Fairy Lights and Engagement Night
By Carolina Hernandez
Wedding: May 23,2020
Jaquelyn, a benefit advisor, and Justin, an electrical engineer, met at church but their first date was a blind date set by a mutual friend.
Justin was always trying to surprise her, and that also meant the proposal. Justin rallied the troops (meaning her roommates and best friends) to help with the surprise. They kept her busy throughout the day and took her to happy hour then to a Christmas party.
During that time, Justin was planning a winter wonderland or as now they joke a Clark Griswold Christmas at her house. “It was incredible and sort of blinding! There were lights for days from the walkway, to the curtain lights around the porch, on the columns, and on the ceiling, etc. It was legit a Christmas wonderland,” Jaquelyn happily remembers of the engagement.
The wedding took place at Astin Mansion, a 100-year-old mansion, in Bryan, Texas. Jaquelyn shined in a beautiful A-line dress by Blue by Enzoani from Weddings by Debbie in Katy, Texas. Both bridal and groom cakes were made by Peace, Love, and Cakes based in Bryan, Texas. Her cousin, Amanda Hamilton, owner of Cotton Boll Florals out of Jena, LA, did all the flowers and décor.
Due to Covid, she had to change how food was being served. Originally, a buffet open concept style was in place with heavy appetizers and entrees along with a huge charcuterie board. Jaquelyn says, “That had to change, so I decided to have individual boards made for each guest placed at each seat while cocktails were being served. It was a hit, especially for the cheese lovers.”
Brides advice:
Planning a wedding is stressful; planning a wedding when a pandemic hits is just crazy. Plans changed every week up to three days before. You have to fight for your joy and peace. I would tell brides to write your own vows and have a first look. Or have two in my case. My dad saw me first, which was fun, especially since I felt his gun on his hip, and told him to put it away during the wedding! But more importantly, the first look with Justin was dreamy. I fought doing the first look up until the week of, when Christine, our photographer, convinced me to do it. I’m so glad I listened. It calmed us both down prior to the actual ceremony. We were able to get the nervous giggles out, have little intimate touches, and stolen kisses.