A CHANCE ROMANCE

A CHANCE ROMANCE

by | 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.

LIFETIME OF LOVE

LIFETIME OF LOVE

by | Jun 27, 2019 | 2019 July Aug, Feature Three

Jenna McGaw And Ryan Fondren Marry In Houston

By Jake Gaines
Photography by Chris Bailey Photography

Houstonians Jenna McGaw and Ryan Fondren were high school sweethearts before they were married in their hometown. A seven-month engagement was the next step after a nine-year relationship. Ryan, the son of Kelli and Walter Fondren, popped the question to Jenna, the daughter of Trisha and Michael McGaw, with flowers, a letter and the ring at Jenna’s parents’ longtime family home. “Even though we were 15 and 16 years old when we started dating, we have grown into adults and we’ve always made each other laugh and continue to be each other’s best friend,” shared Jenna McGaw Fondren. 

The couple’s weekend of wedding festivities began at the rehearsal dinner at Hotel Zaza where they were toasted by family and friends. The ceremony and reception were held at The Revaire, an event venue in Houston. “Our ceremony was very special and personalized…our guests were able to hear how we felt about each other in our exact words,” said the bride. The décor was a sublime mix of neutrals, with all-white floral and greenery that was created by Blooming Gallery, all of which was surrounded by shades of champagne, marble, and gray tones. Rebecca Martens of Belle of The Ball Events was the wedding planner who oversaw the couple’s wishes for their dream nuptials. 

As Jenna walked down the aisle, escorted by her father, she wore a dress designed by Amsale and delicately perched atop her head was Ryan’s family’s heirloom veil. The bride had 15 bridesmaids led by Ashley McGaw, her maid of honor and sister. The bridesmaids were: Kendall Allen, Maggie Buscha, Addie Clark, Keni Fondren, Lauren Gray, Carroll Ison, Meredith Knight, Katherine Lange, Adrianne Leibman, Lauren Maguire, Carson Miller, Allyson Poujol, Cynthia Ormiston, and Lindsey Smith. Her house party attendants consisted of Carolina Roberts, Mary Curry, Anabelle Reade, and Ava McBath. The groom had 13 groomsmen led by Chase Fondren, his brother and best man. They were: Mitchell Austin, Mason Hunt, Alex Ghadially, Robert Lartigue, Adam McCauley, Matthew Moldawer, Jared Smith, Luke Utley, Chris Varalla, Matt Weisberger, Stewart Wombwell, and Joseph White. The ushers were: Jake Molak, Sammy Condurso, Keller Towns, and Luke Walter.

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The reception kicked into high gear with the Empire 6 band that provided the entertainment for the evening. Guests enjoyed a myriad of buffet cuisine options before the ceremonial cake cutting. Susie’s Cakes created both masterpieces: the all-white bride’s cake had white fondant flowers trailing down the side while the groom’s cake, in the shape of Texas, was dotted with all the favorite spots the couple has enjoyed throughout the state. Guests also enjoyed photo opportunities in front of a huge feather wall that was built as the backdrop of the photo booth.

 Jenna and Ryan Fondren traveled to Curacao in the Caribbean for their honeymoon. They will continue to reside in Houston where the bride works as the manager of the Safe School Institute for Crime Stoppers of Houston and the groom is a project manager for Thomas O’Neill Homes. In addition to spending time outdoors and on the water, they enjoy visiting Ryan’s family ranch in Columbus.

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