Laura and Dave Player seemed like an unlikely pair at first. She's a loud, proud Aggie and he's a University of Texas alumnus, yet the two hit it off after being introduced through a mutual friend.
Following a month of Instagram flirtations, the bride- and groom-to-be had their first "official" date at Shakespeare in the Park — and were instantly inseparable.
On Easter of 2017, Dave dropped to one knee on the UT campus, asking Laura to be his bride.
"I said yes to becoming Mrs. Player without any hesitation," says Laura. "All I cared about was getting to marry him."
And her enthusiasm never waned. In the year leading up to the April 28, 2018 nuptials, Laura was way more focused on her excitement about marrying Dave than color palettes and monogram patterns.
"The thing I was most looking forward to was just getting to marry Dave," she says.
And so, while Laura and Dave counted down the days to the day, event planner Georgette Poole with Sarabeth Events focused on the details. First and foremost: reserving Cox Chapel at Highland Park United Methodist Church for the ceremony.
For Laura, choosing Cox Chapel was a no-brainer. Her childhood home is right across the street, and she grew up looking out her window at brides taking wedding portraits, dreaming of the day it would be her turn. When her day came, she spent the morning getting ready with family and friends in that very house.
For the reception, the couple opted for the George W. Bush Presidential Center nearby. With the center as their backdrop, they created a fun-yet-sophisticated atmosphere for family and friends from Boston, Pennsylvania, California, and even Australia.
Towering floral arrangements created ambiance, and a photo booth kept guests busy. Riffing on a friendly alma mater rivalry, the couple incorporated nods to A&M and UT, including half-maroon/half-burnt orange koozies.
"It was a plus that we didn't have any 'school fights' break out," laughs Laura. "We both felt so blessed to have family members and friends celebrate with us. We felt so much love."
Planning:Sarabeth Events
Ceremony Venue: Highland Park United Methodist Church
Reception Venue: George W. Bush Presidential Center
Florist: Freesia
Dress: Circle Park Bridal Boutique
Videography: Turquoise Video Productions
Hair and makeup:Erin Blair
Rentals:Marquee Event Rentals
Cake: Panini Bakery & Cakes
Band: In10City Band
Photo Booth: TheTraveling Photo Booth
Valet: Elite Valet
Transportation: Premier Transportation
Laura and Dave Player were married on April 28, 2018.
Ice skaters showed off their moves in the "Central Park" rink.Photo by Ashley Gongora
The Kilgore Rangerettes channeled the Radio City Rockettes.Photo by Ashley Gongora