We’re excited to feature this elegant black, white and beige wedding day at The Royal Sonesta Houston Galleria. From the bride’s classic style to the lively reception blending the couple’s unique backgrounds, this summer wedding is a total dream. Read on for Nicole and Rory’s story and the romantic details of their special day.
Nicole and Rory, both graduates from Texas A&M, met at a mutual friend’s birthday party in 2019. After hitting it off, the pair dated long-distance until Nicole returned to Houston during the COVID-19 pandemic. Bride says, “We spent so much time together, took loads of trips together, our families became friends, and the rest is history!”.
When it came time to propose, Rory chose the stunning Bayou Bend Collections and Gardens in the Houston River Oaks district. Rory proposed to Nicole aside sparkling fountains while the bride’s brother and sister-in-law caught the moment while hiding nearby. The cherry on top of this sweet evening? A surprise engagement party at Rory’s home, including the couple’s closest friends and family. Nicole says, “It was a dream!”
The big day arrived on May 20, 2023, at The Royal Sonesta Houston Galleria. The bridal suite buzzed with excitement as Lilly Bridal Artistry prepared Nicole and her bridesmaids for the aisle. The bridesmaids wore matching dresses, complementing Nicole’s fit and flare wedding gown and one-color bouquet. Before the vows, Nicole and Rory shared heartfelt letters, a private exchange before the romantic ceremony.
Nicole and Rory said, “I Do,” in an elegant ballroom ceremony decorated with warm candlelight and elegant white orchids, babies breath and roses.
The celebration continued with a ballroom reception decorated with elegant chandeliers, warm candlelight and black, white and gold accents. Cocktail napkins, coasters and cards sat atop the banquet tables featuring adorable illustrations of the couple’s beloved dog, Rogan.
A highlight of the reception? Nicole says, “Rory’s family is from Ireland, so we hired Irish dancers to come in and do an Irish jig towards the end of dinner. It was a hit! Nicole’s family is from Colombia, so leading up to the wedding, we took salsa dance lessons and danced a full Latin dance to surprise the guests. We loved every minute!”. After dining and dancing, the couple cut into a beautiful six-tier wedding cake featuring fresh white blooms in acrylic separators by Cakes by Gina. The groom’s cake was a replica of the couple’s sweet pup aside from a soccer ball.
After an intimate last dance in the ballroom, Nicole and Rory enjoyed a fun bubble send-off before departing in a vintage car.
Continue scrolling for the romantic moments of Nicole and Rory’s ballroom wedding in the heart of Uptown Houston.
Join us in wishing Nicole and Rory all the happiness!
“Classic Black, White and Beige Wedding at The Royal Sonesta Houston Galleria” Spotlight WiH Partners- Venue: The Royal Sonesta Houston Galleria | Bridal Hair + Makeup: Lilly Bridal Artistry | Cake: Cakes by Gina
Contributing Vendors- Photography: Jason Smelser Photography / Notably Yours Events / Whimsical Creative / Nathalie’s Cakes / The Black Tux / Password Music / Divisi Strings / Happy Booth Co. / Clann Kelly School of Irish Dance
