Whether we are hired for design and planning or simply planning, we always want to create a wedding that truly reflects the couple and their story together. And, Lauren and Duc’s story is one that is so sweet and fun! Lauren and Duc are technically high school sweethearts except for one small detail – Lauren was not allowed to date until after graduation. So, together with their friends, we referred to L+D’s pre-graduation relationship as one in which they were “just friends”. We were delighted when L+D’s friends took the stage, so to speak, during the reception to honor the newly married pair. They offered sweet and funny antidotes about Lauren and Duc’s relationship, which they witnessed forming before L+D could officially be “official”. Listening in made us feel as though we knew this wonderful pair even more!

Before they got ready for their ceremony and reception, Lauren and Duc started their wedding day by participating in a traditional Buddhist ceremony with their immediate families. While we were not present during this ceremony, we loved seeing the photos and learning the details from Lauren and Duc throughout the rest of their day. Post ceremony, they each spent the rest of their mornings and early afternoons prepping for their Catholic ceremony at St. Michael Catholic Church later in the evening.

Once they were officially married, Lauren and Duc kicked off their celebration by taking portraits with their bridesmaids and groomsmen. The gray and deep blue palette of the dresses and suits paired with the soft pinks in the bouquets looked beautiful against the Houston sun in their portraits! Guests mingled together during cocktail hour at The St. Regis Houston before the reception was revealed. Inside, tables featured more beautiful blooms by SCF Events in alternating low and tall centerpieces, and we loved how L+D’s sweetheart table overflowed with blooms placed on top of a deep grey linen. The look was striking!

Lauren and Duc made their grand entrance into their reception, and Duc rarely left the dance floor for the rest of the night. He frequently borrowed the microphone from DJ S Entertainment to rap and keep the energy levels high for guests to stay on the dance floor with him. It worked! We also think the ways in which the couple honored Houston – a beautiful painting of the Houston skyline served as a guest book and L+D treated guests to late night ice cream and pizza from Milk + Sugar Creamery and Pinks Pizza, respectively – added to the celebratory atmosphere. Duc said he wanted a fun party, and he and Lauren definitely worked together to make that a reality!

As you can tell, we absolutely loved working together with Lauren and Duc, so we are thrilled to be able to relive their wedding day thanks to the gorgeous images Allen Tsai Photography captured.