Tiara and Timothy’s Romantic and Timeless Engagement Session in Downtown Houston

Tiara and Timothy’s relationship has always been centered around family and friends. When Timothy proposed, he planned a huge surprise party complete with all of their loved ones and his mother’s home cooked food. Since then, Tiara has enlisted her maids of honor to assist her with planning the wedding. As another added family touch, Tiara incorporated her mother into the engagement shoot by wearing her 1971 wedding dress.

Read all about Tiara and Timothy’s loving relationship as well as their laid back engagement session in downtown Houston.

Bride & Groom: Tiara & Timothy
Occupations: Scientist (Cancer Research) & Pro-Athletic Trainer
Wedding date: August 19, 2017
Wedding location: Hotel Galvez, Galveston, Texas
Location of Engagement shoot: Downtown Houston, Saks Garage Rooftop and Honeymoon Café

Tell us about how you met and all about the proposal. We met over crawfish aka mudbugs. He was having a crawfish boil at his house. I had never even heard of crawfish before and was just going with some mutual friends to have fun. He offered to teach me how to peel and eat them, but I didn’t bite. That night the whole group laughed and talked. Tim strategically positioned himself next to me and I would tell him all about myself, my values etc. Little did I know it was all part of his plan.

When he proposed I was receiving my PhD and it was graduation weekend. My two best friends and my parents were coming into town. My best friend told me to get ready for a night out with the girls. I got dressed, even though on this particular night I was being more dramatic and emotional than usual. There was also torrential rain, but my bestie convinced me to pull myself together and get out of the house.
As I was getting ready, Tim sent me a message saying that he injured himself playing basketball at the gym in his complex…I was irritated. I thought he secretly was trying to ruin my girl time lol. Once we got to the gym, Tim walked over, got on one knee and proposed. I WAS SHOCKED! We then went into the clubhouse where I found the rest of my friends and family hiding in the theatre room. He had planned a joint graduation/engagement party! He is very family oriented and it was a family affair. He had his brothers in on the ruse and his mom, who is an amazing cook, provided all of the food. Looking back on it, I appreciate even more the thought he put into it.

Describe your engagement session. We didn’t have an exact theme. I just wanted it to be funky, soulful and filled with love. I also knew I wanted to incorporate large architectural structures. I told the photographer I didn’t want your cookie cutter engagement shoot; I wanted it to make a statement.

What did you do on your first date? Tim asked me to go to the movies “as friends”. After the movie we ended up talking for hours about life, energy in the universe, and listened to music.

What’s your favorite thing to do as a couple? Cook and eat. We make magic in the kitchen.

How has wedding planning been so far? So far, so good. I am doing most of the planning myself, with the help of a few family members and friends. The Wedding Wire app has been key to keeping me on track. Munaluchi Coterie Member Charity Colvin and my fiance’s godsister has been awesome. Her knowledge of the wedding world has helped me to ask questions of the venue I would never have thought of. My sister Tylana has also been amazing. Of my close friends I am one of the first to get married. My maids of honor (yes, I have two!) have been great in ensuring I keep a level head and enjoy the process.

Tell us what you’re looking forward to most on the wedding day. I am looking forward to seeing his face as I walk down the aisle, becoming Mrs. Boutte and then for the party to begin!!! I love to dance, can’t wait to celebrate with everyone.

Vendors:
Photography: Bethany Boitnott, Sweet Nest Photography
Makeup: Brandee
Hair: Moreen Beecher, Unique Hair Salon, Houston, TX
Styling: the bride 
Floral Arrangement: the bride 
Wedding Gown: The bride’s mother’s. (Her parents married on Juneteenth in 1971. They are still together and celebrating 46 years of wedding bliss.)