Classic Black, White and Beige Wedding at The Royal Sonesta Houston Galleria

Classic Black, White and Beige Wedding at The Royal Sonesta Houston Galleria


Classic Black, White and Beige Wedding at The Royal Sonesta Houston Galleria


Photo: Jason Smelser Photography | Venue: The Royal Sonesta Houston Galleria | Bridal Hair + Makeup: Lilly Bridal Artistry | Cake: Cakes by Gina

We’re excited to feature this elegant black, white and beige wedding day at The Royal Sonesta Houston Galleria. From the bride’s classic style to the lively reception blending the couple’s unique backgrounds, this summer wedding is a total dream. Read on for Nicole and Rory’s story and the romantic details of their special day.

Nicole and Rory, both graduates from Texas A&M, met at a mutual friend’s birthday party in 2019. After hitting it off, the pair dated long-distance until Nicole returned to Houston during the COVID-19 pandemic. Bride says, “We spent so much time together, took loads of trips together, our families became friends, and the rest is history!”.

When it came time to propose, Rory chose the stunning Bayou Bend Collections and Gardens in the Houston River Oaks district. Rory proposed to Nicole aside sparkling fountains while the bride’s brother and sister-in-law caught the moment while hiding nearby. The cherry on top of this sweet evening? A surprise engagement party at Rory’s home, including the couple’s closest friends and family. Nicole says, “It was a dream!”

The big day arrived on May 20, 2023, at The Royal Sonesta Houston Galleria. The bridal suite buzzed with excitement as Lilly Bridal Artistry prepared Nicole and her bridesmaids for the aisle. The bridesmaids wore matching dresses, complementing Nicole’s fit and flare wedding gown and one-color bouquet. Before the vows, Nicole and Rory shared heartfelt letters, a private exchange before the romantic ceremony.

Nicole and Rory said, “I Do,” in an elegant ballroom ceremony decorated with warm candlelight and elegant white orchids, babies breath and roses.

The celebration continued with a ballroom reception decorated with elegant chandeliers, warm candlelight and black, white and gold accents. Cocktail napkins, coasters and cards sat atop the banquet tables featuring adorable illustrations of the couple’s beloved dog, Rogan.

A highlight of the reception? Nicole says, “Rory’s family is from Ireland, so we hired Irish dancers to come in and do an Irish jig towards the end of dinner. It was a hit! Nicole’s family is from Colombia, so leading up to the wedding, we took salsa dance lessons and danced a full Latin dance to surprise the guests. We loved every minute!”. After dining and dancing, the couple cut into a beautiful six-tier wedding cake featuring fresh white blooms in acrylic separators by Cakes by Gina. The groom’s cake was a replica of the couple’s sweet pup aside from a soccer ball.

After an intimate last dance in the ballroom, Nicole and Rory enjoyed a fun bubble send-off before departing in a vintage car.

Continue scrolling for the romantic moments of Nicole and Rory’s ballroom wedding in the heart of Uptown Houston.

Join us in wishing Nicole and Rory all the happiness!


A flatlay of beige and gray books for the couple's vows, a gold perfume bottle, an engagement ring and white florals on a black background.



Lilly Bridal Artistry putting eyeshadow on the bride.



The bride wearing a white robe laughing with her bridesmaids on the couch who are wearing beige robes.



The groom smiling adjusting his bow tie.



The mother of the bride adjusting the bow on the back of the bride's wedding gown.



The bride revealing her wedding dress to her bridesmaids.



The bride and groom back-to-back reading lettings to each other.



The bride crying while reading her vows privately to the groom.



The bride holding the book of her written vows.



The groom privately reading a letter to the bride.



The bride and her father smiling at each other before the wedding ceremony.



The ballroom ceremony space decorated with white florals and candles.



The bride and her father walking down the aisle.



The bride and groom smiling holding hands at the altar.



The bride smiling at the groom during their wedding ceremony.



A ballroom wedding ceremony at The Royal Sonesta Houston Galleria.



The bride and groom kissing at the altar.



The bride and groom holding hands walking through the wedding party.



The bride and groom smiling at each other with the bride holding a bouquet of white florals.



The bride and groom holding hands looking at The Royal Sonesta Houston Galleria.



A round table with gold linens holding place cards for the guests with white floral centerpieces sitting outside the ballroom.



A ballroom reception at The Royal Sonesta Houston Galleria decorated with black, white and beige accents.



Pillar candles in acrylic candle holders with gold accents and white florals.



The bride and groom having their first dance.



A sign for the bar with "Nicole's Gin & Tonic" and "Rory's Whiskey Ginger" along with a list of wine, beer, spirits and non-alcoholic options.



A white and gold coaster with the couple's dog's face that says "Please don't take my drink, I'm dancing!"



5 dancers performing an Irish Jig on the dance floor.



The bride and groom performing a salsa dance on the dance floor.



A white wedding cake with two acrylic separators with orchids in them.



The bride and groom cutting their wedding cake.



The groom's cake of their dog aside from a soccer ball.



The bride and bridesmaid dancing together and singing.



The bride and groom holding up a Texas A&M flag and dancing with guests.



The bride and groom kissing during a private last dance.



The bride and groom holding hands during their bubble send-off.



The bride and groom kissing in a vintage car.


“Classic Black, White and Beige Wedding at The Royal Sonesta Houston Galleria” Spotlight WiH Partners- Venue: The Royal Sonesta Houston Galleria | Bridal Hair + Makeup: Lilly Bridal Artistry | Cake: Cakes by Gina

Contributing Vendors- Photography: Jason Smelser Photography / Notably Yours Events / Whimsical Creative / Nathalie’s Cakes / The Black Tux / Password Music / Divisi Strings / Happy Booth Co. / Clann Kelly School of Irish Dance