When Allison joined the Theta house as a freshman at the University of Oklahoma, she felt lucky to have such great new sorority sisters.
Little did she know, one of the girls would help make their sisterhood official.
Brooke, a Senior Theta, told Allison that her younger brother Blake (also a freshman) had a crush on her. She encouraged them to meet so Allison took to Facebook to make the introduction. “We hung out as a group at our sorority’s first date party, shared a strong connection and the rest was history,” said Allison..
Fast forward through four years of college and 5 months in the “real world” and Allison and Blake were still together and very much in love. Allison was ready to get engaged and Blake made sure the proposal was epic.
A close friend invited the couple to attend a formal fundraiser at her parents Country Club. She said it would be a fun cocktail party with great food, drinks and even a limo to escort them. Allison and Blake happily accepted the invite.
On the day of the event, Allison rushed home from work to get ready, trying on dress after dress. “My mom had sent me a new dress recently but I wanted to save that for something special! I had no idea just how special of a night it would be,” Allison said.
She got a text message from Blake saying “Almost There” and soon after, the doorbell rang.
Blake had a key to her place and has never rang the doorbell, so she was caught a bit off guard. When she opened the door an older man (not Blake) wearing a suit handed her a gorgeous bouquet of flowers and a note that read: Change of plans, your ride awaits. Put on your NEW dress. I love you.
There was a beautiful limo in the background. With butterflies in her stomach, the empty limo took her to a nearby park where Blake had grown up. She was directed to a romantic gazebo where Blake stood, dressed to the nines. After saying some of the most special things Allison had ever heard, he popped the question. “Yes!” she shouted, as Blake placed the stunning diamond ring on her finger.
“But the night was not over…not even close,” recalled Allison. “The limo took us to a luxury hotel in downtown Dallas where we sat at a private chef’s table and ate the most delicious 7 course meal I ever had. I wanted to share the exciting news, but Blake said he wanted some special alone time first, so I put away my cell phone.”
While strolling through the glamorous hotel, Blake led his new fiance to a room upstairs. To Allison’s surprise, all of her friends and family were gathered inside to celebrate the engagement.
Allison is one of the most beautiful and timeless brides I have ever seen!
Her outstanding wedding photographer, Jennefer Wilson, took so many amazing photographs that choosing just a few to share was no easy task.
Does she not look like she belongs on the cover of a bridal magazine?
Allison wore a classic lace, trumpet style wedding gown adorned with a floral sash (both by Enzoani). Her timeless look was completed with hair and makeup by Mitzi Merritt and sparkling teardrop earrings she found on etsy.
Sarah Cashman, the mother of the bride, was dedicated to making her daughter and (current) son-in-law’s dream wedding come to life. “My mom is a superstar and an amazing role model, ” said Allison. “She planned every last detail without the help of a professional and the entire wedding could not have been more perfect.”
Dr. Delphinium Designs was responsible for all the floral decor and stunning bouquets.
In case you had not noticed, the bride’s bouquet was an incredible work of art! It was also full of sweet sentimental value.
Allison explained, ” I lost both grandfathers and Blake had lost one of his as well, so I had my Papa’s handkerchief, my other grandfather’s tie clip and his Papa’s army dog tag all wrapped around the stems of my bouquet with a piece of lace from my dress. I felt like they were all helping me walk down the aisle. The Bible verses and songs sung during the ceremony all had special meanings to Blake and I as well.”
The heartfelt marriage ceremony was followed by a classic and enchanting reception at the Gleneagles Country Club in Plano.
The room was full of elegant white and silver accents and various shades of purple colored details.
Allison and Blake wanted the celebration to be fun and memorable for every guest and their mission was certainly accomplished.
When I asked the bride about her favorite wedding memory she said, ” There were so many that I cannot pick just one. A few that immediately come to mind are:
- Waiting with my dad before it was time to walk down the aisle. He did some deep breathing with me and really helped me stay calm.
- Walking down the aisle towards my groom. It was as if no one else was in the room and I don’t think I have ever had a bigger smile on my face.
- Dancing the night away with my new husband and hundreds of our friends and family members.
- Walking in to the reception and being blown away by how it all came together.
- Knowing that as soon as it was all over, I would be a married woman!
“I think having so many people in one place, who love and support us, also helped make our wedding so special,” she concluded. “It was the best day of our lives.”
If you are a soon to be Mrs, your to do list and calendar is probably filling up rather quickly these days.
Above: A real preppy bride and groom (Shannon and Chris) found on 
Photo credits:
A few years ago, when it was my time to find the perfect wedding dress, I didn’t take advantage of the opportunity to play dress up. After putting on my second gown, I felt that immediate connection that told me it was “the one.”
