Each wedding we get to do is so unique and special, mostly because we get to meet wonderful brides and their families. For Caroline Looke Benak's wedding, we met a whole lot more. In addition to looks for Caroline, we did a total of 10 custom bridesmaid dresses in luscious emerald green velvet along with the flower girl and 2 ring bearer jackets!
We met Caroline through her wonderful and talented event planner Keely Thorne (see our profile on Keely here). I loved being a part of each of the bridesmaids looks even coordinating fittings was a challenge, only because one of Caroline's sisters was pregnant and living in New Zealand and 2 others live in California. We're used to doing long-distance fittings, so it wasn't that much of an issue. The week of the wedding we just planned to finish all the fitting for the bridesmaids coming in from out of town and it worked!
For Caroline, we created two completely custom looks. The rehearsal dinner had a nod to Texas with a fringed white deerskin vest, custom concho belt, fringed bag, taffeta blouse, and high waisted beaded trousers that she wore with custom cowboy boots. Her reception outfit was inspired by old Hollywood glamour with beading imported from Spain specifically for the dress.
No surprise, Caroline's wedding was absolutely breathtaking. The photos are stunning! I'm so excited to share her story here!
Q: How did you incorporate a family tradition or family heirloom to your special day?
A: Andrew and I got married on December 7th, which was the date of Pearl Harbor. I am currently a student pilot in training; I wanted to honor my deceased grandfather. He was a fighter pilot and served in Pearl Harbor in Hawaii. I put a photo of him in a locket inmy bouquet and wrapped it with lace. I also wore Andrew’s grandmothers, sapphire and diamond tennis bracelet, as a memory to her. Lastly, I carried a gorgeous white lace small bible down the aisle in my bouquet; which my mother in law had given me.
Q: Did you have a wedding hashtag if so, what was it?
A: #benakingonlookesdoor
Q: How did you and your significant other meet and how did they propose?
A: Andrew and I met from mutual friends. Our first date was at Le Colonial, I had told him I could only come by for one drink; dating was not going well for me those days and I was honestly over dating. That one drink led to us shutting down the restaurant- they had to literally kick us out. He told his roommate that night that he was going to marry me, I found out later. I went to the Bahamas the next day for a dive trip and once, I returned, we were inseparable. He proposed to me in Galveston.
Q: Did anything funny or chaotic happen on your wedding day?
A: Well, I have seven siblings, so this is always chaotic!!! Four sisters, I can’t think of anything too chaotic, but I am sure there are stories...I can only imagine!
Q: What song was your first dance?
A: At Last by Etta James. Andrew and I practiced our dance for 6 months and I even changed into professional ballroom dancing shoes for my dance! We had four lifts in the dance!
Q: Where was your bachelorette party?
A: Faena Hotel, South Beach, Miami
Q: What unique features did you include on the special day?
A: I honestly loved my dress. I ordered a pretty simple dress from Monique Lhullier, and I designed it to what I wanted. It was a labor of love. I could not find a dress off the rack that would work for me.
I also loved my shoes. I ordered the 4” satin ivory classic pumps from Jimmy Choo. I went to Maida’s Bespoke Boots & Shoes and customized- “I DO” in blue leather script on the soles of the shoes.
Evening Details
Wedding Site | The Club at Houston Oaks
Event Planner | Keely Thorne Events
Food and Drink | Houston Oaks
Photographer | JoeCogliandro
Cinematographer | 31 Films
Entertainment | The Big Blast & The Party Masters Band
Transportation | Concord VIP Limo & Transportation
Flowers | Events in Bloom
Stationary | Papellerie
Beauty | Amora Beauty by Melissa
Wedding Dress | David Peck + Casa de Novia (Monique Lhuillier)
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