Claire and Bobby’s love story is straight out of a fairytale. The couple met during an Italian class in a study abroad program and began studying together. They bonded over countless gelato dates, trips to museums, and exploring the city. Bride says, “On our final day of the program, we finally shared our first kiss at sunrise on the Ponte Vecchio as the city of Florence woke up.”
After six years of long-distance dating, Bobby surprised Claire with a proposal at her childhood home. Overwhelmed with joy, Claire felt the engagement was even more special at her home, including a touch of her late father’s presence.
The couple exchanged vows in a traditional church ceremony on March 20, 2021. Claire walked down the aisle in a Romona Keveza gown and a cathedral-length veil, lovingly customized by her mother. Claire held a bouquet of white florals complete with a key ring she had given her late father as a child. The sweet scent of gardenias filled the church, a nod to the bride’s parents’ wedding 25 years ago, almost to the day. These flowers held a special place in Claire’s heart, reminding her of the gardenia plants at her childhood home and the florals in her parents’ wedding photos she had always admired.
After exchanging vows privately during cocktail hour, the couple celebrated with friends and loved ones in a lush garden-inspired reception. Bride says, “I knew that having a reception venue that mimicked a French garden in feel was important to me, and since Houston weather can be unpredictable, one of the ways we brought an outdoor feel into an indoor space was through working fountains filled with florals and treillage painted the perfect French green.”
Guests enjoyed dishes inspired by the couple’s travels to Asia, Greece, Italy and Texas. As a nod to the couple’s beginnings and Claire’s Italian heritage, a gelato cart was a hit among the guests. Bride says, “It was such a special, nostalgic way to share a huge part of both our family history and our personal story with our guests.”
At the end of the celebration, fireworks lit up the sky, a horn trio played “All You Need Is Love,” and the newlyweds drove off in a 1965 Rolls Royce Princess.
Continue scrolling and get inspired by the breathtaking details of this magical French garden wedding in Houston.
Congratulations, Claire and Bobby! We wish you all the love and happiness.
“Summer Abroad Leads to a French Garden Wedding in Houston” Spotlight WiH Partner- Registry: Bering’s
Contributing Vendors- Photo: J. Cogliandro Photography / West University Baptist Church / River Oaks Country Club / Kiran + Leigh Bespoke Planning / MAXIT Flower Design / Events in Bloom / the ARK elements / Dolce Neve Gelato / Who Made The Cake! / Romona Keveza / Jenny Kim Couture / Cakewalk Fims / Divisi Strings / Intensity Bands / Mike’s Dance Floor Rentals / Papellerie / Jordan Limousines / Christopher Michael Stribling / Jennifer Aronson Makeup / Uptown Diamonds Jewelry
