designer events - wedding of the year
Donny and Whitney Ohana
October 24, 2009
Donny and Whitney's Wedding Story
When you meet Donny and Whitney, you can feel the love they share for each other immediately- there is no doubt that you are in the presence of something greater than yourself. The few months spent planning, went by entirely too fast, and all too quickly the wedding day was here, and it ended in the blink of an eye. It is a bittersweet happening as we got to witness the start of a new life together;but we did not want the night to ever end!
The wedding day was perfect, the summer heat had faded away and the amber autumn sun was setting on the vineyard. The wind blew ever so lightly- just enough to lift Whitney's delicate chapel length veil off the ground to dance behind her. Mr. Thomson proudly escorted the bride to her groom under the lakeside Gazebo. No one could take their eyes off Whitney, especially Donny- his eyes said it all, everything he could want was right there in front of him. Rabbi Dan, and Whitney's brother, Elijiah led the service that joined the two lives as the couple stood under the Chuppah, made from Donny's father's prayer shawl. It was so touching to watch two people, from completely different backgrounds- come together to live one life. After Donny kissed his bride, and broke the glass guests were off to the reception in the Art Gallery.
When guests arrived to the reception, they had fresh house made salsa and chips on their tables, as well as fresh cilantro lime garden salad. Everything that night was thoughtfully picked out by Donny and Whitney- guests would comment throughout the night that the reception was "So Donny and Whitney". The tables had floor length ivory satin linens, and ivory satin chair covers, with sheer black chair sashes, and the table centerpieces were elegant arrangements of mini hydrangeas, stars of Bethlehem, white roses, lime green carnations, mini white calla lily's and dark green wax leaf lining the inside, surrounded by crystal candle votives. The bride and grooms cakes were also custom designed; Whitney's cake was a three tier white almond cake with butter cream icing, ribbon wrapped edges, and three long stemmed calla lilies on top. Donny's cake represented their pride in Texas A&M University with the school seal, surrounded by chocolate covered strawberries. And to tie the elegant look all together, Livewire Productions had created a special spotlight for the center of the dance floor- an "O" to represent the new married couple.
Donny and Whitney made their entrance, and everyone cheered- so happy to spend time with the couple and get the party started. Dinner was served, and guests feasted on a Tex-Mex menu customized to Donny and Whitney's wishes- there was Mexican Rice with cilantro, chicken enchiladas with a green poblano pepper cream sauce, steak tampico with grilled veggies and roasted potatoes, and cheese enchiladas in red sauce. YUM! Dinner was washed down with the couples favorite Messina Hof wine- our Sweet Sangria with lemon and orange slices, Merlot, Mama Rosa Rose, Pinot Grigio, and our Tex-Zin.
The fun did not stop there, the couple surprised everyone with their skillful waltz moves on the dance floor as they held each other and danced to the ever classic "At Last" by Etta James. Just hearing the words..."I found a dream that I could speak too, I dream that I could call my own"...sums up the look they had in their eyes- it was very moving. Shortly after Donny and Whitney, joined by the best of their friends and family, made themselves comfortable on the dance floor-and the celebration was in full swing. I think if we had to pick, we would say the best dance move of the night was done by the groom when it was time to grab the garter. The DJ asked Donny to prove his love to Whitney by dancing to "Im Bringing Sexy Back" by Justin Timberlake- Donny's moves were truly a crowd pleaser, and Whitney had some great laughs! The night continued on with a gorgeous serenade to the bride and groom from Donny's sister Lea't, and a spiritful reprise of the Aggie War Hymn. Sooner than we all wanted, it was time for the night to end. Guests lined up by the honeysuckle and vineyard with sparklers to say their final goodnight. Mr. and Mrs. Ohana ran through the sparklers and off to their new life together.
When we think back on that night, we remember it so vividly, and feel as though it just happened. Messina Hof is very proud to present to you a collection of the wedding day photos, courtesy of Picture Perfect Images, and would like to extend a thank you to all the wedding professionals who helped to make the Ohana's day what it was. We would also like to extend a huge thank you to the parents of the bride, Kevin and Sande Thomson. Mr. and Mrs. Thomson were gracious hosts, but more importantly wonderful people to get to know and work with. We wish the Thomson's and the Ohana's much love and laughter throughout life! Come back to see us at Messina Hof, we would love to celebrate with you again!
Ceremony: The Lakeside Gazebo at Messina Hof
Reception: The Art Gallery at Messina Hof
Photography: Picture Perfect Images, Inc- Amy McCormick
DJ: Livewire Productions- Wade Van Der Boom
Cake: Heavenly Crumbs- Mary Burkhalter
Flowers: Messina Hof Floral
Linens: Elegant Beginnings, Jill Vidal
Catering: Messina Hof
Wine: Messina Hof
Officiates: Rabbi Dan, and Elijiah Thomson
Bridal Suite: Romeo and Juliet Room at Messina Hof
Dance Lessons: Susan's Ballroom Dance- Susan Quiring, Ph.D
