Congratulations Handy and Donna

This elegant ceremony and reception took place at The Houstonian, and if you haven’t seen it decorated for Christmas, you really need to, it's gorgeous! The colors for this wedding were brown and gold with pink accents, and they looked so nice in the ballrooms. The Bride wore a gorgeous pale ivory strapless gown and sheer elbow length gloves, and carried a bouquet of ivory roses and hydrangeas with pink accents. The Bridesmaids wore floor length chocolate brown strapless gowns and carried pink bouquets with ivory accents. Handy was handsome in his black tux with white tie and ivory boutonniere. His Groomsmen wore the same but with pink boutonnieres. The ceremony had beautiful ivory floral arrangements with pink accents on the aisles as well as at the altar, and had candles in large vases.

The reception room was also beautiful, with floor-length brown pin tuck table cloths with ivory/gold colored chair covers. The tables had alternating center pieces of multi level candles or ivory floral arrangements. Each place setting had a long slim brown box tied with a gold ribbon. Each favor box held a pair of chopsticks and a thank you note from the families.

There were a lot of unique aspects to this reception, thanks to the hard work of many families and friends. First, Handy and Donna serenaded their guests with a duet after they were introduced into the room. Then, they had two friends act as MCs throughout the event. Special dedications and performances by friends to the Bride and Groom included singing to a keyboard and guitar, a surprise slide show, a duet with a guitar player, and another slide show. Later, some friends did a Salsa dance dedicated to the Newlyweds. I think there must have been at least 15 people involved in these dedications, in one way or another. And, people put in a great deal of work as far as the timeline, script, and order of events, which shows how much they care about the Bride and Groom. What a talented bunch, and a great group of friends!

After dinner, visiting tables, and the performances, it was time for the cake cutting. The three-tiered ivory cake was beautiful, with different designs on each layer, and an ivory fondant bow on top. Handy and Donna fed each other, and then each fed some cake to their parents as a symbol of gratitude and respect. It was such a nice honor. Then, it was on to the toasts and the first dance. At last, the dance floor was open and it was party time!

Following the bouquet and garter, and a few words from Donna and Handy, the Newlyweds left for their new and beautiful life together. Congratulations!