Galveston Artillery Club Wedding by Alyse French Photography

Before we get into this gorgeous Galveston wedding by Alyse French Photography, I highly advise you scroll on down to the darling Bride’s lovely words and read her proposal story, because it.is.a.gem. Bravo to the handsome groom, bravo indeed. The wedding is just as darling and filled with gorgeous florals from Knapp Flower Shop and of course love from the handsome pair. It’s all around lovely, and there is even more in the full gallery of images!

Click here to see the entire gallery of images!

From the Bride…I grew up in Galveston, so I knew from the moment Shane proposed and even before then really, that the wedding had to be in Galveston. Speaking of proposals, Shane’s proposal was perfect. I was completely surprised, shocked even, when it happened. Shane is an artist and had been commissioned to paint a bench on the seawall. He chose to paint a cherry blossom tree on the bench. Later, he painted his proposal on the bench with the words “Laura Hughes, will you marry me?” Of course, when he asked me to take a walk along the beach at dusk on December 27, 2009, I had no idea about the painted proposal. As we got closer to the bench, I noticed there was a box on top and a bottle sitting next to it. When I saw the words, I stopped in my tracks and my mouth fell open. Suddenly, my parents and Shane’s parents popped out from their hiding spaces. Shane popped the bottle of champagne and we all toasted the occasion at sunset on the beach. It was beautiful. And, of course, I said yes.

I took the plunge and approached someone at the church about my idea of having the wedding outside. Luckily, the church said yes! After considering a number of factors (no mosquitoes, still relatively cool, beautiful flowers naturally in bloom), Shane and I decided to have the wedding in early May. The time of year also helped me home in on my wedding colors: light blue, soft purple, and pink.

For the reception, I wanted an intimate venue where guests could mingle indoors and outdoors. The Galveston Artillery Club delivered just that. Because the club is divided into several rooms, its layout provided a certain intimacy that giant ballrooms lack. Initially, Shane and I wanted to have the reception at my parents’ house, but the wedding grew too large. Instead, we decided to throw the rehearsal dinner at my parents and have the reception at the club. Each venue was personal and intimate, in its own unique way.

Although I did not have a wedding planner, I had lots of time to plan. Before Shane proposed, we had been dating for almost seven years. By the time we got married, we had been dating for almost eight. Our wedding was a long time in the making, but in the end, it was everything that I had ever dreamed and more. Also, many people in our families contributed to making the wedding what it was. My mother-in-law made the food for the rehearsal dinner, decorated the flower baskets, and found bubble bottles. Shane’s sister’s mother-in-law sewed the flower girl dresses along with the ring bearer’s tux and pillow. A coworker sewed my garter and located materials and ribbons. My friend and bridesmaid, Nancy Hite, decorated the birdcage and bubble basket with love and care. She also found sparklers. So many people did so many wonderful things. It’s amazing how weddings manage to bring out the best in people – and how so many people are willing to help. To my wonderful family and friends, thank you.

Wedding Dress: Monique Lhuillier / Bride’s Shoes: Badgley Mischka / Make-up + Hair: LuLu’s, The Salon & Day Spa / Flowers: Knapp Flower Shop / Wedding Stationery: Paper Source / Wedding Photography: Alyse French Photography / Ceremony Venue: Trinity Episcopal Church / Reception Venue: Galveston Artillery Club / DJ: Rock N Robin / Wedding Cake: Patty Cakes