Weddings 2024 Archives - Page 2 of 3

A PLACE IN THE SUN

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

Georgia Kuper And Austin Sohr Marry

By Jake Gaines Photography by Austin Gros

It was truly a family affair on an island paradise when Georgia Kuper, daughter of Caroline and Rick Kuper of San Antonio, married Austin Sohr, son of Lyn and Scott Sohr of Nashville, at the groom’s family property in George Town, Exuma, The Bahamas.

“The second we met, it was like we had known each other all our lives,” shared Georgia Sohr. “We knew we’d be each other’s best friends.” After meeting through mutual friends and dating for a year and a half, the couple married exactly a year from when the groom popped the question on the family’s property in Nashville. Champagne was waiting for the bride-to-be, and after the proposal, they were off to New York. Both couple’s parents greeted them in New York, and the family was in store for a fabulous weekend. The groom had personally planned the weekend’s events, including a seated dinner and a party with a band that included their mutual friends.

Plenty of planning happened as the island retreat, with the theme of all things tropical, was readied for the nuptial that hosted 160 guests. Austin’s sister-in-law, Molly Sohr, and a Bahamian planner, Marva Munroe, ensured the event was perfect. The rehearsal dinner occurred nearby at the Kahari Resort the evening before the ceremony.

Stunning in a white bridal gown designed by Mira Zwillinger, Georgia walked down the aisle, escorted by her father, to the beachside ceremony overlooking the azure blue water. They were surrounded by full arches of fresh and colorful flowers created by Mary Love Richardson of Rosemary & Finch of Nashville. Clara Rubin and Greta Stehr attended the bride, while Mason Mercy and Andrew Sohr were the groom’s attendants. J. Kuper, Georgia’s brother, officiated the sun-filled wedding ceremony. The reception was held under a tent on the perfect plot of sand, where so many guests from out of town cheered on the couple. They enjoyed a buffet dinner, cocktails, a band, a DJ, and native Junkanoo dancers to add more genuine island flavor to the special day.

The bride, who graduated from the University of Georgia, works at HostGPO, while the groom, who graduated from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, owns Matter Health. The couple, who honeymooned in South Korea, Cambodia, and Thailand, reside in Nashville, where they enjoy trying a running list of over 100 restaurants in their city.

ROAD TO ROMANCE

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

Elle Moody And Jimmy Gray Wed

By Rob Giardinelli Photography by Matt Lankes

Life’s various paths to love are fascinating. During the holiday season of 2017, Elle Moody was making a familiar holiday trek back from New York City to her hometown of Austin to spend the holidays with her family. On this particular year, she arrived just in time for her mother’s annual Christmas party. Elle was thrilled to be home catching up with friends at the party when her mother, Shannon, approached her. She whispered in Elle’s ear, “There is a cute boy in the kitchen. Go introduce yourself.”

That cute boy turned out to be Jimmy Gray. Also, a native Austinite, Jimmy had every intention of staying home the night of the party, yet his friends convinced him to join them in various holiday festivities that included what turned out to be one life-changing party stop. Elle introduced herself to Jimmy, and they immediately hit it off, initially bonding over their tales of growing up in Austin, as well as their mutual love of family. Elle enjoyed Jimmy’s compassion and sense of humor, while Jimmy appreciated Elle’s laid-back nature and loyalty to her friends.

The new romance continued for the rest of the holiday season until Elle had to return to New York. Jimmy promised to stay in touch, which resulted in a long-distance relationship where the two frequently made treks between Austin and New York. After a few years of dating long-distance, Jimmy moved to New York City for Elle, where the romance grew, and Jimmy knew the time was right to pop the question.

Elle thought they were en route to an intimate dinner for two when Jimmy invited his unsuspecting bride-to-be to join him in the backyard. Then, as singer Bonnie Raitt’s Thank You played in the background, Jimmy got down on one knee and asked Elle to marry him. After enthusiastically saying yes, they were joined by a group of friends for a surprise party. After the party ended, they continued the fun dancing the night away in New York City into the wee hours of the following morning.

The bride and groom-to-be selected the ranch of a close family friend as their wedding venue surrounded by those who meant most to the couple. The couple created a day filled with special touches that reflected the simple, beautiful nature of their love. The ceremony was held outdoors under an oak tree, which the bride had played under as a child. The tree featured sunflowers hanging from branches for additional ambiance. The bride, stunning in a classic, long-sleeved dress with a pearl-encrusted veil designed by Suzanne Neville, walked down the aisle as On the Nature of Daylight by Max Richter was played on a violin. The couple was married by their best friend and officiant, Jay Krishnan, whose moving speech about their love brought tears to the 175 friends and family members in attendance.

The reception was held under a tent with beautiful floral decor hanging from the ceiling that continued the relaxed wedding theme. The couple created a fun experience for their guests, who found their seats via various photos of the couple’s beloved Labradoodle, Eddie. The crowd was served dinner that featured handmade interior Mexican cuisine perfectly paired with the mezcal and specialty margaritas created especially for the occasion.

After dinner and initial dances, the rest of their loved ones joined the newly married couple on the dance floor to the tunes of DJ Mel. C-Boys in Austin was the destination for the after-party where the bride changed into a pink sequin dress designed by Jonathan Simkhai, and the fun continued well into the night, capping off a fun road to romance.

Elle, daughter of Ross Moody and Shannon Moody of Austin, is a graduate of Rice University and earned her master’s degree from New York University. She spent 10 years working in New York at a global cultural communications agency and is now the Senior Vice President of The Moody Foundation. Jimmy, son of Jim and Patty Gray, also of Austin, is a graduate of Auburn University and a Corporate Account Executive at Hubspot. The couple and their dog, Eddie, recently returned to Austin from New York for the bride’s new professional role.

MASTERPIECE IN THE MAKING

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

The Marriage of Alec Strauss And Sid Greehey, Jr.

By Jake Gaines Photography by Matthew Alvarado, Beloved Photography

There was no other favorite choice for their wedding reception than the legendary McNay Museum of Art, as Cary Alexandra Straus (Alec), daughter of Cary and Tony Straus, and Sidney James Greehey, Jr., son of Cheryl and Sidney James Greehey, Sr., all of San Antonio, were joined in holy matrimony.

Originally pals in middle school, thanks to carpooling, they were reacquainted later as adults by a mutual friend. They both love spending time outdoors, which was the perfect setting for Sid to ask Alec to marry him, much to her surprise. They were hiking in Comanche Lookout Park in northern San Antonio and when they made it to the top and were enjoying the beautiful sunset, he popped the question. Afterward, they joined their parents and a few close friends in sharing a celebratory toast.

The rehearsal dinner at the San Antonio Country Club kicked off the festivities for the big weekend. Their nuptial ceremony at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, as well as the reception at the McNay, incorporating various shades of blue as the theme, was planned by Carrie Catalani. The picture-perfect bride wore a veil and dress by Rivini from Julian Gold, along with blue Manolo Blahnik shoes and custom jewelry made by her brother. Alec’s bridesmaids were her three sisters-in-law: Elizabeth Marceau, Caroline McSween, and Emma Straus, along with 13 close friends who were a part of her house party. Sid’s groomsmen were his father, Sid Greehey, Sr., and his two brothers-in-law: Collin Straus and Perry Straus.

For the reception, the 500 guests enjoyed a buffet dinner catered by Rosemary’s Catering/RK Group, where the lighting accentuated the venue’s vast grounds, along with the exquisite floral décor by Statue of Design, and cozy seating areas that enhanced the natural beauty of the setting “The beautiful full moon shining down on the courtyard made it an exceptionally special evening,” shared the bride, Alec Greehey. “We also loved our private dinner alone inside the museum while everyone else was in the courtyard. We were very touched by all of the guests who attended and all of the love and support we felt.”

Veuve Clicquot, the couple’s special drink for the occasion, was served to the attendees who enjoyed dancing to The Party Jammers from Memphis. To add special flair, the horn players from the band brought the newly married couple through the cocktail reception in the “Second Line” dance parade style, so that everyone followed along with them into the museum. As the evening progressed, Sid’s father’s 1968 convertible Corvette Stingray 427 supplied the very special getaway car for the newly married couple. Later, the after party on the rooftop of the St. Anthony Hotel helped continue the fun.

Alec graduated from Eckerd College in St. Petersburg, FL., and is an Andrologist and Junior Embryologist at the Fertility Center of San Antonio. Sid graduated from Texas A&M University and St. Mary’s School of Law in San Antonio and is a criminal defense attorney at Dunham and Jones in San Antonio. The couple honeymooned in Cambodia and Thailand and in their spare time, they hike, swim, scuba dive, hunt, and play pickleball together.

FRIENDSHIP TO FOREVER

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

Brittany Beldon Weds Blake Rosenthal

By Jake Gaines Photography by Caroline Lima

From playmates to soulmates, these childhood friends who have known each other since found a lifetime of love with each other that started at Sunday School at Temple Beth El. Brittany Raye Beldon, daughter of Susan and Brad Beldon, married Blake Rosenthal, son of Jill and Robert Rosenthal, both of San Antonio. In fact, they are fourth-generation family friends, and the wedded couple’s romantic relationship began when they both lived and worked in Dallas after college.

My Girl by The Temptations played overhead as the groom invited his future bride to his grandmother’s house as a ruse. After dating for three and a half years and surrounded by family and close friends who had flown in from Dallas, Blake asked for Brittany’s hand in marriage. After a resounding yes, everyone enjoyed delicious Mexican food, margaritas, and mariachi music throughout the afternoon to commemorate the special occasion. The couple shared the secret of their love by saying, “Brittany has always admired Blake’s charm, and he has always been attracted to Brittany’s confidence. We share many of the same values and always keep each other laughing.”

The longtime Texan duo decided all their wedding festivities would be in their native hometown of San Antonio. They wanted somewhere unusual for the nuptials, so where better than the city’s legendary venue, the San Antonio Zoo? The color theme was bright, springy shades of purple, pink, and orange. The wedding and reception, planned by Becky Levin Navarro of Pearl Events in Austin, also incorporated beautifully lush, nature-like verdant plants, created by David Garcia with Statue of Design, as an ode to the venue full of animals. Not only was it the largest wedding the San Antonio Zoo had hosted, but it was also the first large-scale event on the new lawn, where the 600 guests enjoyed mingling and chatting under the stars. It is such a sentimental venue for Brittany and Blake since they both grew up visiting there often with their parents and grandparents.

The bride chose a strapless wedding gown and veil from Julian Gold Bridal, designed by Mark Ingram, which was adorned with leaf and butterfly applique as a tribute to the wedding venue. Brittany’s second outfit for the reception was her mother’s 35-year-old wedding dress. Brittany had two Maids of Honor: Dylan Beldon and Mackenzie Beldon. She was attended by fifteen Bridesmaids: Molly Aaron, Gabriela Bresnahan, Emily Carpenter, Paige Farrimond, Hailey Hoppenstein, Emily Kahn, Emma Lynds, Elizabeth Massari, Hannah Matula, Anna-Blaire Ozdil, Samantha Preblich, Emily Rosenbloom, Aubrey Rosenthal, McKenzie Vaught, and Jordan Wilson. Blake’s Best Man was Justin Rosenthal and twenty-four Groomsmen: Cole Bailey, Ryan Baumgartner, Marshall Beldon, Brian Bell, Christian Biedenharn, Kalen Brockwell, Walker Coffman, Clayton Comeaux, Drew Dawson, Jeffrey Dubrof, David Duncan, Walker Dyess, Tyler Freed, Charles Giammalva, Charles Hoffman, Dillon Hurley, William Keller, Rusty Kiolbassa, Blake Klumpp, Jacob Maloy, Daniel McCarty, Bryan Stankey, Robert Thomas, and Thomas Tyng. Completing the attendants were four Ring Bearers: Dylan Kaplan, Emmett Kustoff, Theodore Preblich, and Oliver Sandoloski.
Brittany’s parents surprised both Brittany and Blake with butterfly stilt walkers during cocktail hour and butterfly light-up dancers during the reception. Brittany and Blake surprised their guests with various animals to engage with during cocktail hour and later. Both couple’s parents surprised the newly married duo with a unique exit by way of the San Antonio Zoo train, which Brittany and Blake grew up riding during their visits to the venue as children.

The couple both attended The University of Texas at Austin and now enjoy careers in real estate. The bride is the Development Manager at Hixon Properties, while the groom is the Capital Markets Associate at Merit Commercial Real Estate. “We hope to play a part in bringing many of our friends back to San Antonio,” shared the couple. They chose Saint Kitts as their honeymoon destination.

LOVE’S TRIUMPH

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

Preston Harmon And Matthew McLaughlin Tie The Knot

By Lance Avery Morgan Photography by James & Jess Wedding Photography

In the City of Love, as Paris is known, Matthew McLaughlin, the son of Vicki and John McLaughlin of San Antonio, surprised Preston Harmon, the son of Shannon and Mark Harmon of Lubbock, with a heartfelt proposal during a stroll through the beautiful Jardin du Luxembourg, amongst the hundred statues, monuments, and fountains that were scattered throughout the grounds.

“We chose the Argyle in honor of Matthew’s late father as our wedding venue,” said Preston Harmon. “After retiring from his career, he was President of the Argyle for a time. When we spend time there, we think of him and felt that having both the ceremony and the reception, there was a way for him to be included.” The ceremony was held on the lawn in front of the Club, and afterward, there was a cocktail hour there. The newly married couple had a cocktail on the upstairs porch overlooking their guests before joining them. “It was fun because most people didn’t see us. We were able to talk to one another and take everything in. Our guests then made their way to the tent for the reception,” shared Matthew McLaughlin.

From the beginning planning stages, Preston wanted the wedding to feel timeless. Their save-the-dates and invitations all followed the same overall theme. They used a chinoiserie pattern that MF Creative Designs developed, and the primary color theme was light blue, navy, and white. Julian Leaver Events in Dallas was their wedding planner, and Jackson Durham Events in Dallas created the florals and décor. After the gorgeous ceremony, there was a seated dinner for the 250 guests, who then enjoyed dancing to the band, Simply Irresistible from Atlanta, into the wee hours of the morning. The rehearsal dinner was the evening before at Club Giraud.

Preston’s older brother, Pierce Harmon, served as his Best Man, and his attendants were Kaylyn Adams, Jenny Bivins, Emily Callan, Audrey Cash, Hunter Haas, Maddie Weakley Haas, Luke Heytens, Jack Nelms, and Laura Rathmell. Matthew’s Best Man was his twin brother, Michael McLaughlin, and attending him were Tad Brittingham, Charlotte Cooper, Evan Golden, Bo Kamensky, Spencer Lewis, Shelby Maberry, Bryson Marshall, Philip Massari, and Bonnie McLaughlin. Harper and Jones and Studio Lakan custom-designed both of the groom’s tuxedo ensembles.

“Nobody can truly prepare you for the feelings that wash over you when looking around and witnessing nearly everyone who had individually supported both of us…and then joined together to support our relationship from its inception to this most cherished day,” shared the couple. “Having all those dear to us gathered in one place, celebrating our union, is a memory we will forever treasure. The air was filled with an almost touchable sense of joy that night.”

Preston graduated from The University of Texas at Austin, and Matthew graduated from Southern Methodist University. The couple, who reside in Dallas, had a brief honeymoon at Las Ventanas in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, and are excitedly planning an extended honeymoon in the near future along the coast of Italy.

ADVENTURE IN LOVE

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

Julia Collins And Graves Peeler Unite In Marriage

By Lance Avery Morgan Photography by Sergio Sandona

When adventure calls, as they say, answer it. It was an elaborate adventure indeed when Julia Tate Collins, daughter of Cynthia and Everett Collins, married Graves Bowen Peeler, son of Marianna and Jason Peeler, all of San Antonio, in a Mexico City wedding, where the couple and their families have a deep connection.
The couple, who grew up two blocks from each other and met in middle school, began dating their senior year of high school until they were recently married. As a surprise, the groom asked for his intended bride’s hand in marriage while the future bride was planning a party for her sister’s surprise engagement party. So, Julia, still in her pajamas, was shocked when Graves popped the question, with just the two of them in the living room of her childhood home. “I was most attracted to Graves because of his quirky personality and incredible mind,” shared Julia Peeler. “He is always one step ahead of me and knows every answer to any question I ask.” As Graves Peeler enthused, “Besides being beautiful, Julia has an amazing characteristic of seeing the world in such a happy and fun way. She’s kind to everyone she meets and is so adventurous.”
The wedding ceremony occurred in Mexico City’s Parroquia de la Sagrada Familia Catholic Church in Roma Norte. Mariachis welcomed the 250 attendees as they entered the church, and an orchestra performed for the ceremony. The festive reception followed at Proyecto Publico Prim, where a Marimba band serenaded the guests. The bride looked sensational in her wedding dress designed by Romona Keveza, jacket by Carolina Herrera, and veil by Oscar de la Renta, all from Casa de Novia in Houston. The beautiful sapphire and diamond studs she wore were a gift from her bridesmaids, and the diamond in the center of her engagement ring was her grandmother’s, Marilyn Eldridge, and the groom and his mother designed an incredible ring around it. Julia chose her sister, Chloe Collins, as her Maid of Honor, and she had 22 attendants, while Graves selected his brothers to be his Best Men, Luke Peeler and Ben Peeler, along with 18 attendants and Ring Bearer Hardy Clark.
Shades of pink, red, orange, green, and white were chosen for the festivities, which occurred on a full moon weekend, with the wedding planned by Marcela Borro. The floral design was created by Essenza’s Mariana Buendia and included the woven hanging lanterns made by artisans from the Sierra de Guerrero area. The 700 garlands of carnations (2,800 in total) were installed, along with 2000 Oaxacan-style candles that were all handmade in Mexico City with the craftsmen’s ancestral techniques. Guests, who were greeted by Oaxacan masked greeters, dined on a sumptuous buffet dinner. They later enjoyed experiencing a 3-D Photo Booth, piñatas filled with Fireball shots, a champagne tower, dancers, fire throwers, a fortune teller, a hookah lounge, a Beatles cover band, tunes spun by D.J. Men-yo, and a Lucha Libre performance that lasted until 5 a.m.
Julia, who received her master’s degree in education from Texas Christian University works for interior designer Lila Malone. Graves, who also graduated from Texas Christian University and the University of Houston Law School, is an associate attorney at Uhl Fitzsimmons law firm. The couple spent their honeymoon in Rome, Florence, and Tuscany, Italy, and now make their home in San Antonio.