1. Real Weddings

Courtney & Patrick: A Casual Wedding in Houston, TX

Creative couple Courtney Marshall and Patrick Whitman met at art school at the University of Texas at Austin, but it was Patrick's chosen proposal sit

Creative couple Courtney Marshall and Patrick Whitman met at art school at the University of Texas at Austin, but it was Patrick's chosen proposal site that was the true work of art. On the last night of a whirlwind trip to London and Paris, Patrick, an attorney, was adamant about catching the light display at the Eiffel Tower. Just as the spectacle faded to black, Patrick got down on one knee to ask Courtney to marry him. It was truly a trip of a lifetime! says Courtney, a graphic designer. Nearly two years later, the couple brought that European vibe -- this time with a Spanish influence -- to their artistic afternoon affair. THE BRIDE Courtney Marshall, 29, graphic designer THE GROOM Patrick Whitman, 29, attorney THE DATE June 12

Courtney capitalized on her design skills and created a custom circular graphic that was blind embossed at the top of the ecru invitations and menus printed with kona-brown ink.
Following a night of dancing to the 5-piece jazz ensemble, guests were treated to aluminum glass-topped favor tins filled with white French mints, which were decorated with beige Swiss satin ribbon and custom-made stickers with a themed symbol designed by Courtney. Surrounding the large silver favor tray were small bags overflowing with yellow, peach, and white petals for the getaway toss. A self-described organizational whiz, Courtney says she looked to planning her own wedding as a personal challenge -- she passed with flying yellow colors.
With miniature cymbidium orchids in her hair, Courtney wore an elegant Vera Wang strapless gown made of silk-white satin organza with crystals on the train. The ruffled details on the train set an elegant tone.
Orchids were used throughout the day, most prominently in the all-white bridal bouquet that also featured peonies and white coral vine. (Courtney borrowed an antique linen handkerchief from her mother to use for the stem wrap.)
The yellow airy hue was first seen as the six bridesmaids strutted down the aisle in pale yellow silk shantung strapless gowns.
Flowers were definitely at the forefront of the decor. White phalaenopsis, cattleya, and cymbidium orchids (reminiscent of the bridal bouquet) were placed between each of the four layers of the wedding cake with amaretto buttercream and cane-embossed fondant. A combination of sugared fruits such as pears, berries, grapes, and kumquats adorned the traditional chocolate groom's cake.
Architecture was a strong selling point for this visual couple. The ceremony spot, St. Anne Catholic Community church, is known throughout Houston for its beautiful Spanish mission architecture, Courtney says.
The six groomsmen sported the color of the day with straight, pale yellow silk ties. Patrick set himself apart in a more formal straight black tie.
After looking at 16 reception sites (I was extremely thorough when choosing all of my vendors, she admits), the bride fell in love with The Parador, specifically because it picked up on the Spanish-influenced craftsmanship of the church. Exiting the traditional Catholic ceremony, guests traveled to the historic reception site and entered the cloister with its Spanish tile floors, expansive glass windows, and large wooden doors. Cafe tables draped with taupe shantung linens boasted small glass cylinders filled with bells of Ireland, votive candles, and scattered button mums and river rocks.
Two urns at the front of the altar displayed all-white arrangements, with hydrangeas, orchids, roses, delphinium, and curly willow branches. Impressive floral centerpieces, placed in three variously sized clear glass vases, included lilies, orchids, stephanotis, bells of Ireland, garden roses, and kumquats dangling from branches, which added a glamorous height to the room.
A combination of sugared fruits such as pears, berries, grapes, and kumquats adorned the traditional chocolate groom's cake.