Story by Lisa Thames Photos by Becca Gamache Photography
Texas meets Alabama could be the name of Lisa and Warren’s love story.
On their first date, the couple hit it off, laughed, and talked about family and friends for hours after having dinner together. Quickly, they learned how important family was to both of them. Throughout their relationship, Warren and Lisa lived on opposite sides of Houston. As the couple dated and fell in love, distance really did make their hearts grow fonder.
Warren proudly taught Lisa how to do his favorite thing, fish, and the couple often went together in Galveston Bay. After that, fishing became one of the things that they enjoyed doing together. He also taught Lisa how to hunt. “She’s a pretty good shot,” Warren admits. They would go duck hunting with his friends and at his parent’s ranch in Mississippi.
The couple had been dating for a year and a half when Warren surprised Lisa with a sweet proposal after looking at Christmas lights on Dec. 13, 2017. Warren had picked out the ring from his family’s jeweler, Aucoin Hart, in New Orleans. The couple later went back to Aucoin Hart to pick out their wedding bands.
While planning their wedding, Lisa and Warren felt strongly about having their special day full of family, friends, tradition, and love. They knew they wanted to have a summer wedding because Lisa is a teacher. When choosing a venue for their reception, the couple fell in love with Brownstone Reserve. The bridal and groom suites and double staircase at the venue would play a part in the day as well. Lisa and Warren wanted simple and classic décor with white hydrangeas, candles, and greenery.
The couple chose to have their wedding ceremony at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Bryan, as this is Lisa’s family’s home church. Her parents, Dwayne and Melanie Skinner, as well as many other family members had been married at St. Anthony. “Being able to say our vows right where my parents stood and said their vows was so special,” Lisa says.
On the day of the wedding, the summer sun shined brightly through the beautiful stained glass windows of the church. Family and friends gathered to witness Warren and Lisa say their “I do’s” up on the church altar.
Introduced as Mr. and Mrs. Warren Thames, the couple entered the reception to At Last by Etta James as they made their way down the staircase. “Picking a first dance song to dance to was one of the easiest parts,” Lisa says as they easily agreed on It’s Your Love by Tim McGraw. The couple admits that they enjoyed singing this song together in the car and the lyrics were meaningful to them. The couple had family and friends on the dance floor travel from all over the country to help celebrate their special day.
The couple’s cakes were more than a hit! Warren and Lisa both have quite the sweet tooth and knew it was an important “slice” of the day. Lisa’s classic four-tiered cake was filled with strawberries and a few thought Warren didn’t have a cake. At first glance, it looked like there was a real Yeti cooler on a decorated table. But to everyone’s surprise, it was a real red velvet cake!
After an evening of dancing, the couple shared a private last dance to My Best Friend by Tim McGraw. The song was more than true for the couple, and as best friends and newly weds they shared this intimate moment together. They then departed through an arch of glowing sparklers. The bride and groom departed in a classic 1925 Ford Model T car as they waved to their family and friends. “It was a perfect ending to our wedding day!” Warren says.
Thames Vendors Ceremony Venue St. Anthony Catholic Church Reception Venue Brownstone Reserve Photographer Becca Gamache Photography Videographer Reverent Wedding Films Florist Willow Lane Florals Catering Darrell Marek Cakes Sandee’s Sweets Bartending Luke’s Bartending Rentals Party Time Rentals DJ Downtown Events Service Event Coordinator Events by Brandy Make-up Naturally Flawless Hair Park Avenue Salon Bridal Gown Georgio’s Bridesmaid Dresses Bella Bridesmaids Rings Aucoin Hart
