Inspiration

Real Weddings {Texas}: Cecilia & Michael! – Blackbride.com

Cecilia and Michael met at Sam Houston State University in the fall of 2004. The two met while attending a meeting for an on campus community service organization (Adopt A Heart). Throughout their involvement in the organization, they didn’t talk much. However, things soon changed after they both saw each other at mutual friend's party in Houston, where Michael was the photographer. "Again, we didn’t say much to each other. The next morning, he sent me a message on Facebook inviting me to “hang out and asking me for my number.” Reluctantly, I sent him my number. He called me and we began to “hang out,” recalls Cecilia. By the spring of 2009, Michael asked Cecilia to be his girlfriend. However, shortly after they officially decided to be a couple, their relationship ended. Despite their breakup, the two remained friends and talked occasionally. Three years after their breakup, both Cecilia and Michael decided to give their love a second chance. The two have been together ever since and celebrated their union with a classic, elegant wedding at the Chateau Polonez, in Houston, TX. Check out their special day, captured by Jamal Ellis of J.Vince Photography.

Bride: Cecilia Cooper, 28 Law Student

Groom: Michael Charlton, 33 Accountant and owner of Mike Charlton Photography

Place of residence: Houston, Texas

Wedding date: 6/14/14

Honeymoon Destination: St. Fejardo, Puerto Rico

 

Engagement story:

He proposed in the spring of 2013- February 18, 2013 to be exact while we were taking couples pictures. It was an unexpected , yet pleasant surprise. He kept asking me a few weeks prior to the engagement to take pictures. I wasn’t sure what the purpose was and I wasn’t too thrilled about it. He hired who would become our wedding photographer to take the pictures. I was completely uncomfortable during the pictures. The photographer told me, “ okay lets focus on you now.” Meanwhile, Michael was down on one knee. The photographer then told me, “okay now you can look behind you.” When I did, Michael was down on one knee with a ring. He said, “ I love you, will you be my wife.” Of course, I said “Yes.”

 

From the Groom:

I felt calm on the wedding day and I was happy to see the attendees. I soaked up as much as I could on the day. I was relieved once it was over and was greatly anticipating the honeymoon.

From the Bride:

The wedding experience was beyond stressful. I learned a lot about myself and about people. Not everyone who says “Congratulations,” and “I love you” and “I am so happy for you,” is really happy for you. The most valuable lesson that I learned was to trust myself, because unlike other people, I know what makes me happy the most. I felt pretty on my wedding day.

Your best/most memorable moment:

The most memorable moment was when the preacher said, “You may kiss the bride.” Michael and I had talked prior to the wedding, and he wanted to have a “real kiss” for our first kiss. I however, wanted a more conservative experience. So, during our first kiss, I pecked him and then when I saw his face, as if to tell me “that’s it” I hugged and kissed him again. Everyone smiled and laughed.

What are you most looking forward to as a married couple?

We are looking forward to experiencing things together (such as new food, new places, and new activities). We also want to have children in the future. Overall, one word that would depict what we are looking forward to is, “growth,” professionally, spiritually, and individually.

 Advice for a Bride/Groom on their wedding day:

Groom: Be calm, and expect that some things may not happen as planned.

Bride: Soak up the experience; what matters most is how you feel in your dress and how you and your husband interact. You never get to redo your wedding day. Memories last a lifetime.

  

 Congratulations to newlyweds Cecilia and Michael! We wish you many more years of wedded bliss !

 

Vendors:

Photographer:

Jamal Ellis: www.jvincephotography.com/

Ceremony location :

Cyfair Christian Church

http://www.cfccnet.org/

Reception location:

Chateau Polonez

http://www.chateaupolonez.com/

Bridal gown:

Winnie Couture, Houston Flagship

http://www.winniecouture.com/

Bridal party attire:

Alfred Angelo

http://www.alfredangelo.com/

Groom’s tux:

Men’s Wearhouse (Vera Wang Tux);

http://www.menswearhouse.com/

Cake: More Than Cakes (Barbara Suarez);

http://www.morethancakes.com/

Favors:

Abbias Delights (Blinged Candy Apples);

https://www.facebook.com/AbbiasDelights

Candy Table:

http://www.samisweetexpressions.com/

Personalized Favor Boxes:

https://www.etsy.com/shop/UniquelyPrinted

Wedding planners:

Savanna, Day of Coordinator

http://envogueevents.com/

Music:

Dj Donnie Houston;

http://donniehouston.com/

Hair and makeup:

Brides Hair: Studio 360, Nakietha Ross

http://360degreeshair.com/wp/?page_id=6

Brides Makeup: Angela Jarman

Bridesmaid Makeup: Naturally Glam by Rae Michelle

http://www.naturallyglambyrae.com/

Flowers: Daryl & Co

http://www.darrylco.com/

StationeryThe absolutely Paper Emporium;

http://www.abfabpaperemporium.com/

Photo booth; http://www.uniquestylep.com/

Pianist; (Church Music);

http://www.divisistrings.com/

Curated by our Wedding Features Editor, C.K. Alexander. C.K. is the owner and founder of  Love Ink and Brownstone Bridal. Keep up with C.K. on Twitter here: @Love_Ink

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