Lively Park 31 Wedding | Marlene and Carlos
Park 31 Wedding
On March 30, 2024, Marlene and Carlos celebrated their love with a stunning Park 31 wedding, blending tradition, elegance, and heartfelt moments. This unforgettable wedding at Park 31 in Spring Branch, Texas, showcased not only the couple’s deep connection but also the beauty of the venue. Every detail was meticulously planned, from the hand-picked team of vendors to the carefully designed tablescape. It was a day filled with love, family, and cultural traditions, all brought to life in the gorgeous setting of Park 31, making it an extraordinary and unique celebration for all.
The Planning
When Marlene and Carlos reached out to me right after their engagement, I knew we were embarking on a truly special journey together. Their excitement for planning every detail of their wedding was contagious, and I had the honor of working closely with them from that first meeting until they boarded the plane for their honeymoon in Japan. From designing hand-drawn sketches to mock-up tables, every part of the planning process felt personal, thoughtful, and filled with love.
One of the highlights for me was working with Marlene and Carlos on their wedding design. They were so hands-on and eager to see their vision come to life. We began with a Design questionnaire to help narrow down their style and what hey liked and did not like. From there I was able to create a mood board with a color palette, and inspiration photos for their event. Once approved I moved to the Design Proposal where I incorporated hand-drawn sketches and descriptions of what the entirety of their wadding day would look and feel like for them and their guests. Seeing their excitement when I presented them with hand-drawn sketches and mock-ups of the tables was truly rewarding. They were invested in every design detail, and it made the planning process that much more meaningful.
Wedding Day at Park 31: The Morning
When March 30, 2024, finally arrived, everything fell into place just as we had envisioned. The day started with Marlene and her bridal party getting ready at 6:00 a.m. at Glam by Geo. Georgina and her team worked her magic, making sure Marlene looked absolutely radiant. Once she was glammed, Marlene took some time to read a love letter that her groom wrote her for that morning.
By 4:00 p.m., it was time for the emotional first looks. Marlene’s sister and mother helped her into her beautiful dress. Marlene’s first look with her dad and brother upstairs was a beautiful, intimate moment that was followed by a gift exchange of the bride to her father and brother, the ties they would wear for the occasion. Next was a touching reveal with her best friends. Marleen and Carlos went modern for the wedding party and opted out of having the traditional bridesmaids and groomsmen. They wanted their closest friends to enjoy the day without the responsibilities that the roles entail. Yet, Marlene still wanted to have a first look with her girls, which was absolutely beautiful. It was then followed by a prayer between them 4 and ended with happy tears and hugs. Then she had a first look with her two young nieces.
Meanwhile, Carlos also ready a letter from Marlene while his mother and sisters gathered for a first look. He shared his first look downstairs with his mother and sisters, moments that were captured perfectly by the talented Timeless Texas photography and videography team. Carlos wanted to share that sweet moment with not just his mother but his sister since they are a very close knit family.
Park 31 Wedding Ceremony: A Catholic Mass
The ceremony was a traditional Catholic mass, held amidst the beautiful backdrop of Park 31’s Umbrella Grove. The Terra Vista Strings quartet provided a romantic prelude as the processional began, leading to Marlene’s grand entrance, escorted by both of her parents. The ceremony was filled with meaningful traditions, including the participation of padrinos who symbolized their blessings and support for the couple’s new journey. The mass ended with the classic floral tribute to the Virgen de Guadalupe while Ave Maria was performed by the String quartet. Every detail, from the vows to the symbolic gestures, reflected their love and shared faith.
Park 31 Wedding Reception
Cocktail Hour and Private Moments
After the ceremony, while guests enjoyed a lively cocktail hour, Marlene and Carlos snuck away for wedding party and family photos. Park 31’s stunning grounds made for the perfect setting, and I could tell from their laughter and smiles that they were soaking in every moment. Meanwhile, the guests were sipping drinks and enjoying hors d’oeuvres while Los Hermanos Gaona set the tone for the evening with lively music.
One unique touch we added to their day was a private dinner for the newlyweds in their bridal suite. While guests enjoyed a plated dinner of chicken parm, potatoes, and veggies from Got It Covered, Marlene and Carlos took a quiet moment for themselves—something they told me later was one of their favorite parts of the day.
The Decor
The decor and set up of the reception and ceremony space was exactly as we have planned during the design stage of our planning process. For signage we opted for hanging signs that were color coded for Spanish and English. The cross at the ceremony were mass was to take place was adorned with a floral arrangement of greenery and white roses.
The reception space was filled with decor details that were 100% Marlene and Carlos. The guestbook table was dressed with a gold sequin runner, bud base and votives. Their sweetheart table was a wooden farm table with a emerald velvet runner draping over the tables. atop were bud bases with white roses, golden candle holders with white tapered candles, and votives. Our couple opted for a rotary phone recorder as their guest book. Each guest was to leave a message to the couple throughout the night. A fun and interactive way for their guests to “sign” their guest book. The cake table, a couple of feet away from there, was a small square farm table with a black velvet draped runner, a gold cake stand and golden tapered candle holders. We also had a sweets table set up for the guest to indulge during the wedding day.
The guests tables were also wooden farm tables. The were adorned with black gauze runners, and bud bases with white stem roses. The chargers were matte black with gold embossed baroque, emerald green napkins, and black table numbers with gold embossed numbers. The reception hall was adorned with white papel picado, bringing a taste of the bride’s and groom’s Hispanic culture.
An Evening Full of Special Moments
The reception was filled with memorable moments, starting with Marlene and Carlos’ grand entrance and first dance to “You Mean Everything to Me” by Neil Sedaka, followed by footloose, and then a traditional dance from Marlene’s family and culture knows as the Zapateado. The father-daughter dance to “Tu Sangre en Mi Cuerpo” by Pepe Aguilar y Ángela Aguilar, followed by the mother-son dance to “El Corazón de Silvia” by Jean-Claude Borelly, were especially touching.
The heartfelt toasts from family and friends left not a dry eye in the room, specially Marlene’s Sister speech and toast, which opened up the rest of the night for the dance.
After the formalities, the party kicked into full gear with the traditional Víbora de la Mar—a fun, high-energy moment that brought everyone together. DJ Los Hermanos Gaona kept the dance floor alive, while Bartenders and Dreams ensured everyone had a drink in hand. Late into the evening, guests indulged in mini tacos as a late-night snack and sweet treats from Sweetest Things Bakery and Sugar Clouds.
A Grand Send-Off
As the night drew to a close, we prepared for the grand exit. Marlene and Carlos shared a private last dance to “It’s Been a Long, Long Time” by Kitty Kallen, creating a sweet, intimate moment under the stars. Then, guests were invited outside for a breathtaking fireworks display by Liberty MJ Fireworks, which was truly the perfect grand finale to a magical day. Marlene and Carlos smiled and waved goodbye before riding away in their getaway car—off to their next adventure in Japan.
A Final Farewell
Helping Marlene and Carlos bring their vision to life was a true privilege, and seeing them start this new chapter as husband and wife was a moment I will always cherish. Their wedding at Park 31 wasn’t just a beautiful event—it was a heartfelt celebration of love, family, and tradition. Every detail was thoughtfully planned, and I am so grateful to have been a part of it. Here’s to Marlene and Carlos, and a lifetime of happiness!
The Vendor Team
Photographer: Timeless TX
Venue: Park 31
Caterer: Got It Covered
Hair/Makeup: Glam by Geo
Flowers: HEB Blooms
DJ: Los Hermanos Gaona
Bartenders: Bartenders and Dreams
Bakery: Sweetest Things Bakery
Cotton Candy: Sugar Clouds
String Quartet: Terra Vista Strings
Fireworks: Liberty MJ Fireworks
Photo Booth: Alamo Photo Booth Rental
Backdrop: Wonder Walls SA
