Gold and Coral Wedding in Houston: Elena + Justin

Elena and Justin met while saying “mazel tov” at a mutual friend’s bar mitzvah, but the two didn’t really get to know each other until some time later. The pair connected after the untimely passing of one of their middle school friends, becoming best friends and turning to each other for support. Years went by and Justin and Elena had been attending schools in separate cities. He had graduated college in Ohio and she was starting medical school in Houston but they still managed to remain best friends. Eventually, Justin moved back to Houston where they both found themselves single. One night they decided to watch a movie at Elena’s place and innocently held each other’s hands. That one gentle touch led them to begin something they had never explored before, taking them to their place of love.

The couple wed in a gorgeous gold and coral wedding in Houston. Gold sequined table coverings dazzled in the reception space. Pink, peach, and coral roses softened the space but added to the luxury of it all. Take a look at their stunning day and read the rest of their love story below. Photography by Daniel T Davis Photography.

Quick Facts
Favorite item on the wedding menu – Italian Cream, Buttercream ,Chocolate Buttercream, Grand Manier wedding cake.
Bridesmaids/groomsmen gifts – Groomsmen received personalized cuff links that complemented each groomsmen personality. Bridesmaids received personalized gold glitter and coral tumblers with their initials. MAC makeup and snacks ( cakepops, cookies , cupcakes).
First dance song – Mix of “If I Don’t Have You” by Smokie Norful and “Como Tu No Hay Dos” by Buxxi.

Bride: Elena Sutherland
Groom: Justin Iglehart
Wedding date: 10/17/2015
Wedding location: Parador – Houston, TX

Tell us all about the proposal!
Justin tried to meet with my father several times to ask but unfortunately my sister and I were both graduating and my father soon lost his phone, so for a month every weekend Justin planned different ways to propose only to be unable to communicate with Mr. Sutherland to ask my hand in marriage. The day before I left town for residency he finally asked my father and had the blessing. He asked me out for cheesecake ( which I love!!) and we took a long walk and talked about how we were going to make long distance work . I thought he was nervous about me moving away but instead he was encouraging and asked me to marry him. It was spur of the moment and everything previous he had planned was extravagant but it was simple, thoughtful, and personal and perfect.

Describe your wedding dress. How was your shopping experience?
Prior to wedding dress shopping I had never envisioned what I saw myself in so initially the process was a bit overwhelming. After I went to a few shops and bridal boutiques I felt that a sweetheart mermaid dress was the silhouette that I wanted and complemented me the most. After deciding on the silhouette I went to several stores around Houston, 7 total, and found my perfect dress, Levan Pronovias Lace wedding dress. My dress was strapless, sweetheart neckline with lace and mermaid cut with a beautiful lace train. 

What were your favorite memories of your wedding day?
Justin: Coming into the reception as husband and wife and looking at all the people we love and all the decor and my beautiful wife.
Elena : I loved dancing and seeing the genuine happiness that everyone had celebrating our marriage. We wanted it to be a huge celebration not only for us but for everyone and it was so much better than we could have imagined.

How was culture incorporated in your wedding?
It was very important for us to incorporate our strong Latin heritage in our wedding , we made sure our DJ was well versed in Bachata, Salsa, Merengae, Reggaeton, Cumbia and also specific Colombian songs. All toasts and even the first dance songs were done in both Spanish and English.

What advice would you give to engaged couples?
Justin and I made sure to always remind ourselves of why we were getting married because we believed God brought us together to be husband and wife and that we loved each other so much. With that being said we still went on dates and made sure to do activities together that did not involve wedding planning so we could truly enjoy being engaged. Another thing that we thought was important was to work as a team in planning. We talked through every decision, email, appointments, design, up until the day of the wedding to make sure it was what we wanted and not just everything I wanted. We realized that this was the beginning of the many decisions that we would make together and always wanted to be on one accord. The wedding and reception was truly the wedding of OUR dreams because of it!

Vendors
Photography : Daniel T Davis Photography
Cake: Edible Designs by Jessie
Dress: Pronovias
Dress salon: Houston Bridal Gallery
DJ: DJ Donte
Linens: Sweet Linens
Floral and Reception Decor: Keisha’s Kreations
Food and Event Coordinator: Behind The Bash
Videographer: 1Cinema Productions