Katie and Brent Laverde are proof that sometimes your friends do know what's best for you. In the case of this couple, Katie's roomie was dating Brent's older brother, and mutual friends insisted the two should meet.
It turns out they were right. In fact, both friends ended up marrying the brothers. Must be something special about those Laverde boys.
After a year-and-a-half of dating, Brent and Katie had both taken a random Friday off work. To celebrate this rare day of freedom, the couple decided to have a drink at the Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek.
While sitting near the cozy fire, Brent popped the question with a ring designed especially for Katie. She said yes before even glancing at the hardware, and the two immediately celebrated with champagne, followed by dinner at Neighborhood Services, where they had their first date.
When it came time to put together her dream wedding, things didn't go as she originally planned (but in the best possible way). Initially, Katie wanted a tiny ceremony and reception with little to no "pomp and pizzazz." However, those in love tend to want to shout it from the rooftops.
"We quickly realized that we didn't want just 10-20 people there to witness this momentous event," Katie says. "We wanted everyone who had ever touched our lives to be there to celebrate with us, and every single aspect of my wedding turned out to be a hundred times what I could ever imagine myself having."
As for the must-haves, the bride wanted an amazing band; the groom wanted great food and a full bar. The mother of the bride was set on unforgettable floral designs.
The couple tied the knot at Perkins Chapel on the campus of Southern Methodist University on January 30, 2016. Post-nuptials, the group made their way to Union Station for a night of drinking, dancing, and delicious cuisine catered by Wolfgang Puck. Junior Villanueva with Garden Gate Floral delivered on the beautiful blooms, and IDT Band kept the couple dancing all night long.
Personal touches like TCU and Baylor koozies designed by Etcetera Studio, and custom calligraphy by Modernly Rustic on items such as the "Pitons Punch" sign (the couple honeymooned in St. Lucia) made for a fun and personalized party. There was one true unspoken hero, however, that really shined in this bride's eyes.
"A touch that was not necessarily personal, per se, but made all the difference in the world, was lighting," Katie says. "Dave with Absolute Lighting worked with us and with our florist to make everything pop and look extra dreamy."
Ceremony: Perkins Chapel
Reception: Union Station
Wedding Planner: Meaghan Cody, Sweet Pea Events
Floral: Garden Gate Floral Design
Photographer: Caroline Jurgensen Photography
Rentals: La Tavola Fine Linen Rental and Posh Couture Rentals
Invitations and paper products: Carol Westbrook (family friend)
Invitation Calligraphy: Modernly Rustic
Custom Wedding Signage: Etcetera Studio and Modernly Rustic
Cake: Sugar Bee Sweets
Band: IDT (Identity Theft)
Bridal Gown Retailer: Bridal Boutique Lewisville
Bridal Gown Designer: Sottero & Midgley
Bridal Shoe Designer: Jimmy Choo
Hair and Makeup: Tracy Melton Artistry
Bridesmaid Dresses: Adrianna Papell
Photo Booth: Premiere Booth
Ceremony Music: Forte’ Strings
Lighting: Absolute Lighting
Katie and Brent Laverde were married in Dallas on January 30, 2016, amid family and friends.
