Meet The Couple
Meet Elijah, a software developer who attended Stephen F. Austin and played the position of Offensive Linesman on the football team and was a member of Delta Chi fraternity. His bride Maureen, who holds a degree in Psychology from Stephen F. Austin and bowled for the University for 4 years and helped her team make it to nationals. This couple are both avid fans of the HBO hit show Game of Thrones and he enjoys whiskey and lasagna and she enjoys Moscow mule and barbecue.
How they met and fell in love
They originally met in 2005 when Maureen was visiting her sister in college. But, it was just in passing and neither of them really remember meeting each other. Six years later, during the summer before Maureen’s junior year in college, their paths crossed again. She decided to get a job at the bowling alley in Nacogdoches. On her second day of work, she was trained by Elijah. Finding time during shifts to flirt with each other, eventually led to Elijah inviting Maureen out to some of his fraternity events. In the fall of 2011, at a Delta Chi highlighter party, Elijah officially asked her to be “his girl”.
On September 17th, 2011 they started dating, and on September 17th, 2016 they got married!
How He Proposed!
Elijah, took Maureen to Auntie Pastas restaurant were they had their first date. After dinner, he took her to their favorite bar Headliners which was also the spot they told each other “I love you” for the first time. Coincidently, all their friends were there that night as well and Maureen was clueless as she made her rounds socializing with everyone and she had no idea what Elijah had planned. At the most opportune time in the evening, Elijah got down on one knee, totally surprising Maureen and asking her to marry him and of course she said YES and the rest is history.
The Wedding Day!
The Details
The theme – romantic and classic with hints of rustic
Color palette – hues of purple “ombre” and gold
His Gift from her was a Fossil smart watch and his gift to her was a Kendra Scott necklace which she wore as her something new and a Kate Spade “Mrs” necklace.
Maureen’s gifts to her bridesmaid’s were Nike running shorts and sweatshirt and Ann Taylor loft earrings, gold bracelets and hair ties. Elijah’s gift to his groomsmen were Yeti coasters, matching socks and pocket squares.
The two wed on September 17, 2016 at the Omni Hotel in downtown Fort Worth, TX in a beautiful ceremony in front of all their family and friends. The adorable flower girl drove down the aisle in style as she signaled the coming of the bride. In honor of their Irish heritage, after the first “kiss” Maureen’s uncle bag piped the couple’s recessional as the bridal party walked down the aisle.
The Reception
The couples first dance was to “Thinking Out Loud” by Ed Sheeran and song by groomsmen Justin Ikpo. The couple and their guests dined on a delicious meal with a starter salad of grilled romaine with Texas blue cheese, julienned jicama, smoked bacon, roasted poblano peppers and buttermilk dressing. The main courses were beef tenderloin medallions with rosemary and a chicken roulade stuffed with spinach and peppers drizzled with an herb butter sauce and smoked gouda potatoes au gratin and market vegetables.
Most Cherished Memory
Maureen “Our privacy dance at the end of the night was so incredible. We had the whole ballroom to ourselves and we finally got to have a moment alone to be with each other”
Elijah “Seeing Maureen walk down the aisle was a moment I honestly will never forget. She looked so beautiful in her dress. Watching her walk down the aisle, I fell even more in love with her”
Advice for Brides to be
I had almost two years before my date to plan which meant I could take my time to plan. I had the support of my family and amazing bridesmaids who were always asking what they could do to help. It was hard to let go of control but letting go and allowing others to help was a lifesaver.
What I would do differently is be a little more organized preparing for the day of the wedding. My stuff was all over the place and I had to hunt it down the next day. In hindsight, I would put someone in charge of getting my personal items to my honeymoon suite.
The Wedding Attire
The bride wore Abby by Haley Paige dress and cathedral train and Kate Spade heels. Her something borrowed was a gold sapphire ring that belonged to her grandmother. The groom wore a Vera Wang dark grey suit and a handmade pocket square made by his mother-in-law.
The Wedding Team
Sydnee Event Productions Floral and Décor
Delicious Cakes – Baker
Musik Productions – DJ
Wedding Paper Diva – Invitations
Ryan O’Dowd – Photographer
Goman Productions – Videographer
