Story by Shelbi LeMeilleur Photos by George Street Photography
Haley Cox knew Joseph Valdez was “the one” from the very beginning.
When she was 9 years old, Haley’s stepdad gave her some advice that wound up having a larger impact later on.
“[My stepdad] told me I needed a list of what I wanted in my future husband so I would know him when I saw him,” says Haley. “[Joseph] fit my list, and he’s just the kindest person I have ever known.”
Haley and Joseph started dating in December 2015. A year and a half later, Joseph surprised Haley during a trip of a lifetime in June 2017.
“His mom lives in California and we were going out there for his brother’s graduation,” explains Haley. “We went to Sunset Cliffs in San Diego and he proposed on the beach. He flew my best friend in unbeknownst to me and she jumped out of a bush and surprised me.”
Unlike most brides, Haley let her soon-to-be husband do most of the planning. However, she says having their wedding and reception at 7F Lodge was an important decision to both Haley and Joseph.
“We lived in The Woodlands and there aren’t any little white chapels and that’s what I have always wanted. I just fell in love with the venue. It’s like a little bed and breakfast,” Haley says. “There is this little, quaint chapel. It was actually built by the owner, and he built it to propose to his wife.”
The little white chapel was the perfect gathering place for Haley and Joseph’s family and friends to witness the couple start the next chapter of their lives together on April 14, 2018. Haley’s stepfather officiated the ceremony, and the couple kept it intimate with four people in the bridal party.
While Haley says her favorite part of the wedding itself was the ceremony, it was also important for her to portray four families coming together. “My parents are divorced and Joseph’s parents are divorced as well,” she says. “I told the photographer I didn’t want any single family photos, just group photos. It worked out. I was trying to portray that we are a family unit, not just four different families.”
To future brides, Haley says not to sweat the small stuff. “Everybody had something they wanted to add and I kind of dug my heels in and said, ‘No we want it this way.’ In hindsight, I wish I would have let them have their moment in it, too.”
In the end, it was still a wonderful day for Haley and Joseph to remember for the rest of their lives, surrounded by family, friends, and loved ones.
Valdez Vendors
- Venue & Catering 7F Lodge
- Flowers Post Oak Florist
- Dress Brickhouse Bridal
- Photography George Street Photography
- Cake Dream Cakes
- Makeup Makeup by Kim Maraycchini
