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Kelly + James

A COLLEGE KEEPSAKE

From Greek life to real life

The pair met during their sophomore year of College at the University of Oklahoma, where they lived at neighboring sorority and fraternity houses. Although they didn’t begin dating immediately, “somehow, someway” they kept winding up as one another’s dates for events. Soon, they both decided it was time to stop pretending their situation was “anything less than two people quickly falling in love.” After five years of dating and a few moves in between, James took Kelly to New York City the week before Christmas and proposed in Central Park. A few days later, they celebrated with family in Pittsburgh, where they also chose to host their wedding celebration (even though they now live in Houston). The first time they visited Hotel Monaco, they knew it was exactly what they wanted. They declare the venue “the perfect mix of a traditional hotel with a little spunk.”

Memorable Details

Kelly got ready with her mom and bridesmaids in the Emperor Suite—a “perfect space” in which to get hair and makeup done. They ate breakfast and sipped on Champagne until it was time to take pictures. Across the hotel, James and his groomsmen prepped for photos after enjoying breakfast together in their own suite. The morning ran perfectly smoothly despite the rain and cold weather. (The couple made the final call to move the cocktail hour to the Sophia Ballroom.)

“At the end of the night before we headed up to our suite, James said to me, ‘I never thought I could have so much fun at our own wedding.’”

The happy couple calls Hotel Monaco “more than just a hotel and event space,” since the staff pays attention to all the details and ensures that every event runs flawlessly.

After a beautiful ceremony at St. Stanislaus, the newlyweds exited the church as flower petals cascaded down upon them, like in a scene from a movie. They then headed to the columns in Oakland to take group photos before heading back to the hotel, where the cocktail hour had already begun. The bridal party had its own room with drinks and hors d’oeuvres before making the grand entrance.

James and Kelly shared their first dance and cut the cake before everyone was seated for an “amazing” dinner—better than anyone could have imagined. The couple gushes, “Guests could not stop talking about their entrees.” The party quickly started and never let up, thanks to the Walk of Love (band) and a rocking dance floor scene. Other highlights ranged from a cookie table and late-night pizza snack, as well as stunning flowers that beautified the space.