Cathy Jean and Sam met on move-in day in their freshman year at Texas A&M. “We lived across the hall from each other, and the rest is history!” Cathy Jean shared.
Fast forward to their wedding day, which was a day filled with special touches and abundant details to pay tribute to Cathy Jean and Sam’s families, friends, and favorite things.
One of Cathy Jean’s favorite moments of the day was getting ready at her mom’s house. “It was so sentimental and calming,” she recalled, as she gave her mom credit for helping inspire and create her perfect wedding day. Together with their copy/paste smiles, Cathy Jean and her mom radiated the joy of the day–Cathy Jean in a stunning lace floral Caroline Castigliano gown, her mother’s jewelry, and a veil from her grandmother, her namesake.
The ceremony at Perkins Chapel was just blocks away from where Cathy Jean grew up. “What was most important to us during the planning process was not to lose sight of the fact that marriage is such a special and holy covenant. It helped us make decisions like my grandfather officiating us,” Cathy Jean shared. Seeing her dad’s dad next to Sam as her stepfather walked her down the aisle is a cherished highlight from her wedding day.
When it came to the details, Cathy Jean gushed over the inspiration she received from Sammy at Bella Festa event planning. “She helped make every dream and thought come alive.” Cathy Jean and Sam envisioned a wedding that was classic, elegant, and fun, with patterns and textures at every angle. The Dallas Country Club reception was in full bloom with floral design from Garden Gate, and brimming with accents both classic and whimsical. “We love Junior’s classic ginger jars and even incorporated them into our watercolor crest.”
The intricate blue floral was echoed in the Alfred Sung bridesmaid gowns, linens, and playing cards. “Sam and I have so many great memories playing cards with family and friends, so we decided to gift our guests with a deck of playing cards that matched our dance floor design. We also incorporated the cards into our seating chart.”
Another nod to the couple’s fun-loving spirit was the groom’s lifelike Yeti cake by Dallas Affaires. Sam loved customizing the stickers, including one from their shared alma mater. The formal wedding cake echoed the lace detail from the bridal gown.
The dance party is one element the couple most looked forward to. The Project Band, who also played at Cathy Jean’s mom’s wedding, kept the energy high throughout the night. “That was the most important thing to me–that people had fun!” Cathy Jean shared. And that’s exactly what they did. When asked, the bride was able to sum up the day in five simple words: the best start to forever.
