Weddings 2024 Archives - Society Texas

EASY TO LOVE

by societytexas | Feb 29, 2024 | Weddings 2024, Spring/Summer 24

Suzanne Negley And Austin Hegarty Tie The Knot

By Alexandra Del Lago Photography by Hannah Pickle

Love took center stage with Suzanne Negley, daughter of Susan and Richard Negley of San Antonio, and Austin Hegarty, son of Betty and Kevin Negley of Austin. Suzanne met her future groom after he played in a show…which he does as a hobby. “I was attracted to his intelligence, the way he listens to me, his loyalty, devotion…and his sparkling blue eyes,” enthused Suzanne Negley. “When we met, I loved our effortless connection and her sharp wit. Plus, her intelligence and various hobbies and talents from welding to decorating our beautiful home,” shared Austin Hegarty about his new bride.

The couple dated for four years before a brief engagement of five months. “It was one of those magic, chilly fall Texas days with a bright, clear blue sky when Austin proposed at a family picnic on our family’s ranch, KWW,” said Suzanne Negley. “I made him his favorite sandwich, which I must have gotten exactly right because he got down on one knee, read me a quote from Ray Bradbury (one of our favorite authors), and asked me to marry him. Afterward, we drank champagne, called our families, and watched the Hill Country wildlife as the sunset. He made us dinner, and we watched my favorite movie, Hook, on the projector next to a roaring fire.”

They then turned their attention to their dream wedding in The Big Easy. After a rehearsal dinner at the Cajun Ballroom at the Audubon Zoo the night before, they were wed at the New Orleans Botanical Gardens in City Park. The bride wore a dress from Angelina Mata at Mata Atelier that they designed together. The inspiration was from a Grimm’s fairytale…a dress that comes out of an acorn shell made of stars. The ceremony, where the couple recited their own vows, was a combination of all the couple’s favorite things: the beautiful “flower children” and young adult attendants from the bride’s family as their wedding party, summer camp songs, and musical performances from their talented best friends, along with the officiant, Alicia NcNab’s, wisdom and humor, and the magic of New Orleans. Directly after the ceremony was a Second Line from the band Kinfolk that played throughout the botanical gardens as the sun set.

The reception was a seated buffet dinner for 130 of NOLA-style seafood and had Rockin’ Dopsie, a Zydeco legend, along with the Zydeco Twisters, who performed and enticed everyone on the dance floor. He even let the bride put on a Zydeco washboard and play with him, previously worn by only three other women: Beyonce, Michelle Obama, and Oprah. Belinda Belk of Blue Gardenia Events was the wedding planner and Antigua Floral created the floral decor.

“New Orleans is our favorite place in the world, so to have all our favorite people come together in our favorite spots felt like an embarrassment of riches and joy, enthused the bride. Suzanne, who attended St. Mary’s College in Moraga, CA, works as a stylist. Austin graduated from The University of Texas at Austin and its School of Law and works as a marketing manager at Austin PBS. The couple reside in Austin. 

DEEP IN THE HEART

by societytexas | Feb 29, 2024 | Weddings 2024, Spring/Summer 24

McKenzie Seales And Chase Freeman Tie The Knot

By Lance Avery Morgan Photography by Stephanie Brazzle

The Texas-sized wedding and celebration when McKenzie Seales, daughter of Kelly and Greg Seales of Dallas, married Chase Freeman, son of Christine and Alan Freeman of Lubbock, was one for the books. After all, the couple met in Gulf Shores as freshmen in college, so they dated for six years and were wed after a year-long engagement.

“I loved how kind he was and that he never stopped pursuing me. He is still the kindest person I know and always makes sure I’m taken care of,” shared Kenzie Freeman about their initial meeting. “Her beautiful smile and her laugh are what I love most about Kenzie,” says Chase Freeman. “She is a ray of sunshine, the life of the party, and now, six years later, she’s even more beautiful and continues to be the most important person in my life.” Chase proposed at the Catbird restaurant in the Thompson Hotel during her birthday dinner, much to Kenzie’s surprise. “All the people we love were there to celebrate with us.”

The wedding and reception, like their relationship, were in full bloom at Arlington Hall in Dallas, thanks to the expert party planning by Molly Rasmussen of Pop Parties, and the floral décor was created by David Kimmel Design. The black and white theme was accentuated when the bride walked down the aisle wearing a classically timeless dress before changing into another one later for the seated reception for the 200 guests. The evening before, the rehearsal dinner was held at the Crescent Club.

“The whole thing was so special and a day I won’t forget,” enthused the bride. “My favorite was Chase wiping his tears as I walked down the aisle. I didn’t expect it at all, and it was so sweet. We had a live artist singing throughout the ceremony, which was unique. We also had newspapers for our guests that listed our wedding party, fun bachelor/bachelorette memories, and a nod to our grandparents who had passed away. Our dog, Lulu, made an appearance, too.”

The bride’s Maid of Honor was Mackenzie Bulls, and she was attended by 11 bridesmaids: Melanie Bray, Kelly Colbert, Riley Edmister, Mackenzie Franz, Kelly Hewitt, Sarah Jackson, Laura Ragsdale, Baylee Richardson, Payton Seales, Morgan Snider, and Chandler Tennant. Chase’s brother, Brock Freeman, served as Best Man and the groom’s attendants were Chase Bray, Seth Freeman, Austin Hoffpauir, Jack Hrncir, Heath Jackson, John Hayden Johnson, Austin Rochow, Hunter Seales, Nick Trachta, and Jake Yarborough.

Kenize, along with the groom, graduated from Texas Tech University and works as an ICU nurse. The groom is a construction consultant. The couple honeymooned in Santorini and Mykonos, Greece. They reside in Dallas, and in their spare time love to play pickleball, golf, travel, and spend time with their families.

A GRAND AFFAIR

by societytexas | Feb 28, 2024 | Weddings 2024, Spring/Summer 24

Sabrina Wyant and Saahil Pasha Exchange Vows

By Lance Avery Morgan Photography by Brianna Ghattas of Studio B Photography

It was the stunning view, and the feeling of being the only two people in the world was unforgettable when the groom popped the question to his intended on the top of the snowy mountain, Sapphire Point Overlook, during a ski trip with friends in Breckenridge. After a courtship of three years and an engagement of less than a year, Sabrina Wyant, daughter of Amy McRae and David Mark Wyant, Sr. of Dallas, married Saahil Pasha, son of Samantha and Saleem Pasha of Bangalore, India, in a gorgeous ceremony at the Grand Galvez Hotel in Galveston.

The couple, who met through mutual friends at Baylor University, were instantly drawn to each other. “The moment I met Saahil, I felt like I met my long-lost best friend,” said the bride. “His sense of humor and genuine kind-hearted soul were evident the day I met him and continue to brighten my life every single day.” The groom shared his bride’s sentiment: “Sabrina was extremely playful and kind with an air of mystery. Not to mention, absolutely stunning. Now that I have gotten to know her on a deeper level, I see how much care she has for the people she loves. She is extremely ambitious, protective, and hard-working.”

For the wedding and reception at the Grand Galvez Hotel, the bride looked beautiful, escorted by her father down the aisle while wearing a gown by Jane Hill of Alice and Ivory in Dallas. Sabrina was attended by her Maid of Honor Sloane Bond, as well as Maddie Dabbs, Madeline Maritato, Summer Michaels, Amber Mills, Reilly Offenbecher, Sanayah Pasha, Opal Prajapati, Torie Rivas, and Stefany Romero. Saahil was attended by his brother and Best Man, Zaman Pasha, and his Co-Best Man was Milad Abedi. His groomsmen were Jonathan Cicherski, Orlando Romero, Benjamin Ritter, Nathaniel Chu, Steven Dabbs, Harrison Maritato, Paul Le, David Wyant, and Skylar Rivas. The couple’s toy poodle puppy, Enzo, served as the ring bearer. “I was lining up to walk for the start of the ceremony with all the groomsmen, bridesmaids, and close family,” recalls the groom. “Seeing the number of people that made the effort to be there with us overwhelmed me with emotion.”

The seated black tie dinner for the 150 guests was a black and gold Great Gatsby theme, in keeping with the Grand Galvez’s storied provenance. Vera Taku of V’etta Creations created the floral design, while the wedding cake was made by Sinfully Sweet Cake Design. At the reception, Sabrina’s brother, David Wynant, did an impromptu speech inspired by a speech from the film The Hangover that charmed the crowd.

Both graduates of Baylor University, Sabrina is a hospitality professional and works as a Revenue Manager, while the groom is a Clinical Trial Associate. After a honeymoon in Honolulu, Hawaii, they reside in Dallas, where they enjoy skiing, traveling, and trying new cuisines.

A CHANCE ROMANCE

by societytexas | Feb 28, 2024 | Weddings 2024, Spring/Summer 24

Sarah Chase Webber And Doug Barber Exchange Vows

By Alexandra Del Lago Photography by Sarah AUSTIN, Chris Bailey Photography

It seemed like a perfect plot point for a romantic comedy film when Sarah Chase Webber, daughter of Mary and Temple Webber of Houston, met Doug Barber, son of Robert and Lois (now deceased) Barber of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Sarah had just returned to Houston from living in Washington, D.C. when she got a puppy. While walking her new dog, Riley, she met Doug, the owner of his dog, Bear, who lived two doors down, as it would happen. During the pandemic, the puppies played together daily, and soon, Sarah and Doug were a couple. It was meant to be.

“Doug was so sweet, and I enjoyed getting to know him and going on walks with our dogs,” shared the bride, Sarah Barber. “I love Doug’s sense of humor and think he is the most fun to be around.” The groom, Doug Barber, said, “Sarah has this warmth that drew me to her when we first met. I love her lively spirit and that she deeply cares for the people in her life.”

After Doug proposed to Sarah at Doug’s family place in Ashville, North Carolina, the wedding preparations in Houston began. The bride had attended camp nearby for eight years as a child, so it was the perfect spot. The wedding and poolside reception were held at the Bayou Club. The bride wanted color and lots of flowers. The varying shades of light and bright pink, oranges, and greens were gorgeously implemented for the special day. Sarah wanted it to feel very springlike, as if stepping into a flower shop, which was masterfully achieved thanks to the floral décor created by Bergner & Johnson Design while Sarah Bett of Belle Events planned the wedding.

The bride wore a dress by Elizabeth Fillmore Bridal in New York as she was walked down the aisle by her father to the tune, Here Comes The Sun. There was no “first look,” so it was a perfect setting for Sarah and Doug to see each other for the first time that day. Sarah’s Matron of Honor was Elizabeth Rambin, while Maid of Honor Alexandra Reiss served her along with attendants Casey Roeling and Lindsay Tanenbaum. Doug selected Jim Barber as his Best Man, along with his groomsmen Charles Barber, Patrick Boyd, Elliot Dahl, Jonathan Jordan, Robert Seanet, John Webber, and Franklin Wolfe. In fact, Doug had given all his groomsmen cowboy hats, which were floating around the dance floor and enjoyed by many throughout the night.

After the ceremony, the cocktail reception featured a raw bar with oysters, crab, and shrimp, followed by a buffet dinner. During this time, the couple’s specialty cocktails were served that honored their dogs: the Riley Rita and the Bayou Bear (based on the Bayou Club’s Bayou Breeze drink). Party In The City provided the music for dancing before the couple hopped into a vintage Ford Bronco, a favorite of Doug’s, and kept the exuberant party going at the St. Regis Hotel.

Sarah graduated from the College of Charleston in South Carolina and works in marketing at Memorial Hermann Health System. Doug graduated from Allegheny College in Meadville, Pennsylvania before earning his graduate degree at The University of Texas at Austin. He is a geologist at Chevron. The happy couple honeymooned at Turtle Inn in Belize and reside in Houston.

IN THE STARS

by societytexas | Feb 28, 2024 | Weddings 2024, Spring/Summer 24

Zöe Legate Dobson And Connor Eaton Howden Wed

By Rob Giardinelli Photography by Jenny DeMarco

Sometimes, a couple is destined to be together. It’s written in the stars, one might say. That was the case for Zöe Dobson and Connor Howden. The two have known each other all their lives, growing up in the same neighborhood in Austin and frequently seeing one another due to the friendship between their parents. These childhood friends went to elementary and high school together before they gave romance a go in their junior year of high school. The duo was initially drawn together due to their similar interests and understanding of their unique sense of humor.

The two dated for two years when college beckoned. They parted ways as they went to separate universities in different states. After two years apart, “We both realized during our junior year of college that we were each other’s person,” mused Zöe. “We have been together ever since and are still best friends today.” Upon completing college, Zöe returned home to Austin to continue their romance. After dating for several more years, the bride-to-be was in for the happiest surprise of her life. “Connor had my friends organize a girl’s happy hour on the patio at The Four Seasons in Austin,” Zöe happily recalls. “They got me to walk down to Lady Bird Lake for pictures where Connor was waiting. He rented a boat for us and proposed at sunset, overlooking the city’s skyline where we both grew up just as stars started appearing in the evening sky..”

The couple was engaged for 13 months before their wedding at The Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum in Austin. There, on a picture-perfect spring day, the couple exchanged their vows in an outdoor ceremony underneath The Star of Texas on the newly opened promenade outside the museum. The bride looked stunning in her Ramona Keveza wedding dress as her father escorted her down the aisle with an elegant mix of white, light blue, and peach flowers designed by Remi + Gold. Zöe’s brother, Jack, wedded the couple in front of 350 invited friends and family members.

The reception, held inside the atrium of The Bullock Museum, was beautifully executed by Lexie Perez of 787 Events. The duo opted for open seating where guests could sit and dine at their leisure in a fun mix of square, round, and high-top tables, all featuring Lucite chairs. During the reception, guests were treated to a custom margarita bar, a five-tier all-white wedding cake, and late-night chicken and biscuits. The couple departed with the help of family and friends who stood on either side of the couple, holding sparklers and cheering them on a clear, starry night.

As for their favorite part of the day, the bride and groom agreed it was being with their friends and family who had been with them through their entire 10-year journey. “To have all of our best friends from growing up together, college, and adulthood was so special,” they remarked. “It was so special and fun to connect all of our favorite people in one room.”

Zöe, the daughter of Diana and Casey Dobson of Austin, is a graduate of Washington and Lee University and an investment banker at Focus Strategies. Connor, the son of Jenna and Robert Howden, also of Austin, is a graduate of The University of Texas at Austin and works in commercial real estate for Kairoi Residential. The couple reside in Austin, where they enjoy exploring the city’s vibrant food scene, boating on Lake Austin, and attending University of Texas football games.

SEALED WITH A KISS

by societytexas | Feb 28, 2024 | Weddings 2024, Spring/Summer 24

Tiffany Larkam and Will Caldwell Exchange Vows

By Lance Avery Morgan Photography by Lacy + Lee

When the minister asked the bride and groom to kiss at the end of their ceremony, it was their first kiss. Ever. They had saved such a special moment for the big day. Tiffany Larkam, daughter of Kristi and Charles Larkam II of Austin, and Will Caldwell, son of Vicki and Gerald Caldwell of Dallas, married each other in a gorgeous ceremony at Hyde Park Baptist Church in Austin, where their parents had married 32 years ago. Having met at church through mutual friends and after dating for one year, they had an engagement of eight months.

Like many, the proposal was unique and started with a ruse to detract attention. The groom’s mother had a pivotal role in the plan. She called the couple on their way to a family gathering and asked if they could stop by their church first since she had forgotten something and requested that they pick it up. “We walked into the foyer of the church where there was a sparkling chandelier turned on, music was playing, and there were candles and flowers,” recounted the bride. “I said, ‘Oh, it looks like there is a ceremony going on…we should go the other way,’ to which Will responded, ‘Yes, there is a ceremony… Tiffany, today is the day.’” She continued, “He was down on one knee popping the question. I was so surprised and thrilled.”

Plans were made for the ceremony’s festivities ahead. The rehearsal dinner at Westwood Country Club kicked off the weekend of nuptial activities. For the exchange of vows, the bride was stunning in a Geraldine Mikado ballgown, featuring Spanish lace detailing along that bodice that created a sheer and lace effect along the length of arms. Customized button detailing added to the entire length of the royal train. In her hair, she wore flowers that were embellished from her mother’s veil.

She was escorted down the aisle by her father to the groom’s favorite hymn, Come Thou Fount. The couple’s mothers and grandmothers walked down the aisle to As the Deer, which was also in the wedding ceremony of the bride’s parents years ago. The three worship songs were The Goodness of God, I Love You, Lord, and We Exalt Thee by vocalists Pastor Randy Davenport, Pastor Cassidy Wilkinson, and Kaitlyn Davis, with accompaniment by piano and Barton Strings.

Pastor Earl McClellan of Shoreline City Church in Dallas was the officiant, and he made jokes that entertained the guests and brought tons of laughter during the ceremony. The bride and groom also took Communion led by the bride’s uncle, Pastor John Larkam. At the beginning of the ceremony, a candle was lit close to where the bride stood, by the bride’s family in memory of Tiffany’s late sister, Alexandra Larkam. Scripture was read by Annie Grace Weeden, the bride’s late sister’s dearest friend.

Tiffany’s Matrons of Honor were Emma Abernathy and Katlyn Campbell, while Redeate Seife served as Maid of Honor. The additional Bridesmaids serving her were Ansley Braden, Kelley Brown, Mollie Chinnery, Molly Dunaway, Avery Godwin, Emily Harrison, Catherine Larkam, Chelsea Mount, Sydnee Nichols, Andy Vazquez, and Hailey Whatley, along with Walker Brown and Caleb Walker as Ring Bearers. In the House Party were Mary Claire Bass, Cori Camp, Kalle Davis, Fields Dunston, Ashley Harrison, Kaitlin Kimbrell, Stephanie Larkam, Kristen Walker, and Naomi Walker. The flower girls were Grace Brown, Charlotte Larkam, and Alyssa Walker. The groom was attended by 14 groomsmen, including his father, who served as his Best Man: Dany Anchia, Christian Avila, Tom Brandt, Drew Brown, Jacob Cardenas, Marcos Celis, Troy Dixon, Charlie Gibson, Damian Juarez, Charles Larkam III, Daniel Poku, Natt Rataphan, and Holden Royals.

After the worship and music-filled ceremony, the 420 guests enjoyed dinner and dancing at the Driskill Hotel. The color theme for the entire affair was white, light pink, and periwinkle blue, which Barbara Shorts at Verve Events planned, while Westbank Florist created the floral décor. Alba Artisan Bakery made the bride’s and groom’s cakes. “Our spirited band, Matchmaker, joyfully led our guests to the exit of the Driskill by playing Oh When the Saints Go Marching In,” mused Tiffany. “We made our grand exit as our guests threw flower petals in celebration of our brand new marriage union. It was a day to remember. We felt like royalty.”

The bride, who graduated from Baylor University is employed by WeWork, while the groom, who graduated from Dallas Baptist University, works for Guidestone Financial Services. They reside in Dallas and spent their sunny beach honeymoon in Antigua.