guests tossed rose petals in ivory and shades of pink into the air as the couple made their grand exit from the reception.
Ashley and Gavin's guests enjoyed a signature strawberry martini based on one made at Benjy's, a Houston restaurant where the couple had one of their first dates. It's probably my favorite drink in the city, says the bride.
We were going for a very elegant and romantic look, with loose flowers and lots of candles, says Ashley. The tables were covered in dusky pink linens with ivory and green floral overlays, and slowly changing pink and amber lighting added warmth to the elegant space.
The circular menu cards could be seen perfectly underneath round, glass chargers with gold-beaded edges.
Tables were topped with tall vases of roses, orchids, hydrangeas, and stock in ivory and pink. Other tables boasted a trio of tall cylindrical vases with submerged coral-colored vines topped with flowers. Ivory votive candles circled the arrangements.
Ashley carried a loosely packed bouquet of roses and coral vine in ivory, with a few hints of pink and green. A linen handkerchief belonging to her great aunt was wrapped with the stems for the bride's something old.
Ashley's seven bridesmaids carried bouquets of lisianthuses, roses, and hydrangeas in light pink with touches of green intermixed.
While most of the guests were on the dance floor, servers passed mini chocolate-covered cheesecake bites on a stick. The treats were a big hit, and kept the crowd going until late in the evening.
On either side of the stage for the band, a pair of tall ivory pedestals stood topped with a collection of vases filled with flowers, vines, and candles. Behind the band the wall was draped with Elaeagnus and wild rose vines.
Ashley and Gavin's guests enjoyed a four-tiered cake decorated with pink gumpaste flowers and green and brown leaves and branches. Pale pink rose petals and Majolica spray roses adorned the cake table.