Vows that Wow — Natalie & Matthew

Week after week, our team receives and showcases stunning weddings from across Houston, all courtesy of the immensely talented wedding vendors and lovely couples who submit to us. Each month, our editorial team selects one spectacular wedding to highlight, one that stands above the rest for its uniqueness and beauty.

For April, we’re highlighting an elegant winter wedding that perfectly balanced timeless sophistication with intimate warmth. Featuring a classic color palette of whites and greenery with touches of gold, Natalie and Matthew’s December wedding at Sandlewood Manor was an unforgettable celebration of love, commitment, and joyful moments shared with family and friends.

The Wedding Day

Natalie and Matthew’s wedding was a stunning affair, filled with elegance and personal touches. Their vision came to life with exquisite linens from House of Hough by Premiere Events, transforming the historic Sandlewood Manor into a romantic winter wonderland. The beautiful table settings featured crystal candle holders, delicate fabrics, and ambient lighting that created an intimate atmosphere for their celebration.

Natalie looked breathtaking in her customized gown from Brickhouse Bridal. Her gown featured lace details that she personalized, adding elegant lace sleeves and a satin bridal scarf that perfectly complemented her cathedral veil. Her sophisticated updo by Stylist & Co. framed her face beautifully, creating a timeless bridal look.

The ceremony and reception spaces were adorned with stunning floral arrangements by Cali and Bloom, featuring lush greenery and white blooms that enhanced the winter elegance of their day. The talented team created everything from Natalie’s bridal bouquet to the tablescapes that left guests in awe.

As the night progressed, guests enjoyed a delicious meal provided by LaRue Culinary, who also managed the bar service, ensuring everyone had a wonderful dining experience. The celebration continued with music from J&A Entertainment, who kept the dance floor packed all night long—one of Natalie’s favorite memories was watching their family and friends celebrate together, especially when the confetti cannons added an extra touch of excitement that their guests absolutely loved!

Personal Reflections

What truly made Natalie and Matthew’s wedding special was the approach they took to their planning journey. Natalie shared a valuable insight from her experience: “I learned to let go of control and release the need for perfection. At first, I found myself obsessing over every little detail, but in the week leading up to my wedding, I prayed for the ability to let go—and I’m so grateful I did.”

This mindset allowed her to be fully present on her wedding day. “On my wedding day, I felt completely at peace, fully present, and truly able to enjoy every moment because I wasn’t fixated on the small things. The truth is, things might not go as planned or look exactly like your vision, and that’s okay! In the end, it’s not about achieving the perfect aesthetic—it’s about marrying your soulmate and celebrating with the loved ones who traveled to be there for you.”

Magical Moments

When asked about her favorite wedding day memory, Natalie shared: “That’s a tough question because our entire day was filled with incredible moments! If I had to choose just one, it would be the dinner and dancing portion. We loved sharing meaningful conversations with our family and friends during dinner, then letting loose and celebrating together on the dance floor.”

The couple’s champagne tower, captured so beautifully in their photos, was one of the evening’s highlights—a perfect symbol of the effervescent joy that defined their celebration.

Natalie and Matthew’s wedding was a true testament to love, joy, and the power of being present in the moment. Every element came together flawlessly, making their day an unforgettable celebration that beautifully reflected their journey together.