REAL WEDDINGS
VALERIE + DEVON H O U S TO N , T E X A S M AY 2 5 , 2 0 1 8 P H O TOG R A P H E D B Y J u l i a A rc e r i
Text by Samuel Naumick
T
hough Valerie and Devon went to the same
our journey together and how much we’ve grown,
University, and knew of each other, it wasn’t
and how happy he is with our life together…it was the
until years after graduating that they would f inally
sweetest and most endearing way to propose.”
meet. At the insistence of a mutual friend who thought they would make the perfect couple, they
Valerie and Devon’s wedding was, for their guests, a
agreed to meet up. Initially their plans to get together
surprise ceremony within a cocktail styled engagement
fell through several times until f inally at a friend’s
party. The wedding style was “elegant simplistic chic”
birthday party their paths crossed. According to
hosted at the beautiful Houston Towers. The event
Valerie they “didn’t ride off into the sunset” that day.
menu ref lected both the bride and groom’s cultural
That moment wouldn’t take place for sometime, until
backgrounds of traditional Southern and Caribbean
a friend’s wedding party would once again bring them
cuisines. Valerie was gorgeous in a custom Karen Sosa
together. This time the sparks f lew and their shared
gown, classic white crepe long sleeve with shimmer
magnetism was palpable. In Valerie’s words, “it was
beaded fringe back. Complimented with her late
at this party where our journey began. Devon and I
mother’s diamond ring, tennis bracelet and teardrop
talked and laughed the whole night…” Their off icial
earrings, in honor of her memory. Her Groom was
f irst date came a week later and they’ve remained
sharp and sophisticated in a plush, navy blue, velvet
inseparable ever since.
tuxedo.
It wouldn’t be long before Devon began to realize
Best Memories:
Valerie was “the one” and so planned their perfect proposal, taking place January of this year in gorgeous Marrakech, Morocco. It was a beautiful morning at the luxurious La Mamounia Hotel, where Devon suggested they get dressed to take some pictures around the grounds to document the trip. Not at all suspecting a proposal on this trip, Valerie agreed and they made their way down to the lobby. A security guard unlocked a particularly photogenic courtyard that would make the perfect backdrop. Handing the camera to the security guard, Devon asked if he could take a few pictures of Valerie and himself. After a few images Valerie looked towards Devon and found him looking back up at her from one knee. Valerie fondly recalls how, “he beautifully reminded me of
"Our wedding was basically a "pop up" wedding. We invited our guests to a cocktail style engagement party and surprised them with a ceremony mid-way through the party. A lot of our friends from college and friends we've gained over the years who also knew each other were guests at the party so it very much felt like a college reunion of sorts. Some people suspected what was going down and others were happily surprised at the transition from a full-on party with food, drinks and music, to a sacred exchange of vows...and back to a party! Honestly one of the best nights of our lives and we had so much fun sharing the experience with everyone who attended. Sorry to the folks who left the party early and missed the vows." - Valerie