From the moment we first met Ellen and Tom, we knew their spring garden wedding at River Oaks Garden Club would be something incredibly intimate and full of quiet, heartfelt beauty. It was the kind of day that unfolded slowly and sweetly, just like the way spring blooms, subtle but full of meaning.
Their love story began in dental school through Andrew, their only mutual friend at the time and officiant, who felt they would get along very well. Though they were aware of each other during their first year, it wasn’t until Tom introduced himself on the first day of their second year that a friendship began to form. We loved hearing Tom recount a vivid memory of Ellen in a royal blue dress, passing by one spring afternoon. It’s those small, seemingly ordinary moments that often shape the beginning of something extraordinary.
Tom, usually quiet and reserved, found himself drawn to Ellen in a way that lingered over the summer break. That gentle persistence, that quiet admiration; it set the tone for the kind of love they share. A love that’s intentional, rooted in friendship, and deeply thoughtful.
Their wedding day arrived with the kind of spring air you want to bottle up and keep forever. Every corner of the garden was blooming in color. River Oaks Garden Club felt like an extension of Ellen and Tom’s personalities: calm, charming, and beautifully understated. They chose the venue for its peaceful intimacy and its blooming garden paths. It ended up being the perfect backdrop for this new milestone in their story.
We wanted to weave subtle, personal elements into the day, touches that observers may not have known the meaning behind, but that carried deep significance for Ellen and Tom. Tulips, for instance, held a special place in Tom’s heart, reminding him of his childhood home. We brought them into the floral design and bar signage for a soft nod to those early memories. Their beloved cats made an appearance on custom cocktail napkins, which guests adored. The green lamp on the welcome table gave a quiet nod to where they first met: Boston, and the iconic Boston Public Library.
Everything about the day felt relaxed, easy, and authentically them. There were tender, joyful exchanges, soft laughter echoing through the garden, and moments that felt suspended in time. When the weather grew uncertain, we quickly shifted our layout to keep guests comfortable indoors without missing a beat. We’ll never forget how graceful and calm Ellen and Tom remained, trusting that the heart of the day would stay the same no matter where it unfolded.
Planning their spring garden wedding at River Oaks Garden Club was such a privilege. What began as a collaboration soon blossomed into a friendship, one where we felt truly honored to be welcomed into their lives. Ellen and Tom wrote the kindest words afterward that we’ll always treasure:
“Vanessa has gone above and beyond with each aspect of the wedding experience. We are so thankful to not only work with her but to also have found a dear friend through this process. Our dream wedding would not have been possible without Vanessa. We started out with general notions of what we wanted for our wedding, but it was really Vanessa who brought everything to life – from the smallest personal touches to making sure that the flow and execution was as smooth and seamless as possible.
From the beginning, Vanessa really took the time to understand who we were. We fell in love with the first venue she showed us, and the other vendors she recommended were excellent fits. Without me even saying anything, she even made sure that the hair and makeup artists knew I wanted something as natural as possible. She just has this uncanny ability to hear and see our needs and present the best fitting options for us.
During the wedding planning process, we had many changes that Vanessa was so adaptable with. She was also incredibly supportive and positive with our choices and decisions. And she always brought forward the most thoughtful ideas to incorporate more of our personalities into the wedding!
Since we live out of town from where our wedding was, Vanessa was so on top of it. She made sure everything followed the timeline, that our trips to the city were efficient and productive, and that communication with all the vendors was clear. On the day of the wedding, we had a questionable weather forecast, but she still made sure the outdoor ceremony was beautiful. When it was getting rainy, the floor plan was swiftly rearranged so that all the guests were comfortable indoors. We were approached by so many guests with compliments over how beautiful and organized the whole event was!
Vanessa has gone above and beyond with each aspect of the wedding experience. We are so thankful to not only work with her but to also have found a dear friend through this process.”
To Ellen and Tom: thank you for letting me walk alongside you during such a meaningful chapter. Your day was a true reflection of your story: quietly powerful, deeply personal, and full of heart.
If you’re dreaming of a beautiful spring garden wedding just like this, thoughtfully designed and full of meaningful moments, we’d be honored to help you create a wedding that feels like home.
Our heartfelt guide to Houston wedding planning here.
Creative Team
- Planning & Design: LoveLee Experiences
- Photography: Monica Krc Photography
- Floral Design: Moonstruck Florals
- Venue: River Oaks Garden Club
- Hair and Makeup: Pink Palette Artists
- Catering and Bar: Cafe Natalie
- Honey Meadow Patterned Linen: BBJ La Tavola
- Linen and Napkins: House of Hough by Premiere Events
- Stationery: Gable and Grain
- Bar Sign: Shop Surcie
- Music and Entertainment: Zach Spruill of EC Entertainment
- Chairs and Sussex Bar: Any Occasion Tents and Events
- Bridal Gown: Belle Ame Bridal Houston
- Bridesmaid Gown: BHLDN
